Description
Rabone Pat No.22017 Brass & Boxwood 12″ Rule Level
English Combination Rule Level | Brass & Boxwood | Working Primary Vial
This Rabone Pat No.22017 12″ rule level is a classic example of early 20th‑century English combination tools, designed to function both as a measuring rule and a spirit level. Made from boxwood with brass fittings, these compact dual‑purpose levels were popular with carpenters, cabinetmakers, and joiners who needed a small, versatile tool for bench work and layout tasks. Eventually became the Rabone No.1370 model.
The Rabone patent number 22017 refers to a specific construction style used on their rule‑levels, combining a brass‑fitted vial housing with engraved rule graduations along the top edge. This example retains its original brass plates and boxwood body, with clear measurement markings and a functioning primary vial.
However, the secondary vial is dry and appears to have been poorly replaced at some point in its life. The tool also shows general wear and age, making it not the cleanest or nicest example, but still a genuine and collectable Rabone rule‑level with working primary functionality.
Key Features:
- Brass hardware — traditional construction with warm patina.
- Working primary vial — main bubble vial remains functional.
- Dry secondary vial — secondary vial has lost fluid and was poorly replaced by a previous owner.
- Early–mid 20th century manufacture — consistent with Rabone’s boxwood/brass production era.
- Collectable English layout tool — desirable despite condition issues.
Condition
This rule level shows moderate wear consistent with age and use. The boxwood body has marks, scratches, and general handling wear. The brass plates show patina and surface wear and most remain securely fitted.
The primary vial is working correctly, with a clear bubble and responsive movement.
The secondary vial is dry, and the replacement work is visibly poor, with non‑original vial fitted.
The engraved rule graduations remain readable, though softened by age. Structurally, the tool is intact with only one minor crack in the boxwood body. Suspect the brass screws are not original (not slot headed screws).