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Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge

A55 Smoothing Plane

Yard Sale Find

Posts

Yard Sale Find

#1

Yard Sale Find

Mike Jurnigan in Suffolk, VA

>I don't normally look at framimg squares at yard sales but I had one to catch my eye this morning. It was about twice as thick as any I had seen previously and it appeared to seperate into two pieces. It has heavy surface rust, but nothing a rust ereser will not take care of. The cam lock turned with slight pressure, and the square seperated into two pieces. It had approximately 50% of the engraving still filled with white paint. Slight cleaning revealed marked "forged" and "Nicholls MFG. Co. Ottumwa IA." Picked it up and a Stanley Framing Square for $1.00 each. I have found out that the company made primarily faming squaress. Anybody know any else about the company or about the square? (value,etc.) I don't think I went wrong for $2.00.

Re: Yard Sale Find

#2

Re: Yard Sale Find

Robert R. Clough - Thorncraft

>That was their principle product. But they also made scrapers and other tools. Google nichols mfg co ottumwa ia and you will get an auction notice of an unusual scraper. Below is what I got.

"Nicholls Mfg. Co./Ottumwa, Iowa : Heavy Duty Scraper. Hardwood Handle. Cast Iron Head. Length: 14.00 Inches. In addition to their principal output of framing squares, the Nicholls firm also dabbled in other tools, including a patented roller marking gauge and this cabinet scraper. This example retains more than 90% of its original finishes. A most unusual tool. (GOOD+).$45.00. SC739-11-4209"

Re: Yard Sale Find

#3

Re: Yard Sale Find

Todd Hughes

>These take apart squares are rather uncommon. When new they cost a good bit more and apparently had trouble staying square which kept most carpenters from buying them even though they do store more easy in a chest.I have seen them go pretty high esp. at some local auctions when a couple of Farmers get going head to head over what they think is the holy grail of Tooldom. I am not familar with this maker so that might affect the price some but just guessing I would think your square is worth $50-$75....again just sort of an educated guess going by other examples i have sold. I would do a search on ebays completed auctions to see what turns up as that will give you the answear maybe. It originaly came in a little bag and most i have found were still in it since that was how they were stored. I think this would add to the vaule .......Todd

Re: Yard Sale Find

#4

Re: Yard Sale Find

Mike Jurnigan

>Thanks, that is the info that I was looking for. I think that I will clean it up and check it for square. Mine did not come with a bag, unfortunately. Should clean up real nice. Again thanks.

Mike

Re: Yard Sale Find

#5

Re: Yard Sale Find

Todd Hughes

>I just dug out my old [and about falling apart] copy of "The antique tool Collectors guide to vaule" by Barlow and they have in the square section " Nicholes Mfg Co. Steel take down square 16X24 in. $20 another in case $40 18X24 in. size at auction $32....While a very informative book I think the vaules are rather dated, they give a Stanley no.1 as being worth $400-$700...I'd like to find one priced at that!, and I think yours is probably worth at least twice today what they say.....Todd

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