Lufkin Leader 50 FT Chrome Clad Steel Tape Measure Saginaw Michigan 1950s

This Lufkin Leader 50 FT Chrome Clad steel tape measure was made by The Lufkin Rule Co. of Saginaw, Michigan, and dates to the late 1940s to mid-1950s period provided in the product research.

The steel tape has readable black measurement markings, while the red round case shows surface wear, metal discoloration, and a noticeable worn area along the outer edge.

The 50 foot manual reel format and fold-out winding crank make this a strong workshop display piece for a vintage tool, measuring tool, surveying, or carpentry collection.

Details

• Item: Lufkin Leader 50 FT Chrome Clad steel tape measure
• Item Type: Manual wind-up long steel measuring tape
• Era: Late 1940s to mid-1950s
• Materials: Chrome Clad steel tape, metal case, textured red case covering
• Color: Deep red case with silver tone and cream printed metal details
• Maker and Mark: The Lufkin Rule Co., Saginaw, Mich., U.S.A.; Leader; 50 FT; Chrome Clad Steel Tape
• Pattern or Model: Leader, 50 FT Chrome Clad
• Style: Mid-century industrial measuring tool
• Dimensions: Approximately 4 inches round as provided. Case thickness: Not confirmed from photos. Weight 14 ounces.
• Special Features: 50 foot steel measuring tape with fold-out flush winding crank, end loop, Chrome Clad tape surface, and round red covered case

Condition Grade: Good

Positives

• Graded Good: This is a complete-looking working-format measuring tool with clear signs of previous use and enough remaining detail for display or collection.
• The steel tape pulls out and the visible section has dark, readable inch markings and printed Lufkin identification.
• The main round labels remain firmly in place and the Leader, 50 FT, Chrome Clad, Lufkin Rule Co., and Saginaw markings remain easy to read.
• The fold-out winding crank, center hardware, tape end loop, and metal edge band are present in the photos.
• The deep red textured case covering remains largely intact and gives the piece a recognizable mid-century tool-room look.

Issues / Wear

• The red outer case edge has a noticeable worn and chipped area where the surface covering is missing and the material beneath is exposed.
• The case has scattered scuffs, rub marks, small scratches, and edge wear from handling and storage.
• The center metal hardware shows tarnish, darkening, scratches, and general surface wear.
• The cream printed rings show age discoloration, spotting, and light wear around the metal centers.
• The metal tape and end loop show surface marks and discoloration visible in the photos.
• Full 50 foot extension and smooth winding operation are Not confirmed from photos.

Condition Grade Key

• Near Fine: Close to new. Any flaw is small and named above.
• Very Good: Light use. Every flaw is named above, and none of them get in the way of reading or display.
• Good: Complete and usable, with clear signs of use. Every flaw is named above.
• Fair: Heavy wear or damage, named above. A reading or working copy, not a display piece.

Collector's Notes

Lufkin long steel tapes were built for jobs where a short pocket rule could not reach. The 50 foot reel format made this kind of tool useful around surveying, construction, carpentry, and other measuring work.

At about 4 inches across, it is compact enough to sit with old rulers, levels, drafting tools, or other pieces of Michigan industrial history.

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Disclaimer

All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece, please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.

I do my best to capture colors accurately, but your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.

Please Note

These pieces come from estate collections and have been surface cleaned. You may wish to perform additional cleaning depending on your preference.

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