This little antique tape measure has a mother of pearl top carved with a central flower like design with a roundel scalloped border. The bottom and sides have a nicely turned design. It has the complete and original red silk ribbon tape (36" long) and the original stop. The tape winds back in by turning the mother of pearl top and works well.

The condition is excellent with no cracks, chips or loss. It measures 1" high and the top is 1" in diameter. The mother of pearl has very nice luminescence. It was once part of an English workbox. Some tapes in this style are shown on p. 122 of Gay Ann Rogers' book An Illustrated History of Needlework Tools.