This antique tape measure dispenser is a sewing tool from the Napoleon III era. It is made of turned vegetable ivory, carved with small flowers in the shape of a small barrel. Made from hardened tagua or corozo nut, cut into the shape of a small barrel adorned with 2 wreaths of flowers also carved from the mass.
Vegetable ivory, also called morphil, or tagua in Spanish, is the endosperm of the fruit of the ivory palm from tropical America and Africa. It was brought back from Latin America by the Spanish at the end of the 18th century, and from the 19th century onwards, it was used to make small figurines or clothing buttons. It was used until the early 1950s when it was replaced by plastic. Since the end of the 20th century, vegetable ivory has seen a resurgence, particularly as an alternative to animal ivory, for example, for piano keys, jewelry, and cutlery.
Originally, this item consisted of a spool of measuring tape that ended with a small ring. The tape exited through the slot and wound up by turning the small knob on top.
Here, the tape is no longer present, but the object is charming and will delight a collector of curios and display items.
It is in good overall condition (note 1 micro vertical crack (1 line) and 1 horizontal crack on the edge, see photos).
Dimensions: height with knob 4.2 cm, without knob 2.7 cm, diameter 1.7 cm, weight 6.15 g.
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