Determining Antique Tool Values

Some people hold antique tools in high regard because of their association with the type of work they once performed. The antique tools value, resides solely with the individual or company that may be examining the tool.

Some of yesteryear's tools are often thought to be superior to those of today's tools. Antique tools fall into the classic area of collecting.

Determining antique tool values can be difficult at best. Some of the most important things you need to know are:

• Rarity:
  
  This is the type of tool that is not readily available. It was created by the original company and is not a reproduction. The more rare the tool, the higher the value.

• Condition:
  
  The tool's condition and rarity are both intertwined; the condition of the tool overall affects the antique tool's value.
  
  Is the tool rusted? Are its branding stamps still visible? If finished, has it been restored(painted or powder coated?) or is it sill in its original finish? The closer the tool to its original condition, the higher the antique tool's value.

• Demand:
  
  There are four basic rules of principal here. The actual price the seller is selling the item for, the realistic price the buyer wishes to pay, a price guide’s suggested price, and the actual selling price for the item.

• Previous Sales:
  
  What have tools like this sold for in the past? While there is no guarantee that a tool you are interested in buying or selling will be valued at the same price, you can at least understand the range of prices that similar tools have sold for.

• Functionality:
  
  The design of tools, for the most part, is driven by the functionality that the tool is built for. Human comfort often comes second, after functionality. Tools that are built for a unique purpose often have a unique design, and this can be a driver of value. An antique tool's value is usually higher when a tool is made by a craftsman for a specialized purpose.

• Provenance:
  
  Knowing the history, who originally created the tool and where it came from, adds a great monetary value to the tool; especially if the tool first belonged to an early craftsman.

• Timing:
  
  Collecting antique tools, like many other collecting hobbies, moves in cycles. Tools go in and out of favor, and a top seller last month may not command the same value next month. Last spring, rusted original tools may have been almost given away. Next spring they may command their weight in gold. Like many markets, this can be nearly impossible to time correctly.

Keep in mind that antique tools come in all shapes and sizes. The more interesting the shape, the more likely it is a rare piece. Those who have unique and individual pieces from the craftsman period have offered tips on successfully understanding and identifying the make and model of the tool.

The overall Antique tool values depends greatly on the person who made it. This is the biggest key factor. The company Stanley has been in high demand. They originally made the craftsman style tools that are the most sought after. There have been several companies who have tried to successfully copy their original design; this is where you need to pay close attention.

There are about sixty different tool categories more than what the original design of the tool was intended. This means a good book about the value of antique tools is a good investment, especially if you have a patented tool. This is one area of the Antique world where tools have nearly quadrupled in selling price.

The current trend or collections have included rusted, renaissance era type tools. They typically are the most difficult to find and the most highly purchased in the antique tool world.

If you are new to antique tool collecting, knowledge is your best friend. Obviously you will use the internet, but also look for a local expert or club. There is no substitute for being able to bring a knowledgeable friend to the transaction.

If you need help in determining your antique tool values, I would recommend taking a look at these books on Amazon.

Antique Trader Tools Price Guide

Antique Tool Collectors Guide to Value