Rare & Fine W.T. NICHOLSON Iron Level without Top Rail – c. 1860

A very rare 14″ example without the top rial. Full and working original vials, both with green labels under them that read, “W.T. Nicholson Maker, Providence, R.I.” Retains much of the original japanning. A like example was illustrated in an ad in the 1860 New England Business Directory (See pg. 213 of American Levels and their Makers by Don Rosebrook). One of only three examples I’ve seen in over 25 years.