Books on Old Tools

We maintain a good supply of books about tools and related items. All of our prices include shipping, via US Mail, Book Rate, within the United States of America,  and my be ordered in the same way as our tools by clicking on the BUY button.

We have revised our book page to include some out of print books, but still available for a limited time, plus some used books in great condition. Out of print books and used books will be identified as such.

"A Price Guide to Antique Tools" 4th Edition, by Herbert P. Kean. $17.95 (Soft Cover)

Here at last, is a price guide for the 21st century! It stands out as the only price guide for tools to factor in prices realized from tool sales on the internet.

The prices in this fourth edition of Price Guide to Antique Tools (a total of 12,000 individual and chart combinations) are averaged from recent live auctions and electronic auctions, as well as from the author's knowledge of general marketing trends. The prices cover tools from top-of-the-line treasures to common flea market prices. They demonstrate that tools collecting has reached its maturity, where top condition brings increasingly higher prices. The book covers tools that are available in the marketplace, with explanations for each tool group to help the reader classify the most critical of all factors condition. The chapter on American wooden planes is at the same time both simple and comprehensive, covering over 400 makers, each graded with a single value number.

New to this edition is a section on internet auctions, where the author explains the mechanisms of electronic auctions and explains some of his secrets for successful bidding. Also included are sections on buying antique tools, tool wood identification, clubs and organizations to join, and a comprehensive list of books on tools. Completely indexed and easy to use, this edition of Price Guide to Antique Tools is truly invaluable to everyone from the woodworker with only a few early hand tools in his shop to to the serious collector and dealer.

154 pages, 10" x 7"

" THE WOODEN PLANE: Its History, Form, Function" By John M. Whelan $37.50

This comprehensive reference describes, illustrates and classifies all types of wooden plane from the common to the rare - then traces their development and explains their use. Includes not only American and English Planes, but also French, Dutch, Japanese and Chinese. An extraordinary book, valuable not only for collector, but also for craftsmen and restorationist in reproducing and designing classical furniture and architectural details. 513 pages. 1041 illustrations. 7" x 10". Soft cover.

"Collecting Antique Tools" by Herbert P. Kean and Emil S. Pollack $29.95

A comprehensive guide that describes and illustrates over 700 of the most important antique tools, covering all categories from wooden and metal planes, braces, and measuring devices to axes, saws and wrenches. Included are over 250 original photographs plus many line drawings that show these tools in use. A beautifully presented and well-organized reference for anyone interested in antique tools. 203 pages. 8 1/2" x 11". Soft cover sewn binding.

"A Guide to the Makers of American Wooden Planes By Emil & Martyl Pollack, 4th Edition revised by Thomas Elliott. $39.95

The definitive guide, covering American plane makers from the earliest individual makers who worked before the Revolutionary War to the last few manufactures of the twentieth century. This comprehensive directory includes nearly 2,000 biographical entries, together with over 2,200 imprint illustrations and wedge outlines. The most comprehensive book on American wooden plane makers. 462 pages and over 3,000 illustrations. 7" x 10". Soft bound.

USED BOOK

This books is Out of Print

British Planemakers from 1700, 2nd edition: greatly enlarged, by W. L. Goodman. Published by Arnold & Walker 1978. $55.00 1 Copy available.

W. Goodman started his career in the wood working shop of a firm making baker's sundries when he was fourteen years old. After serving an apprentiseship, he eventually quakified as a wood working instructor and taught the craft from 1928 to 1960. He became very interested in the history of tools and found that very little had been written on the subject. He left teaching to research and write about tools and traveled extensively. He wrote many articles and several books which established him as the authority on the subject. The book has excellent black & white photos, detailed line drawings, and lists of makers, their marks and working dates. A highly recommended book. 182 pages. Hard bound with dust cover, all in very good condition. 10" by 7".

USED BOOK

This books is Out of Print

Henry Disston & Sons 1914 Catalog. 1984 reprint, published by Roger Smith. $35.00 1 Copy available.

All the saws, tools and levels that Henry Disston produced in 1914 are illustrated in this reprint catalog along with the prices of that time. A fascinating and interesting catalog for reference or the collector. 237 pages. Soft cover. 10" by 7".

The book is in very good condition.

USED BOOK

This books is Out of Print

Some 19th Century English Woodworking Tools, Edge and Joiner Tools and Bit Braces. by Kenneth D. Roberts. Published 1980 by Ken Roberts Publishing Co. $195.00 1 Copy available

Some 19th Century English Woodworking Tools, Edge and Joiner Tools and Bit Braces. The book is divided into six chapters beginning with the steel industry in Sheffield, on to the making of Saws and Files, with list of saw makers. Edge Tools, with list of Sheffield Edge tools makers and firms. Joiner's tools and list of Joiner tool manufacturers. Planes, and Braces and Bits with lists of Sheffield and Birmingham Brace and Bit manufacturers. Illustrated with photographs and detailed line drawings, the book is an outstanding source of history and information meticulously compiled by Mr. Roberts. 480 pages. Hard Bound. Used in excellent condition. 11 1/4" by 9".

This copy was signed by the author on Nov. 1st, 1980. It came from the personal library of well known tool collector, the late Dr. Ronald Pearson. The book is number 93 of 750 copies and inscribed to Ronald W. Pearson.

USED BOOK

This books is Out of Print

"Tools for the Trades and Crafts" An Eighteenth Century Pattern Book, R. Timmins & Sons, Birmingham. By Kenneth D Roberts, Published 1978. $175.00 1 Copy available

Reproduced is the R. Timmins & Sons, 1791 - 1889 Pattern Book. Tools illustrated, with detailed identification, include those of the shoemaker, cooper, carpenter and joiner, butcher, farmer, farrier and blacksmith, lumberman, mason, plasterer, shipbuilder and sailmaker, slater, cook, dressmaker, artist and draftsman,dentist and surgeon, barber and wigmaker, mineralogist, and waterdrawer. A comprehensive book on the influence of the English pattern book on American tools. 228 pages. Hard bound with dust jacket. 134 full page reprints of tools and implements reproduced from outstanding copper plate engravings, some in original size to illustrate actual dimensions and range of tools. 8 1/2" by 11"

The book is numbered A 026, it came from the personal library of well known tool collector, the late Dr. Ronald Pearson. It is inscribed "To Ronald Pearson, Ken Roberts, Jun 22, 1981".

The book is in Excellent condition, the dust cover is faded in color.

USED BOOKS

These books are Out of Print

"The Stanley Plane, A History & Descriptive Inventory" by Alvin Sellens. 5th Printing 1982 by EAIA, also,"Woodworking Planes, A Descriptive Register of Wooden Planes" by Alvin Sellens. 1978. $125.00 the pair. Only 1 Set Available

Two books by Alvin Sellens - "The Stanley Plane", gives a brief history and trademarks of the Stanley Company plus general information on Bench Planes, Block Planes, Combination Planes, Numbering and Catalogs. Also covers facts on Defiance, Aluminum, Gage, Handyman, Steel and Four Square Planes.

"Woodworking Planes" covers planes made by American planemakers on a commercial basis. Most of the information was gathered from the best possible sources - the manufacturers catalogs and sales sheets. Describes the types of wood used in making wooden planes, the marking on planes and plane irons. Lots of good black and white photographs and line drawings.

Both books are in very good condition. The dust covers are discolored slightly from handling. Hard Bound. 216 pages. 9 1/2" x 6 1/2

USED BOOK

This book is Out of Print

"Antique & Collectible STANLEY TOOLS Guide to Identity & Value" by John Walter. $295.00 Only 1 Copy Available

1996 Second Edition. This is the last available full tool guide done by John Walter. The unparalleled price and identification guide to vintage Stanley tools. Over 2100 individual tools plus hundreds of additional listings for each significant type and variation. Over 100 pages of Type Studies on Stanley's planes, rules, levels points out modifications and patent improvements critical for assessing vintage and value. Included is Stanley's beautiful advertising materials, company memorabilia, instructional publications and more.

Very Good Condition. Some very minor discoloration on the page edges from handling. 884 pages. Paper Bound 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"

USED BOOK

This book is Out of Print

Edward Preston & Sons Ltd., 1901 Catalog, Illustrated Price List of Rules, Spirit Levels, Planes & Tools Etc. $85.00 Sorry Sold Only 1 Copy Available

1979 Reprint of the Catalog published by Ken Roberts. Lists with line drawings and prices of the Preston line of tools available in 1901. Provides many model numbers of various planes, levels etc. Includes a brief history, compiled by Ken Roberts, of E. Preston Sr. (1805) through to the liquidation of the firm in 1933. Great reference book.

Very Good Condition. Some minor discoloration on cover edges due to handling. Paper Bound. 101 pages. 11" x 8 1/2"

USED BOOK

This book is Out of Print

"Patented Transitional & Metallic Planes in America 1827-1927" by Roger K. Smith. $195.00 Only 1 Copy Available

This 1981 First Edition covers developments from the very first patented metallic planes through the beginning of the 20th Century. The chapters cover Stanley, Leonard Bailey, Stanley’s competitors, patented combination planes and more. Includes type studies of Stanley planes, patent drawings and illustrations from early catalogs. Invaluable information for the antique tool collector and a superb reference for museums. There is a small personal inscription inside the front cover.

Excellent condition. Hard Bound. 336 pages. 11" x 9"

USED BOOK

This book is Out of Print

"The American Cabinetmaker's Plow Plane, Its Design and Improvement 1700-1900 by John A. Moody $75.00 Only 1 Copy Available

The 18th and 19th Century cabinetmaker's prized their plow planes above all other tools. It was well looked after and admired for it's beauty, just as it is today.This book discusses the development and design of the American Plow Plane, the overall history of the Plow Plane, refinements to the plane, compares various patents - American and British. Many illustrations and Patent drawings and 17 color plates.

Very Good Condition. 248 pages. Hard Bound. 11 1/4" x 9"

USED BOOK

This book is Out of Print

"Instruments of Change, New Hampshire hand tools and their makers 1800 - 1900". Published for New Hampshire Historical Society in 1985. This is one of the limited edition (1500) exhibition catalog, with essays on the history of tool making in New Hampshire. Soft bound. $60.00 Only 1 Copy Available

The catalog explores the 18th Century origins of hand tool manufacture in New Hampshire and traces the 19th Century evolution of that manufacture, especially in relation to the states dominant forest products industries. It lists all known manufacturers of hand tools who worked in new Hampshire before 1900. Over 1,000 names are listed. This shows the astonishing scope of hand tool production in the state at that time. Excellent illustrations and photographs.

Very nice condition. Soft Bound. 113 pages. 12" x 9"

USED BOOK

This book is Out of Print

"American Axes" by Henry J. Kauffman. $38.00 Only 1 Copy Available

The original first book to deal with American Axes. The axe has been man's chief tool since the early times, but evolution was slow until the tool was needed to clear land and build. This sparked a revolution, resulting in efficient and varied axe forms to perform a multitude of felling and building operations. The book illustrates and describes the great variety of North American Axes, dating from the Colonial period to the present. There are detailed drawings and diagrams of the construction and production of basic types, such as the American felling or chopping axe and two styles of hewing axe, the goosewing and the broadaxe. Lists all known American axe manufacturers since the 18th Century, a glossary, and notes on the care and use of axes. A superb book.

Hard Bound book is in very good condition. Dust Cover has some discoloration on edges from handling. 151 pages. 11" x 8 1/2"

USED BOOK

"With Hammer In Hand By Charles F. Hummel", Second Printing 1973. $95.00 SOLD Only 1 Copy Available

This book descibes the tools, and provides illustrations of tools and objects as well as pictures of the interior of the Dominy shop. By referring to the Dominy manuscripts, the author was able to determine where many of the tools came from. The book is a very thorough description of the exhibit at the Winterthur Museum, but it also includes an account of the Dominy family, an excellent appendix which uses samples of the Dominy accounts to show production and income for the Dominys during the years 1765-1820, an extensive bibliography, and a comprehensive index. The result is an excellent book. Historians, students of the history of technology, collectors and tool users will find this book an invaluable reference and pleasurable reading.

Book in Excellent condition. Dust Cover has some small tears and slight discoloration. Hard Bound. 424 pages. 12" x 9"

USED BOOK

These books are Out of Print

"Wooden Planes in 19th Century America" Vol 1 & Vol 11. by Kenneth D. Roberts. $350.00 the pair. Only one pair available.

USED BOOK

This book is Out of Print

"Wooden Planes in 19th Century America", Second Edition 1978, by Kenneth D. Roberts. $85.00 Only 1 Copy Available

This book is the culmination of 25 years of collecting and 10 years of research by the author. The book is a study of American planes of the 19th Century covering all known U S and Canadian makers and dealers. A comprehensive checklist of these firms, over 600, plus a chapter on the 18th Century antecedents of the planemaking craft puts the topic in historical perspective. Over 100 different sorts of planes are identified and described in the text, along with 112 photographs and 32 plates. A superb book.

Book in excellent condition.

The dust cover has a small tear and light edge wear from handling. Hard Bound. 314 pages. 11 1/2"x 9"

"American Machinist's Tools" by Kenneth L. Cope $29.95 Only 1 copy available

An Illustrated Directory of Patents. Over 1000 Diagrams fully illustrated of machinist's tools patented through 1905, and the more important ones from 1906 to 1916. Indexed alphabetically, chronologically and by the type of tool, making identification a much easier job with minimal information. 424 pages. 7" x 10". Soft cover.