Description

Hard-to-Find Stanley No. 5 Cast Iron Plumb Bob with Built-In Reel – 4″ Long

Offered here is a scarce Stanley No. 5 cast iron plumb bob, measuring 4 inches in length, featuring the distinctive built-in brass reel—a clever and compact design that made these tools both functional and efficient on the jobsite. As is typical, this example is unmarked, consistent with most known specimens of this model.

The cast iron body is robust and well-balanced, with a recessed cavity housing the integrated reel mechanism. The brass reel, often japanned or left bare, was designed to wind and store the plumb line internally, reducing tangles and protecting the cord during transport. This model was part of Stanley’s innovative approach to layout tools in the early 20th century and remains a favorite among collectors for its mechanical ingenuity and rarity.

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