As I am out and about I am always looking for the different, at least to me, and unusual tools. So there were a couple of my recent finds and am excited to add them to my collection.

The one in the back is a 24" No.17 Henry Disston and Sons Wooden Level and the one in the front is a 12" E.A. Stevens, Newton Falls, Ohio Wooden Level.

Earnest A. Stevens was born about 1871 in Ontario, Canada to Joseph and Jane Bell Stevens of England. The Stevens had immigrated to Canada and started their family. Earnest was one of five sons Joseph and Jane had. He was the middle son of the five. Frank, Joseph, Edgar and Albert were the Brothers of Earnest.

In 1872 the family immigrated to the United States and into the Detroit, Michigan area.

In 1894 Earnest met and married a young lady from England by the name of Sarah Anne. Sarah and her family immigrated to the United States and settled in the same area. Earnest was trained in the tool and die industry and began raising a family. By 1900 he and Sarah had two sons, Thomas F. and Earnest A. Jr.,

Earnest Stevens, Sr. invented and file for a patent for a line level on November 10, 1914.

With the success of this level and others and Earnest Jr., now being old enough to join in, they formed a partnership in 1921 to manufacture levels and only levels.

October 14, 1922 Earnest Stevens files for another Patent on a Line and Surface Level. This patent was granted on June 1 1926.

But it appears that between that time and 1930 Earnest Sr. may have passed away. There are no other records of him listed when the 1930 Census was taken.

This information was listed with the filing of the above patent.

June 1 1926. l 1,587,436

E. A. STEVENS LINE AND SURFACE LEVEL Filed Oct. '14, 1922 Patented June 1, 1926.

UNITED ERNEST A. STEVENS, OF NEWTON FALLS, 01110; ALVN W. HART, ADMNSTRATOR 0F SAID STEVENS, DECEASED, ASSIGNOR TO ERNEST A. STEVENS, JR., OF NEVJTON FALLS, omo.

LINE AND SURFACE LEVEL.

The Stevens Level Company was located at the corner of Milton Blvd. and Arlington Road in Newton Falls, Ohio. An interesting fact about Newton Falls, Ohio is that it is one of three places in the United States with one number as it's Zip Code, 44444.

The factory was later moved to Detroit, Michigan. in 1952 it was sold to Columbia Vise of Cleveland and later to the Warren Tool Corporation of Warren, Ohio in 1966.

The level is in fairly good condition with a few dents and bumps here and there. Those just tell me this one was used and didn't just sit on a shelf.

Both the top and side bubbles are good.

The level doesn't have any major chips or cracks in the body.

So this will be a keeper.

The next find was a Henry Disston and Sons 24" Level.

Of course when you mention the name Disston, you immediately go to saws. But the Disston family business also producted other tools for the woodworker.

This level has a patent date on it of October 29, 1912. That patent was for a new way to cut the grooves in the side for a hand hold. This level has the brass end caps and both are in very good condition.

Both bubbles are intact and seem to be very accurate.

There is a No. 17 stamped just above the logo on the wood but I have not been able yet to find a listing of a No.17 Disston and Sons Level.

Also toward one end there are three "C" stamped into the wood. Could have been someones initials.

This level also shows some wear but other than a few scratches and dings it also is in great shape.

Once again I am thankful for finding it and giving it a home in my shop.

Keep looking when you are out, you just never know what will call your name and have you to rescue and save a part of woodworking tool history.

Please feel free to share any of the old tools you have here with us.

Till next week, I am out Patriot Picking.

 

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John Moody
Site Administratorhttp://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com
“Don’t make something unless it is both necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, don’t hesitate to make it beautiful.†Shaker Saying

John:  This is really great.  Thanking for sharing your new found level but I  really enjoyed the history that went with it.  Enjoy your evening.  Thanks again.  Don

Thanks Donald, me too. I enjoy the history behind the piece as much as the piece.

Donald L Prince said:

John:  This is really great.  Thanking for sharing your new found level but I  really enjoyed the history that went with it.  Enjoy your evening.  Thanks again.  Don

John

Always fun and interesting to read about your finds. I too really enjoy the history behind it. But looking at the photos and admiring the latest find, it just as rewarding. Thanks for sharing another interesting set of items. One question for you. Are you going to make a display case for all these? If so where ? I think your shop would run out of room . Okay that was 2 but hey ......

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Wayne Mahler
God bless and protect our troops that serve so we can be free.

Thanks Wayne.

The shop ran out of run a long time ago. I have rearranged several times and still have it cramped up in there. I'll try to get a few new shot of the shop.

Wayne Mahler said:

John

Always fun and interesting to read about your finds. I too really enjoy the history behind it. But looking at the photos and admiring the latest find, it just as rewarding. Thanks for sharing another interesting set of items. One question for you. Are you going to make a display case for all these? If so where ? I think your shop would run out of room . Okay that was 2 but hey ......

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Wayne Mahler
God bless and protect our troops that serve so we can be free.

Great write up once again John!!! I absolutely love it!

Those brass end caps are cool looking, I love that. I do not like today's levels, most are aluminum, or a fiber composite material, the wood levels just feel right, and they lend that look of accuracy and old tooling.

Stanley had a great line of wood levels that came out in the mid 90's, I still have two or three of em, but the vials are dry, sadly.

I am saving these picking articles John, they are going to have a wonderful prominent position at our new digs, oops! Did I just spill the beans?

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker

Thanks John. I agree, the wooden levels just seem to have more character to them. A bit more personal, like you can feel the hand of the craftsman that held that level. They have a soft smooth feeling to them instead of a hard cold feel.

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John Moody
Site Administratorhttp://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com
“Don’t make something unless it is both necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, don’t hesitate to make it beautiful.†Shaker Saying

As for the stamped letters: 

Civilian Conservation Corps,  and this would have been in/on hook #17 in the tool room. 

Two Rust Hunts today.....NADA, zilch, or.....Holy S##T, HOW MUCH!    in other words, didn't find anything today....

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Planer? I'm the 'planer', and these are what I use...