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Diameter/Circumference Tape Measure

Forestry

This object is a retractable tape measure in a leather circular case. The tape measure is metal, marked in inches and feet, and divided in tenths of inches. On one side of the tape measure is a standard measure. The other side directly calculates the diamater of a circular object, such as a tree, from measurement of its circumference. The tape ends in a silver loop.

On one of the flat sides of the there is a metal latch with a knob attached that can be opened and closed to enable locking of the tape measure in place.On the other side, a rotating metal mechanism is visible in the centre of a metal plate fixed into the leather.

Accession Number: 2017.for.9

Alternative Name:

Primary Materials: Leather, Metal: Iron Alloy

Markings:

On one flat side of the case: “TRADE MARK”
“STEVENS-WYTEFACE”
“KEUFFEL & ESSER CO.”
“MADE IN U.S.A. PAT. DES. 96479”

On the tape: “DIAMETER EQUIVALENTS OF CIRCUMFERENCE [????MS] OF INCHES AND TENTHS OF INCHES.”
“KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. PAT. 2089209 PAT. PEND.”

Scraped into the surface of the tape: “UT”

Dimensions (cm): Diameter= 7.5cm, Depth=2cm

Function:

To enable easy and quick estimation of a tree’s diameter through the measurement of its circumference.

Condition:

Poor. The object has seen significant use. The leather of the case is badly worn. The tape measure itself is marked along its length and in places the scale has been scraped off. There is green corrosion visible around the edges of the metal pieces where they are set into the leather case.

Associated Instruments:

Manufacturer: Keuffel & Esser

Date of Manufacture: Late 1930s-1940s

Provenance:

Department of Forestry. This object was likely used by undergraduate students in field training.

Additional Information and References:

Historical Notes:

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