Antique Tools
Antique tools are generally defined as tools
over 100 years old, but often this definition is used more
loosely to refer to any tool manufactured before
WWII.
The use of tools is one of the
primary means by which humans are distinguished from animals.
Tools are the parents of all other antiques. Most manmade
objects were made with the use of tools and great effort goes
into the creation of newer and better tools to solve the
production problems of the day. The study of antique tools
provides a glimpse of human development and cultural
preferences through history. People collect and use antique
tools for a variety of reasons - some say they are better made
than modern tools, and perform their jobs better. Others
appreciate the handcrafting that went into their manufacture or
their rarity or aesthetic value.
The creation of a tool often
makes possible the creation of more advanced tools. Advanced
tools made possible the manufacture of internal-combustion
engines, automobiles, and computers. In the future new devices
will come along. But even the most advanced of these owes
tribute to the most basic hand tools for their existence. Among
those who like to collect, some may do so as part of a rigorous
study program - they want to catalog all types of a specific
tool, for example. Some collectors may wish to preserve some of
the past for future generations. Some may collect as a
financial investment. Some collect tools to use them - to be
able to create things with them. Others perceive tools as works
of art, or as fascinating mechanical design
specimens.
Collecting tools
Some antique tools have
considerable appeal as objects d'art. Beautiful designs,
ingenious craftsmanship, and exotic materials are sometimes
used in tools - and these happen to be the sorts of tools that
hold higher value to collectors today. Collecting tools offers
the opportunity to gather together with other like-minded
people. Attending a tool show is an interesting
experience.
Tool Collecting
Categories
Categories of tools range from
the broad - planes, rules, braces, hammers, etc. to the
specific - planes made by the Gage Company of Vineland, New
Jersey for example. people who aree new to the hobby, you
should know that there are many good modern reference books
that will guide you in your search, as well as many reprints of
the catalogs in which these tools were originally offered. It
is necessary to learn the differences between various tools,
their history and the history of their makers. Often tools will
exhibit differences contrasting the different locations of
their makers, or different features contrasting different time
periods.
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