Stars of the 20th International Antique Tool Auction

Chronicle of the Early American Industries Association, Inc., The, Jul/Aug 2002 by Wells, John G, Englund, David

On April 6, 2002, 1 had the privilege of attending the distribution of a truly great collection that had been put together over a period of many years by Dr. Michael Jenkins. It was a collection of unusual breadth and depth, and included items from almost three centuries of America's leadership in the design and manufacturing of innovative tools for the trades.

I asked Michael Jenkins, who was at the auction, why he chose to sell the collection he had put together with such great care. He said he always wanted to attend his own estate sale, and this was the only way of doing it he could think of.

The evening before the auction, I asked those at the dinner table which item they thought would be the Star of the Show. Naturally, answers varied depending on personal interests, but it was clear the auction contained many great items that would appeal to a wide range of taste. What's a star? A star is a tool so great that it stands tall above all the others around it. It may not be the most expensive tool but it is the most exciting, significant, and splendid: it shouts out "take me home." As the auction unfolded on Saturday, this presumption was verified, there were stars in every category of tools.

Levels/Inclinometers

The collection was quite strong in outstanding levels and inclinometers. In addition to the Davis spindle level shown below was a L.L. Davis 6-inch mantle clock level with almost 100% of the japanning and gold pin stripe decoration, and in the original tattered but labeled box. It sold for $3,410, comfortably above the high estimate.

A Thomas F. Deck, No. 5 pendulum inclinometer made by the Toledo Gravity Level Co. Toledo, Ohio, was Type 1, with a 4-inch dial, patented December 5,1896. This rare inclinometer, in Good condition, brought $2,970. A later version of the Deck Gravity Level with a February 4,1905, patent date, in good+ condition brought $2,200. 1 understand the "Deck Gravity Level" used an elaborate set of internal roller bearings to assure smooth and accurate operation of the pointer.

A spirit inclinometer, called the "Level, Plumb & Inclinometer" patented by John Happle April 5,1904, had a glass level tube bent in the shape of half a circle, which gave a direct reading of the slope being measured, plus two additional vials: one each for level and plumb. Happle's inclinometers have a cherry wood body, thick aluminum rails on the top and bottom, and a semicircular level vial behind a full height rectangular brass escutcheon flanked on each side by the plumb and level vials behind large circular brass escutcheons. This is the only known example labeled "The Semi-Circular Level Co, Kane, PA." Happle's inclinometers are usually labeled "The Bradford Union Mfg. Co. Bradford, PA." It brought a winning bid of $1,540.

Wood Plow Planes The Israel White No. 106 three-- arm self-regulating plow plane, with a handled beech body anc ebony side arms, was clearly the star of this category. There are only two known Israel White three-arm plows that arE handled and this is the only one with factory installed steel rollers in the fence. Israel White (1804 1839) worked as a plane maker at Callowhill & Fourth Street in Philadelphia from 1831-1839.

This great plane had been professionally cleaned and was in good+ or better condition. It brought the highest price of the day selling for $21,450. Its age, rarity, and technical innovation made it a very important Philadelphia plane. It was not surprising that it seized the magical moment and the highest price of the auction.

A very nice Sandusky Tool Co. No. 141 center wheel self-regulating plow plane, in beautiful mellow boxwood with six ivory tips, was a little under appreciated at $9,350.

An absolutely beautiful, and quite rare, Sandusky No. 137 handled ebony plow plane with four ivory tips sold for $4,180.

An E. W. Carpenter, Lancaster, PA (1791 - 1856) boxwood plow plane nicely highlighted with rosewood nuts, washers, fence and wedge, and with improved arms, patented February 6, 1838, brought a strong $3,300. Plow planes by E. W. Carpenter have a very special visual character, which, in combination with their historical significance, helps them achieve very strong prices.

Patented Metallic Planes

The plane on the cover of the auction catalogue was an E. H. Morris diamond soled metallic smooth plane patented November 8,1870, and made by the Sandusky Tool Company. Besides being a scarce model of the Morris smooth plane, it was one of a few that were decorated in the factory with a sheaf of wheat design on the body, wedge, handle, and front knob. An unusual plane that appealed to a number of bidders, it sold for $5,830. The more often seen model of the Morris diamond soled metallic smooth plane had an attractive floral pattern cast on the upper surface of the bed and was similar to the two longer planes in the series: a Morris patented jointer, and a jack plane. The jointer, in excellent condition, brought $2,530 while the jack plane, with a bruised wedge and handle, sold for $2,090.