Replies

1. 
   John_D | Jun 12, 2006 05:06am | #1

   You're in a really good place to ask about their function, but probably less useful when it comes to value if you wish to sell, or perhaps are trying to equitably divide the estate among siblings.

   You can get a partial idea of their financial value by checking on eBay for similar items, though as with all collectibles, there can be vast differences in price for rather arcane variations.  It can be very difficult to correctly gauge condition if you're not an expert in an area.

   The web is a good place to search for history.  I'd just start plugging those brand names into Google, see what comes up.  I've read a few really good histories of Disston myself, and there are fans of many manufacturers who have accumulated and shared tremendous information.

   Before you do anything else, make sure you're keeping those tools in a good place so they won't deteriorate.  In particular, avoid rust by using wax or oil, and store them in a dry place indoors.

   My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
2. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Jun 12, 2006 06:39am | #2

   BW, look at e bay as a buyer for the mfg and #  that you have. If you  have no knowlege of the tools history, get hot and jump on the internet to search out the company history for every mfg. It's all out there. There can be some serious $ involved. Pat.

3. 
   philip | Jun 12, 2006 07:14am | #3

   Let us see some pictures!(please)

   Philip Marcou
4. 
   AdamCherubini | Jun 12, 2006 06:59pm | #4

   Bob,

   One thing I have done which I think is fun, is to treat tools from a relation like an archeological find.  There are things you can learn about your grandfather's work and his attitudes by examining his tools. 

   My advice before doing anything else is document, document, document.  You'll regret it otherwise.  Make a list of all the tools, makers, condition, and photograph them if you can.  Your children or their children may appreciate that.  Chances are there are no super valuable tools in a kit of that age (one never knows for sure).  But you may well find that in the long run, the chance to get to know a grandparent intimately is the real value.

   Adam

1. 
   mbholden | Jun 16, 2006 10:20pm | #5

   Adam,

   Amen to that, I have few tools from my Grandfather and my mother that are worth more to me than all my other tools combined. Intinsic value is close to zero, but they will be passed on with reverence and stories.

   Mike

1. 
   highfigh | Jun 17, 2006 06:46pm | #8

   I think you mean that the cash value is almost zero. The intrinsic value is the way you feel about having them, which is priceless.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

1. 
   mbholden | Jun 17, 2006 11:58pm | #9

   As long as you understood my meaning.

5. 
   Perfessr Zeke | Jun 16, 2006 11:40pm | #6

   Hi, Bobwhite-

   If any of your planes are Stanleys, here is a website that I use frequently, both to date tools and as casual reading:

   http://www.hyperkitten.com/tools/stanley_bench_plane/

   The "Blood and Gore" section is a pretty exhaustive listing. You might also visis the Mid-West Tool Collector's association (mwtca.org) These are folks that know their tools, and might even be able to give you an idea of value, but, as others have said, I wouldn't sell the #29 plane that belonged to my great-grandfather for all the tea in China. And it still works as well as ever, too.

6. 
   cowtown | Jun 17, 2006 09:47am | #7

   There is a relatively inexpensive book by Ron Barlow. The first edition was published by Windmill press I believe, Of the top of my head it was "Antique tool collectors guide to value"

   I did a search on Abebooks.com and they have several copies starting at 14ish bucks-suprisingly more than it cost new.

   There is a second edition, by another publisher, which is identical to the first edition, with the exception that the values of the stanley planes are bumped up.

   What is good about this book is that it is broad spectrum approach to listing tools. It ain't just American, but includes English and some other sources, Nor is it manufacturer specific, trade specific, or tool specific.
   To me it is best value for a starter book, and even if you can't get it at yer local book store, your library can get it through interlibrary loan if required, likely for free.

   The prices, though a tad dated now, are apparently based on auction prices realized, not what "somebody" says it's worth.

   Still, to me this is the point to start at.

   Eric