For much of the 20th century, John Rabone & Sons produced some of the most trusted spirit levels used by engineers, builders, and craftsmen across Britain and the Commonwealth.

Detailed overview of mid-20th century aluminium and iron spirit levels by John Rabone & Sons, including catalogue data and technical specifications.

John Rabone Canoe Shaped Die Cast Aluminium Plumb and Level with Rainbow Tubes No. 1420

The Rabone No. 1420 and No. 1421 spirit levels represent a fine example of mid-20th century British engineering for tradesmen and site engineers. Die-cast from aluminium and finished in a striking red enamel, these canoe-shaped levels featured precision-ground surfaces and Rabone’s distinctive “Rainbow” tubes. The No. 1421 version added a 45° angled plumb vial for more advanced layout work.

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John Rabone Heavy Section Adjustable Aluminium Alloy Die Cast Spirit Level No. 1410

Rabone’s No. 1410 series was developed for professional bricklayers and constructional engineers who required high-precision tools for site work. These heavy-section spirit levels were die-cast from aluminium alloy and measured 2⅝ inches high by 1⅛ inches wide. Available in lengths from 24 to 48 inches, each model was equipped with two pairs of plumb vials and one pair of level vials. The design allowed for tube adjustment, making these levels particularly valuable for field calibration—an important feature in mid-century building trades.

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John Rabone Non-Adjustable Aluminium Alloy Die Cast Spirit Level No. 1416

The Rabone No. 1415 and No. 1416 models were non-adjustable spirit levels cast in aluminium alloy, intended for general construction and site use. With a height of 2⅝ inches and a width of 1 inch, these levels featured a straightforward design: two fixed plumb tubes and a single horizontal level tube. Produced in 24- and 30-inch lengths, they offered a reliable and economical option for tradesmen in need of a lightweight but accurate tool. The red die-cast frame, typical of Rabone’s mid-century range, ensured visibility and durability.

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John Rabone Adjustable Engineers’ Iron Spirit Level No. 1381

The Rabone No. 1381 engineers’ level was a precision instrument built for machinists and toolmakers. Featuring an adjustable vial housed in a nickel-plated revolving tube protector, it was mounted on a machined cast iron base with a grooved underside for accurate seating on shafts or cylindrical surfaces. Available in lengths of 4, 6, and 8 inches, the level was designed for alignment tasks requiring fine accuracy. Pattern No. 1388 followed the same construction but included a cross-level for multi-axis work—ideal for workshop settings in the mid-20th century.

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John Rabone Adjustable Engineers’ Iron Spirit Level No. 1382

The Rabone No. 1382 was an enhanced version of the earlier 1381 pattern, specifically adapted for precision vertical and multi-axis alignment. In addition to the adjustable main level vial, it was equipped with a cross-level and an adjustable plumb tube, making it suitable for both horizontal and vertical alignment tasks. The larger No. 1385 model extended this concept further by incorporating two independently adjustable plumb tubes. These cast iron levels, with their machined bases and nickel-plated components, were designed for technical use in tool rooms, machine shops, and structural assembly.

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John Rabone Non-Adjustable Engineers’ Iron Spirit Level No. 1387

The Rabone No. 1387 was a traditional iron-frame spirit level designed for workshop and site use. Cast with open latticework for strength and weight reduction, it featured a fixed horizontal level tube and two adjustable plumb tubes. Available in lengths from 9 to 24 inches, the 1387 series could also be supplied with ground and graduated level tubes on request, allowing for finer visual readings. Its solid construction and fine machining made it a dependable tool in engineering and carpentry throughout the mid-20th century.

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