Review By: I.Ball
Category: Old Tape Measures
Manufacturer: John Rabone And Sons
Tool Type: Tape Measure
Model No: 401
The John Rabone And Sons tape measure number 401 has a woven linen tape, a
brass winder and a solid leather, hand-stitched case.
The tape typically measured with the measurement commencing from the outside of the
ring at the end of the tape, i.e. ring is included in the measurement.
The most common measurements on these tape measures were feet
and inches on the top side with links to the reverse side.
The tapes measures which surface most regularly today are 33ft, 66ft,
and 100ft with measurements on both sides.
Case:
leather
Fittings:
brass
Tape:
woven linen
Markings:
'John Rabone & Sons, Birmingham, England'.
[the size] on the brass winder (usually 33ft, 66ft or 100ft).
'Rabone's Metallic Wired Tape'.
Sometimes there are additional marks such as a company name, goverment department
or an owners name/mark.
<1958>
Due to the age of these tape measures, it is quite common to find the first 6-10
inches of the tape heavily worn with fraying or the numbers barely visible.
It is also fairly common to find the brass pull missing or replaced.
Another less desirable fault which can occur is the winder handle no longer holds
shut; it flaps about when held upside down.
The case stitching can sometimes be coming apart at the seams.
....
Do you have a question/answer or something to share about this tool?
Please Contact Us
(i) This review/article may give warning(s) / advisory notes / cautions / guidelines given
in good faith, any such information should not be solely relied upon and seen
as the exhaustive list of warnings / advisory notes / cautions / guidelines. Refer
to good safety practices for the safety of you and others. Refer to good practices
for the good health of your tool and property.
(ii) The details here are given in good faith, the details are constantly growing
and evolving including corrections, there is scope for error and shouldn't be fully relied upon,
please confirm any details for yourself by performing additional research from
reliable sources.
Enjoy viewing the encyclopedia of tools.
If you are inspired by our content or use info such as dates, sizes,
details from FindMyTool.co.uk
please kindly give credit where credit is due via giving a nod in a video
or a link to this website.
Please see our terms if using more than a few dates
or details.
"Just stumbled across your website and an absolute treasure trove of information.
I was recently given an old Stanley 110 block plane and wanted to know more about it.
Your website told me everything I needed to know.
But there is so much more to read. I forsee me spending a lot of time just reading
page after page. I can appreciate how much time this will have taken to put together.
I just wanted to let you know that your hard work is appreciated."