I just started this collection about a month ago so it's a start I would like some information on the tools that you could help with and If its a good start or if im wasting my time on some of the tools.



missing the flex handle ratchet



Chrome-Vanadium Bonney 1723 A



Vlchek wrenches



wards wrenches



I have no idea what these are could use some help?



Also have no idea?



Left: no markings Right: Bluebird 12inch

I think you're wasting your time.  You should save to buy jewelry for your significant other :)

(reaches to get air and control of his own hands on the keyboard)

HAHA :) on a more serious note are any of the tools in my collection worth anything? And would you have any idea what those tools are I could not find anything on what they are or who made them?

It sounds as if your tool knowledge base is essentially zero.  With that being said, you might try your local library and see what they have available on tools and tool collecting...it may not be much.

Look at the Astragal Press web site.  They sell many books on tools and tool collecting.  They have several books on tool identification.  The one by Alvin Sellens is quite good, as are the ones by Salaman.

Think about joining one of the tool clubs.  The Midwest Tool Collecters, Crafts of New Jersey, The Early American Industries Association, and the Missouri Valley Wrench Club, are just some of the many groups that do an excellent job.  All of the above have quarterly publications with excellent articles and information.

As for the value of your stuff, the quick answer is no they aren't worth much.  But without knowing who made them it's hard to tell.  Condition is extremely important, old rusty tools like yours tend to not be valued very highly.

Look at the Alloy Artifacts web site for help on wrench identification, Randy Roeders Old Tool Heaven site for Millers Falls.  Try Jim Bode's tool site for an idea of the value of some old tools.

Good Luck!

Mike

We all probably started our collections without much knowledge, collect what catches your eye and what interests you and research the tools to gain knowledge. For instance your 2 Wards wrenches are part of a set that was held together by a screw that either had a knurled nut or a wing nut that held the stack together in a tool box or tool kit. As you gain knowledge you will gain a sense of value, just follow eBay auctions of item that interest you. Tool collecting probably won't make you rich in dollars but it will make you rich with knowledge that you can gain if you are interested in the history of tool making. You will probably over pay for some items and get deals on others you just have to enter the waters with caution. I never started out thinking much about it but to date I have had an article published in the Fine Tool Journal and I have a booklet on Hilary Klein Miniature Wrenches. One never knows where the hunt will lead you just enjoy the ride. Heck maybe some day you will end up on a TV show for having hoarded tools for 40 years!

Good Luck and welcome aboard to the site.

"Heck maybe some day you will end up on a TV show for having hoarded tools for 40 years!"

That would be great, but I fear my collection will end up being a huge yard sale where the next generation of collectors will get great deals and my wife will be happy to see it all gone.

I agree with Les, you have a start and with luck and perseverance, you can add to the quantity and quality of your collection. Find the maker or type that pleases you most and pursue them.

...and don't value everything in money, knowlege is worth something also, and you will have a fair bit by the time you figure out what half of these tools are, and what they were used for ...

(Says the guy who buys things simply because he doesn't know what they are ...;P)

Quote(Says the guy who buys things simply because he doesn't know what they are ... )

I've been known to buy a What's-it many times!

i dont think your tools have much value,although not sure about the dividers or ?....nothing better than to buy something,being not sure...and bringing it home, remove the rust and finding a treasure!...good luck!

>not sure about the dividers or ?....

Agreed, if any, the dividers, the top one seems to be lockable, which is unusual, the bottom one is not very common....

I have many tools that I have bought just because I like the look of them.Many tools years ago had finishes on them that many consider art. They had fancy patterns on them that did nothing to aid the tool in doing it's job. I like tools that have moving parts like ratchets and crescent wrenches.I have a DIAMOND CALK HORSESHOE COMPANY horseshoe just because they also made adjustable wrenches.Collect what you like and find interesting.Don't wind up being a tool snob sticking your nose up at other people just because they don't collect what you do.I have been collecting tools for the last 47 years. I also used tools in my line of work.I have been buying up P&C tools for several years just because not many other people do. I have over 300 assorted P&C tools with less than $100.00 invested in them.If I had had been buying Snap-On tools, I would have about 10 wrenches.Buy what you enjoy and get you kid/kids interested in your hobby too.


EvilDr235

Thanks everyone I will start collecting more vlchek wrenches and auto tools that's what got me interested in collecting tools so i will keep you all post on how my collection evolves. 

Quote from: vlchekman on December 15, 2013, 12:18:18 AM
I just started this collection about a month ago so it's a start I would like some information on the tools that you could help with and If its a good start or if im wasting my time on some of the tools.

The lockable callipers are the best thing in this lot.  They look suspiciously like Starrett made them. 

But, to are you wasting your time...  Nope, not at all.   Vlcheck is a good brand.  Might as well keep that as a focus.  But the thing is, really, do you like what you have picked up?  If you do, then keep on doing it.  Your taste in tools will become more sophisticated, or at least more knowledgeable, and you will begin to focus.  Sort of focus -- I've focused mainly on what I find interesting.  Or useful.  I paid far too much for an old brace I bought many years ago.  But you know what?  I still like it!   It still pleases me.   That, to me, is the most important thing in collecting.

Vlchek is a good brand to start collecting.  The prices are cheaper on the stuff no one else is collecting. Good luck with Vlchek  I have never seen a complete set of anything buy them, But the individual wrenches are everywhere. If you were to start with Plomb or Snap on you would have to spend much more money.