Antique Stanley Double Plumb & Mason\'s Level 26\" Size Type 6A USA NR
![Antique Stanley Double Plumb & Mason\'s Level 26\](img-large/g/lUUAAOSwTA9X6DxK/s-l1600/Antique-Stanley-Double-Plumb-Mason-s-Level-26-Size.jpg "Antique Stanley Double Plumb & Mason\'s Level 26\")
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Antique Stanley Double Plumb & Mason\'s Level 26\" Size Type 6A USA NR:
$39.00
My hobby is collecting and restoring old antique and vintage tools. This is a unique Mason\'s Level and presents quite a dilemma. The No. 8-1/2 was adjustable but was 30\"-42\" long and normally had an interruption in the middle Handy-Hold feature. The No. 8 was non-adjustable. Other mason\'s levels had brass tips or end plates. This one appears balanced in the location of the plumb vial views and is definitely a mason level.
Up for sale is a Stanley Type 6A (1896-1910) 26\" Mason\'s Level and Double Plumb constructed of hardwood, probably cherry. Normally offered in 30\"- 42\", this level is 26\" long so it is hard to tell if a previous owner shortened it. The level has cleaned, restored, stained and waxed. This is a hard to find level and this one had some small age checks which have been epoxy infused. The vial cradles were primed and finished with a protective coating to prevent rust, common on these. The adjustments work as they should. The vials are proper and include the Stanley 1896 addition of etched lines book-ending the bubble and the end of the notched cover plate. As with all mason\'s levels the plumbs are single plane and both facing the same direction. The brass cover plates are in good condition and has slight edge damage or other gouges or dimples. I would rate this excellent level as Good+ and the only apologies are a previously mentioned filled age checks and some light gouges. One oval plumb plate has the following Type 6 inscription:
STANLEY RULE & LEVEL CO.PAT\'D11-9-08 5-8-065-28-96 7-17-94NEW BRITAIN CONN USA
Main Level Cover Plate
TO ADJUSTREMOVE PLATES
The surrounds normally had theTRADEMARKBut it is worn off and barely visible.This is an old level.
The level is 26\" x 1-3/8\" x 3-3/16\" and weighs 2# 13 oz. Carefully packed, it will weigh 4# 5 oz. and will ship USPS Priority mail. We ship within one day of payment.Sorry, no international shipping. Continental United States only.
Payments through Paypal are appreciated immediately following invoice but no later than three days. Please wait until we issue an invoice with he best possible USPS Priority shipping rate. If buying more than one item, we combine shipping for any possible savings, provided the items can be safely shipped together. Any problems, please contact us.
Of Note:
The restoration process begins with an assessment as to the degree of restoration required. Almost all levels have been used and have gouges and dings. I dismantle the level and clean out insect nests and check for different types of damage. The lacquer finish is usually dull, opaque or starting to flake. This is carefully removed. The carcass is sanded to remove dents and imperfections. Some hardwood and mahogany levels are stained to period colors with recipes that include earth pigments and asphaltum.
The wood is then treated with a proprietary deep penetrating mixture to nourish followed several days later with a coating of special cabinetmaker\'s wax and buffed to a brilliant hard finish. Rosewood is never stained and has a different type of wax applied. I do not use lacquer on levels. If the vials were removed, they are then reset and the brass trims are reinstalled.
Another polish and tests for accuracy bring the process to the final stage which is grading. I do not use \"mint\" unless the level has never been used and has been in a conditioned time capsule. Otherwise, the effects of atmosphere, moisture, handling and storage introduces oxidation, finish breakdown and surface degradation, known as patina. Once these refinished levels are placed in collections or into service, they will eventually develop their own rich patina without all the battle marks. It is best to wipe any collected tool down after handling, as your skin oils will darken the area where you touch. By wiping with a clean cloth, your oils are diluted and distributed over the tool\'s surface and will aid in developing a rich, smooth patina. I digress.
The rating system is: Good, Good +, Good ++, Excellent. Anything below Good is used for parts.
Antique Stanley Double Plumb & Mason\'s Level 26\" Size Type 6A USA NR:
$39.00