Timeless Tools and Treasures

Yesterday my husband and I were privileged to meet a master woodworker who is a state-juried member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. David Taylor had called me in response to my ad that I buy old tools. When we went to see what he had, not only did we find a vast array of planes, draw knives, chisels, saws, and dozens of miscellaneous items; we were surprised and delighted to explore his own workshop where he produces beautiful segmented turned bowls and other pieces on his lathe. We had a wonderful visit with David and his lovely wife and hope they will come to see our work shop.

There are so many tools, it will take weeks to get them all cleaned, photographed and cataloged, but what fun to examine them closely and decide which ones to showcase first. I will post photos as they become available.

A sure sign that things are improving is my increased sales both online and at the weekly antique show in Peterborough, NH. Last November, sales dropped to one fourth of what they were two months earlier and have been very light all winter and spring. Now, all of a sudden people are ready to give my tools new homes which makes it possible for me to go out and buy more! Buying tools is fun, but having lots of people come to my outdoor and online stores is an important part of the cycle.

Another fun part of being in the antique show is when people bring me their unusual finds so we can try to identfy them. This is where a good library of reference books and catalogs is so valuable. Last Sunday someone brought this beautifu piece – a Darling, Brown & Sharpe verniew caliper in its original Moroccan leather case. (Not to identfy, but to research the value and sell it for him.)

Last week one of the best resources I had for finding tool sellers just died. There was a group of local newspapers including one that was 90% advertising, This paper (Weekly Flea) was very popular and if  you didn’t pick it up within a day of its weekly distribution, there would be none left. We found it entertaining to read – everything you could want was listed (a low-tech Craig’s list) from home decor to office equipment to trucks. And, I got calls almost every week responding to my ad “Cash for Old Tools”. The paper reached into eastern Vermont, central and southwestern New Hampshire. I had many fun adventures going to see people all over the area who called from this ad. Now I will be limited to people I meet at the Sunday antique show in Peterborough and those who read the local paper. Occasionally someone sees my ad in Unravel the Gavel which reaches throughout New England, but only people who are interested in antiques are going to see it there.

No matter how much information is on the internet, there is still a place for the community newspaper with a staff that collects announcements from the citizens and goes out to all the local events to report on them. It’s a cost-effective way for small businesses to reach their geographical market; a way for nonprofit groups to build a base of support; a forum for residents to comment on their town government; and a vehicle for notices of every description.

Recently someone called me to sell a collection of Stanley planes. When I arrived, he had them all arrayed along with the largest chisel I have seen so far. It was 3.25″ wide and 34″ long. The biggest ones I had come across until now were around 24″ long.

It was made by the Underhill Brothers in Boston around 1853-71. The handle was in nearly perfect condition without the usual evidence of abuse by a hammer. This beauty went to a new home very quickly!

He offered a nice selection of Stanley planes: a No. 45 with all its cutters; a No. 49; a No. 78; a No. 113; and a No. 148. Plus a few saws, draw knives, and a Miller Falls angular bit stock.

Then, at the next place I went to see tools, I found three more angular bit stocks, each one different. I have yet to identify these others, but they make a nice collection.

Frequently people call me to sell their old tools, so I go to see them hoping there will be a few special items. Last week I was invited to a well-established farm with several outbuildings. It took two hours to go through all the barns, cellars and storage areas. What a treasure-trove of antique car parts and tools, machining tools and equipment, carpentry tools, tool chests and more! Many of these items had been in the family for several generations, so he wasn’t ready to part with some of the things I really wanted, but I did manage to fill up my car. One tool chest has several drawers in the front with inset pulls and it was filled with large spiral reamers. There is the usual collection of chisels, wrenches and other hand tools. My favorite item is this lovely cam and ratchet wood and cast steel vise.

The paper label is so worn, the maker name is no longer legible. I would love to know the maker of this item.

This week we acquired the largest post drill we have had so far. It’s 52″ long; has a 14′ wheel and 9″ table, plus another work surface under the table. There is no maker information cast into it; nor any numbers. I have not been able to find a photo of any other post drill like this.

It has tapered gears and an unusual ratchet gear perched on the top supported by three small arms instead of  the usual solid core. The large round table swings to the side to reveal another bracket for holding whatever you want to drill into. Any ideas about the origin of this machine are welcome.

Yesterday we set up our “tool emporium” at the weekly Peterborough Antique Show and one of my favorite customers brought me an interesting gift. Certainly not the sort of gift a man would usually offer a woman, but very appropriate from one tool collector to another.

It’s actually very similar to the umbrella-style yarn swift I use for large skeins, but this one is for winding wire for electric motors. The diameter of the arms is regulated by compressing the length of the spindle so that the wire can be removed after winding.

So, now I have a most interesting device for my collection that very few other tool enthusiasts can claim to own. It’s also more fun than the static tools like rules and levels. Thank you, Peter!

This week we were lucky enough to acquire a beautiful old tool chest filled with chisels, folding rules, and lots of other assorted tools. It is the nicest tool box we have come across – not beat up like so many. But also built with more thought. Each of the sliding trays is sized differently so it’s easy to know the sequence of putting them in the chest.

But best of all, the trays were made with hand-cut dovetail joints.

I will be taking this chest and some of its contents to the outdoor antique show in Peterborough NH this  Sunday along with a wide assortment of tools for carpentry, machining, blacksmithing, etc.

From time to time we have a sale at home, so this past weekend I spread out everything in Mike’s workshop. Hidden behind the boxes of bargain items on the left are three leg vises and many other blacksmith-made devices. We had a good crowd, but had to watch them, as people wanted to rummage in the tools we use, too! Mike did decide to part with one of his 4′ levels after someone specifically asked for one. Our 24″ wide rolling magnet found a new home as well as many old tools. It was fun to meet new people and “talk tools” – some people even called to come back on another day.

Tools have always been part of my life. My father not only knew how to fix all the motorized kinds of things that we now treat as disposable, but he could build a radio from a collection of small parts. He wasn’t a big fan of woodworking, but taught me how to use and care for many of the tools we used for home repairs and electronic projects. We used eggbeater drills and spiral ratchet screwdrivers as well as soldering irons, meters and calipers. Starting when I was very small I would sit on a chrome and vinyl stool (that I still have in like-new condition) and watch him work. He always explained what he was doing and why, as well as why we needed to oil or otherwise maintain a tool so it would last for years. When I got my first apartment, he made sure I had a well-equipped tool box. I have always enjoyed making things and lately my creative focus is on making wire moose sculptures and some jewelry.

My husband, Mike, is a master carpenter and I sometimes serve as his helper on projects such as replacing windows, installing roof shingles, fastening a plywood subfloor, and lending a hand with shop projects.

As a designer and artist, I appreciate the beauty and great design of some of the older tools. I like the embellishments, the brass fittings and the other details that have been replaced by injection-molded plastic cranked out by the thousands in a factory far away. Then, there is the thrill of discovery; when I go to an old barn and get to poke around in the corners and find some interesting treasures among the detritus. I find more tools every week and plan to share with you some of my discoveries and the journey to get them.