C. Bede Electric Level

As electricity began to be supplied in the early 1900's, the great inventors of the country looked for ways to incorporate it into tools.  Because many leveling jobs occur in dark basements and attics, barns and carriage houses, what better application than to but battery-driven light bulbs into your level so you can see what you are doing?
 
Patented in 1914, the rare C. Bede level used a Bakelite push-button to activate the lights.  The battery of course is no longer functioning, but otherwise the level is complete and original.