Unique Joseph Chamberlain MP Caricature Porcelain Head Retractable Tape Measure

Description

This tape measure is REPAIRED. It is a German-made porcelain one, Circa 1920-30, depicting the head of English
Victorian politician Joseph Chamberlain MP (1836-1914), father of Neville Chamberlain who eventually became Prime Minister. James was known for always wearing his monocle in Parliament in the early 1900s.
This highly collectable item is now in good but repaired condition. I acquired it in pieces, with no bottom cover. I inserted the original metal-cased tape measure case inside the head, padded it well each side with tissue paper and fed the actual tape measure out of the mouth. I inserted the frayed end into a tiny tube to prevent it from fraying further. The tape can still be retracted, the spring still works but I don’t think it is super strong. The porcelain head is in excellent condition with beautiful vivid hand-painting. On the back of the neck is impressed number, “15939”. I used layers of cardboard, glued together for strength, to close the open bottom. All-in-all, I feel quite good about my restoration of this fine piece.
It measures 2” high x 2” from back of the head to the tip of the nose. It would now make a lovely addition to your collection, either in the British political area or in the field of German tape measures. In the Arbittier & Morphy Price Guide, a perfect version of this tape—misidentified as Franklin Delano Roosevelt (who was not a monocle-wearer)—is valued at 0.00 to 0.00. Based on this figure, I
think my opening price is a fair one.
SHIPMENT WILL BE FREE (WITHIN U.S.) BY FIRST-CLASS POST.
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