Extraordinary! F. Kraengel 5 Vial Mantel Clock Inclinometer

Frederick Kraengel of Buffalo, N.Y. five vial mantle clock inclinometer. Pivoting gunmetal cover with central star motif provides protection of the center assembly of five level vials (all are full, working and original). Four outer vials are fixed in position while the center vial can be turned via a knurled brass nut on back of the level. Note the red lines behind each vial; these lines are not on the vials themselves, but rather marked on the white plaster behind each vial. This is a truly novel idea for “lined spirit vials” and I know of no other maker to employ anything like it. Decorative eagle with stars cast in the back of the level, and it’s thought Kraengel took a casting for the body directly from a Vandergrift patent. The face is marked with the patent date of Aug. 17, 1880, but no patent for this unique level is currently known. Kraengel was, however, granted two other patents on that day: one for a plane and the other for a nail puller. Perhaps he filed for this patent and was expecting it to be granted with the others. On November 29, 1881 Kraengel was granted a patent for a spirit level of very unique design. Kraengel’s levels, in any form, are very rare. A special and important tool.