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Unmarked Spy Glass Unmarked Spy Glass

MI130160 Unmarked Spy Glass This is a three drawer telescoping French spy glass with an ivory and silver body. I don't know if the silver is solid or plate, but it is not hallmarked. I showed it to an expert who told me that it is late 18th Century, French made, and that the mark on the top of the original case tells him that it was made for the English market. The opitcs are great and work amazingly well. The catch is torn out of the top of the case but it is otherwise quite good, especially considering that it is a a leather case over 200 years old. There are two shrinkage checks in the ivory, which is pretty typical for these and does not affects its use. 1 5/8" closed, 3 1/8" open. 2 1/8" diameter. Really crisp and clean and except for the shrinkage cracks it is otherwise Fine Sold


J. Rodgers & Sons, Sheffield

MI110320 J. Rodgers & Sons, Sheffield A scalpel style eraser. It has the ER mark that would indicate its being made in the early 20th Century during the the time of King Edward's reign. Well worn but in cared for condition. Good $45





Lady

MI100150 Lady's Folding Boot Hook A folding boot hook that I believe is early 19th Century, but these are hard to date. It could be a bit older or a bit later, but it is certainly well into the 19th Century. It measures just under 4 1/4" open. Nice as found condition. G++ $85




Guerre

MI130398 Guerre A superb 19th Century grafting knife with tortoise shell scales and an ivory blade for inserting the graft. The blade is marked *Guerre, but no place. Guerre means war in French, but I assume that this is a maker's name. I don't know if the knife is French or English, but it is of the highest quality and in connoisseur condition. 2" blade, 3" when closed. Fine $149



Old Iron Bar Old Iron Bar

MI240135 19th Century Wrought Iron Bar This is a piece of original 19th Century iron bar stock that purportedly came out of an Pennsylvania rifle maker's shop that was closed up for over a century. It belongs to an friend of mine who does high-end reproduction work and he is clearing out his shop how. He bought it years ago and he thinks that the story is credible based on who he bought it from. It weights nearly 15 pounds, is 32" long, and 1 1/2" diameter. Just to be clear, this is wrought iron, not cast iron, and is what you want as a blacksmith to do accurate reproductions. G+ $195


W. Marples & Sons W. Marples & Sons

MI24022 W. Marples & Sons A superb cabinetmaker's rosewood handled turnscrew in a small size. It measures 6 3/4" overall. This is from my personal collection. There is some very light tool box rash but it is as found and about as good as they get. G++ Sold




J. Erlandsen, New York J. Erlandsen, New York J. Erlandsen, New York J. Erlandsen, New York

MI24026 J. Erlandsen, New York A superb pianomaker's bow drill with an original 7/32" spoon bit in its pod. These bit pods are far more rare than the drill and findine one is a real find. Also, must of these drills are not signed with the full J. Erlandsen name. There is of course the typical shrinkage crack in the spool. If you don't see this crack, it should raise red flags! This is the best example of these drills that I have ever had and is from my own collection. Fine $595


Raley Raley Raley Raley

MI24028 Parley A particularly fine pair of sugar nippers. Signed sugar nippers, other than those by Timmins, are really scarce. This one has what I think of as perfect patina for an iron tool and it is more finely made than your typical sugar nippers. There are a few tiny chips on the edge., but otherwise they are amazing. If anyone has any information on this maker, please do let me know. G++ $145



Early Burnisher

MI240213 Early Burnisher A nice early British cabinetmaker's burnishing tool with a dark rosewood handle. Measures 8" overall. It is hard to date these, but I would not be surprised to learn that it was 18th Century. Fine- $75





Nut Cracker Nut Cracker

MI240215 Nut Cracker A hand forged late 18th or early 19th Century English nut-cracker of the form shown in the early pattern books such as Smith's Key. Wonderful as found condition. For the connoisseur. Fine $45





Yankee

MI240222 Yankee A new old stock Yankee bit set number 9. These are the same 8 bits that also came in a Millers Falls drill head as well as with the yankee push drill. They have a round shank. Fine $29





Ryobi Ryobi

MI24012 Ryobi A new in the box Ryobi Model DS1000 detail sander. This sander is marked Made in USA in Anderson, South Carolina. The box shows some light wear but the sander is clearly unused in the box. New $25





Chemist Chemist Chemist Chemist

MI24016 Chemist's Bottle & Case A boxwood bottle case with its original hand-blown glass bottle and stopper. The case is marked with a transfer print for Hooper & Co., Operative Chemists, 7 Pall Mall East." I have had a number of these boxwood bottle cases, I just love them, but this is the only one that I have had with this kind of marking on it. It is also marked 10 oz on the base. It is 3" Dia. and 6 3/4" high. There are two minor checks in the wood that I don't find concerning. I have had it for at least 20 years. I bought it from Don Wing of Mechanick's Workbench. For the connoisseur. Fine- $199


Bit Set Bit Set

MI240112 Bit Set This is a Huot steel drill index box that runs from 1/16" to 1/2". There are 5 smaller bits missing and the 25/64th. The bits seem to all be quality US made and in lightly used condition. The box has a label for East Stroudsburg Hardware. It came out of an old estate and has some age on it. Probably from the 1980s. G++ $24



Forstner, Conn. Velley Mfg Co. Centerbrook, Conn. USA

MI240122 Forstner, Conn. Velley Mfg Co. Centerbrook, Conn. USA An 11/16" Forstner bit in nice clean condition. Fine $24






Small Anvil Small Anvil

MI240127 Small Anvil A small anvil that weighs just under 1 1/2 pounds. It retains about 95% of its original nickel plating. It is 2 1/2" high and 5 1/4" end to end. G+ $65





Nestler

MI19075 Nestler This is a set of drafting stencils. The box is marked Western Germany. They are very high quality and came from an estate of 1950s model plane supplies, which is when I date them to. The characters are 1 1/16" high (27mm). There are three planes, numbers, and upper and lower case letters. It seems to be for a German alphabet, but I can't explain why a few letters are missing, like capital F for instance. However, a customer has now explained this. "The reason you don't need a capital F is because it is the same as an E without the lower horizontal. L is the E without the top 2. C and O. P and R, etc. Since it's drafting, you assume that any needed horizontal or vertical lines can be created by the mechanical arm or parallel bar plus triangle. Thus the lack of the B, H, I. Weird little system of efficiency to make the smallest template, but that explains the anomaly." They appear to be unused. Fine $29


Original Catalog:  Bradson Drilling Machines Original Catalog:  Bradson Drilling Machines

MI231137 Original Catalog: Bradson Drilling Machines This is really just a pamphlet with 6 pages. I have never heard of this company and the machines look interesting. Fine $15





Small Jeweler Small Jeweler

MI231147 Small Jeweler's Screw Plate This is a very small screw plate measuring 3 7/8" overall and with 11 small holes, one of which is blocked. It has been nicely cleaned by Don Wing and is from his collection. G++ $39





M. Klein & Sons, Chigago, USA M. Klein & Sons, Chigago, USA

MI231148 M. Klein & Sons, Chigago, USA I bought these wire cutters only because I don't understand them. They are ordinary wire cuttters, except that they have spring steel strips above the jaws. I have never seen anything like that. Have you? Let me know. They also have a philips head screw in the joint, which makes me wonder if they were modified. G++ $18



Book:  The Ultimate Brace by Reg Eaton Book:  The Ultimate Brace by Reg Eaton

MI23112 Book: The Ultimate Brace by Reg Eaton This truly is a must own book for the tool collector, which might seem odd to people not interested in the Ultimatum brace. However, the book does the best job that I have found of explaining the British system of tool manufacture and how work was farmed out in Sheffield and other manufacturing centers. I found it to be very educational and I am not that excited about the braces. Fine $55



Gordon Automatic TOol Co, N.Y.C. Gordon Automatic TOol Co, N.Y.C. Gordon Automatic TOol Co, N.Y.C.

MI23115 Gordon Automatic TOol Co, N.Y.C. This is a most unusual 6" aluminum C-Clamp with a quick release mechanism. It is marked on the reverse side, "Gordon Automatic, Pat. Applied For". I have never seen a quick release on a C-Clamp before so I just had to buy it. It is hard to convey in the picture, but it is very robustly made. It does not have a cross bar at the top.I don't know if it is missing or with the quick release if they intended that you would snug it up with a screwdriver. A must unusual and high quality tool. I looked online and this was assigned a patent in 1945. "US-2463263-A - Quick-acting Screw Actuated Clamping Device, assigned to William Gordon". G++ $65


Hand-Cut Rifflers Hand-Cut Rifflers

MI23117 Hand-Cut Rifflers A set of 7 hand-cut and forged Italian carver's rifflers. They are not maker marked but these are high quality rifflers, every bit as good as the Aurio ones that we used to sell before Auriou went bust. They are 7 1/2" overall. At less than $25 each, these are really cheap! Fine $165




Moseley & Son Moseley & Son Moseley & Son Moseley & Son

MI23098 Moseley & Son A very small piano maker's brace with a beech body and a boxwood head. The chuck is designed to take round pods similar to those used in a bow drill, but not the same. It has been waxed, but not cleaned. The brass nozzle has great color and retains some original lacquer. The maker's mark is stamped on the side and is vey feint. I can only read it with a magnifying glass and you could easily miss it. Stamping onto side grain is never a great ideal. This is an important piece for the brace collector and is from my own collection. G++ $395


Catalog:  I. Sorby Punch Brand Tools Catalog:  I. Sorby Punch Brand Tools

CH230927 Catalog: I. Sorby Punch Brand Tools A 28 page catalog of I. Sorby. It is in good original condition. I don't see a date in it but I would say that it is from the 1930s. G+ $39





Catalog:  Marples Shamrock Brand Tools for Woodwork 1932 Catalog:  Marples Shamrock Brand Tools for Woodwork 1932 Catalog:  Marples Shamrock Brand Tools for Woodwork 1932

MI230922 Catalog: Marples Shamrock Brand Tools for Woodwork 1932 An original 67 page Marples catalog from 1932 that is in nice as found condition. Also included are two later flyers for Marples metal planes. Catalogs like this are essential for accurately dating tools. G+ $48




Thewlis & Griffith Thewlis & Griffith

MI230925 Thewlis & Griffith A lovely hand made small jewelers screw plate. Thewliss & Griffith begain their partnership in 1835 and it lasted through the 19th Century. I would put this tool more towards the 1835 than 1900 It is clearly all hand ground and very well made. It measures 5 1/2" overall. This one came from the Don Wing collection and has been nicely cleaned by Don. Don Wing was the ultimate connoisseur and tool scholar. G++ $45



Thewlis & Co Thewlis & Co

MI230926 Thewlis & Co An early 19th Century screw plate that measures 6 7/8" overall. This screw plate is unusual in that it has more holes in it than is typical and goes down to very small diameter threads. There is one broken off screw in one of the largest holes at the handle end. It should be easy to drill out. This tool has a medium patina with some spots of surface oxidation. G+ $39



R&P MFG CO.

MI23083 R&P MFG CO. An old box of Reed & Prince US made screws, 7/8" Number 7, round head, blued. The boxe states that it contains 144 screws. I haven't counted them, but the box seems full. I am not guaranteeing that every screw is still present. The box is a bit rough and torn, so I am rating the screws alone, without considering the condition of the boxe. Some of the screws have some very light surface rust, which is why I put on the minus. Fine- $27


Book:  The Cutting Edge, an Exhibition of Sheffield Tools Book:  The Cutting Edge, an Exhibition of Sheffield Tools Book:  The Cutting Edge, an Exhibition of Sheffield Tools

MI23088 Book: The Cutting Edge, an Exhibition of Sheffield Tools A 108 page book from an exhibition held in the Ruskin Gallery in 1992. The book contains a lot of interesting material, including a background of tool making in Sheffield and a directory of makers with the history. An important reference for the serious scholar of British tools. Fine $40




Catalog Reprint:  A. J. Wilkinson & Co. Catalog Reprint:  A. J. Wilkinson & Co.

MI230810 Catalog Reprint: A. J. Wilkinson & Co. A 160 page paperbound catalog that was given out by Midwest Tool Collectors in 2001. It is stated inside that it was probably issued in 1867. Wilkinson was an important Boston tool merchant. The printing on the covers has faded, which I can not explain. An important reference work. Fine https://cwocauctions.proxibid.com/Carol-Watson-s-Orange-Coast-Auctions/Antique-Modern-Firearms-Auction/event-catalog/256496?#84




Norton 3X 6" 180 Grit Sanding Disks

MI23062 Norton 3X 6" 180 Grit Sanding Disks This is a new box that is left over from our new tool business. I priced it to sell. New $29






Meibach Colt MaxiCut Forstner Bits

MI23067 Meibach Colt MaxiCut Forstner Bits These are old inventory from our shop. They are made in Germany and pre-date Meibach's being taken over by a French company. These are the high end model, not the cheaper eco-cut that came out later. It should be a set of 5, but one is missing from the box. You will be getting 15mm, 25mm, 30mm, & 35mm. The 25mm still has the wax on it, the others do not. I think that we had these out at a show on display and one disappeared. They are not used. At less than $30 each, these are cheap. These are the best Forstner bits that I have ever used. New $119


Camillus, New York Camillus, New York

MI230429 Camillus, New York An electrican's knife with black plastic or bakelite scales. I don't think that this knife is stainless steel. It has clearly got some age on it but I am not expert enough on pocket knives to accurately date it. Nice as found condition. I am told by a former Navy man that " back in the 60s and 70s they were common as all get out in the Navy, we called them TL-29s and durn near every sailor in the Submarine Fleet Engineering Divisions carried one." G+ $29




Book:  Victorian Catalogue of Tools for Trades Philip Walker Book:  Victorian Catalogue of Tools for Trades Philip Walker

MI230412 Book: Victorian Catalogue of Tools for Trades Philip Walker A beautiful hardbound reprint of an old catalogue. Philip Walker was of course one of the pioneers of tool collecting. The pages are not numbered but it must be at least 100 pages. The dust jacket shows a bit or wear so I gave it a minus Gine- $35




Catalog Reprint:  P.S. & W. Mechanics

MI230416 Catalog Reprint: P.S. & W. Mechanics' Handy List A 105 page reprint from 2018 of the 1910 Peck, Stowe, & Wilcox catalog. Essentially new condition. Fine+ $12






Columbia, Cleveland, O USA Columbia, Cleveland, O USA

MI230422 Columbia, Cleveland, O USA Similar in function to a Stanley Number 700 edge vise, this is an aluminum vise model 1655 by Columbia. It is crisp, with little wear, but it is quite dirty and is just how it came out of a baseement that was cleared by ExpertEstateAuctions.com. It should clean to fine. G++ $45




Mahogany Telescope Mahogany Telescope Mahogany Telescope Mahogany Telescope Mahogany Telescope

MI230313 Mahogany Telescope An 18th Century magohany bodied single-draw hand-held telescope (spyglass), that would have been carried by an army or naval officer, or just a gentleman. The condition of this example is truly extraordinary. It retains most of the original bright lacquer on the fittings and the original finish on the mahogany body. It has never been cleaned or polished in any way. I have owned it for years and it is the best one that I have ever seen. It measures 23 1/2" when fully opened and 13 3/4" when closed. This instrument was probably bought by some rich British gentleman and sat in a great house for all its life. It clearly has seen little to no use. For the connoisseur. Fine Sold


Boxwood Pill Box Boxwood Pill Box Boxwood Pill Box

MI230318 Boxwood Pill Box A souvenir in the form of a hat. It is made out of Russian/Turkish boxwood with a French polish finish. It is in wonderful condition with a lovely boxwood patina. The inscription on the top is in Russian, in the Cyrillic alphabet of course, and reads "Memory of Yalta", which is in Crimea on the Black Sea. Fine $99



Fancy Brass Hinges Fancy Brass Hinges

MI220129 Fancy Brass Hinges These are high-quality hinges in the 18th Century style. I got a bunch of them from an old workshop in England and I really don't know how old they are. I am sure that they have some age on them, but I doubt that they are period. I think that they are very well made reproductions and I am guessing that they are more than 50 years old at least. I have had them about 20 years myself. I have more than 4 of them, but I am selling them in lots of 4 at a time and the ones pictured are the ones that you will get. If you want more than 4, just order them multiple times. At less than $15 each, these are a steal. I am guessing that you would pay nearly this much for one modern repro that wouldn't be as finely cast or finished. Fine $59


Tractor Supply LED Work Light

MI230327 Tractor Supply LED Work Light An LED work light that uses 3 AA batteries. It can clip on or it has a strong magnet on the back. It looks like new but the batteries leaked and corroded the contacts, so you will need to clean this up before using it. Free to the first person who orders it and spends at least $130 on old tools. G+ $0




Royal Patent Royal Patent

MI230223 Royal Patent This is an original British patent, dated 1877 and numbered 421. It is for "Improvements in electrc logs for measuring the speed of vessels." Interestingly. the original royal wax seal of Victoria is still attached. The wax is broken in half, but it is contained within a tin container. I don't know if it came with this or was custom made by a proud patent owner. It appears to be on vellum, but I clain no expertise in this area. It seems to be in nice clean conditon. G++ $199


Utica Utica Utica

MI230231 Utica A model 91-12 adjustable wrench that appears to be new in the original box. The corners of the box are torn out on one end. I am guessing that this wrench is from the 1960s, but is somebody knows better, let me know. Fine+ $59




LaChappelle Workbench LaChappelle Workbench LaChappelle Workbench LaChappelle Workbench LaChappelle Workbench LaChappelle Workbench

MI230252 LaChappelle Workbench My friend who is retiring and has all of the antique glass for sale is now ready to sell his workbench. It is a Swiss made bench of the highest quality, and he has taken great care of it over his career. It cost him $2500 when it was new in 1992, so this is not an unreasonable sum to ask now. The top is 8' long and 25 1/2" deep with the 8" tool tray. The top is 34 1/4" off the ground. It is located in near Lancaster PA and will have to be picked up by the buyer. I am only listing this as a favor, anyone buying the bench will deal directly with the owner. G++ $2500


William Marples William Marples William Marples William Marples

MI230136 William Marples A superb as found Marples Ultimatum brace with beech infill. At least 90 percent of these attractive braces have been ruined by thoughtless British dealers who turned them into shiny trinckets for tourists using their buffing wheels. This one has bee in my collection for many years and was originally found on the field at Swinderby, a long defunct antiques fair in Britain that covered an entire WW2 airbase in Lincolnshire. I had many a fun day there. My friend Brian actually found it and I had to buy it off of him at a painful markup. It is so nice that it had to be bought. The brass frame is still crisp with a lovely patina. The beech retains much of its original finish and also has a lovely color. It could be mistaken for boxwood in color, but the grain is very different. Approximately 25% of the ring in the head has fallen out. This is not at all unusual. Bob Baker used to make new rings as a matter of course. I wouldn't worry about it. This is a connoisseur grade tool. G++ $599


Book:  Sundials & Related Instruments, The Whipple Museum Book:  Sundials & Related Instruments, The Whipple Museum

MI23021 Book: Sundials & Related Instruments, The Whipple Museum A paperbound book of the collection at the Whipple Museum of the History of Science at Cambridge University. Oddly, there are no page numbers in this book, but it is a pretty good size book, probably around 100 pages. It is very clean except for the upper right hand corner of the cover being creased. This is not an easy book to find and is an important reference on the topic. G++ $29



Catalog Reprint:  Edward Preston & Sons 1901 Catalog Reprint:  Edward Preston & Sons 1901 Catalog Reprint:  Edward Preston & Sons 1901

MI230213 Catalog Reprint: Edward Preston & Sons 1901 This catalog was reprinted by Tom Witte back in the 1970s and is not an easy one to find. It is 101 pages. This one shows light use but was well cared for and is a great reference. G+ $38





Threading Tool Threading Tool

MI230215 Threading Tool A jewelers threading die. It has 4 different sizes. The top block has a crack in it but looks like it would still be usuable. The tool has been cleaned. I assume that it is 19th Century. It measures 5 1/2" overall. G+ $48




Pianomaker Pianomaker Pianomaker Pianomaker

MI230217 Pianomaker's Brace A small rosewood brace as used by pianomakers. It uses pods instead of having a brass chuck. There is one pod in the brace, with a gimlet bit of about 1/8". Looking closely I suspect that this pod is a good reproduction. The gimlet is of course old, but the wood on the pod is much darker than that of the brace. I think that this brace is New York made, but I have not seen eough of them to say that with certainty. One of the photos shows it with an Ultimatum brace,simply for a size reference. The rosewood has lovely grain and it retains most of its original finish. There is a decorative German silver reinforcement at the chuck that I am confident is original. I have owned this brace for years. A super piece for the connoisseur. Fine- $769


J. Fenn, Newgate St J. Fenn, Newgate St J. Fenn, Newgate St J. Fenn, Newgate St

MI19027 J. Fenn, Newgate St An particularly clean 3/4 size brace of the type that are commonly called "Lady's" braces, simply for their smaller size. It measures 12 3/4" overally vs. 14 1/2" for a typical Sheffield brace. The difference is much more stark when they are laid side by side than this dimensions imply. It retains most of its original finish on the wood and has a crisp and untouched brass chuck. There are some marks on the brass at the base of the head as if pliers were used to tighten it to the body. In the same spot there are a few chips to the lignum, probably from the same stupid event. This is minor. There are a few marks on the wood but it is mostly quite crisp. The last photo with Ultimatum brace was taken to give you an idea of the difference in size of this brace to a standard size brace. This is a superb tool. G++ $199


Isaac Libbey, Rochester, NH Isaac Libbey, Rochester, NH Isaac Libbey, Rochester, NH Isaac Libbey, Rochester, NH Isaac Libbey, Rochester, NH

MI23011 Isaac Libbey, Rochester, NH A particularly nice 19th Century document box from my personal collection. Isaac LIbbey was born in 1792 and died in 1873, per the New Hampshire Historical Society website. This box measures 11" wide, 7" deep, and 4 1/2" high. It has the original leather handle, which is clearly fragile, but intact. This is as nice a condition as you could ever hope to find, which is why I kept it for so many years. Truly a connoisseur grade example of a handmade document box. Fine $225


Jeweler

ME23014 Jeweler's Hand Vise A lovely jeweler's hand vise. It has a rich untouched patina. Measures 4 5/8" overall. A really nice example. Fine $75





J.  Hunt J.  Hunt J.  Hunt J.  Hunt J.  Hunt J.  Hunt J.  Hunt

MI23016 J. Hunt A rare early American copper tea kettle by Job Hunt. According to Don Horvath's definitive work on the topic, Job Hunt was born in 1784 and died in 1823. Job apprenticed in Baltimore in 1800 and in 1808 set up his own shop in Frederick, MD. In 1814 he moved to Hagerstown and worked there until his passing in 1823. I bought this kettle directly from Don Horvath's estate. It is in superb unpolished condition with a rich patina. The handled was rubbed with wax, presumably to make the mark more legible. The mark is well worn, but totally legible. SIgned American tea kettles are not common and most of those found are from Pennsylvania. This is the only one by Job Hunt that I have ever seen. G++ $1695


Lignum Mortar and Pestle Lignum Mortar and Pestle Lignum Mortar and Pestle Lignum Mortar and Pestle

MI230110 Lignum Mortar and Pestle A lignum vitae mortar and pestle of elegant form and in particularly nice condition. The pestle in particular has a particularly elegant form, perhaps the best pestle that I have seen. The pestle has a pronounced check in the bottom that is always more open in the winter. The mortar has only the very light surface checking and unevenness that you want to see on old lignum. If you don't, be suspicious! The mortar stands 6 1/2" high and has a 5 1/4" maximum diameter. The pestle is 9 3/4" overall. For the treen connoisseur. G++ $285


Robt. Street & Co. Robt. Street & Co. Robt. Street & Co.

MI230116 Robt. Street & Co. Robert Street was a bronze founder in England in the second half of the 18th Century. According to the Butler book, the first known example of his work that can be dated is a set of church bells that are dated 1749. This is a size "IV" bronze skillet. I has been lightly hand polished, but not buffed bright, and still has a pleasing patina. It shows honest wear, but no abuse. The legs on this one are less worn than most, but of course do still have some honest wear. A great example. G++ $289


Marples Tools Marples Tools Marples Tools

MI230125 Marples Tools This is a lot of two orginal Marples catalogs. I have never seen any others of these and I have to guess that they are scarce. One is for "Masons Bricklayers and Slaters" and the other is for "Painters, Paperhangers, and Glaziers". Fine- $39




Hoover-NSK Bearings

MI221244 Hoover-NSK Bearings These are the bearings that the blade rides on with a 14" Delta bandsaw. I bought these new in 1992. I bought 4 of them because the bearing kept filling with sawdust and jamming. I only used one of them and it lasted much longer than the original one. Then I later ended up getting a Carter blade guide and not needing them any longer. I am selling them one each, but if you want more than just put them in your shopping cart multiple times. These bearings are made in Japan. Mint $9


William Whitehouse & Co. Atlas Forge William Whitehouse & Co. Atlas Forge

MI221217 William Whitehouse & Co. Atlas Forge A miniature ball pein hammer in its original box. The head is 1 3/8" and the overall height is 6 3/8". It has original decals on the handle, and they are decals, not stickers or labels. I have had this hammer for ages and I just love it. Fine $185




Andruss, Newark NJ Andruss, Newark NJ Andruss, Newark NJ

MI220914 Andruss, Newark NJ A coachmaker's double sided router. Unusually, it is also marked at both ends. Andruss is a well known wooden planemaker, but this is the only coachmaker's router that I have seen by him. I have owned this tool for at least 25 years. It has lovely color. It is beech, but I think that the wedges are applewood. They might be boxwood. The entire tool has an old light coating of varnish. It really doesn't detract, but you could strip it off if it bothers you. There is a small hole in one end, as pictures, that was used to attach an eyelet for hanging it. For the connoisseur. G++ $295


Catalog Reprint:  D.R. Barton & Co 1873

MI220917 Catalog Reprint: D.R. Barton & Co 1873 This catalog was published by Ken Roberts. It includes a facsimile of the original 64 page 1873 catalog as well as a few extra pages at the end about the company and some related original advertising. Fine $29




Catalog Reprint:  The James Swan Co. 1911

MI220918 Catalog Reprint: The James Swan Co. 1911 A 125 page catalog reprint that was published by the Midwest Tool Collectors Association. The lower right hand corner is creased, as it if was dropped. It is otherwise as new. G++ $20





OTC

MI220632 OTC A number 4 Phillips 3/8" socket. It is used but not heavily worn. G++ $8






Mac

MI220637 Mac An S100 brake adjusting tool. I have been using one of these as a pry bar for my whole adult life, and I only learned today that it was actually made for brake work. You can still buy it new for $41.95. It makes a great pry bar!. It measures 9 1/2" overall. One end is skewed and the other square. It should clean to Fine $15





Book:  Timeless Masterpiece American Brass Dial Clocks

MI220612 Book: Timeless Masterpiece American Brass Dial Clocks A 376 page hardbound book that contains chapters from some of the leading experts in the field. Published in 2009, this is an important reference work on the topic, with hundreds of high quality photos and meaningful text. This book is as new. Mint $49




Ph Sinsz, Baltimore Ph Sinsz, Baltimore

MI220545 Ph Sinsz, Baltimore A diamond glass cutter. Most of these were made in Britain, but I do sometimes get Baltimore made examples like this one. It retains about 80% of the original nickel and has a crisp handle. I am not sure what kind of wood the handle is made from, but it is an tropical wood. G+ $45




Tuell Tuell

MI220251 Tuell's Patent Double Edge Spokeshave This is a clever patent wherein the sole of the spokehave pivots and by adjusting the screws on top, you can pivot the sole to expose one side or the other of the double sided blade, and set the blade depth. This one was used but cared for and is nice honest as found condition. It is 10 inches overall with a 3 inch blade. G+ $59



Petty & Sons Petty & Sons Petty & Sons

MI220216 Petty & Sons This is a pocket knife with quite a few blades for its timre. An early Swiss Army knife. It has a very unusual feature whereby the bottom has a cap that hinges up and slides along the side. I did not understand what this was for, and in playing around with it, I BROKE IT! I feel awful about this, but I broke the little bottom piece off. It would be impossible to fix it without removing the scale on that side. This same scale is missing the two little bits that come after the rivets. Even with this bit broken it is a great little knife, but I sure hope that somebody out there has the wherewithall to fix it. I have noted with arrows where the end piece broke, and also where I think that there was another accessory that broke off and only the shank is left. It measures 3 inches closed up. G+ $99


Victorian Prize Medal Victorian Prize Medal Victorian Prize Medal Victorian Prize Medal

MI211266 Victorian Prize Medal This is a prize medal that was awarded in 1866 at the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Exhibition of Industry & Art. It is engraved along the edge, "For General Merit Displayed in a Series of Water Color Drawings". It is also engraved for the recipient, "Mr. D. Law". The most likely candidate for this is David Law, who was a successful water color artist and a member of the Royal Watercolor Society. Mr. Law was living in Southampton at this time, so it fits that this would be the Mr. Law on the award. It has a lovely patina and is crisply struck. Just below the castle entrance it is marked, "G.R. Collis, FEC." George Richmond Collis was a sculpture, silversmith, and metal worker on Church Street in Birmingham. I have owned if for many years. I was immediately drawn to it when I bought it. The castle gates on one side have a three dimentional quality to them. One and 7/8" diameter, or 48mm. For the connoisseur. Fine+ $149


R. TImmins & Sons

MI141230 R. Timmins & Sons A pariticularly nice sugar nips with wonderful surface, and a lot of decorative work. This is a much fancier example than what we usually see, and it is maker signed. Great old and untouched condition. For the connoisseur. G++ $139




Race Knife Race Knife

MI141016 Race Knife An 18th Century race knife in the original paper case. This case alone is a very rare survivor. The knife is unmarked but certainly appears to be 18th Century. It is in superb as found condition, as is the case. For the connoisseur. G++ $169




Depth Stop for Dado Plane

MI210949 Depth Stop for Dado Plane If you want to make your own dado plane, this is a complete depth stop. It even has the original screws. G++ $20





Plow Plane Depth Aduster

MI210950 Plow Plane Depth Aduster This is the adjuster for a plow plane depth stop. G++ $18






B.Plane B.Plane

MI210920 B.Plane A 2 3/8" wide Birmingham Plane Company blade, with about 11/16" remaining. The mark was struck canted so it is faint on one side. Youi can read Patd Oct 2 and then it fades out. A good honest example to put your plane right if it doesn't have the original iron. G+ $25




Marlin Single Edge Razor Blade Marlin Single Edge Razor Blade

MI210928 Marlin Single Edge Razor Blade This is a new in the package Marlin razor blade. Marlin blades were made from high carbon steel and are not stainless. I have 4 identical packets. This sale is for one packet, but if you want more than one, just order the same thing, up to four times. Fine+ $8




Blackhawk Nugget Tool Box and Tools Blackhawk Nugget Tool Box and Tools Blackhawk Nugget Tool Box and Tools Blackhawk Nugget Tool Box and Tools Blackhawk Nugget Tool Box and Tools Blackhawk Nugget Tool Box and Tools

MI2106108 Blackhawk Nugget Tool Box and Tools The Blackhawk Nugget was a line of 7/16" drive sockets that came in a futuristic torpedo shaped tool box. The tool boxes are quite scarce and valuable, but with the orignal tools they could be called rare. This particular one belonged to my father. He bought it new around 1950 when he was racing hydrofoils on the Ohio river. He thought that the 7/16" drive was an advantage for use in his pit because it meant fewer sockets and was easily transportable to the races. The besides the unusual drive size, the tools are interesting for a few reasons. The ratchet has a ball bearing drive system and does not use a conventional toothed gear system. It is very smooth and will lock with a small movement. The sockets each have a push button release and lock in place. The later versons of this tool box had a conventional latch. This one has a lever on the side that looks better, but is easy to accidentally release. It was dropped in favor of a more reliable, if less elegant, latch. All of the tools in this box are original to my father buying them new, but I think that he bought extra tools from just the basic set. Also, one or two sockets are be missing (dropped into the Ohio river) and two of the screwdriver bits are cracked and welded. There are 11 deep sockets, 11 standard depth sockets, 5 square drive sockets, 4 screwdriver sockets, a universal adapter, a 1/2" universal socket, a 7/16" to 1/2" drive adaptor, and a ratcheting socket to use with the breaker bar. There is a ratchet, a breaker bar, three extensions, a cross bar for the extensions, a speeder, and a driver handle. Finally, there is a torque wrench that lights up when you hit the set torque. Unfortunately, the piece that you set for the correct torque is gone. It was made out of zinc and it broke a long time ago. The red paint on the box itself is well worn and there are no original decals left on it. There is the remains of a Ferrari sticker that my father put on the box back in 1967. Of course these tools are all US sizes and would not do you any good with a Ferrari.I used these tools myself in the late 70s and 80s, before American cars went all metric. I haven't used this set since then and I thought it was time to find somebody who would be passionate about it. G+ $1995


Carver Carver

MI210612 Carver's Burl Mallet A lovely as found mallet with a burl head and an ash handle. It weight about 27 ounces, so it might really be a joiner's mallet. It is a bit heavy for carving unless it is sculptural carving. There are nails driven into the end of the handle to look the head on. It has a lovely untouched look about it. G+ $59



Delicate Pulls Many years ago, master furniture restorer John Porritt commissioned a master turner to make him a selection of delicate drawer pulls for use in his restoration work. These are the kind of small pulls that you seen on the small drawer of a dressing table, or a British tool chest. John has asked me to sell what is left of them for him, as he is now living in the US and rarely works on this kind of furniture any longer. Over the next weeks, I will be listing them as lots of similar pulls, starting with a few lots this week. None of the lots could possibly be reproduced today for what we are selling them.


Small Pulls - Lot 2 Small Pulls - Lot 2

MI210168 Small Pulls - Lot 2 These pulls are 9/16" diamter and 1/2" protrudes from the drawer face. I believe that they are holly. We have 8 of them. New $75





Small Pulls - Lot 4 Small Pulls - Lot 4

MI210170 Small Pulls - Lot 4 These pulls are 9/16" diameter with 1/2" protruding from the drawer face. I am not sure what wood they are. John Porritt tells me that these are Elder. We have 8 of these. New Sold






Small Pulls - Lot 6

MI210195 Small Pulls - Lot 7 These pulls are 5/8" in diameter and protrude 1/2" from the face. I am not sure of the wood but I think that it is boxwood. Possibly satinwood. There are 9 pulls in this lot. New $75





Small Pulls - Lot 10

MI210315 Small Pulls - Lot 10 This is a lot of 4 pulls, 2 of each type. First two are 3/4" diameter and protrude about 5/8". They are made in two pieces with the shaft being separate from the head. They appear to be bone to me. The second pair are of the same form and material, but the diameter is 7/8" and they protrude 3/4". New $39



Small Pulls - Lot 11

MI210316 Small Pulls - Lot 11 This is a lot of 4 pulls, 2 of each type. First two are 3/4" diameter and protrude about 7/16" The second two are 3/4" and they protrude 9/16". All four of these appear to be vegetable ivory. (Tagua nut) New $39




Double Ended Float

MI210283 Double Ended Float An unusual form of float that cuts a round profile at each end, one end being 5/16", and the other end tapered, from 1/4" to 3/16". It is in nice as found condition but it is not sharp. G+ $39





First Aid Kit First Aid Kit First Aid Kit

MI201230 First Aid Kit These first aid kits are still sealed in the cellophane, but they are expired. They are good quality US made first aid kits. I don't see anything in them that would be a problem because of the date. I have a whole case of them and I will give one to any customer who orders one and spends at least $50 on old tools. New/Expired $0



Book:  American Federal Furniture & Dec Arts from the Watson

MI201251 Book: American Federal Furniture & Dec Arts from the Watson An as new copy of a hardbound book published by the Columbus Museum on American Federal Furniture & Decorative Arts from the Watson Collection and written by Philip D. Zimmerman. It is 143 pages long and printed in the USA. Fine $30




String Winder

MI201072 String Winder A Lancaster County string winder used for holding a chalk line. I bought a collection of these some time ago. This is the last of them, and one of the best. This is a nice early example with elegant chamfering, and all of the original wooden pins holding it together. It has a great old surface. For the connoisseur. G++ $129



Patented Skate Sharpener

MI201036 Patented Skate Sharpener This tool is only marked "Pat. June 7, 1898." It has a hardented wheel that you can rotate to expose new spots. Nice as found condition and certainly not easily replaced. G++ $39





TAC Ratchet Set TAC Ratchet Set

MI20103 TAC Ratchet Set This is a very unusual ratchet set. It is very high quality, It has 1/4" and 3/8" drive adaptors, but the sockets that come with it, do not utilize a square drive, and plug into a crowfoot like ratcheting head. There are 14 pieces all in an original metal box. Apparently TAC stood for Tubing Appliance Company and they were bought out by Proto. G++ $59



Buck, 242, Tottenham Ct Rd. Buck, 242, Tottenham Ct Rd.

MI201017 Buck, 242, Tottenham Ct Rd. A miniature router in superb untouched condition. The sole is 4 1/8" by 7/8" and the blade is 1/4" wide. A gem for the connoisseur. Fine $79





The Peck, Stowe, & Wilcox Co.

MI200821 The Peck, Stowe, & Wilcox Co. A scarce 8" throw brace in honest as found condition. The spring that holds the jaws apart seems to be weak or missing. It is still usable but the jaws don't open as the chucks inscrews and you have to pull them open. This is a common problem on old braces and really isn't a big deal, but I made this brace cheap to compensate for it. G+ $59



Original Forstner Bit

MI200769 Original Forstner Bit An original 3/8" Forstner bit, marked 6 for 6/16". It is also marked by the manfuacturer, but I don't read the first letter and I don't remember for sure what it is. "?.M. Co. USA" The shank is also marked 2-28. That is how I have always seen them marked, but I don't know the signficance as this does not correspond with the patent date. G++ $36



Oits A. Smith, Rockfall, Conn Oits A. Smith, Rockfall, Conn

MI200752 Oits A. Smith, Rockfall, Conn This is something that I have never seen before. It is an adustable countersink that slips over a bit and acts as a stop and countersink all in one. It is a really clever idea and I don't understand why it is not more common. This is a great example of Yankee engenuity from the Age of Invention. An important piece for a serious collector. G++ $69



Mathews Bros, Ltd, London

MI200715 Mathews Bros, Ltd, London A nice as found diamond glass cutter with a rosewood handle. This is not one of the makers that I am familiar with for these. G+ $29





Valve Spring Compressor

MI200640 Valve Spring Compressor A cast iron valve spring compressor. I am not sure why, but this tool was in with the tools of the shipwright that I bought. He worked from about 1900 to 1940 and it is probably from the second half of that period. They are painted black, which looks original, and I don't see any evidence that they were ever used. Fine- Sold



Slip Stone

MI200556 Slip Stone A natural stone slip, probably soft Arkansas, maybe Washita. It has a chip out of one corner that will not impact its usefulness. It is from the shipwright's tools that I bought and is from the arly 20th Century. G+ $25




Windsor Newton Windsor Newton Windsor Newton

MI200463 Windsor Newton This is a boxed set of 12 water colors. The colors are all matching and are marked "Draughtsmen's", Of these 12 colors, 6 are still in the original wrapping, and 3 more look unused. Of the three that are used, 2 look barely used and one looks lightly used. There are also three old brushes in the box. If I was just rating the paints, I would rating it higher, but the oak box really rates G+ $139



Flemish Cauldron Flemish Cauldron Flemish Cauldron

MI200366 Flemish Cauldron This is an early bronze cauldron. I bought it years ago at the BADA Antiques Fair in London. This is a strictly vetted show and it was sold as being 17th Century or earlier. I would agree with that. The rim diameter is 10 1/4" and the overall height is about 8 1/2". The feet have been worn down from years of use and it does not sit quite flat on the floor. It sits on the hearth in living room and that doesn't bother me. It is really meant to be hanging. The color is fantastic, a rich brown color that has clearly never been polished. This is a rare piece for the connoisseur. I have enjoyed owning it and I hope that somebody else will enjoy it. Fine- $595


Book:Worldly Goods -The Arts of Early Pennsylvania 1680-1758

MI200330 Book:Worldly Goods -The Arts of Early Pennsylvania 1680-1758 This is a museum catalog published by the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a special exhibition that they did. There are numerous photos of 18th Century Philadlephia furniture. It is a book that I really like. 266 pages. You can order it in our new book section. Or, you can have a free copy paperback copy if you spend $180 on old tools and order it here, or if you spend $250 you can have a free hardbound copy. New $0


Leather Pouch Leather Pouch

MI200145 Leather Pouch This is a handmade belt holster for a smart-phone. It is made from pebbled grain leather with a fancy clasp. It is made to look medieval and was made by a leather vendor at a medieval fair. Sadly, it does not fit my phone. It should hold a phone up to a bit over 3" wide and 5 3/4" high. I think that it is made for one of those fancy fruit phones. New $19



Book:  Blacksmiths, A directory of Lancaster County, PA

MI191261 Book: Blacksmiths, A directory of Lancaster County, PA A 68 page book cataloging the blacksmiths of Lancaster County. I have a bunch of these. A copy is free with any order over $100 if you ask for one. New $0





String Winder String Winder

MI191221 String Winder A nice as found example of a Lancaster county carpenter's string winder. There is an old shrinkage split in the grain running along the base of the winder itself. This is stable and I wouldn't try and glue it, but you could. The tiny wooden peg that holds the winder on has worn out and been replaced with a nail, clearly a long time ago. The wooden pegs on each side are still present. Really a nice example but price cheaply because of the split. G+ $89


Jeweler

MI191229 Jeweler's Hand Vise A lovely example, probably made in Lancashire. These usually have a groove in the jaws to hold a pin, but this one has smooth jaws. It stands 4 3/8" high. Lovely original surface with a medium patina. G++ $75




W. H. Pond, New Haven W. H. Pond, New Haven

MI191085 W. H. Pond, New Haven A nice as found stringing router that cuts a 3/32" groove. G+ $75






Sugar Nippers

MI191058 Sugar Nippers A good early pair of sugar nippers with some decorative work around the hinge joint. These are most certainly not your average run of the mill sugar nippers. They measure 10 3/4" overall. G++ $145





Cast Iron Tongs

MI190964 Cast Iron Tongs A pair of cast iron tongs, presumably for grabbing coals form a fireplace, but I am not sure as they are painted black and except near the jaws they paint is mostly intact. They are 16 inches overall. If somebody knows more about these, feel free to educate me and I will update the descriptions. I claim no expertise on these. They are in nice as found condition and I assume that they are cheap. G++ $29


Unmarked Unmarked

MI190935 Unmarked A most unusual 10" throw brace. I have had this brace for quite some time trying to identify it, but I give up. You reverse the ratchet, or lock it, but pulling out a pin and moving the chuck. The head is very similar to some 19th Century American iron braces. The head is a nice piece of rosewood. THe brass medallion has been polished but it is otherwise untouched and in honest used but cared for condition. If anyone knows this brace, please let me know. G+ $95


Sugar Nippers Sugar Nippers

MI190419 Sugar Nippers Plain sugar nippers are pretty common, but over the years I have not seen many with decortive work on them. This one has decorative work on the hinge that really sets it apart. The tool has a smooth surface with a pleasing patina, except for a few spots of minor surface corrosion. If you want just one really nice sugar nipper, this is it. G++ $145



Victorinox Victorinox

MI190310 Victorinox A new in the metal box Victorinox Swiss Army folding knife that is marked as an advertising promotional piece for Nikon. It is about 20 years old. It is in a tin box. The knife is 2 1/4" folded. New $19





Seal Breaker

MI190234 Seal Breaker These tools are referred to as button hole chisels by tool collectors but they were really for breaking up wax seals. This one is 4 7/8" overall and 5/8" wide. There is some decorative work on the blade, including some very delicate work around the edge. A nice honest as found example. G++ $89




Thos Ibbotson & Co. Sheffield Thos Ibbotson & Co. Sheffield

MI190173 Thos Ibbotson & Co. Sheffield A very scarce scraper holder. I am not sure of what kind of wood this is. It is an exotic hardwood. These scrapers normally have a boxwood wedge at the top to tighten them. This is the only one of its kind that I have seen, where it is one piece with no provision for a wedge. It retains much of its original finish but because of light tool box rash I didn't grade it fine. For the connoisseur. G++ $75


Buck Brothers Buck Brothers

MI180848 Buck Brothers A rare matching graduated set of tapered bench plane irons by the premier American edge tool maker. The sizes are 1 1/4", 1 3/8", a fat 1 3/8", and 1 5/8". These irons are all in lovely untouched condition and are all unused old stock. I bought these about 25 years ago from an old collector. They have clearly been together since new. I've never seen another set like this before or since. Fine $165



Kobalt

MI230325 Kobalt A new package of two 4" buffing wheels with 5/8" arbor holes. One is firm and the other is medium. Free to the first person who orders them as spends at least $150 on old tools. Mint $0





John Herring & Sons, Sheffield John Herring & Sons, Sheffield

MI180632 John Herring & Sons, Sheffield This is a sealed original package of 3 plane irons, 1 1/2" wide and cut for a cap iron. Finding a package of pre-war irons still in the wrapper is amazing. The string that wraps them is sealed with a yellow sticker that appears to be Thai writing. I am guessing that they were made for a special order that was never delivered and then just sat somewhere. Fine $99



Carpenter

MI17112 Carpenter's Pouch An carpenter's screw and nail pouch that would have been given out as a promotional item by Glendale Lumber Co. of Glendale, NY. Probably from the 1940s or 50s. Nice original condition. G+ $25





Claude Hamon

MI200571 Claude Hamon This is a new tack puller from our new tool department which we are liquidating. We still have quite a few of these, so you can have one for free if you order $150 worth of old tools and order one of these. New $0




Engraved Woodworker Engraved Woodworker

MI171037 Engraved Woodworker's Clock Face An 18th Century Brass Clock Face from a tall case clock that would have been comissioned by a successful woodworker, most likely a cabinetmaker, as it is engraved with a woodworker at the bench, a plane in his hands and a small claw hammer hanging to his left. Also picture are a back saw, a square, and a hatchet. The brass has been hand polished and has a lovely mellow hue. A unique piece that really belongs in a museum. G++ $695


Early Race Knife

MI170918 Early Race Knife A particularly nice as found example of the style of race knife used in the 18th Century. This one is not signed but certainly looks 18th Century. Most of them as well used, but this one seems to have been used very little. The metal surfaces have a pleasing patina with just very minor patches of corrosion. I have not seen one like this in as such nice condition before. G++ $95



H. M. Christensen, Brockton, Mass

MI17096 H. M. Christensen, Brockton, Mass The EAIA Directory of tool marks has this maker recorded incorrectly. Only one example of his work is reported, a cobbler's hammer, and he is listed as Christen & Son, Brockton Mass. The mark on this tool is crisp and perfectly legible, so I am sure that it should have read "H.M. Christensen, Brockton, Mass." This tool is still listed today in the C.S. Osborne catalog and is called a tack and staple remover. Thank you to Charlie for that information. This tool is in lovely as found condtion except that the brass ferule was hand polished at some point in the past, probably quite a long time ago. It came out of an old collection. G++ $45


Devineau, 1730 Devineau, 1730

MI170380 Devineau, 1730 A rare early 18th Century dated French armorers tool from the legendary Nessi collection. This tool is called a tumbler mill. It mills both sides of the forged tumbler of a flintlock mechanism, so that you end up with a piece filed properly parallel on its faces and with an accurately formed pivot pin on each side. It's a deceptively simple tool and an absolutely essential bit of gunsmith's kit. It has light pitting overall but has a nicely patinated surface. The quality of the work is superb and it is most attractively made. There is a repair to a crack in the handle that does not detract. For the connoisseur. G+ $895



Millers Falls Millers Falls Millers Falls

MI170212 Millers Falls A rare Millers Falls hand cranked knife sharpener. I have never seen one of these before. It is in an art deco style with two tone paint and a decal on the front that declates what it is. It has a removable base that can be screwed to a bench or to the wall. It is in nice as found condition. A rare survivor. G+ $159



William Friedrichs William Friedrichs

MI170112 William Friedrichs A superb early die box that can cut be adjusted for various size rod stock. There are 5 differeent dies, all of them marked 22 on the back, which I am presuming to me 22 threads per inch. On the front they are numbered 1 - 5, which I presume has no correlation to a particular size. This tool has superb early features and is in lovely original condition. Friederichs was a New York City tool merchant. G++ $89


Napa Gold Oil Filter

MI191018 Napa Gold Oil Filter This is a Napa Gold filter 1040. I know that it fits a 1984 Oldsmobile 3.8L V6, but what else it fits I don't know. I found it in my garage recently, despite the Oldsmobile being sold in 2001. It was a great car, but the wife thought it was old fashioned. Anway, if you can use it, it is free to the first person who orders it and spends at least $1 on any of our products, old or new. New $0



Ember Tongs

MI160584 Ember Tongs A Georgian scissor joint ember tongs that extend out to 24". These are all hand made bright cut steel. Similar style tools were mass produced later in the 19th Centuiry but these are best quality English work. Fine $159




Milwaukee

MI2106116 Milwaukee This is the 6" X 3/4" aluminum oxide grinding wheel that came with my Milwaukee grinder when I bought it new about 30 years ago. I only used this wheel a few times and then changed it out for a friable wheel. It is not actually marked as to where it was made by I assume that it is US made. It is free to the first person who orders it and spends at least $150 on old tools. Fine $0



Spring Compressor Spring Compressor

MI160513 Spring Compressor An early 19th Century English lock spring compressor for working on a gun lock. This tool is hand made to the highest standards of London gunmaking. There are patches of light corrosion but most of the tool has a pleasing patinated surface. This tool would most likely have come from a cased set. Nice untouched condition. G+ $119



Sharratt & Newth, Patent, London

MI160294 Sharratt & Newth, Patent, London A nice as found diamond glass cutter. It has a Brazilian rosewood handle with lovely grain. As found, the brass has a lovely patina. The steel end is light rusted overall, but could be improved with some attention. G+ $25




W & S Butcher W & S Butcher

MI151123 W & S Butcher This is a rare original invoice from W. & S. Butcher, dated Nov. 7th, 1872. It is 2 sheets, both sides used, of tools, totally just ove 600 pounds. That was a lot of money then, about $3000 then, which is a small fortune now. The invoice was to E. Mullins of Philadelphia, There is also a page, with an original seal, from the U.S. Consul in Sheffield. What his role was I am not sure but he seemes to have been acting as a kind of agent. This is a once in a lifetime chance to own such an important piece of tool ephemera. The Butcher works in Sheffield are now a protected site. G++ $199


Camco, USA Camco, USA

MI151042 Camco, USA A good quality advertising pocket knife. Marked on one side, Abeles-Lewit Co. Inc" and on the other side "Autobody Reconditioning Supplies, tools and equipment". Probably 1950s. This is a good quality US made pocket knife, not a disposable piece of junk. It is carbon steel, not stainless. Nice untouched condition, as it came from a drawer. G+ $29



Chicago-Latrobe

MI150638 Chicago-Latrobe This is a new old stock packet of #59 bits. There are 12 bits in the packet. I bought these in England and the person who I bought them from and I both think that they are WW2 surplus. It seems sad to me that people risked their lives in convoys across the North Atlantic to get supplies through, to have them sit unused. I guess that is the nature of government procurement, even in desparate times. Fine $15


Steel Box

MI211282 Steel Box This is a steel box labeled ADT that was for mounting an ADT alarm system. It was never used and the punch outs are still in place. I would be great for any project in which you need a steel box that you can mount on the wall. The dimensions are 6 3/8" by 10" and 3" deep. The top is held on by 4 screws. Free to the first person who orders it and spends at least $50 on old tools. New $0



Buck, Tottenham Ct. Rd Buck, Tottenham Ct. Rd Buck, Tottenham Ct. Rd Buck, Tottenham Ct. Rd

MI150558 Buck, Tottenham Ct. Rd An unusual pocket knife with polished metal sides and no scales, marked "Sheffield Made" and Buck on one blade and "Hand Forged" and Buck on the other. It measures 3 1/2" when closed. I am not sure if the sides are nickel or stainless steel. A very attractive and unusual knife. G+ $79




Modeling Knife Set

MI21093 Modeling Knife Set A new in the package Chinese made copy of an Exacto knife, with two handles and a selection of blades. I wouldn't be caught dead selling a Chinese made tool. but I suppose that it is OK to give it away. Free to the first person who orders it and spends at least $100 on old tools. New $0




Leather Pouch

MI230250 Leather Pouch A leather pouch for a pocket knife that goes on your belt. It will hold something like a Swiss Army knife up to about 3 1/2" long. Free to the first person who orders it and spends at least 50 on old tools. G+ $0




G. E. Blinn & Co. Sheffield G. E. Blinn & Co. Sheffield

MI150128 G. E. Blinn & Co. Sheffield A very small coachman's type pocket knife with horn scales. This knife was probaby carried for a lifetime. The horn is worn smooth like plastic, with the area around the brass pins standing a bit higher. The blades are very worn. I am not 100% sure on the maker's name, but I think that this is what it says. There is a small piece of horn missing at the end of the corkscrew. This tool was clearly loved, and well cared for, but really used. I personally really like it. Measures 3 1/2" closed. Good Sold


Mappin & Webb

140134 Mappin & Webb An ebony handled pen knife in its original Mappin & Webb embossed case. The case is made from pressed paper and is much more rare than the knife. Mappin & Webb are still in business today and are a very prestigious maker. G++ $99




Lux-Pro

MI230328 Lux-Pro An LED work light that uses three AAA batteries. It can be hung, use its own magnet, or its own built in stand. There were no batteries in it when I got it and I have not tested it but I would be suprised if it didn't work. Free to the first person who orders it and spends at leaste $130 on old tools. G++ $0



Primitive Swedish Burl Brace Primitive Swedish Burl Brace

MI130417 Primitive Swedish Burl Brace A classic Scandinavian burl birch brace. It has some modest carving, and the owner has carved his name on the chuck, although part of the name is missing with a hole that was drilled to put a screw through where it has been cracked. This could certainly be improved upon. It has shellaced as well. I can't date this accurately, but I think that it must be early to mid 19th Century. The throw is quite small, 5". It is about 11 1/2" high. There are no pods with it. Like many fine Scandinavian braces, it is formed to curve towards the direction of rotation, a feature that has alwasy appealed to me about these braces. A potentially important piece that deserves some love, and a gift at this price. Good $109


Wire Gauge Tool

MI130353 Wire Gauge Tool This looks like a pocket knife with brass scales, but it opens with two "blades", each of which are marked "Wire" and with numbered slots to measure the gauge of a wire. The scales are wonderfully engraved, jeweler quality, "J. Kenerstone, Sherborne." I would not be suprised to learn that this tool was 18th Century, but I don't feel qualified to really say, as I have never seen another like it. There is one divider broken out between the 14 and 15 gauge slots. It measures 2 5/8" long when folded up. I think that this is something really special. G+ $195


Speednut Wrench Corp

MI130321 Speednut Wrench Corp An 8" patented Speednut wrench. Not the version that I usually see. G+ $49






Lady

MI121242 Lady's Leg Awl A classic piece of workman's folk art, a marking awl with a ladies stocking leg for the clip. The style of the stocking looks to be Victorian or Edwardian. Very well executed by somebody with a real eye for the proportions of a woman's leg. Slightly overcleaned, but nothing that won't improve with age and handling. A real gem. G+ $89



Dutch Spykbor

MI121164 Dutch Spykbor A crisp as found Norther European, probably Dutch, wooden brace. The small spoon bit is bent. I have not tried to straighten it for fear of breaking it off. The brace has lovely untouched surface. G++ $59




 Sugar Nippers

MI120530 Sugar Nippers A really lovely untouched sugar nippers or a smaller size, measuring 7 3/4" overall. The hinge has eleganly exectured decorative file work. They have an overal even patina. The little piece on the side of the handle, the exact use of which has never been clear to me, is bent forward. So many of these that I see are bent this way, that I wonder if it was intentional, or if perhaps there was something in how they were used that bent this piece. Anyway, it doesn't affect the appeal of these nippers, which are connoisseur quality. G++ $89


Kellett Kellett

MI120414 Kellett's Patent Plane Iron This is the only example that I have seen of this 1884 Patent bench plane iron. There are two cap irons, one on top of the other. I have a print out of the patent but I was too lazy to read it to see what old Kellett had in mind. Whatever it was, I don't think that it made him a wealthy man. This is a rare survivor from the Age of Invention. Good $39





Antique Tool Antique Tool

MI1112231 Early Sharpening Stone A very fine natural stone mounted in an oak holder. This was probably intended for honing razors. Primitive looking tools like this are hard to date, but I would think that this is probably 18th Century. It has rich patina and lots of honest wear to the stone, but no damage. The stone measures approx. 7 inches. A rare survivor. G+ $139

Catalog:  The Complete Hafele

MI190428 Catalog: The Complete Hafele This is a hard-bound catalog of over 1150 pages of speciality hardware for cabinetmakers. I got it when I was remodeling my kitchen and bathrooms, but I have no use for it now. Free to the first person who orders it and spends at least $100 on old tools. G++ $0






Antique Tool

MI111137 John J. Harley, Liverpool A boxwood molding shave that cuts a 7/8" bead with a sharply pointed quirk. It has an adjustable fence. Lightly polished. G+ $99



Antique Tool Antique Tool

MI110460 G. Buck, Maker, 242 Tottenham Court Rd George Buck was a famous London tool merchant, not a maker, but these bow drills seem to be unique to him, and he probably did have these custom made for his shop. Some of them, like this one, are finely engraved about the brass ring near the top, with information in our title. This one is untouched, and would rate fine, but for shrinkage checks. There is a check in the spool and another in the removable cap. This is a common problem, the obvious result of putting wood onto a metal core. In the US, where the climate can be drier, this problem is greatly exacerbated over what it is in Great Britain. G++ $229



Antique Tool Antique Tool

MI10112 Sash Dowelling Box A superb mahogany sash dowelling box with a clever cam locking design. Untouched original surface that looks like it was just lifted from a tool chest. These boxes were used to join sash bars using dowels, a technique that was generally supersceded in the 19th Century. I would guess that this is a 19th Century tool, but I am only basing that on the appearnce of the screws, which I have not removed, and would not, as they look totally undisturbed. A fine example of a rare tool. Fine $299



Antique Tool Antique Tool

MI10087 Victorian Prize Medal, 1866 A 1 7/8" diameter medal awarded to Mr. D. Law for "General Merit Displayed in a Series of Water-Color Drawings." Hand engraved on he edge with this information, and engraved on the face with the name of the winner. From the "Hampshire & Isle of Wight Exhibition of Industry and Arts 1866." The front shows a castle entrance in a high relief that is very attractive. Lovely bronze color. Fine $79



Antique Tool

MI10024 Sam'l Hall's Son, New York, USA A 10 inch Hall's patent wrench. This wrench is in very nice, well cared for condition. The nickel is worn and only about 60% remains, but the tool was never abused, or cleaned, and is a very nice example of this rare and desirable patent wrench. G+ $69
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Antique Tool

MI90438 Coachmaker's Router This is a nicely made coachmaker's double sided router. This example was probably made by the craftsman rather than a commercial maker, which makes it less valuable but no less functional. This one has been properly cleaned with wax (there may be some on the wedges which will need to be removed to use it) and is nice enough for a good collection or it will make a nice user. The blades are 1/4" wide and are not heavily worn. G+ $129

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