Excellent O. HANKS, M.W. ATKINS & SON Cast Iron Sighting Level with Original Gold Highlights – c. 1840’s

Oscar Hanks of Troy, NY is credited with the original concept of this form of cast iron sighting levels. This one is marked, “O. Hanks Patent 1847”, however no such patent is known by Hanks, and it’s thought he originally developed the level in the 1830’s. The level is also marked as having been manufactured by M.W. Atkins & Son of Bristol, CT (previously misidentified as M. Watkins & Son). M.W. Atkins & Son are noted in the 1840’s as makers of water levels. Very similar levels were later produced by Ranney Bros. and Ward & Bedworth, the later obtaining a patent for this design on May 29, 1877. This 22 inch example with adjustable sights is one of the very finest I’ve seen. Incredibly rare retaining much of the original, fancy gold highlights. Previously from the legendary collection of Don Rosebrook.