This early 20th-century retractable tape measure is made from imitation coquille, produced during the period when manufacturers shifted from carved bone and ivory to early plastics. The piece features a perforated barrel, a smooth spindle top, and a bright pink cloth tape that retracts cleanly. It is a well-preserved example of a sewing accessory designed both for function and as a novelty souvenir. The built-in Stanhope microphoto is exceptionally clear and displays a detailed multi-view of Denver, Colorado.
The Stanhope lens reveals a crisp composite image of four Denver landmarks arranged in a square layout. The captions are fully legible and include “CIVIC CENTRE,” “CITY PARK,” “POST OFFICE,” and “LINCOLN MONUMENT.” It is also titled "DENVER, COLO" at the top and "MADE IN FRANCE" along the right side. The multi-image view is typical of early 20th-century American souvenir Stanhopes. The clarity is excellent, with strong contrast and sharp lettering, making this an outstanding example of a Denver multi-view microphoto. These Western-region city composites are especially desirable among collectors of American Stanhope material.
The body is made from early imitation coquille with a perforated lattice design. The spindle top turns smoothly and retracts the tape easily without hesitation. The pink cloth tape is clean and shows minimal wear. The imitation ivory spindle has aged patina and there are no cracks or structural issues. The Stanhope lens is impeccable, with no clouding, scratches, or alignment issues.
Circa 1910–1930
Approx. 50mm inches tall and 25mm wide Tape length: standard early-20th-century cloth measures 100cm
.png&maxx=300&maxy=0)
