{"product_id":"lufkin-leader-chrome-clad-1950s","title":"Lufkin Leader 50 FT Chrome Clad Steel Tape Measure Saginaw Michigan 1950s","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eItem:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myreadingvintage.com\/collections\/vintage-memorabilia\" title=\"Lufkin Leader 50 FT Chrome Clad steel tape measure\"\u003e Lufkin Leader 50 FT Chrome Clad steel tape measure\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eItem Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manual wind-up long steel measuring tape\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late 1940s to mid-1950s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chrome Clad steel tape, metal case, textured red case covering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep red case with silver tone and cream printed metal details\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker and Mark:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Lufkin Rule Co., Saginaw, Mich., U.S.A.; Leader; 50 FT; Chrome Clad Steel Tape\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePattern or Model:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leader, 50 FT Chrome Clad\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid-century industrial measuring tool\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 4 inches round as provided. Case thickness: Not confirmed from photos. Weight 14 ounces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Features:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50 foot steel measuring tape with fold-out flush winding crank, end loop, Chrome Clad tape surface, and round red covered case\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition Grade: Good\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePositives\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGraded Good:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a complete-looking working-format measuring tool with clear signs of previous use and enough remaining detail for display or collection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe steel tape pulls out and the visible section has dark, readable inch markings and printed Lufkin identification.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe main round labels remain firmly in place and the Leader, 50 FT, Chrome Clad, Lufkin Rule Co., and Saginaw markings remain easy to read.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe fold-out winding crank, center hardware, tape end loop, and metal edge band are present in the photos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe deep red textured case covering remains largely intact and gives the piece a recognizable mid-century tool-room look.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssues \/ Wear\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe red outer case edge has a noticeable worn and chipped area where the surface covering is missing and the material beneath is exposed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe case has scattered scuffs, rub marks, small scratches, and edge wear from handling and storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe center metal hardware shows tarnish, darkening, scratches, and general surface wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe cream printed rings show age discoloration, spotting, and light wear around the metal centers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe metal tape and end loop show surface marks and discoloration visible in the photos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull 50 foot extension and smooth winding operation are Not confirmed from photos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Grade Key\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNear Fine:\u003c\/strong\u003e Close to new. Any flaw is small and named above.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVery Good:\u003c\/strong\u003e Light use. Every flaw is named above, and none of them get in the way of reading or display.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGood:\u003c\/strong\u003e Complete and usable, with clear signs of use. Every flaw is named above.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFair:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavy wear or damage, named above. A reading or working copy, not a display piece.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCollector's Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLufkin 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt about 4 inches across, it is compact enough to sit with old rulers, levels, drafting tools, or other pieces of Michigan industrial history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myreadingvintage.com\/pages\/shipping-policy\"\u003ePhoto-verified condition\u003c\/a\u003e, no surprises\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePacked with care. Glass and fragile pieces get extra cushioning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShips in 2 business days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping on $35+ (U.S. only)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisclaimer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI do my best to capture colors accurately, but your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese pieces come from estate collections and have been surface cleaned. You may wish to perform additional cleaning depending on your preference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myreadingvintage.com\/pages\/about-reading-vintage\"\u003eHow Reading Vintage sources and grades every piece\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Orders $35+ Ship Free","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50588166029567,"sku":"B5-T15-3466","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2503\/7976\/files\/Lufkin_Leader_50_FT_Chrome_Clad_steel_tape_measure.jpg?v=1790975217","url":"https:\/\/myreadingvintage.com\/products\/lufkin-leader-chrome-clad-1950s","provider":"Reading Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}