This vintage celluloid sewing tape measure was produced as a souvenir for The Chicago Fair of 1950.
History and Age
• The Event: While Chicago is famous for its 1893 and 1933 World\'s Fairs, this particular item is a souvenir from The Chicago Fair, a grand exposition held on the lakefront from June 25 through Labor Day in 1950. The stylized logo in the center represents the fair\'s defining architectural landmark: the iconic, soaring 50-foot \"Frontiers of Freedom\" monument (also referred to as the \"Avenue of Flags\" main pylon).
• The Manufacturer: As seen on the rim of your third image, it was manufactured by the famous Parisian Novelty Company located in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1898, they were pioneers and premier national creators of celluloid-coated pocket novelties, buttons, and advertising specialties.
• The Patents: The patent dates stamped on the rim (such as Pat. 7-10-17 and 11-4-19) refer to the original early 20th-century utility patents granted to Parisian Novelty Co. for their internal spring-retraction mechanisms. Even though the mechanisms were patented earlier, the outer shell graphics place the production of this exact piece firmly in 1950.
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