DIYbanter - View Single Post - Stanley 260 torpedo level & other old tools

Scott Lurndal

writes:
Some months ago, I picked up an old Stanley wooden torpedo level at a
flea market for $3.00. Was just one of those things I couldn't say no
to. It was dinged and dirty. Looked like someone had spilled solvent
on part of one end.

Boy.... did it sure clean up nice! I polished up the wood and got
most all of the dents out. Some finish-sanding really made a big
difference, and a quick coat of rub-on satin polyurethane made it look
real spiffy. Wood looks like black walnut to me. (anyone know for
sure?)

The Stanley 260 level was produced by stanley from 1937 to 1974. It's
9 inches long, made from Dalbergia Nigra (Brazillian Rosewood) and finished
with lacquer.

In 1996, the average price was USD5 to USD20. (Walter, 2nd edition).

Refinishing will reduce the collector value somewhat, albeit not high
in the first place. A fine user level.

scott