Rare! A. & E.H. CLARK Mahogany Level – Circa 1840

Anson Clark lived in the Berkshire highlands of western Massachusetts and was a very talented inventor and daguerreotype photographer. At some point, he and his son Edwin dipped their toes in the waters of level making and made a handful of levels (see pages 118-119 of American Levels and their Makers by Don Rosebrook for more info and photo of a labeled example). This 18″ example is unmarked, but the form is unmistakable. The small round side plate for the plumb vial is unique to Anson and his son, and is elaborately decorated with fine knurling. This level has survived the last 180 years in excellent untouched condition. Both vials are full and working, and I believe are original. A special early level.