Ultimate Stanley Level Thread

[B Halverson]

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 interested in all of the history of tools though, not just the history of the fanciest tools and those who could afford them. Mature collectors know that all history is equally valuable no matter if it is that of the poorest or wealthiest worker or gentleman hobbyist.

 

[crguy]

Yes, I know that the average collector goes for branded items that are the most fancy or most valuable. I am interested in all of the history of tools though, not just the history of the fanciest tools and those who could afford them. Mature collectors know that all history is equally valuable no matter if it is that of the poorest or wealthiest worker or gentleman hobbyist.

Actually, it's the Advanced collectors that concentrate on the best, and rarest tools. If you are truly interested in the history of that company, you should belong to the various tool collecting groups around the country. Do you?

 

[B Halverson]

Actually, it's the Advanced collectors that concentrate on the best, and rarest tools.

You have your idea of what "advanced" is, I have mine and have zero interest in yours or that of others. But thank-you for your time spent trying to enlighten me anyway.

 

[AntiqueBen]

This doesn't appear to be a Stanley, but its a unique machinist level. I never seen one like this before. I'm trying to decide if this was made by a manufacturer or if someone made this homemade? It's very heavy. It precisely weighs exactly 5 lbs. Seems very exact to be homemade, but I could be wrong. Below are some before & after pics. Anyone have any ideas about this one?

 

[crguy]

This doesn't appear to be a Stanley, but its a unique machinist level. I never seen one like this before. I'm trying to decide if this was made by a manufacturer or if someone made this homemade? It's very heavy. It precisely weighs exactly 5 lbs. Seems very exact to be homemade, but I could be wrong. Below are some before & after pics. Anyone have any ideas about this one?

Shop made, not factory made. I made this one in my simple home shop and it has an adjustable vial.

 

[RTM]

Shop made, not factory made. I made this one in my simple home shop and it has an adjustable vial.

And STYLE. Well done.

 

[CrackersG]

G'day,
I have an old Stanley level. It's about 26" long, brass ends, and following inscription. can anybody tell me what model it might be and how old please?

 

[RTM]

G'day,
I have an old Stanley level. It's about 26" long, brass ends, and following inscription. can anybody tell me what model it might be and how old please?

Not without seeing the whole thing. But in theory, no newer than 17 years after the first patent date.

You can see some catalogs here

Internet Archive: Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Texts, Movies, Music & Wayback Machine

archive.org

 

[crguy]

G'day,
I have an old Stanley level. It's about 26" long, brass ends, and following inscription. can anybody tell me what model it might be and how old please?

Most of the Stanley levels had the model number stamped on then somewhere. On the brass tag, in the wood near the brass tag, on one end, etc. Look carefully.

 

[CrackersG]

Thanks, it was pretty grubby but I suspect its been "cleaned up" once or twice before, probably removing any markings that might have been in the wood. Here are a couple more photos.

 

[RTM]

probably removing any markings that might have been in the wood.

Here are some markings on mine #3




#0

 

[Eric Brown]

Here are three Stanley metal spirit levels. None are especially rare, so I decided to nickel plate them.
#36, #38 and #39 1/2

 

[Eric Brown]

Here are three Stanley metal spirit levels. None are especially rare, so I decided to nickel plate them.
#36, #38 and #39 1/2

For more spirit levels go to: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/levels-spirit-and-others.545689/

 

[kwigly]

... Stanley metal spirit levels. None are especially rare.....

Now they are

 

[1930artdeco]

Just picked this up because I thought the covers over the vials were really neat. That and it is in really good shape for being from the 40’s or older. Although looking at it I would swear it is bent but then I check and it is level a d straight. Must be my eyes. Well I got a few more things as well.