A. B. Chance is still in business and makes equipment for linemen and
utilities.  I would have to wager that this device was something used for
setting poles or pulling and tensioning  wire.  I can't tell if there's a
level in it or not.

Matt
Who uses an A.B. Chance voltage detector to test for voltages between 2,160
and 34,000 volts almost everyday at work.