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

Geometric patterned mosaic Tunbridge ware sewing items were souvenirs of the early 1800's from Brighton and Kent.Representative of the exacting craft of Tunbridge ware,Tunbridge ware mosaic covered needlebook with different designs on the two sides. Inner flannel for needlestunbridge ware, needlebook

Tunbridge mosaic ware souvenirs demonstrated the marquetry skill of the craftsmen and reflected the popularity of Tunbridge area as spa destination in early Victorian eraTunbridge mosaic ware souvenirs demonstrated the marquetry skill of the craftsmen and reflected the popularity of Tunbridge area as spa destination in early Victorian eraRosewood Tunbridge mosaic-pattern clamp with blue velvet pincushion edged with brown silk ribbon. Clamp screw has round headMosaic inlaid pattern on round face of clamptunbridge ware, pincushion clamp