Late 100 foot steel ENGINEER / SURVEYOR CHAIN by Rabone Chesterman, circa 1965 For Sale

This is the latest Chesterman chain we have ever offered. In the 1960s, a number of specialist toolmaking firms in England had to join forces or go belly-up. So, in 1963, the Rabone and Chesterman companies merged and their products were sold by the merged company named Rabone Chesterman. In 1970, the company\'s name changed again to RCF for Rabone, Chesterman and Fry\'s. So, this chaindefinitely dates to between 1963 and 1970.

This chain is actually called an Engineer’s chain or Ramsden’s chain because it is 100 feet in length. The construction of canals and railroads led to the introduction of chains 100 feet in length for ease in measuring longer distances than chains more commonly used for land surveying - that were 4 poles or 66 feet in length. This chain has two brass swivel handles, each marked 100 Feet on the ends. It comes complete with all 9 brass tally-tabs - every 10 feet. The center (at 50 feet) tally tag is marked RABONE CHESTERMAN MADE IN ENGLAND Each link is one foot long. There are 100links.

Measuring chains are also commonly referred to as Gunter’s chains because this design for a land measuring instrument was introduced in 1620 by English clergyman and mathematician Edmond Gunter (1581–1626) long before the development of the theodolite and other more sophisticated equipment, enabling plots of land to be accurately surveyed and plotted, for legal and commercial purposes.

If you are looking for a surveyor’s chain in good condition and missing no parts,here it is.This chain is in good untouchedoriginal condition. There are no breaks or missing links or any condition problems other than slight surface rust (see photos provided) but no pitting of the metal. The rust could easily be removed by spraying with a metal lubricantand rubbingwith fine steel wool. Here is a fine unusual and rare chain for a discriminating surveying collector or dealer. Thank you for offerding and good luck! !

International Buyers – Please Note:Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer\'s responsibility.Please check with your country\'s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to offerding or buying.