Stanley introduced this, its most popular metal bench level. This one is 9 inches long. It was introduced in 1898 and this is the first type. It is characterized by having two 1896 patent dates cast in the frame, as well as a “B” casting mark, and lacks the later rotating vial covers. This one needs just a light cleaning, but it has nearly all of its original black finish, and good nickel plating on the vials. There is a partial vertical crack on one of the plumb vial covers that is old, and probably a manufacturing defect. This does not have the grooved bottom of the “G” levels. Fine