Antique Tape measure 18??

offtrail

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Found a new place to dirt fish, the owner said it was built around the 1850s. But the Roman numeral on the front of the building says MDCCCXCV11 = 1898. Now I'm not sure if the house was built in the 1850 then around 1898 it was converted into a pvblic library...just don't know for now. Well anyhow my finds are nothing special for now. But I did find part of a spring measure tape...first of it's kind. It's just the back part but it has print on it...Chestermans Patten Sheffield, is all I can make out but did find a link. It's a great feeling when your find has an ending.NMAH | Surveying & Geodesy | Tape (Chesterman) Chestermans Tape Measure 002.jpg Chestermans Tape Measure 001.jpg
 

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stefen

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There is a vast difference between a surveyors chain and a tape measure, whereby a chain (metal measuring device) can be corrected for shrinkage or expansion attributed to (air and ground) temperature for accuracy of measurements.

The only similarity of a chain and a tape is the incremental units.

If you have ever worked as a chainman on a survey crew or have taken a surveying course in college, you'd understand what i'm saying.
 

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stefen

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There is a vast difference between a surveyors chain and a tape measure, whereby a chain (metal measuring device) can be corrected for shrinkage or expansion attributed to (air and ground) temperature for accuracy of measurements.

The only similarity of a chain and a tape is the incremental units.

Many counties in the U.S. have permanent surveyors markers set so that surveyors can calibrate their chains.

A thin metal or fabric tape is inaccurate at best...has anyone ever calibrated a tape measure...doubtful.

If you have ever worked as a chainman on a survey crew or have taken a surveying course in college, you'd understand what i'm saying.
 

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offtrail

offtrail

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The disk shown above is the size of a 50 cent piece, thinking this is the back plate to the tape measure.
 

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offtrail

offtrail

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Apr 28, 2014
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There is a vast difference between a surveyors chain and a tape measure, whereby a chain (metal measuring device) can be corrected for shrinkage or expansion attributed to (air and ground) temperature for accuracy of measurements.

The only similarity of a chain and a tape is the incremental units.

If you have ever worked as a chainman on a survey crew or have taken a surveying course in college, you'd understand what i'm saying.

No never but I did post a pic finally, so you can get a better prospective of the size. Thanks for the information as it's very interesting...learn something new everyday.
 

GA_Boy

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The Roman numerals you posted need another I to make it 1898:thumbsup:.
 

bigfoot1

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that is a small measuring device...is it possible it was for clothes making ?
 

against the wind

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Cool find,, I have come across numerous survey markers over the years. Stefan is up on his Surveyor information.
Cool find.
 

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offtrail

offtrail

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Thanks for helping and love learning new things.
 

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