What is this Lufkin?

[WOPete]

I recently received this old tool as a gift and would like to know what it is. I think this is some kind of measuring tape reel - maybe for engineers? Does anyone have an idea?

 

[Mintgrun]

You're correct. Googling "vintage Lufkin measuring tape reel" brought up images of reels similar to yours. This one is on eBay right now.



Here is a link to a bunch of Lufkin catalogs, in case you want to go digging for more information. https://archive.org/search?query=lufkin

 

[nadogail]

It could be used to measure the height of the Liquid in a tank.

 

[RTM]

Here is a link to a bunch of Lufkin catalogs, in case you want to go digging for more information. https://archive.org/search?query=lufkin

This link will give you a shorter list

Internet Archive: Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Books, Movies, Music & Wayback Machine

archive.org

The left one here looks like your frame, Surveyor's Tape

Lufkin General Catalog 12-B : Lufkin Rule Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

300 p., illus., 19.3 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

 

[WOPete]

Thank you Mintgrun. I found it in a catalog from around 1920. It's a Surveror's Chain Tape holder.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

I have one just like that but measures in links. Which I think is intriguing.

 

[driftpin]

I have one just like that but measures in links. Which I think is intriguing.

Metes and bounds measurement, from 'the old days.'