Vintage tools may be worth some bucks

Q: I love older tools and have managed to acquire quite an impressive collection. I found most of my better ones at farm sales in both Kansas and Oklahoma before I moved to Arizona about 10 years ago. I recently saw an article in a magazine that suggested the value of vintage tools has exploded, and some of the earlier ones are selling for hundreds of dollars each. Is this true? — Marv, via e-mail

A: Tools moved from the workroom to American living rooms during the 1950s, when blacksmith-made items were discovered and utilized as accent pieces by interior decorators. During the 1960s, coopers’ tools became the rage, and they were followed by braces the following decade. As with most collectibles, prices for vintage tools are usually determined by three factors: rarity, desirability and condition.

One of the better reference books for collectors is the Antique Trader Tools Price Guide, edited by Kyle Husfloen (Krause Publications, $19.99). This intriguing guide documents tools from the 18th through the 20th century and contains more than 2,000 price listings, hundreds of illustrations and special advice for collectors. According to Husfloen, a collection should be focused.

For example, stick to one category, such as craft, trade, company or brand.

Yankee ingenuity exploded during the 19th century, and thousands of tool patents were issued. Since the 1980s, patented tools have become the latest trend in tool collecting, and prices have soared dramatically because of the increased interest.

Some typical prices listed in the Tools Price Guide include a jointer plane, beech, marked M.B. Tidley, Dundee, N.Y., $450; a wrought-iron hand drill with cast brass gears and wooden tee handle from the 18th century, $715; cast iron vice, 70-pound size, $303; tri-square with whalebone handle, dated 1937 but probably much older, $330; and stair saw with applewood handle and marked Geo. H. Bishop, $250.

In addition to the excellent reference book published by Krause, there are dozens of other sources for the collector. Anthony Seo is an appraiser who specializes in tools. His address is c/o Olde River Hard Goods, 13A W. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, PA 18240. Two dealers include Peter Habicht, 1985 South Undermountain Road, Sheffield, MA 01257; and Patrick Leach, c/o Superior Works, P.O. Box 43, Asby, MA 01431. Larry Poffenberger describes himself as a part-time dealer and a full-time collector. His address is 1604 East 55th Place, Tulsa, OK 74105.