Image unavailable
Italian Military Surplus Mine Measuring Tapes New
Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.
$16.99
View on Sportsmans Guide
You'll be taken to Sportsmans Guide to complete your purchase.
Hunter's Outpost earns a commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
SKU: WX2*0589955
Overview
This Cold War-era measuring tape was originally issued for mine-planting teams, where consistent spacing in the field mattered. It measures 50 meters and uses a retraction reel with a handle that locks down for transport, all housed in an olive drab metal case with a 1" wide cotton web tape. For hunters, outdoorsmen, and military history collectors, it offers a practical piece of surplus gear with clear historical context and a straightforward metric layout. Its appeal is less about modern utility than about the character and purpose built into its original military use.
Why Hunters Choose the Surplus
Cold War-era
Clear historical context
Originally Intended
For mine-planting teams to space
Measures 50
Meters, useful for metric-based field
Olive Drab
Metal case gives it a
Retraction Reel
Handle locks down for transport
Key Features
- Cold War-era Italian military mine measuring tape
- Originally intended for mine-planting teams
- Measures 50 meters
- Olive drab metal case
- 1-inch-wide cotton web tape
- Retraction reel handle locks down for transport
Best Used For
- Collectors of Cold War military surplus and Italian equipment
- Military historians seeking a period-specific field tool display piece
- Enthusiasts of metric measuring tools and vintage gear
- Users needing a 50-meter tape with a lockable transport handle
Specifications
| Case Material | Metal |
|---|---|
| Color | Olive Drab |
| Era | 1950's Cold War-era |
| Handle Lock | Retraction reel handle locks down for transport |
| Intended Use | Issued to mine-planting teams to ensure evenly spaced mines in the field |
| Tape Length | 50 meters |
| Tape Material | Cotton web |
| Tape Width | 1 inch |
Pros
- Cold War-era Italian military surplus item with clear historical context
- Originally intended for mine-planting teams to space mines evenly
- Measures 50 meters, useful for metric-based field reference
- Olive drab metal case gives it a rugged surplus appearance
- Retraction reel handle locks down for transport and storage
- Interesting collectible for military historians and metric-system enthusiasts
Considerations & Trade-offs
- Designed as a Cold War-era military tool, so it is more specialized than a general-purpose measuring tape for everyday field use.
- The 50-meter length is useful for spacing and layout, but the metric-only format may be less convenient for users who work primarily in imperial units.
- The cotton web tape and metal case give it a period-correct feel, but that also means it is not presented as a modern heavy-duty measuring solution.
- The reel handle locks down for transport, which is practical for storage, but it adds a mechanical step compared with simpler tape designs.
Suggested Comparisons
- Military surplus collectibles
- Measuring tapes
- Field marking and layout tools
- Cold War memorabilia
Suggested Accessories
- Tape measure pouch
- Utility belt clip
- Field notebook
- Marker pencil
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this tape originally used for?
According to the product description, it was originally intended for mine-planting teams to help ensure evenly spaced mines in the field.
How long is the tape measure?
The long description states that the tape measures 50 meters.
What is the case and tape made of?
The description says it has an olive drab metal case and a 1-inch-wide cotton web tape.
Does it have any transport or storage feature?
Yes. The long description says the retraction reel handle locks down for transport.
Who would this product appeal to?
The product is described as an interesting collectible for military historians or fans of the metric system.