Spirit Level

by Mike Donnelly
(New Zealand)

I found this level in amongst my deceased father's tools. It has brass top and bottom plates, and the wood is a rich red colour. The tool is about 10" long, and is surprisingly heavy.

The stamping on the left reads "I&D SMALLWOOD MAKERS BIRMINGHAM", that on the right reads "WARRANTED CORRECT". Above the sightglass is stamped a crown, between the letters "A" & "M".

On the wood is stamped "NZ↑D." In New Zealand this indicates government property, possibly War Dept. or Public Works Dept.

I would like to know when this tool was manufactured, the significance of the crown and letters, and anyother details people may be able to share with me.

Mike Donnelly