Max Krause Serial Number: 12386
Type: "Dumpy" construction level
Telescope Length: 10"
Diameter of telescope body: 1-1/4"
Spirit level length: 2-1/2"
No. of leveling screws: 3
Height: 6-1/4"
Box: Wooden - 13" x 9" x 8"
Weight without box: 10 lb  With box: 19.2 lb
Condition: Generally good with some wear. Telescope has crosshairs, but doesn't focus.
Box: Yes
Found: Bought from Standard Blueprint Co. in Omaha, Nebraska. April, 1967.
CEH Inventory# FL10

This German level has some unique features not seen on most levels. The spirit level is mounted on the side of the telescope with a mirror above it so the bubble can be viewed with one eye while looking thru the eyepiece with the other to check the level status without having to change positions. Also, there is a leveling screw below the eyepiece to adjust the level if needed. The base has three leveling screws to initially level the instrument when setting it up using a round bubble. The objective lens at the front of the telescope has an attached hood to protect the optics from sun glare.

The body of this level appears to be mostly brass with some stainless steel components and painted gray and black. There is some wear in the paint from use. The telescope doesn't focus but the black crosshair lines are sharp. The focusing knob turns smoothly and the internal metal housing is observed to move in and out, indicating that the internal rack-and-pinion gear is working. What possibly has happened is that the internal lens has become detached from the metal tube so it is not moving. Likely, the telescope barrel needs to be disassembled to fix the problem. The bubbles are intact and all the screw adjustment knobs move freely.

There are two names on this instrument:

• Engraved on the top of the mirror over the spirit level is: Gustav Nestler Berlin SW 61
• Engraved around the eyepiece is: Max Krause Leipzig and the number 12386

A Google AI search on the internet indicates that Max Krause was the actual manufacturer of the instrument.  He made optical levels, theodolites and tachymeters in his workshop in Leipzig, Germany that specialized in precision glass optics, crosshair reticles and the mechanical gearing that drives the focusing tube. The 12386 is his serial number and places the manufacturing date around the period of WWI or the immediate post-war era.

Gustav Nestler sold measuring and drafting equipment as well as some optical surveying equipment. It was reported he manufactured items such as measuring tapes, planimeters, drafting tools and navigational instruments, but did make optical instruments. While he sold such instruments in his store, he likely bought them from manufacturers like Krause and put his name on them - a practice known as "dual-branding" which was reported to be common among German precision tool makers in the early 1900's. "SW 61" is a postal code for Sudwest 61, a historic commercial and manufacuring district in Berlin.

This instrument was purchased in April, 1967 from the Standard Blueprint Co. in Omaha, Nebraska and has been keep in climate controlled storage since then.