Antique Carved Madras Work Tape Measure * English * Circa 1820

This nice little ivory tape measure is from my collection. It has been engraved with very fine circle and dot designs known as Madras work. It’s a form of scrimshaw work where black lacquer was flowed into the engraved designs. It has a lovely mellow patina and ivory grain pattern. The blue silk tape is original and marked in inches. It is a yard long.

It’s English and dates to the early 19th century. The condition is excellent with no chips, cracks or other damage and the madras markings are unusually intact. The spindle on top turns to wind the tape back in and works perfectly. It measures 7/8″ in diameter and is 1 1/8″ high. Several ivory needlework tools in this style are shown on p. 87 of Nerylla Taunton’s book Antique Needlework Tools.