Here we have a beautiful leather cased (hand stitched) Wire reinforced tape measure.
The tape measures 50ft in 1/2 inch increments and the back is marked in Links. In imperial measurements 1 Link was 0.66ft (or 7.692 inches). Twenty five links make one pole (or rod or perch). The tape is also annotated in poles up to 3 poles (75 links).
The tape unwinds and winds back in fully and with ease. Some of the stitching is loose / broken on the case as can be seen in the photos. The leather is embossed with "John Rabone & Sons Birmingham England" and the brass winder handle is stamped "50ft No 280"
On the back of the actual fabric tape is it printed with "John Rabone & Sons Makers Birmingham" "Trade Mark Hockley Abbey" and "Metallic Tape" The front is printed with "Solid Wired"
There are no tears or significant damage to the leather. The leather and brass would come up lovely with a clean and polish, but I did not want to erase any of it's story or history - that's for the new owner to decide.