J Rabone & Sons Birmingham England c1930s Large wooden spirit level with decorative brass panel. Measures: 45.5cm in length x 6cm height x 3.3cm thick Superb refurbed condition. Fully working. Very large compared to smaller mass produced levels. Brass detailing as shown in photographs in excellent condition. Very good collectors piece.

HISTORY

Michael Rabone carried on a business as rule maker at 8 Snow Hill, Sheffield in c1780; the business was continued by John Rabone and his (John's) grandson, Eric Rabone. It worked under the name of John Rabone & Sons c1784-1953, becoming a public company in 1948. The Headquarters were in Birmingham. James Chesterman had set up business with Mr Housfield in 1821 with a factory in Nursery Street, Sheffield. Known as James Chesterman and Co Ltd from c1832 the business specialised in making measuring tapes and instruments. In 1837 James Chesterman was listed as patentee of the spring tape measure and self rolling window blind. William Chesterman was elected Master Cutler in 1880, with his premises being badly damaged by fire in the same year. The businesses were amalgamated in 1963. In 1990 it was taken over by Stanley.