Standard measure (4)





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A lot of four antique measuring instruments from Europe, dating to circa 1900–1930, comprising a 20 m metric wheel with a leather case and metal tape, two brass metal folding rulers, and a wooden folding ruler about 92 cm long, with brass/steel/wood/leather construction and overall good vintage condition.
Description from the seller
Lot of 4 antique measuring instruments – folding brass and wood rulers and a 20 m tape measure – circa 1900–1930
Description
Interesting lot consisting of four ancient professional measuring tools, presumably used in craftsmanship, construction or technical work from the late 19th to early 20th century.
The lot includes a 20-meter measuring tape wheel, characterized by a distinctive circular leather-covered case and a metal graduated tape. On the front is the inscription “BESTE LEDER KAPSEL,” a German expression referring to the leather case. The tape retains its own graduation and ends with a characteristic metal ring/handle.
Completing the lot are two brass-colored metal folding rulers, each closed around 40 cm and 60 cm respectively, composed of multiple articulated sections and finely graduated. Small stamps/made marks are visible in the photographs.
The fourth item is a large wooden folding rule, about 92 cm long when closed, with graduations and numbers still visible. The construction, hinges and the natural patina of the wood testify to prolonged professional use.
An especially decorative set as well as a collector’s item, interesting for enthusiasts of antique tools, scientific and technical instruments, carpentry tools and industrial archaeology.
Characteristics
Number of items: 4
Composition:
* 1 measuring wheel with leather case and metal tape
* 2 brass-colored folding rulers in metal
* 1 large wooden folding ruler
Measurements:
Measuring wheel: case about 10×4 cm; tape 20 meters
Brass folding ruler #1: about 40 cm open, width about 1 cm
Brass folding ruler #2: about 60 cm open, width about 1 cm
Wooden folding ruler: about 92 cm fully open
Total weight: about 846 g
Materials: brass/metal, steel, wood and leather
Origin: Europe
Estimated period: first half of the 20th century, circa 1900–1930
Marks and inscriptions
On the measuring wheel the inscription is legible: “BESTE LEDER KAPSEL.”
There are also punches and small maker’s marks on some of the metal folding rulers, documented in the photographs.
Condition
Good vintage condition, consistent with age and original professional use.
There are signs of use, scratches, oxidations, patina variations and surface wear. The wooden ruler shows normal wear and patina from age; the leather case of the wheel shows signs of time and use.
Graduations, numbers and various marks are still visible.
The photographs are an integral part of the description and show in detail the preserved condition of the objects.
The instruments are offered mainly as historical and collectible items; their current metrological accuracy has not been verified or certified.
Careful and professional packaging. Tracked shipping.
Lot of 4 antique measuring instruments – folding brass and wood rulers and a 20 m tape measure – circa 1900–1930
Description
Interesting lot consisting of four ancient professional measuring tools, presumably used in craftsmanship, construction or technical work from the late 19th to early 20th century.
The lot includes a 20-meter measuring tape wheel, characterized by a distinctive circular leather-covered case and a metal graduated tape. On the front is the inscription “BESTE LEDER KAPSEL,” a German expression referring to the leather case. The tape retains its own graduation and ends with a characteristic metal ring/handle.
Completing the lot are two brass-colored metal folding rulers, each closed around 40 cm and 60 cm respectively, composed of multiple articulated sections and finely graduated. Small stamps/made marks are visible in the photographs.
The fourth item is a large wooden folding rule, about 92 cm long when closed, with graduations and numbers still visible. The construction, hinges and the natural patina of the wood testify to prolonged professional use.
An especially decorative set as well as a collector’s item, interesting for enthusiasts of antique tools, scientific and technical instruments, carpentry tools and industrial archaeology.
Characteristics
Number of items: 4
Composition:
* 1 measuring wheel with leather case and metal tape
* 2 brass-colored folding rulers in metal
* 1 large wooden folding ruler
Measurements:
Measuring wheel: case about 10×4 cm; tape 20 meters
Brass folding ruler #1: about 40 cm open, width about 1 cm
Brass folding ruler #2: about 60 cm open, width about 1 cm
Wooden folding ruler: about 92 cm fully open
Total weight: about 846 g
Materials: brass/metal, steel, wood and leather
Origin: Europe
Estimated period: first half of the 20th century, circa 1900–1930
Marks and inscriptions
On the measuring wheel the inscription is legible: “BESTE LEDER KAPSEL.”
There are also punches and small maker’s marks on some of the metal folding rulers, documented in the photographs.
Condition
Good vintage condition, consistent with age and original professional use.
There are signs of use, scratches, oxidations, patina variations and surface wear. The wooden ruler shows normal wear and patina from age; the leather case of the wheel shows signs of time and use.
Graduations, numbers and various marks are still visible.
The photographs are an integral part of the description and show in detail the preserved condition of the objects.
The instruments are offered mainly as historical and collectible items; their current metrological accuracy has not been verified or certified.
Careful and professional packaging. Tracked shipping.

