Definition and Importance of Antique Tools
– Antique tools are often used to describe any old tool of quality that is collectable.
– Tools are one of the primary means by which humans are distinguished from other animals.
– The study of antique tools provides insights into human development and cultural preferences.
– Advanced tools have enabled the creation of more advanced technologies.
– Collecting antique tools can be driven by a desire for preservation or appreciation of their beauty.
Categories of Collecting Tools
– Tools can be categorized based on the specific company or maker.
– Tools can be collected based on their type, such as hammers, axes, or saws.
– Collectors may focus on tools from a specific period or place.
– Some collectors specialize in tools used for specific occupations.
– Combination collections can include tools of a specific type from a specific brand.
Types of Tool Collecting
– Collecting tools can involve conducting a type study of a specific model.
– Tools can be collected to trace the development of specific ideas or patents.
– Tool advertising and catalogs can also be collected.
– Some collectors focus on specific tools like sickles and scythes.
– Collecting tools can involve studying the craftsmanship and artistry of fine tools.
Sickles and Scythes
– The history of hay cutting tools starts with the reaping hook.
– Sickles became the preferred tool for hay cutting in the late 1800s.
– Scythes are grass cutting tools with long handles for mowing large amounts of hay.
– Scythes have a graceful shape and require skill to use properly.
– Scythes were prized possessions that could last for centuries.
Reference Materials for Antique Tool Collectors
– There are modern reference books available to guide collectors in their search.
– Reprints of original catalogs can provide valuable information about antique tools.
– Reference materials can help identify differences in tools based on location or time period.
– Some books focus on specific types of tools, such as woodworking or leather-working tools.
– Antique tool auction houses can provide catalogs that emphasize the artistic aspects of tools. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antique_tool
Although an antique tool might be said to be one that is more than a hundred years old, the term is often used to describe any old tool of quality that might be deemed collectable.
The use of tools is one of the primary means by which humans are distinguished from other animals. Tools are the parents of all other antiques. Most man-made objects were made and great effort goes into the creation of newer and better tools to solve the production problems of today. The study of antique tools provides a glimpse of human development and cultural preferences history.
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. 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, others fall under the spell of the beauty of some antique tools.