Antique Celluloid Plum Tape Measure with Fly Pull

Regular price: £115.00
Sale price: £115.00
Regular price

A wonderfully unusual antique novelty tape measure modelled as a ripe plum and made from hard, rigid moulded celluloid. It is coloured in deep aubergine and purple tones, with a contrasting yellow-green leaf and curved stalk.

A small applied fly forms the pull for the original woven measuring tape, which emerges through an opening in the side of the fruit. The moulded plum has a rounded, naturalistic shape with defined grooves and a glossy finish.

Product variants

Size/Dimensions

H: 5 cm x D: 5 cm

Condition

The plum remains complete with its celluloid leaf, stalk, fly-shaped pull and woven measuring tape. There are age-related cracks and openings around the tape aperture, together with a crack across the upper section near the stalk. The rigid celluloid surface shows light rubbing, scratches, small marks and minor losses consistent with age. The fly remains attached to the tape but shows wear and discolouration. The leaf and stalk remain intact.

As celluloid can become brittle with age, the piece and tape mechanism should be handled carefully.

Late Victorian to Edwardian, circa 1890–1910.