19th century vegetable ivory acorn form tape measure

Acorn form tape measure carved from Coquille nut or vegetable ivory (the seed of a palm tree) and cow or ox bone, dating from the second half of the 19th century. 2-3/8″ high. Pale blue ribbon tape has handwritten numbers and inch markings, and it releases easily and rolls back up inside by turning the finial. The bone finial would have originally contained a Stanhope scenic viewer but only the opening remains.

Excellent condition, no visible damage. Ribbon has faded to a greyish blue and is slightly frayed along the edges. The vegetable ivory body is deeper and richer in color than the photos.