J. & H.M. POOL Small Stock Mahogany Level – c. 1830

While earlier American makers of wooden levels are known, J. & H.M. Pool of Easton, Mass. are considered the grandfathers of level making in America. The brothers John and Horace began making levels in the mid to late 1820’s, and that partnership continued until 1841 when the brothers parted ways and Horace continued level making on his own. This very early 20″ example is marked on the end with the maker name and location, and an early federal eagle and shield mark. The vial is full and working and is a very early flat vial. The level itself shows some battle scars it incurred while helping to build this great nation over the last 190 years. Andrew Jackson, the 7th president, was in office when this level was made. A piece of American and tool history.