Research help pleased

Above is a spirit level and engraved (or stamped) is R Houghton on the side.
Metal parts brass and looks like ebony wood it is screwed into.My be something else but heavy for size

This was my fathers and possibly grandfathers I don't know. it is at least 75 years old because dad had it before as long as I can remember.
I get the impression it was made in the USA before1900, but I am gussing
Or was that the name of who owned it before?

Can anyone discover more about it please