Japanese. 1930s/1940s. Measuring tapes and tape measures are the same but different. Measuring tapes first came into use in the 1700s for the purpose of tailoring, with most becoming popular in the 1920s. They have cloth measures that pull out and are often in the form of animals. Tape measures, on the other hand, like those we all use in our homes, are made primarily of metal with retractable metal spring locks. Lot consists of 4 elephants, 4 dogs, 4 bears, 1 shell, 1 flamingo, 1 alligator, 1 peacock, 1 sheep, 1 parrot, and 1 seahorse. Marked, "Japan", on underside and on cloth tape of some.

Size
Range in length from 1.75" - 6.5".

Condition
Good condition. Minor usewear with paint fading and loss, particularly on the elephants.

Medium
Celluloid.