This is a leather-cased tape measure that probably dates to the first half of the 20th century before Brunel's Great Western Railway was absorbed by British Rail and long before its revival after privatisation.  The letters GWR are burnt into the leather case which is embossed Chesterman Constantia Sheffield England.   James Chesterman was the inventor of this type of spooled tape measure which he patented in 1829.  Constantia referred to models using linen tape as opposed to metal.  The length 55ft is stamped on the winding handle.  The earlier part of the tape is quite frayed and worn but the printed digits are strong on the latter part which would not have been used as much.

Options: Tools
Type: Hardware Railwayana
Theme: Railwayana
Company/ Era/ Region: GWR
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom