This is a device for measuring the distance between competing bowls in the games of lawn and crown green bowls.
Produced by WD & HO Wills to advertise their Capstan Navy Cut cigarettes.
Looking at the design of the pack I would think this dates from the late 1940's or 1950's.
The body of the measure, around which is wound the cord, is a clear plastic sheet printed both sides with a picture of a packet of Capstan Navy Cut cigarettes. Two pegs are fitted to the cord, one fixed and one moveable, and these are used to measure the distance between the bowls.
The body is 60 x 43mm and the pegs 62mm long. The cord is approx 1500mm long. There are recesses on each side of the body to retain the cord when it is wound up.
There is some light wear and slight discolouration of the plastic body but this is consistent with the age of the measure.
Please note. I do my best to accurately photograph and describe the condition of the items for sale, including any minor defects but all pieces are vintage and have had previous lives and so may have minor flaws.
Postage is for UK only, please enquire for overseas postage.