Dead Mint! STANLEY No. 18 Level in Unheard of Original Green Box!

This is the only wooden Stanley level I recall seeing in its original green box. Pristine, as new level is 26 inches long and is marked on the plumb vial cover. It’s worth noting one of the patent dates on the cover is February 23, 1892, which is a patent obtained by William Praddex of Lawrence, Mass. This patent was essentially for an enlarged hand-y grip that ran the entire length of the level stock. This patent is not listed with the other level patents in John Walters book, and its association with Stanley levels is unknown to me. One thought is Stanley purchased Praddex’s patent to protect their Hand-y grip design. Box is very good with a small absent section. Retains its awesome full end label. At one time, Stanley retained a company collection of original boxed tools, and this is from that collection. A super rare green box, and a special piece of Stanley history.