Rare Antique Retraceable 1.5” Miniature Tape Measure Advertising A. MCINTOSH & SONS LTD of Cambridge c1890

Here on offer is a near mint example of an antique retraceable 1.5” miniature tape measure that is advertising, A. MCINTOSH & SONS LTD, ironmongers of Cambridge, circa 1890.

The firm was founded in 1884 by Alexander Macintosh, an ironmonger and the son of a local coppersmith. His father, William, ran a business out of 23-24 Market Street, Cambridge and when he died, Alexander took over the firm. In 1884, he bought up a second ironmongery business, that of Edward Beales, and moved to 14 Market Hill. At this time, they started operating as Alexander Macintosh & Sons and they bought a foundry on Thompson's lane. Alexander Macintosh died in 1950 (he was buried in Cambridge City Cemetery) and the company went into liquidation in 1962. Their building on Market Hill was demolished shortly afterwards. Several items made by the company are now in the collections of the Museum of Cambridge, and a collection of the company's records are now at Cambridgeshire Archives.

This advertising example is in near mint condition, and looks to have never been used?

The measure consists of a 36” long fabric tape that is contained in a circular 1.5” steel case.

The makers details are stamped on the edge of the case:

ENGLISH MAKE
NEWMANN. MANUFACTURING Co. 105 MIDLAND Rd LONDON NW

This type of early tape measure is the pull out and spring back type, it does not lock in position and therefore doesn’t have a spring release button, like later versions.

The fabric tape is in new condition and is only marked on one side in inches and has a small metal pull tab and still works perfectly.

I would say this has probably been safely stored in a draw, unused since it was made!
On both faces of the case, it displays the retailers’ details:

On one side:

A. MACINTOSH
& SONS Ltd
CAMBRIDGE

Then on the other side:

FURNISHING
IRON MONGERS
ENGINEERS & FOUNDERS
TELEPHONE No.8

Clearly having such a low telephone number “8” dates this measure to around 1890, possibly earlier.
I have attached a photo of an advert for “ALEXr. MACINTOSH & SONS limited”, that dates from around the same period, also with the telephone No. 8.

This is a museum quality example of a tape measure from this Victorian period and would make a great addition to any collection.

It measures 1.5” (4cm) diameter, 0.5” (1.4cm) thick and weighs

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 51892