I'm with you guys as well. Just keep collecting what you like! Back a few posts (see reply #904 above), I said something about the value of tools and believing the very best examples tend to hold their value the most. That's no revelation to anyone. It only makes sense that a mint condition tool is worth more than one that's been neglected, abused, or simply well used over the years, and that mint condition tools will typically command a higher price as the years pass. There may be exceptions for extremely scarce tools that are in lesser condition, but then one might be paying more for a tool's rarity. Anyway, when I started collecting hand planes, I'll admit that I had some trouble distinguishing between a true "collector" quality plane and a nice "user." The thrill of holding an old plane just got the better of me. If you were to go back through the thread, you'd probably run across at least a couple of my collecting misadventures particularly as they relate to misjudging the condition of a plane and hence, its monetary value at the time of purchase. Well, somewhere along the line, after "voluntarily" overpaying for less than top notch examples, I wrote myself a set of condition guidelines that I've tried to live by. I was very careful about it and tried to be objective. When I buy a plane, or one comes my way for whatever reason, I try to fit its physical condition into a certain "framework." Over the years, I've referred to this framework, and it has in a few instances, brought me back to reality. I still get excited when I'm holding an old plane that might be unique, rare, etc. It's easy to get carried away......and possibly overpay. So once I get me feet back on the ground, I use some written guidelines to critically evaluate the plane's condition.
If you take a look at the photos below, you'll see an old, beat up 3" x 5" index card box. In that box, I keep relatively detailed records of every plane in my collection. Each plane has its own card. I'll discuss that in my next post. The first card in the box is my condition evaluation framework. (see 3rd photo below) I use that card to accurately grade every plane I own, and more importantly, those I'm thinking about adding to my collection. After reading my condition guidelines, which I created from experience and observation, you may agree or disagree with it partially or in whole. That's okay. The point is that I use it as a personal check and balance in an attempt to keep my overall collection at a certain level and to objectively judge a plane's true condition and ultimately its current market value. In my next post, I'll get a little more into the contents of index card box and its purpose.
Jim C.
