Nice 19th Century J. Chesterman, Sheffield (London) Brass Blacksmith's Rule, Monogrammed Both SidesJames Chesterman (17951867) was a metal worker in Sheffield, England who, in 1821, received a British patent for a method of using a spring to rewind measuring tapes. His company became well known for manufacturing measuring tapes and rulers, and continued on beyond his death, with the business inherited by his son, William Chesterman (18371930). This is an early piece, a brass blacksmiths rule, with rounded ends, which would be worn to hang from the