Union Hill Antique Tools

Levels were used mainly in the construction trades to build houses, railroads, bridges, or anything else that needed to be made level to the ground. Machinist levels were used to ensure lathe beds were level, and sighting levels helped determine the rise or fall of slope over a given distance. By far the most common type of level is the bubble level, which uses a air bubble in water or thin oil to show deviation from horizontal. But other clever devices were also used to measure inclinivity (slope), and levels with these devices are called inclinometer levels. Levels come in all sizes from tiny machinist levels to large railroad levels.

To order anything on this page, send email to steve@finetools.com or call me at 425-868- 1532. Personal checks or money orders are fine.
Your satisfaction is guaranteed with all tools.
All prices are in US dollars, and shipping for 1 or more tools in the continental USA is just $10 for the entire order; additional postage for other locales is billed at cost.
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Picture Description Condition Price (US) Click red text to order

This is the level on the cover of Don Rosebrook's "American Levels" book. A fantastic early piece of Americana, the J. W. Harmon patent "Artificier's level" is brightly painted and carried a Nov. 23, 1880 patent date. A wonderful piece for the serious level collector. Includes owner-made box. Good++ $3500 ORDER

Stratton Brothers #10 bubble level, 8 inches long. A very very nice example. Fine $500 ORDER

A early and rare 1921 patented inclinometer level. Patent date is June 23, 1921. The maker of this 24" level really liked bubbles, as there are 5 of them included, plus the inclinometer feature. Good+ $2000 ORDER

One of the great super-rare levels of the world. A Bradford Union Patented Cast Iron Inclinometer, Bradford PA. 18 inches long. Best one of 2 known. Fine $15,000 ORDER