Success, Remember is the Reward of Toil – Sophocles

I’m a tool guy.  I like mine old, drop forged and made in the USA.  There is no doubt that a brand new set of Craftsman or Snap-on tools will do the job but in my eyes there is nothing quite like using my grandfathers old wrenches, folding ruler or Estwing leather wrapped claw hammer.  We use quite a few hand-me-down and flea market found tools at the Billykirk design studio.  One of our larger tools acquisitions is this C. Parker & Co. bench vice.  I pulled this out of the Manischewitz Factory that was across the street from us.  It was covered in flour probably dating back to the 30’s.

Like many nostalgic US made collectibles, the antique tool business isn’t go away anytime soon and as more and more US based tool manufacturers succumb to the Far East and their low prices perhaps these relics are all we’ll have left.

If you are interested in old tools and their provenance Patented Antiques has a great collection to peruse. Everything from levels and chisels to sewing machines and planes.  Speaking of planes, I am reminded of Gustave Caillebotte’s famous painting, The Parquet Floor Polishers, from 1875.  While I truly appreciate the look and feel of a well made antique plane there is something to be said about an electric floor sander.