STUNNING Hardwood & Brass 18" Government / Military SPIRIT LEVEL (DATED 1891)

STUNNING Hardwood & Brass 18" Government / Military SPIRIT LEVEL (DATED 1891)

Like all British toolmakers, BUCK & HICKMAN didn't date their civilian tools, and as it is illegal to stamp a Broad Arrow on equipment without the proper authority, government inspectors generally tended to stamp random samples from larger batches as a measure of quality control. This system seemed to continue through WW1, but by WW2 many more factories seemed to be issuing military equipment with the inspection marks done 'in house' - presumably as a way of ensuring a smoother flow of equipment.

Dated 1891, this very solid and heavy 18" level has no 'post-factory' stampings but the mere presence of a date signifies a government contract of some kind. Finding military tools from this period is very rare and they are often stamped 'WD' or 'C&M' (both either with or without an accompanying Broad Arrow).

Buck and Hickman continued to make tools for the British Military right up to and beyond WW2, with the most common that I encounter being engineering calipers and dividers for both the Army and Air Ministry. This is the first spirit level I've seen of theirs and it is very impressive - with the unusual feature of having its two brass baseplates standing proud rather than flush. The only modification that this level seems to have had in over 120 years is that the four small screws securing one of the baseplates have been replaced with brass ones. The steel screws in the other appear to be original. Even the glass bulb is still intact with no evidence of any of the top plate ever having been unscrewed. Add to that the excellent condition of the brass and its obvious that this tool has been very well looked after for generations. Has been very neatly stamped 'R.W.Pardy' on both ends.

It measures 46cm x 5cm x 3.7cm and weighs 0.85kg.

Will be sent by Royal Mail's 'Signed For' service.