Tools for Sale

This is a hard to find, but quite valuable reference. It contains the full line of Zenith branded hand tools sold by the Marshall-Wells Hardware Company of Duluth, MN. Almost all of these tools were made by the leading manufacturers of the era- Stanley, Stearns, Disston, Millers Falls, Buck Brothers, and many others. Some are sold under the Zenith name, others under their original names. It's profusely illustrated and contains detailed descriptions of many tools. It is 138 pages and in new condition $25

80 pages, softcover, excellent condition. This is a somewhat important reference as United Hardware and Tool was a major reseller in the early 20th century. They sold many tools under the "Fulton" name brand. This brand is frequently associated with Sears but this catalog suggests at least some of these tools were sold by United instead. They sold a full line of tools of all sorts including many German wooden planes sold under the Columbia brand name. It's a somewhat hard catalog to find today, and very useful. $25

82 pages, excellent condition. This is a valuable reference for anyone interested in molding plane. Chapin was one of the largest makers of wooden planes of all sorts in the late 19th century. This catalog shows their full line of molding planes along with the profiles they cut which is quite useful. It also contains bench planes, plow planes, rules, layout tools, and other woodworking tools. A valuable reference book. $20

84 pages, softcover, excellent condition. One of the few Ohio Tool Co. references out there. At this point in their history the company was selling wooden and metallic planes, edge tools, boring tools, workbenches, vises, etc. An excellent referenc. $25

This 176 catalog no. 7 has Goodell-Pratt's full line of woodworking, machinists', and mechanics tools. An exceptionally useful reference catalog $25

This is a high quality reprint in excellent condition. $24

This is a recent MWTCA reprint in a larger format than previously published. It has a great history of handsaws and goes into much depth on the manufacture and use of Disston Saws. You can find this book online in several formats but this particular printing is much better than any I've found. $20

This is an original matched set in sizes 1 1/4in, 1in, 3/4in, 1/2in, 3/8in, 1/4in. The Stanley no. 60s were high-end chisels at the time, though they get little respect today. Stanley 750s sell for several multiples of what the no 60s sell for. However, back in the 1950s when the two were sold concurrently, the no. 60s cost more than 50% more than the no. 750s. The 60s featured "Stanloid" handles and the highest quality steel Stanley used. They are an absolute bargain by today's standards. These chisels are held in a well-made leather roll. $130

This is a top quality American edge tool made by Buck in Milbury, MA. Framing chisels are always stout tools, but this one is extraordinarily thick. It's a little over 15in long overall. The handle is a bitcrude but fully functional and capable of taking a beating. The back is nice and clean and flat where it counts and the bevel has a fresh grind. Just needs a quick hone. A fine worker for big jobs. $40

This is a very nice example measuring more than 15in long overall. It has a great handle on it and a very clean blade. The blade has a very faint maker's mark. I can only make out a few letters including MN &Co. which leads me nowhere. It has the bevel-back design that Swan and Douglas, among others, used on some of their chisels. It's a fine worker at a bargain price $35

This is a small, well-made guide in excellent condition. $10

This is the Millers Falls version of the Stanley 220. It's a very popular design based on the huge numbers of these we find surviving today. It's a simple, effective plane. I keep one in my outdoor woodworking kit to use where I might not want to risk my high-end block planes. This one is in very good condition with minor wear, perfectly usable. $15

This plane was made ca. 1830-33 by the partnership of Samuel Cumings and Jonas Gale in Providence, RI. The plane is fully boxed with half-hammerhead boxing for wear resistance. It's been used but has minimal wear. The blade is decent on the back as shown in the photos. It needs a complete bevel grind and hone. The body is quite clean and is very well-made. A good worker in a very desirable size. $25

This is a well-made example in usable condition. It has some light wear along the boxing but nothing too bad. The blade is excellent. It's a hard size to find, and quite useful fitting in nicely between the more common 1/4 and 3/8in sizes. A good solid user $28

This plane was made in Brooklyn, NY by David Shiverick in the 1860s. The wood body has little to no wear and remains in excellent condition. The blade has a chip and needs a full grind and hone to get it working. It's a very well-made plane and well worth the effort. $10

This plane was made by Chapin at the Union Factory outside of Hartford, CT. It's well-used but not abused. The boxing has some wear towards the front but it's still straight. The blade is long and has slight pitting. It's a solid worker that still has a lot of life left in it. $24

This is a collection of six later Buck gouges in various sizes including a small veining tool, three small spoon gouges, and two carving chisels. All are especially clean and absolutely usable. $60

This spokeshave design was patented May 16, 1882 by Frank Humphrey and produced by Humphrey in Warren, MA between 1882-1892. It's a cigar-shaped shave with a very small sole allowing it to work deep into inside curves. It's a gorgeous tool with colorful, figured cocobolo handles. It has near perfect original nickel plating as well as its original blade. A very rare tool to find. $125

This is a simple cast-iron router plane with a big, long blade. It has a crack in the "bullnose" side of the blade so that side won't be useful. The main blade holder is just fine and it'll still work very well with the blade in that position. $50

This is a high quality steel tape made by Lufkin in Saginaw MI. It has a clean case with all original nickel and nice knurling around the outside edge. The tape is decent clean. It retracts easily with the aid of the winder. A great vintage tape measure. $22

This steel tape was made to be used with a plumb bob to gauge oil tanks, according to the vintage catalogs. It's paired with a no. 515E brass plumb bob which is likely original to the tape. The plumb bob itself retailed for over $140 before Starrett stopped making them a while back. The tape is still fully usable with the plumb bob removed. $45

This plane is in near-mint condition and unused. There is a scratch on the right side of the plane- a minor blemish but it's not "mint". This one has the PM-VII blade option. It retails for $259 but has been out of stock for months. You can have this one in 2-3 days. $245

This saw was made by Mike Raub owner of Raub's Saw Works. This is a new sawmaker to me. It's a high quality saw, well-made with a brass back and walnut handle. The plate is 14in long, 3 1/2in deep, and 14ppi rip. The plate is .022 thick, which is very thin- much thinner than most any vintage saw. The thin plate may not be for you- it's not really my thing. I'd consider it more of an advanced level saw. It's in new condition, sharp and ready to work. Retail price is $220. $195

This chisel was made by G.I. Mix, a somewhat mysterious Connecticut edge tool maker we don't know too much about. It's 12.5in long overall. The handle is in good shape with only light damage to the leather washer. The wood is in great shape. The blade has some discoloration but the back is clean. The working area is flat and polished, the bevel freshly ground. A fine worker . $25

This chisel was made by Swan in Seymour, CT. It's clean and free of pitting. It has a near-perfect handle. It measures 10in long overall. A high quality worker in great shape $26

26in long overall and obviously hand-forged. $24

This is definitely not something you see every day. It's a standard 1in wide square rabbet plane but it's a full 24in long. Whelan describes these planes as ship carpenter planes. This one was made by Tollman in Hanover, MA in the mid-19th century. Like many of Tollman's rabbet planes, this one uses a double iron. The plane has some wear from use but remains in good condition and is still usable. the blades is long and clean, the cap iron fitting well. Definitely an interesting conversation piece. $55

This is one of the most important handsaw reference books ever printed. It combines the catalogs of Harvey Peace, Richardson, Woodrough & McParlin, and Wheeler, Madden, and Clemson, all of which were joined ca. 1890 in the National Saw Company. It's the only available reference for several of these makers in print. This example has some light wear and is in very good condition overall. An invaluable reference for the saw collector. $30

This is a very interesting catalog featuring North Brothers' full line of "Yankee" tools. the book is in excellent condition with no wear. There are 118 pages. Keep in mind that about half the catalog is devoted to the company's lines of Christmas tree stands, ice machines and ice cream makers. A very useful and uncommon catalog reprint. $20

This catalog is a fantastic resource for collectors or users of Millers Falls or Goodell-Pratt tools. These companies merged in the 1930s. This catalog has the full line of top quality tools offered in 1938. 140 pages. Very Good condition with light wear. $28

This level has all three intact vials. This one has the rotating vial covers to protect it in storage. It has almost all of its original black japanned finish. The bare metal is free of rust and has an even, honest patina. a fine worker, not a collectible. $28

This brace was patented by Quimby Backus and made by the Backus Mfg. Co. Holyoke, MA & Williamsport, PA. It's a very well-made brace with what looks like Lignum handles and a simple ratchetless chuck. It's in excellent working order. This model is clearly shown in the catalog linked to above. A fine worker in a general purpose size. $30

This spiral-shaft screwdriver was made by A.H. Reid in Philadelphia, PA. It's a very clean example with all nickel plating and beautiful Lignum handles. It comes with its original screwdriver bit. The bit has a small dimple to accept the spring-loaded locking pin. You could modify a square tang gimlet bit or small twist bit to fit in the chuck which would make for very fast boring of small holes. A very nice example in top condition $26

Made in Sheffield by Ward, the top edge tool maker of the time. This one measures 9.5in long overall. The back is flat and has some pinprick pitting scattered about, but nothing too bade. It won't take long to have it up and running. $20

This washer cutter can cut washers or circles in thin wood, rubber, or leather. It's completely unmarked and in usable condition. One side has the original thumbscrew, the other a slotted screw to lock the blades. It's an old replacement that works well. $20

This is a nice little quick-adjust wrench only 6in long overall. The design was patented June 8, 1880 by Stephen Bellows. It's marked by the Standard Tool Co. of Athol, MA. It's clean and works well. The spring-loaded quick adjust lever makes it quite functional and easy to use. A fairly uncommon wrench (assuming you are into wrenches) in very decent shape. $40

This is a decent, usable example in the hard to find 12in size. It does have tapered legs. $15

This plane was made by Leonard Bailey in Boston and sold by Stanley in New England. It has the solid adjusting wheel with Bailey's Aug 31, 1867 patent date as well as the solid lever cap with the square spring. This example also has the correct tote which is much curvier than the later totes. It has some light wear, but remains in very good condition. It's all correct and proper. A great piece of tool history from an early era.. probably not the one to put to work. $85

This Owasco Tool Co. plane has seen a lot of use but has some lift left in it still. The blade is clean, the boxing straight. Definitely not the best you'll see, but it's a 1/4in which is very desirable. $15

This is a well-used side bead made by Moseley & Son in London between 1819-1830 according to Goodman's book on British planemakers. Moseley made planes of the highest quality throughout the 19th century. While it's seen a lot of work it remains in good working order. $24

This is a beautiful 64 page reprint with some full-color plates. It's a top quality Roger K. Smith publication on high quality paper. It is in excellent condition with no wear. It has V&Bs line of planes, hammers, axes, and other tools. One of the few V&B references available. $20

208 Pages Very good condition. Another important reprint featuring tools by all the big makers of the time including Disston, Stanley, Millers Falls and surprisingly, the handsaws made by Harvey W. Peace- one of the few references to Peace saws we can find today. $28

276 pages. Very Good Condition. This is a fascinating look at the tools Marples offered to British wodworkers in the early 20th century. British tool preferences tended to stay the same for a long time as evidenced by the fact that in 1909 Marples was still selling wooden braces, pit saws, and other tools we more commonly associate with 19th century woodworkers. A great reference book. $28

This is a high quality outside caliper made in Athol, MA by the Athol Machine Co. It's in excellent condition and works perfectly. $24

This is a reprint of the 1924 48 page original. It contains the full line of tools Winchester sold under their name. One of the few good Winchester tool references out there. $10

This is a top quality Roger K. Smith publication in excellent condition. It contains Simonds' full line of saws of all types and other tools. $20

This is one of the first catalogs printed after the Millers Falls / Goodell-Pratt merger. It has 240 pages of tools of all sorts made by the partnership of the two companies. This example is in very good condition with some light creasing. A very useful reference to both companies' tools. $30

86 pages, excellent condition. This is a top quality catalog published by Roger K. Smith. It's a great reference book to Disston's line of tools in the post-Civil War era. $25

This is a beautiful 64 page reprint with some full-color plates. It's a top quality Roger K. Smith publication on high quality paper. It is in excellent condition with no wear. It has V&Bs line of planes, hammers, axes, and other tools. One of the few V&B references available. $20

This small 14 page catalog was originally published by Robert Jackson of Watertown, NY successor to Davis & Cook, makers of the famous Davis patent levels. $5

This plane was made by the Ohio Tool Co. and sold under the Owasco brand. It's in excellent condition and perfectly usable. It's a very common size and has limited use cutting larger moldings, thus the low price. $15

This is a good, usable example made by Union in Orange, MA. It has a tight hinge and a good sharp point. There is some discoloration but no rust- just a solid worker $10

This chisel was made by J.T & H.A. Pratt, a mark which appears in the EAIA DAT but has no details. I've found references to a couple of other edge tools by this firm with no further details. It's 9.5in long overall. It's clean and perfectly usable with zero pitting on the back. The handle looks a lot like Buck Brothers. It's made of apple with some nice curl to it. A fine worked by this somewhat unknown maker. $24

This is a nice clean example in perfect working order. It is a top quality machinists caliper made by B&S in Providence, RI. $15

This is a nice clean example in perfect working condition. It's a top quality tool made by L.S. Starrett in Athol, MA $15

This is a later Buck tool made in England. It's in near-mint condition with no flaws. $25

This plane has seen some use and has light wear but remains usable. It was made by Fairclough & Co of Liverpool between 1856-83. The blade is long and clean, free of any pitting on the back. It cuts a big 7/8in bead, good for larger house moldings. A very common size, thus the low price. $15

This is an excellent example in near-mint condition. It's very sharp and ready to work. Still sold today, this retails for $36 new $28

I appreciate these vintage Starrett catalogs because they go into detail about the use and selection of their tools. It's more than just advertising. This example is in good condition, though some inside pages are loose. $5

84 pages, excellent condition. Greenfield was one of the largest planemakers in the mid-19th century. Almost all of their planes were marked with model numbers. This is a valuable reference guide for both collectors and users. $20

196 pages. New Condition. This is a top quality Roger K. Smith publication. Simonds made all sorts of saws and related tools in Fitchburg, MA. Their handsaws are highly regarded still. A valuable reference book. $20

This is a good, clean level with both the level and plumb vials intact. It was made by G-P prior to around 1935. A fine worker. $20

Marshall-Wells was a Duluth, MN hardware dealer. This 1910 catalog reprint is 138 pages and in excellent condition. It contains the company's full line of mostly woodworking tools. M-W sold tools under the Zenith brand, among others. Most were made by major toolmakers of the era, including Stanley planes. It's the only reference I'm aware of for this company's tools. $20

Wilkinson was a major Boston, MA hardware dealer operating for decades and selling all sorts of tools and hardware. This catalog dates to around 1867 according to the research included at the end of the book. It contains a full line of woodworking tools including the earliest Leonard Bailey patent hand planes. It's a fascinating look at the tools sold right around the Civil War era. 162 pages, new condition. $24

Wilkinson was a major Boston, MA hardware dealer operating for decades and selling all sorts of tools and hardware. This catalog dates to around 1867 according to the research included at the end of the book. It contains a full line of woodworking tools including the earliest Leonard Bailey patent hand planes. It's a fascinating look at the tools sold right around the Civil War era. 162 pages, new condition. $24

This 112 page catalog reprint is in excellent condition. It contains a full line of tools of all sorts including the well-known Chaplin patent planes. A hard to find, but useful reference. $15

This is a 120 page Buck catalog published with Ken Roberts. It includes about 20 pages of additional commentary and content by Roberts on the company's history. This commentary is not included in all versions of this catalog reprint- this is the one you want for your library. Buck was the foremost maker of edge tools in 19th century America, making this an important reference. $26

80 pages, softcover, excellent condition. This is a somewhat important reference as United Hardware and Tool was a major reseller in the early 20th century. They sold many tools under the "Fulton" name brand. This brand is frequently associated with Sears but this catalog suggests at least some of these tools were sold by United instead. They sold a full line of tools of all sorts including many German wooden planes sold under the Columbia brand name. It's a somewhat hard catalog to find today, and very useufl. $26

This 80 page catalog reprint has a full line of piano, organ, and violin maker's tools. It includes many specialized tools and the well-known piano maker's infill mitre panes. $20

This is a reprint of the 1909 original and includes an English translation of each page. Contains many traditional European tools as well as imported tools from the US and UK. $15

This is the Sears "wish book" for tool lovers. It's a softcover reprint in excellent condition $10

This is one of the only Jennings reference books I'm aware of. It's an uncommon book to find and an excellent reference. Jennings made a huge assortment of tools of all sorts from braces, edge tools, auger bits, to fully equipped tool chests. This example is in very good condition, free of damage. $20

This is an original 160 page book the details the selection, use, and care of B&S machinists tools. It's in very good condition with some very light wear but no damage. $15

This 112 page catalog reprint is in excellent condition. It contains a full line of tools of all sorts including the well-known Chaplin patent planes. A hard to find, but useful reference. $15

120 pages. Excellent condition. This catalog has Lufkin's full line of tape measures, rules, folding rules, log measures, etc. An excellent reference book to this company's top quality tools $10

This 160 page catalog is in excellent condition. It likely dates to around 1940. It has the company's full line of machinists tools, rules, tapes, and other tools. Lufkin made a broad line of top quality tools in Saginaw, MI. This example contains its original insert featuring the tools that were introduced during the year. A great reference. $15

This 16 page booklet has its original introductory letter. It is one of the very few references to DR Barton tools. $10

This is a high quality plane made by Greenslade in Bristol, England. It's seen a lot of use but remains in fine working condition. The blade is clean, the boxing straight. A perfectly usable plane in a very common size $15