Levels, Spirit and others

[Eric Brown]

Starting this thread for those with interest in spirit levels and any others you might have.

Here is a CF Richardson 6" metal level with flat bottom. Read the history to see relationship to Starrett.

 

[Eric Brown]

A English made Rabone, metal level. A lot like the Stanley 39 1/2. About 6" long and 3/4" square.

 

[Eric Brown]

Stanley metal levels

Ultimate Stanley Level Thread

Nice old level in fine condition, but it's the top of the line levels that collectors are more interested in. Ones made out of rosewood & brass bound, or with unusual mechanisms. Yes, I know that the average collector goes for branded items that are the most fancy or most valuable. I am...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Eric Brown]

Starrett metal levels.

LS STARRETT CO (and not a vise)

I’m not sure what to make of this caliper I found at a garage sale yesterday. It is marked “YANKEE” and PATENTED JUNE 2, 1885. The date was hard to make out until I cleaned it up. I assumed with the Yankee name that it was made by North Bros but the Patent was assigned to Starrett. I was just...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Eric Brown]

Athol Machine metal levels.

LS STARRETT CO (and not a vise)

I’m not sure what to make of this caliper I found at a garage sale yesterday. It is marked “YANKEE” and PATENTED JUNE 2, 1885. The date was hard to make out until I cleaned it up. I assumed with the Yankee name that it was made by North Bros but the Patent was assigned to Starrett. I was just...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Eric Brown]

Tower & Lyon level for rules or augers. Patents # 449609 (Mar 31, 1891) and # 450457 (Apr 14, 1891) by Henry Green of Hartford Conn. First one assigned to John Tower. Second one to Acme Rule Company. This level is adjustable 180 degrees. This particular example was in a Tower & Lyon box. The only markings on the level are the scales and “PAT MAR 31, 91”. The construction of this one is a combination of the two patents with a screw acting as the pivot point. Nickel Plated bronze.

 

[Eric Brown]

Leonhart's level. Patented Feb. 27, 1906 (#813561) for mounting on a board or bench. Slots allow adjusting. Flat back.

 

[Eric Brown]

Stanley No. level for rules. No patent found but was listed in the Stanley 1914 catalog No. 34. No markings on this cast iron example.

 

[Eric Brown]

Stanley No. 44 level for rules or augers. Has three positions for augers, 0, 45, 90 degrees. Patent 352721 (Nov 16, 1886)
Shown in Stanley 1914 catalog N0. 34.

 

[Eric Brown]

Home made one out of UHMW with Stanley spirit level. Designed to be used when boring horizontal holes with auger bits.

 

[crguy]

IMO, Davis made the most beautiful levels:

 

[Eric Brown]

IMO, Davis made the most beautiful levels:

I agree they made some good-looking ones and yours looks like it's in good shape.

 

[crguy]

There are very few antique tool collectors on GJ. You'll get a lot more response on some of the Facebook groups.

 

[Eric Brown]

There are very few antique tool collectors on GJ. You'll get a lot more response on some of the Facebook groups.

The quantity of responses is not as important as the quality of the responses. People here seem to help one another.

 

[Beerhippie]

Leonhart's level. Patented Feb. 27, 1906 (#813561) for mounting on a board or bench. Slots allow adjusting. Flat back.

I like that! "Hey, this bench isn't level!" "Just a minute--I'll grab a screwdriver and fix that."

There are very few antique tool collectors on GJ. You'll get a lot more response on some of the Facebook groups.

Huh? This is the Vintage Tools sub-forum. I believe that includes antiques....

 

[four.cycle]

Huh?

^ My reaction to that was laughter, but what do I know?

@Eric Brown -
Your "Leonhart" appeared in a 1920 Baker, Hamilton & Pacific Company hardware catalog. (attached below)

I didn't have any intention of "collecting levels", but this one was just irresistable for some reason:


Eden Specialty Co., Brooklyn, NY spirit level (patent 703306 Jun 24 1902 Samuel Roe) - this was marketed as "The Roe" level in early trade journals and hardware catalogs.

 

[Eric Brown]

I like that! "Hey, this bench isn't level!" "Just a minute--I'll grab a screwdriver and fix that."

Huh? This is the Vintage Tools sub-forum. I believe that includes antiques....

The design of the Leonhart also allows setting to an angle. Like if you are putting in forms for pouring concrete and need a certain slope for drainage.

 

[crguy]

The quantity of responses is not as important as the quality of the responses. People here seem to help one another.

Pardon me for trying to help you.

 

[Stubby1743]

Spirit Level M.G. Mk1 manufactured by H-B Manufacturing Co. Ltd in 1918. It was used to ensure a Vickers machine gun was level before setting up the indirect fire sight. Made from nickel plated steel.

I can't find any information on H-B Manufacturing Co. Ltd on line. I have seen a picture of the same level marked with Stanley U.S.A.