Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.
 |
| Antique Iron Tools |
One thing you might t be able to find while metal detecting is old tools. They can be quite collectible, and nice pieces can be worth a few hundred dollars.
In the wooded hills that I showed yesterday, I found an old axe head, and on the Treasure Coast beaches I've other tools, such as wedges and chisels.
 |
| A Couple Wedges Metal Detected on Beach.. |
For more about those see The Treasure Beaches Report Direct From Florida's Treasure Coast.: 8/13/16 Report - Wedges and Chisels and Other Old Nautical Tools. Iron Artifacts of Port Royal. Conservation of Iron Artifacts.
It is possible to do a complete restoration on old tools, however I like to see patina, signs of usage and age. I'm like that with coins too. Even though those in mint condition and even encapsulated are usually worth more, I like coins that look like they've been used.
There is a good chance you can find identifying marks on old tools. They often have a maker's mark. The hunter's ax shown above is simply marked "HAND MADE." You can see that in the photo below.
 |
| Hunter's Ax Stamped HAND MADE. |
You can also see the hammer marks all over the surface of the ax. I really like that. The same goes for the hammer beside the ax. It is also clearly handmade but isn't marked.
 |
| Two More Old Tools. Top: marked simply GERMANY on handle. Bottom: marked PALMERA, SPAIN (circle) and FOR PIANO WIRE below. |
Yesterday I talked about finds being connectors to people and times. These tools give me a real feel for the owner. They are good tools, strong and very well made for specific purposes, and they were well used. I can imagine the hard-working calloused hands that used and cared for these tools.
I like to see modifications added by the user of repairs. The wrench below is the only item in the group that has a makers mark. On the other side it is stamped MADE IN USA and on this side it seems to say RED-HEAT, though my research hasn't turned up anything on that mark yet.
 |
| Old Adjustable Wrench. |
Notice the thick and smaller wire sticking out by the bottom left of the mark RED-HEAT. It keeps the wrench from opening beyond about half way. That is the kind of thing I like to see. Nice personal touch by the hand of the owner.
 |
| Tape Wrapped Handles on Old Tool. |
I don't know what you call this tool yet, but I like the heavy tape wrapping. One side is more heavily wrapped than the other. I get the sense that was intentional and very precisely done by the fellow that made a living with these tools.
Although I like them just the way they are, and they are in very nice shape, if you want to do a complete restoration on tools like this, there are videos that show the complete process. Here is a link to one of those videos. You end up with an original looking tool, but I don't care for it because it removes the personal touches that speak of the people that used the items in the past.
Here is the link.
Expert Restoration of Old Military Wire Cutters | Watch
And here is a link to an ax identification and value guide.
Most Valuable Vintage Axes (Identification & Value Guide)
If you can correct anything I said above, please let me know. I haven't done much research on these items yet.
---
 |
| Clip From Stuart Rocks Beach Cam About 3 PM on 6/15. |
As you can see, still very little surf on the Treasure Coast.
 |
| Fort Pierce Inlet Surf Forecast from SurfGuru.com. |
I have some finds soaking for a future blog. I just cleaned a flat button.
Good hunting,
Treasureguide@commcast.net