Someone either has taken very good care of it or hasn't used it very much at all. The magnet turns "on" and "off" easily and "sticks" solidly on any smooth steel surface.
It is great for getting into those tight places those larger magnetic bases just won't fit in. The fine adjustment knob helps make setting up this indicator a breeze. This base has a vertical reach of about 8" and a horizontal reach of about 5". The red protective cardboard box has done a very good job of protecting this base. It still looks great and is still very solid and it will continue to protect this base for many years to come. This American made magnetic base is ready to go to work and would make a great addition to any precision toolbox. Please look at all the photographs as they can describe the condition these tools much better than I can.