Stanley Levels with the "V" Trademark 1912 to 1918

[John Moody]

The level collection I purchased has several levels from different time periods. One of the ways to tell when you are looking at old Wooden Level or for that matter any old Stanley tool, it is good to check the Trademark.

 

Bob Kaune has a web page I keep bookmarked on my iPhone, iPad and Computer that is very handy to tell right off the time frame a wooden level or plane. Here is a link to his page Stanley Trademarks.

 

So I thought I would share a few of the ones I got with common Trademarks. These all have what is known as the "V" Trademark

 

It has been documented that this trademark was in use on Stanley tools from 1912 to 1918, That puts these right in the area of being or about to be 100 years old. For a wooden level to survive the 100 years and still have the original vials intact says something about them.

 

There were four in the group that I got with the "V" Trademark.

 

The two larger levels have brass caps on the ends and for the most part are in very good condition. The second one from the back is missing a brass cover over the vial port.

 

 

Another thing to notice is the No 3 and the No 03. If the level had a single number then it is an adjustable level so that is something should happen, you can adjust the vials to put them back to level. If the level has a "0" in front of the number, then the level is non adjustable.

 

I am very fortunate that all of the vials on these are original and in working order. This group is all made of Cherry.

 

So there you have the "V" Trademark levels from Stanley made between 1912 and 1918,

 

More Levels from Patriot Picking to follow...

[John Morris]

Wow so cool John! There is something about levels that I have always loved. I love levels so much I'd even pick up a level at the big box store for no reason at all, but only the wood ones. Stanley made a really nice wood level series about 10 years ago they sold at the big box, they had a 2', 4' and a 6' wood level with a brass strip down the length of them, and some nice end caps. They were nothing like the ones you are displaying here, these are just absolutely beautiful, but the ones HD had were pretty nice for our modern times. I was just saying how much I love levels and if even a new one caught my eye I'd pick it up.

 

The color on your level are really nice, the brass has a nice old color to it too. I am glad nobody decided to "clean" them! It would not hurt to just wipe on some oil though into the wood, just to bring out that nice deep patina even further.

 

I know some guys on MWTCA who love to have found this bunch!

[lew]

Thanks for that link! I don't know much about old tools and this will help in identifying them! 

[John Morris]

Here is a great page at MWTCA for patent searches too.

http://www.mwtca.org/patent-information.html

[Lon M]

I just found one of these levels stuck in the rafters of our garage -- a "No. 0." It's missing one of the vials -- the one perpendicular to the length. Any suggestions on restoring it?

[Cal]

Hello Lon, there are a few YouTube videos out there - here is one:

 

Welcome aboard, hope you stick around!

[frenchwwr]

18 hours ago, Lon M said:

I just found one of these levels stuck in the rafters of our garage -- a "No. 0." It's missing one of the vials -- the one perpendicular to the length. Any suggestions on restoring it?

Lon let me check but my Old Tool Store had a box of them that I've been looking for a reason to buy

[FlGatorwood]

Anyone heard from John Moody in awhile. It has been months since I have seen a post by him. Hope he and his family are all well.

[kmealy]

Another good source of info on Stanley Planes.  Patrick buys and sells vintage tools.

 

http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan0a.html

[Gerald]

4 hours ago, FlGatorwood said:

Anyone heard from John Moody in awhile. It has been months since I have seen a post by him. Hope he and his family are all well.

Thinking the same thing. Maybe lost on his burro going to wood stach

[Ronald lins]

How do you find replacement bubble vials. Mine broke during restoration.  It's approx 3-3/4" x .031mm.  Fits stanley rule level but numbers not visible.  Tool photos and did help fast...I'm 83, time is moving. 

[frenchwwr]

I gotta a guy that just might have one, and I was driving past his place last night thinking it's been too long since I've stopped in.

 

[Grandpadave52]

On 5/6/2025 at 11:01 PM, Ronald lins said:

How do you find replacement bubble vials. Mine broke during restoration.  It's approx 3-3/4" x .031mm.  Fits stanley rule level but numbers not visible.  Tool photos and did help fast...I'm 83, time is moving. 

Welcome to The Patriot Woodworker Ronald. Glad this thread brought you here.

 

I'm not much help regarding your request, but @frenchwwr, Kevin sounds like he may have a lead. You can PM him. Also, maybe @steven newman might have a source or @John Moody. Hopefully they will check in also.

 

Good to have you on board.

[frenchwwr]

No luck Ronald. I, on the other hand, scored a beautiful old Standard Tool Co. Numbered drill bit index Set No.8

[Grandpadave52]

45 minutes ago, frenchwwr said:

 I, on the other hand, scored a beautiful old Standard Tool Co. Numbered drill bit index Set No.8

Awesome find Kevin rather you needed it or not.  Now, where are those drill bits again?

[frenchwwr]

I am never short on Drill Bits. 

I just made a trip downstairs into the shop and found I have 2 sets of Numbered Bits