93-14.280
Object Name
Level, Spirit
Materials
Wood --Metal --Glass
Catalogue Number
93-14.280
Dimensions

L: 23.0cm W: 1.9cm H: 3.2cm

Description

A wooden carpenter's level. It is a rectangular prism with the left and right sides tapering to a rounded edge. There is a semi-circular cut-out in the centre of the top face in which sits a cylindrical spirit level. The liquid is yellow-green. A metal plate with an oblong cut-out sits on top of the level and provides proper visualization. A stamp on the front side reads "U.S.A." with a small (anvil)? symbol. The letters "E.E.P" are inscribed in pencil.

History

Spirit levels first appeared in 1661. They were further developed for handiwork in the 19th century. The purpose of a level is to determine whether a surface is perfectly flat. A spirit level contains alcohol and an air bubble. When the level is placed on a flat surface, the air bubble will sit exactly in the centre of the container. Levels are useful for building tables, shelves, and countless other woodworking projects.