Steel Gauging Tape and Plumb Bob J. Rabone Patented 1931 Extremely Rare

An extremely rare steel tape measure in a hard leather case with plumb bob. The tape measures up to 100 ft and 30 m on the reverse side. The plumb bob unscrews at the bottom allowing the tape measure to be slotted in and attached via the tape’s ring. By re-screwing the plumb bob, the tape is held fast thus enabling it to be suspended over an edge or rim to evaluate the height or depth of well or any liquid. Both tape and plumb bob are marked John Rabone & Sons Birmingham England. The plumb bob also says Pat. No. 356370. The plum bob alone, weighs 860 gr. Michael Rabone founded his Birmingham firm in 1784and called it Hockley Abbey Works. In 1830s John Rabone (Michael’s son) took over the company. In 1845 his son John Jr joined and the company changed its name to John Rabone and Son. In 1877 the name was changed to ‘John Rabone & Sons’ when John Junior’s sons entered the firm.