In the 1950's, a potential land war with Warsaw Pact forces was a real possibility. Being prepared to deny probable avenues of invasion, such as Germany's Fulda Gap, factored into the defensive planning of many NATO nations. This Cold War-era Italian Military Mine Measuring Tape was originally intended to be issued to mine-planting teams to ensure evenly spaced mines in the field. An interesting collectible for any military historian or fan of the metric system. Olive Drab metal case 1" wide cotton web tape Tape measures 50 meters Retraction reel handle locks down for transport