Vtg L.S. Starrett No. 135 3-1/2" Pocket Level Machinist Tool USA Circa 1920s-30s
DF691
Authentic vintage L.S. Starrett No. 135 pocket level featuring classic American precision-tool construction in a compact 3-1/2-inch size. This desirable machinist and toolroom instrument is suited for Starrett collectors, woodworkers, cabinetmakers, industrial-tool displays and small leveling applications.
The hexagonal metal body has a protected central spirit vial and rounded ends for convenient pocket storage. It is clearly stamped:
THE L.S. STARRETT CO.
ATHOL, MASS. U.S.A.
NO. 135
Approx. Dimensions: 3-1/2" L x 1/2" Thick
Sold as is. No warranty from the Seller. No Returns.
SKU: DF691
CONDITION: Pre-owned vintage condition with substantial cosmetic wear from age and use. The nickel-plated metal body has scratches, scuffs, tarnish, discoloration, small nicks, oxidation/pitting and embedded grime, especially around the vial guard and end openings. The stamped Starrett identification remains legible. The glass vial appears intact, fluid-filled and readable, with a visible bubble; precision accuracy/calibration has not been independently tested. No box or accessories are included. See all detailed pictures and read the full detailed description provided by the seller to know what you are purchasing.
Key Features
Type: Pocket spirit level, machinist level or toolroom level
Manufacturer: The L.S. Starrett Company
Model: No. 135
Approximate length: 3-1/2 inches
Compact hexagonal metal body
Nickel-plated finish
Rounded or convex pocket-friendly ends
Single protected horizontal glass vial
Metal guard surrounding the vial
Original Athol, Massachusetts, USA factory marking
Suitable for collecting, display or small-work leveling
Vintage original rather than a modern reproduction
No original box, instructions or accessories included
Manufacturer Background
The L.S. Starrett Company was founded in Athol, Massachusetts, in 1880 and became one of the best-known American manufacturers of machinist, measuring and precision-layout tools. I found no documentation identifying a separate individual designer for the No. 135, so it should be credited to Starrett’s in-house product design and manufacturing operation.
Country of Manufacture
United States — Athol, Massachusetts
This is confirmed by the stamping directly on the level: “ATHOL, MASS. U.S.A.”
Release Date and Estimated Age
Starrett’s 1927 catalog lists the No. 135 as a nickel-plated pocket level made from hexagonal stock with convex ends, offered in both approximately 2-1/2-inch and 3-1/2-inch sizes. The model remained in the company’s 1930 and 1938 catalogs in the same two sizes. The exact manufacturing year cannot be established from the markings alone. Based on the simple No. 135 marking, 3-1/2-inch size and close match to the early catalog design, the best listing estimate is:
Likely circa late 1920s through 1930s, approximately 88–99 years old.
The hexagonal metal body has a protected central spirit vial and rounded ends for convenient pocket storage. It is clearly stamped:
THE L.S. STARRETT CO.
ATHOL, MASS. U.S.A.
NO. 135
Approx. Dimensions: 3-1/2" L x 1/2" Thick
Sold as is. No warranty from the Seller. No Returns.
SKU: DF691
CONDITION: Pre-owned vintage condition with substantial cosmetic wear from age and use. The nickel-plated metal body has scratches, scuffs, tarnish, discoloration, small nicks, oxidation/pitting and embedded grime, especially around the vial guard and end openings. The stamped Starrett identification remains legible. The glass vial appears intact, fluid-filled and readable, with a visible bubble; precision accuracy/calibration has not been independently tested. No box or accessories are included. See all detailed pictures and read the full detailed description provided by the seller to know what you are purchasing.
Key Features
Type: Pocket spirit level, machinist level or toolroom level
Manufacturer: The L.S. Starrett Company
Model: No. 135
Approximate length: 3-1/2 inches
Compact hexagonal metal body
Nickel-plated finish
Rounded or convex pocket-friendly ends
Single protected horizontal glass vial
Metal guard surrounding the vial
Original Athol, Massachusetts, USA factory marking
Suitable for collecting, display or small-work leveling
Vintage original rather than a modern reproduction
No original box, instructions or accessories included
Manufacturer Background
The L.S. Starrett Company was founded in Athol, Massachusetts, in 1880 and became one of the best-known American manufacturers of machinist, measuring and precision-layout tools. I found no documentation identifying a separate individual designer for the No. 135, so it should be credited to Starrett’s in-house product design and manufacturing operation.
Country of Manufacture
United States — Athol, Massachusetts
This is confirmed by the stamping directly on the level: “ATHOL, MASS. U.S.A.”
Release Date and Estimated Age
Starrett’s 1927 catalog lists the No. 135 as a nickel-plated pocket level made from hexagonal stock with convex ends, offered in both approximately 2-1/2-inch and 3-1/2-inch sizes. The model remained in the company’s 1930 and 1938 catalogs in the same two sizes. The exact manufacturing year cannot be established from the markings alone. Based on the simple No. 135 marking, 3-1/2-inch size and close match to the early catalog design, the best listing estimate is:
Likely circa late 1920s through 1930s, approximately 88–99 years old.