Historical information

This stock measurer would have been used on a farm during the first half of the 20th century. A similar item with decimal measurements may perhaps be used today though mechanized weighing machines are now available.

Significance

This stock tape measure has no known local significance but it is an interesting item and has its place in the history of agriculture in the district. It will be useful for display.

Physical description

This is a glassfibre measuring tape (imperial measure) in a circular brass holder. The tape has a metal clip at the end. The tape is yellow on one side (measuring weight of pigs) and red on the other side (measuring weight of cattle). The holder has a winding mechanism on the top attached by a brass screw. There is a knob on the winder to hold while turning the winder to bring out the tape to the measurement required and to retract it back into the holder. The holder has a black ridged pattern around the sides. The maker’s marks are etched into the back of the container and printed on the tape.

Inscriptions & markings

‘We –Bo’
‘Comb Maal”
On tape: ‘We-Bo Made in Denmark’
‘Live weight of pigs in lbs in relation to chest-measure in inches’
‘Live weight of cattle in lbs in relation to chest-measure in inches’