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 often have whimsical designs such as ships, houses, instruments, or sailors, to name a few. 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 houses, 4 instruments, 3 sailors, and 7 ships. Marked, "Japan", on cloth tape of some. Marked, on houses and undersides of ships of some.

Size
Range in length from 2.25" - 4.25".

Condition
In overall good condition with minor use showing on all measuring tapes. Sailor with green shirt, one of the ships, one of the beige instruments and cello all require replacement/new tapes. Cello is damaged and is missing neck.

Medium
Celluloid.