For the craftsman … … an impressive 30-inch Stanley No. 25 spirit level, made in New Britain, Connecticut around 1896–1905. It features a richly grained mahogany body, extensive brass fittings, and its three original glass vials, all intact and fully functional. A striking survivor of 19th-century American toolmaking, the level’s imposing size, dark wood, and bright metalwork make it an ideal display piece for a gentleman’s workshop, study, or home office.
Stanley offered the No. 25 as part of its Duplex Adjustable range, with three vials rather than the more usual two: a horizontal vial on top, plus a plumb vial and a second reversible vial set into the side. The brass vial fittings are marked with patent dates for 1890, 1891, and 1896, covering successive improvements that Stanley made to the original design, including the 1891 “Hand-y Grip” and an 1896 method for marking the glass vials so the bubble could be read more accurately.
Stanley Rule & Level Company had been making measuring and woodworking tools in New Britain since 1857 and by the turn of the century had become one of America’s largest and most important hand tool manufacturers. Its 1890s catalogs offered an extensive range of rules, levels, squares, gauges, and planes, with many designs incorporating patented improvements developed by Stanley inventor Justus Traut. The No. 25 dates from this period of rapid expansion and technical refinement, when Stanley tools were becoming standard equipment in professional workshops across the country.
Dimensions: 30-1/4” × 3-1/8” × 1-5/16”
Weight: 3 lbs. 12.6 oz.
Condition Notes: Very good antique condition overall, displaying honest wear consistent with age and use. Mahogany body remains structurally sound with scattered surface marks, scratches, edge wear, and a few older gouges and small losses visible in places; remnants of the original paper label remain adhered to one area of wood. Brass fittings display scattered surface marks, spotting, and areas of age-related discoloration, with localized green verdigris on one brass end cap. One screw missing from top brass plate. All three glass vials remain intact, clear, and functional, with bubbles present; level appears to operate as intended but has not been tested for accuracy. Top brass plate is marked: “STANLEY / RULE & LEVEL CO. / NEW BRITAIN CONN. U.S.A. / PAT. 6-2-91. 2-4-96. 6-23-96.” Circular brass vial fittings are marked: “STANLEY / PATENTED / MAR 25 90 / ADJUSTABLE.” Brass end caps bear repeated irregular owner stamps reading “SADAVIS.” Wooden body is additionally stamped “25” adjacent to top plate. Other items shown in photos not included.
All items are hand-wrapped and packed with care for secure delivery. Note: due to size, this item will not be gift boxed. We offer flat rate shipping via USPS Ground Advantage for $10, or USPS Priority Mail for $15. Orders over $100 (not including taxes) ship free via USPS Priority Mail — any shipping charges incurred on orders over $100 will be refunded after checkout. We pack using recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible.
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