Materials

Description

Small metal tape measure with depiction of fish on the side. The metal exterior of the tape measure is in the shape of a semi oval, with the curved half being the top of the measure. A white background takes up the majority of the front face, starting 2mm from the curved top and extending down stopping 9mm before the bottom. The emblem “Canadian Sportsman is written in light green on top of the white background, following the curve of the top of the semi-oval. In the centre of the white background there is a fish. The fish is amidst a splash of water droplets, making it look like it is thrashing out of the water, a hook and line is visible on its mouth, the line extending outwards to the edge of the white background, passing through the second letter “S” in Sportsman. A Frearson screw goes through the centre of the fish design. Beneath the white background on the green metal, the brand name “Lufkin is visible in yellow, the type is italicized, and the letter L is stylized to have the terminal stroke extended below the entire word. Below Lufkin is “made in Canada” in yellow capitalized letters.  The sides of the measure have .5mm linear ridges which surround the entire measure. A 1mm smooth piece of metal runs horizontally across the centre of the linear ridges. The back side of the measure is all silver with a textured but non-uniform finish. In the centre there is a rectangle enclosing the words “Made in Canada,” which is written in capital letters. The blade of the measure extends from the bottom left of the metal exterior when the fish is facing upwards. When extended the blade reveals the brand name “Lufkin” printed in black lettering between the 1 inch and the 2-inch marks. The measurements appear in inches. The background of the blade is white with black markings for the measurements. 

Small piece of tape visible above fish emblem on the front. 

Civil War veteran Edward T. Lufkin (1848-1921) founded the E.T. Lufkin Board and Log Rule Manufacturing Co. in 1869. Initially the company manufactured boards to measure timber and then steel measuring tapes. The company shortened its name to the Lufkin Rule Company in 1885 and moved from Ohio to Michigan. The company continued to expand its production throughout the first half of the 20th century, and continued to prosper after World War Two. Eventually the company was acquired by the Apex Tool Group, and continues to manufacture today under the name Crescent Lufkin. 

Marks/Labels

White inlay with “Canadian Sportsman” inscribed in the same light green as the background. 

Beneath the white inlay the brand name “Lufkin" is visible in yellow, the type is italicized capitals, and the letter L is stylized to have the terminal stroke extended below the entire word. Below “Made in Canada” is inscribed in all capitals. 

On the back of the tape the words “Made in Canada” are inscribed in the centre in all capitals surrounded by a rectangular box. 

Accession number “78.1.473” visible on the back in the lower right corner. 

Category