Antiques, Collectables, Silver, Furniture, Taxidermy, Curios, Job lots, Clocks,Computer and console Games, Railwayana, Miners Lamps and much more
Lot 160:
Description
This is a professional-grade carpenter’s or mason’s spirit level manufactured by Marples and Sons of Sheffield. The tool is constructed from a dense, dark tropical hardwood, identified as ebony, and features elaborate brass mountings. The top surface is adorned with decorative brass plating in a gothic or fleur-de-lis pattern, secured with screws. A secondary brass plate is fitted to the side to protect the plumb vial. The top brass plate is clearly stamped with the maker’s mark MARPLES, SONS, and SHEFFIELD adjacent to the central aperture. The instrument contains two glass spirit vials: a primary horizontal vial set into the top face and a secondary vertical plumb vial set into the side.
Condition report:
The item is in good antique condition with signs of professional use. The ebony body shows surface wear, minor scratches, and abrasions consistent with its age. The brass components exhibit a natural aged patina with some areas of oxidation and light surface marks but remain securely attached. Both glass vials are present and intact; however, the spirit fluid appears to have evaporated or deteriorated, resulting in a cloudy or opaque appearance. Consequently, the accuracy of the level for precision work cannot be verified. The tool appears to be complete with all original brass plates and mounting screws.
Share this lot:
