Prior to the development of standardized tape measures, tapes such as these were marked by hand. The popularity of Tunbridge ware in the first half of the 19th century is closely connected with the enthusiasm of Royalty and fashionable society for taking the sea waters at Brighton, causing a growth in visitor numbers and the production of souvenirs Tunbridge stickware products were very popular in the 1840's to 1860's. This tape measure demonstrates the wood working technique and was produced as a tape measure in that era.Small cylindrical Tunbridge ware tape measure holder. Lid of inlaid mosaic timbers, body of grained timber with slit to allow red silk tape measure through. Tape marked in inchesTape measurements are in inchestape measure, tunbridge stickware