Sizing up this week’s Tiny Tuesday!
 
This tape measure is crafted of molded and dyed celluloid. As this was a sewing implement, the fabric tape rolls out 33 inches and is rewound using the celluloid piece at the top. The manufacturer is unknown, though the artifact dates to the late 1880s or early 1890s. While this piece is interesting for its design, there is another curious element hidden in plain sight!
 
The same celluloid piece that winds the tape is also a Stanhope. Stanhope contain a microphotograph that can be viewed through a miniscule lens. All one need to do was hold the Stanhope to the light to see the image. Microphotographs were invented by John Benjamin Dancer (1812-1887) in the late 1830s, though a microscope was needed to actually view the photo. As microscopes cost a hefty sum in the 19th century, Rene Dagron (1819-1900) redesigned the Stanhope lens to allow for the image to be seen without the aid of extra equipment. Stanhopes could be magnified up to 300 times and placed into a variety of objects!
 
Who is this microphotograph of in the tape measure?
 
Why, it’s 23rd American President Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901) who was in office from 1889 to 1893. Harrison was the grandson of 9th President William Henry Harrison (1773-1841). This artifact is likely a political campaign piece!

The FRHS has a collection of sewing implements – and political souvenirs.