Like the title says, has anyone restored a level?  Looking at you, @steven newman and @Larry Buskirk...

 

I needed a 4' level and got a group deal at auction yesterday.  This 18" Sweetheart was one of them.

If the logo goes along with the SW used on planes, this level would be dated around 1921-1922.

It's rough, and likely not worth too much time to clean it up.

But, has anyone restored one?

Looking at the first pic, how does the vertical bubble get removed?

 

 

 

@Cal I haven't restored one myself, but have seen replacement vials on ebay, and a few other sites.

Where is @steven newman when you need him 

I would have to look at what I have in the shop but I think there is a wooden plug on one side to cover the vial install hole. Here is a video but this one has a brass plate over the vial.

 

Also..those vials were set into Plaster Paris.    Will need to clean out all the old plaster. 

 

 

IF there are brass plates on the ends of a level....remove them, BEFORE you try to joint the bottom edge of the level, can always trim a little off the plates, once they go back on.   While working on that Plumb Vial...take the time to clean and polish both sections of the brass vial protector ...as the outer one is supposed to rotate around, to protect the glass vial.  

 

Some have that brass plug cover, all have a wooden plug....the brass cover is more for looks....in fact, one can even add one of their own...

The Stanley leel I have right now....is a No. 3, 24" long level.

I will have to look at it again, I thought both plugs were brass.  Gerald, I watched the video you posted and it was helpful.  It appears that he just pried out the first plug - and done a bit of damage in the process.  Another project, for another day...