Whether you are a seasoned collector or just thinking about why you should consider collecting tools the first thing I have to say is welcome you are now in good company and have connected to a website that not only takes it seriously but also enjoys what this subject brings. In this page I want to cover not only a bit of advise but some practical tips on how to improve your collection.
So why collect Antique tools in the first place? Well firstly this subject has a strong following by generally well healed people, i would include tradesmen by this term as many have good incomes. This ultimately helps with demand and the progression of prices as their rates increase, this means of course that the strongest prices generally come in times when building trades are in demand however good tradesmen rarely slow down in either strong or slow markets. There are also the professionals surrounding the industry and those who just like vintage tools and some who buy as an investment, so that’s part of the reason why the market is strong. There are also a good variety of dealers with different levels of knowledge and expertise and skills who strive to feed the demand.
All good stuff so far, but be warned there are many unscrupulous people out there also who are more than happy to try and trick a profit. For example, I saw a Stanley 101 plane worth between £7-1o sold on auction the other day for over £90 because the write-up describe it as a “Very Rare early Stanley 101 plane” obviously it took two new gullible buyers to bid for it but what they didn’t realise was the rare applies to the ‘Stanley 101 1/2’. The seasoned collector would have known this is but I guess there were no other Stanley 100 planes listed at the same time.
Dealers such as ourselves wouldn’t do this as collectors are also customers and they should be able to trust us and rely on our knowledge.
Prices for antique and vintage tools varies considerably in accordance with condition, we assess originality of parts, wear and tear and its rarity per condition. So its not quite as easy as comparing make and model, coins have a similar grading process.
Believe it or not buying from a dealer such as ourselves is more cost effective in the long run as you have more options once we get to know you. For example, we can take all the hard work out finding a particular item that will be priced correctly in accordance to condition, etc. these are always in line with current pricing trends.
Hunting for items can be fun with regular items turning up at car boots, antique fairs, antique shops and Auctions. Online auctions are another option but again its really difficult to ascertain the true value even for us as items are more often married up items with modern blades or transferred lever caps etc, Example can be seen with bedrock planes.
Seasoned collectors tend to upgrade their collections and we offer part exchange service to help, we may have a better version of at particular item and we would be happy to make a fair offer to make it happen. It doesn’t have to be the same item or items but we will always try and have a deal if possible, its always worth asking about.
There you have it, hopefully I have inspired you to become a new collector of tools and those who already collect it gives an insight to what dealers do to help your collection appreciate in value.
