Vintage Bostrom No. 2 Farm Level Surveying Instrument Brass Scope Wood Case

Vintage Bostrom-Brady No. 2 Farm Level surveying instrument with its original fitted dovetailed wooden case. The brass telescope has clear optics, intact crosshairs, working focus, intact level vial, graduated horizontal circle, and functioning leveling screws. Carefully cleaned and preserved without polishing away the original patina.

Detailed description

A genuine vintage Bostrom-Brady No. 2 Farm Level manufactured in Atlanta, Georgia. These compact optical levels were intended for farm, construction, grading, drainage, foundation, and general leveling work.

The instrument combines a brass telescope and level vial with a revolving graduated horizontal circle and three-screw leveling base. Bostrom-Brady began manufacturing its inexpensive farm level designs in the early 20th century, and the No. 2 remained part of the company’s product line for decades. Period literature documents the No. 2 still being offered in 1961.

Etsy requires a single decade for vintage listings; I have selected the 1950s as an approximate mid-century date, not as a confirmed manufacturing year for this individual instrument.

Tool Details

• Bostrom-Brady Mfg. Co., Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Model No. 2 Farm Level
• Case plate stamped “Serial No. 47”
• Brass telescope
• Clear optics with intact crosshairs
• Sliding focus adjustment operates properly
• Intact dual-marked spirit level vial
• Graduated horizontal circle
• Three leveling screws
• Original fitted dovetailed wooden carrying case
• Original case identification plate, clasps, hinges, internal blocking, and instruction-retaining spring
• Instrument measures approximately 12” across the telescope
• No tripod, plumb bob, rod, target, or instruction booklet included

About the Number 47

The original case plate is stamped Model No. 2 and “Serial No. 47.” Research into surviving Bostrom instruments has found the same number on multiple instruments and even different Bostrom models, so it should not be interpreted as a conventional unique sequential serial number. Its original factory meaning is currently unknown.

Condition

The instrument is in good vintage condition with substantial original surface and patina.

The optics are clear and produce a crisp sight picture. Crosshairs are intact, focus operates, the spirit vial is intact, the graduated circle remains legible, and the three leveling screws turn.

Brass surfaces retain natural oxidation, discoloration, spotting, scratches, and finish variation from age and use. They have deliberately not been polished bright.

The fitted wooden case shows considerably more age and working wear, including scratches, staining, finish loss, darkened areas, checking, edge wear, old circular storage/contact marks, and other evidence of decades of use. The dovetailed construction, original hardware, internal supports, and identification plate remain present.

Please examine all photographs closely; they are part of the condition description.

This instrument has not been professionally calibrated or certified for modern surveying work.

Preservation

This piece was conserved rather than cosmetically refinished.

• Loose dirt removed with a nylon brush and compressed air
• Surfaces carefully cleaned with mineral spirits
• No abrasives used anywhere on the instrument
• Brass intentionally left unpolished to preserve its aged surface
• No rust removal was necessary
• Exterior instrument surfaces protected with a microcrystalline-wax-based preservative
• Wooden case treated with beeswax balm
• Original finish, markings, wear, and patina preserved
• Optical assembly was not disassembled

Ideal For

• Surveying and engineering collections
• Vintage measuring-tool collections
• Farm and agricultural history displays
• Architect or engineer office decor
• Industrial and workshop decor
• Collector interested in early surveying equipment

The optics and controls remain functional, but this is being sold as a vintage collectible instrument rather than calibrated professional surveying equipment.

Highlights

• Authentic Bostrom-Brady No. 2 Farm Level
• Made in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Original fitted dovetailed wood case
• Clear optics
• Intact crosshairs
• Working focus
• Intact spirit level vial
• Legible graduated horizontal circle
• Functional leveling screws
• Original brass patina preserved
• Conserved without abrasive polishing
• Excellent engineering, surveying, or farm-history display piece