My Best Finds
Todd Hughes
>Well here we are in the first week of the new year and I got to thinking just what my best tool find of the year 2004 was. No seceret that I buy lots of stuff but not really much of it is for myself, though if you ever came to my house you wouldn't maybe believe that! In any case thinking back over 2004 it was pretty easy to come up with what I consider my two ,[I couldn't narrow it down to just one] best finds and the ones that I got more excited over then others.
The first is a VERY early saw. I am sure from the beging of the 1800's or could even be an elusive 1700's saw. Has the early type handle with rivets [not saw nuts]. End of the blade is rounded like you see on 1700's saws and never had a nib. Handle has two old owners names branded on it. Most times you see a tool with a name branded not stamped it is out of SE Penn. or at least that is what I had read. Saw is in what many would consider to be Rough condition but i think for it's age it's pretty good. Worn but solid handle with a smooth rusted blade. Teeth looked like they were sharpened by Hellen Keller while on a pogo stick. Saw looks beautiful to me and when I first saw it at the flea market think I even let out a little gasp.Got it for $5 talked down from $7. Would have paid him $7 but fellow felt so bad that I paid him $5 he was certain I skinned him. Actually told me if I paid him $5 it must be worth much more. Would have ruined his day if i paid him the $7. Seller told me it was "Very Old" "probaly from 1940"...yea OK
The second find was this spike axe which I am pretty certain was an early American Boarding Axe of the type used on ships in the 1700's. No markings but many of these were made by local blacksmiths that equiped priveters.Has a 21 in. handle which looks original and has the ball on the end like these axes always had.I have made many of these axes over the years but never thought I would find an original.Almost fell over when I found it in a tool chest which probably not by chance was filled with boat and ship building tools. Soon as I saw the axe in it I knew what it was of course and asked the seller what he wanted for the box and contents and paid it right quick,[ wasn't a widow woman and wasn't "cheap"...well maybe it was a little].Box was to heavy to carry so I took the axe out and came back to get the rest.Soon as I took the axe out a fellow I know saw it and came over fast trying to buy it off me as he knew what it was too.This was why I didn't pull it out of the box to begin with. I will never sell it and told him so. Really a thing of wonder I think and lives on the wall in my Hall next to a rare Phila Eagle head sword from the same time period.
Well these were my best finds of 2004....so what was yours?.......Todd
