Civil War Era Levels

[johan_steele]

As some of you know I am a bit of a tool collector. A couple of years ago I decided to concentrate on Civil war Era levels and I have amassed a few very nice ones. I thought it might be enjoyable to share them. All I intend to share are pre 1870.

I find the wood and brass to be particularly pleasing to the eye. Cuban Mahogany, Rosewood, Ebony, Cherry etc all create beautiful grain patterns and color.

 

[johan_steele]

This is an early H.M. Poole. 1838-1878.

 

[johan_steele]

This is a James Howarth level, an English made level of very high quality. 1835-1860

 

[johan_steele]

This a J.W. Andrews, 1840-1867.

 

[johan_steele]

DM Lyon was a tool maker from 1846-1867 and would be involved in several partnerships. Two of his levels are pictured below. The Lyon & Clearman is unusual in that the edges of the level are protected by common hinges.

 

[johan_steele]

L.R. Watts was in business from 1847-1860.

 

[johan_steele]

An unmarked level likely from James McCoskrie circa 1850's.

 

[johan_steele]

Hall & Knapp was in business for only a short while before being acquired by Stanley. 1853-1857

 

[johan_steele]

J.W. Harmon was in business from 1860-1907. His production was low but of consistent high quality. Both of the harmon levels I own are of early production, likely pre 1870.

 

[johan_steele]

Disston would become one of the power houses of US industry and they entered the level industry fairly early. This is an Early Disston & Morss as it lacks the typical patent date. Disston levels would be produced from 1865-1955.

 

[UCVRelics]

Very Nice. Thanks for sharing. I have one that belonged to my G Grandfather now I will have to dig it out and see what it is as it is along the size and design as yours.

 

[johan_steele]

After Lambert left the Mulliken and Stackpole partnership they continued manufacture for another 5 years. 1856-1861

 

[johan_steele]

Lambert was an early partner of Mulliken & Stackpole and apparently was bought out quickly. 1852-1855

 

[johan_steele]

Loveless as well as an unmarked plumb bob level. W. Loveless produced tools in England early in the 19th century. Whether he built this one or purchased it then put his mark on it we will never know.

The second plumb bob level is unmarked, but I suspect it is of a similar vintage. I hope to inherit it from my father in 30 years or so.

 

[johan_steele]

Pictured here are three smaller levels of British manufacture.

The far right level is an E Preston & Sons (likely of a later period) , they would become the Stanley tool of Britain. Beside it is a Scottish level by Mathieson & Son with a makers mark that identifies it to the mid to late 1860's. The farthest left level is an E Preston manufactured between 1825-1850.

 

[johan_steele]

Very Nice. Thanks for sharing. I have one that belonged to my G Grandfather now I will have to dig it out and see what it is as it is along the size and design as yours.

I'll be happy to see if I can find any information on it for you. That it was owned by your Great Grandfather makes it priceless.

 

[Michael W.]

Very impressive collection! Thanks for sharing with us!

 

[johan_steele]

LL Davis patent 1867. With only the 1867 patent date this level likely predates 1870. Davis is far better known for their high end cast iron levels and inclinometers but they also produced wooden levels and inclinometers.

 

[redbob]

Sometimes the real beauty of an object lies in it's simplicity and utilitarian nature.

 

[Cpl. Smith]

cool levels