This is a very unusual tape measure, late 1700s/early 1800s. It has been carved from a coquilla nut in the form of a figural man. The mans head moves anti clockwise to move the tape in and vice versa to move it out.
It is really well carved. The man is wearing a hat, long jacket, trousers and waist jacket.
This unique piece measures 5.8cm h x 2.5cm w. There is still a fair amount of the measure still present.