Antique Vegetable Ivory Bell Tape Measure

English * Circa 1890s

This little antique tape measure is carved of vegetable ivory in the form of a bell. The handle on top that winds the tape back in is carved of cow (bovine) bone*. The silk tape is original and marked in inches (starts at 12").  The back has been reinforced in a couple of places but it seems fine.  The condition is excellent with no chips or loss and it works perfectly. It measures 2 1/4" high and the bottom is 1 1/8" in diameter.

Vegetable ivory comes from the corozo or tagua nut of a South American palm tree and was a favorite with the Victorians. It has the hardness and texture of ivory and a warm honey color. The dark spots and ivory like grain are also natural features of this material.

*The stem is made of bone from a domestic cow (bovine) and NOT from an endangered species or an ivory producing species.


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