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Antique Tool Newsletter No. 2928

December 4, 2025
Featured Photo
Items for Auction, Questions, Answers? Click HERE to Contact us by EMail ( mjd@mjdauctions.com)

News from mjdtools.com World Headquarters
G reetings from Avoca, New York where we are looking forward to the ending of our First Tuesday Auction for December, which will begin ending at 7:01 PM tonight, December 2, 2025. Follow the links below to register and bid in the auction.

If you are not currently registered to bid in our auctions, you can register to bid by clicking HERE.

We have the First Tuesday and First Wednesday Auctions for December fully loaded and bidding is now underway. You can view the auction and enter bids beginning now and continuing until December 2, 2025 & December 3, 2025. On the last day of the sale, two lots will close and be marked as sold each minute beginning at 7:01 P.M. on each ending day and continuing until all are sold. Bidding will be open on both auctions until bidding closes as the lots begin selling at 7:01 PM on each night of the sale. You can keep bidding until the item is marked as sold. In the event that there is an increase in the bid in the last two minutes before an items sells, it will be extended for two minutes, unless the high bid amount increases again, at which point it will extend for another two minutes.

To view the items in the First Tuesday Online Only Antique Tool Auction which will end on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 beginning at 7:01 PM, just click HERE.

To view the items in the First Wednesday Online Only Antique Tool Auction which will end on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 beginning at 7:01 PM, just click HERE.

As always, we are seeking consignments of antique tools and related antiques for our upcoming First Tuesday and First Wednesday Auctions. Just give us a call at (800) 869-0695 or by email at mjd@mjdtools.com .
Links to Previous Issues of ToolVista (Link will open in a new tab in your browser)
Issue 2927 - December 2, 2025 Issue 2926 - November 27, 2025 Issue 2925 - November 25, 2025
Issue 2924 - November 20, 2025 Issue 2923 - November 18, 2025 Issue 2922 - November 13, 2025
Issue 2921 - November 11, 2025 Issue 2920 - November 6, 2025 Issue 2919 - November 4, 2025
Issue 2918 - October 30, 2025 Issue 2917 - October 28, 2025 Issue 2916 - October 23, 2025
Issue 2915 - October 21, 2025 Issue 2914 - October 16, 2025 Issue 2913 - October 14, 2025
Items for Auction, Questions, Answers? Click HERE to Contact us by EMail ( mjd@mjdauctions.com)

Today's Featured Tool Description
Hamler, Paul : Model Of Trump Bros. Fleetwood Scroll Saw. Elab. Brass Casting. Absolutely Perfect. Length: 5.25 Inches. A rare and perfect CAST BRASS MODEL OF A "FLEETWOOD" TREADLE SCROLL SAW by Paul Hamler. This exact scale model of the saw produced by the Trump Brothers of Wilmington, Delaware. This was part of a Limited Edition of less than ten of these ornate saws made on private subscription by Paul Hamler. The blade is held in place by a screw measuring .005 inches in diameter. Paul Hamler reportedly had to make a tap and die for the specific purpose of threading the screw and taping the receiver as nothing of that size is available commercially. A masterpiece of the miniaturist's art. (FINE). This item was sold on May 4, 2019 for $1,500.00. jpg_file

Just Added to the Auctions
jpg_file Lot 399. The SPECTACULAR NINETEENTH CENTURY MACHINIST'S TOOL CHEST of Christian Ensminger, master machinist of Albany, New York. The full complement of original tools, including many by Darling, Brown & Sharpe and several masterfully machined by Christian Ensminger. Ensminger, who was of German descent, was born in France in 1837. He emigrated to the United States in the 1860's and he was listed in the Massachusetts Census for 1865 and an "Armorer" living in Springfield, Massachusetts. Following the conclusion of the Civil War, he settled in Albany, New York, where his name appeared in City Directories for many years, where he was listed as a "Machinist". Of particular interest are a pair of dividers and a surface gauge made by Ensminger, which are shown in the lower right hand corner of the photograph and in their positions in the chest in the upper right hand corner. A spectacular Nineteenth Century machinist's tool chest, where, contrary to all logic, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. (FINE).(750.00 - 1,500.00) Length: 16 Inches.

Our Featured Book of the Week
Book of the Week

25 Full Color Auction Catalogues, by Live Free Or Die Auctions. 2400 Pages. Softbound. A SELECTION OF MARTIN J. DONNELLY AUCTIONS CATALOGUES. Twenty-five selected full color catalogues of eighty pages each from our more than sixteen years of antique tool auctions are included in this substantial set. Nearly 20,000 tools and related antiques are pictured and described in these glossy catalogues. All include their prices realized sheets and are in brand new condition. A great opportunity to acquire this guide to real antique tool values and the treasure trove of information in the descriptions. Also included with the books will be a copy of our Searchable Auction CD of 60,000 tools and prices from our last six years of auctions including photographs of every item. The CD runs on all Windows computers (a $29.95 value). A great Christmas gift for the antique tool collector on your list. $99.00 (BK-4844)
Featured Antique Tools for Sale
Ordering Information E-Mail Books for Sale Home
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level No. 444: Dovetail T. & G. Plane. Length: 9.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 1,000.00-2,000.00)
  • 95% Original Nickel
  • Orig. Chestnut Box
  • patent.jpg
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level No. 48: Tongue & Groove Plane. Length: 9.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • Early Japan Finish
  • Complete & Excellent
  • patent.jpg
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level No. 239: Extra Clean 1/8" Spec. Dado Plane. Length: 7.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 100.00-200.00)
  • 1927 To 1941 Only
  • 98% Original Paint
  • patent.jpg
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level No. 5 1/2: Extra Clean Heavy Jack Plane. Length: 15.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 90.00-180.00)
  • "Type 11" Version
  • 90% Original Paint
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Three Sound & Usable Hollow Augers. Length: 6.75 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 75.00-150.00)
  • Two E.A. Stearns
  • One Unmarked
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level : Lot Of Extra Clean Stanley Tools. Length: 9.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • From #851 |tc
  • Cold |ch, #21 |cs 9"
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Lot Of Clean & Usabl Woodworking Tools. Length: 18.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 90.00-180.00)
  • |sn #6 C Fore |t7
  • #18 1/4, 12-101 "Toy
jpg_file Smith Co., H.D./Plantsville, Ct. : "Perfect Handle" Tack Puller. Length: 7.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 125.00-250.00)
  • Very Few Known
  • Rare Marked Example
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Lot Of Extra Clean Woodworking Tools. Length: 11.75 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 125.00-250.00)
  • Pattern Mkrs "D" |ro
  • Atkins Rams Horn |sc
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Five Interesting Brass Plumb Bob. Length: 6.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 100.00-200.00)
  • One Flat Sole French
  • One Millwright's Typ
jpg_file Unmarked : Leather Worker's Tool Chest. Length: 14.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 125.00-250.00)
  • With Burnishers
  • Stitching Tools
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level No. 10: Laminated Mahogany Plumb & Level. Length: 28.25 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 60.00-120.00)
  • Pat. July 2, 1872
  • Scarce & Excellent
  • patent.jpg
jpg_file Pond, W.H./New Haven, Ct. : Extra Clean 1/2" Ful Boxed Bead |mp. Length: 9.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • J.E. Bassett & Co.
  • Orig. Hdwe. Label
jpg_file Unmarked : Coll. Of Four Breast Pads For Bow Drill. Length: 10.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 125.00-250.00)
  • Held Against Body
  • One Violin Carved
jpg_file C-S Co., The /Pine Meadow, Ct. No. 78 1/2: Two-Foot, Four-Fold Folding Rule. Length: 24.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 50.00-100.00)
  • Double Arch Joint
  • Fully Brass Bound
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Lot Of Later Type Block Planes. Length: 7.25 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 50.00-100.00)
  • Several Are Craftsma
  • Two Sheet Metal Type
jpg_file Delta Intl. Mach. Co./Pittsburgh No. 34-184: Univeral Tenoning Jig. Length: 12.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • Very Little Used
  • Complete & Excellent
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level : Lot Of Clean & Usabl Woodworking Tools. Length: 22.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • #23 |tl, #130 Dbl. E
  • #82 & #292 |scs
jpg_file Unmarked : Rare Burl Head French Joiner's |ma. Length: 10.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 125.00-250.00)
  • Bulbous End Hdl.
  • Dual Angled Faces
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level No. 10 C: Carriage Maker's Rabbet Plane. Length: 13.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 300.00-600.00)
jpg_file Gates, Alfonso D./Cleveland, O. : "Gates Bull" Nut Wrench. Length: 8.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 60.00-120.00)
  • Pat. Feb. 15, 1887
  • Excellent Condition
  • patent.jpg
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level No. 2: Extra Clean Seven-In Smoothng Plane. Length: 7.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 150.00-300.00)
  • "Sweetheart" T.M.
  • 90% Original Japan
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Precision Tools Opportunity Lot. Length: 7.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 90.00-180.00)
  • Wells Bros. Tap/Die
  • Trans. Ark. Hone Set
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level No. 4 1/2: Wide, Heavy Smooth Plane. Length: 10.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 60.00-120.00)
  • Rosewood Handles
  • "Type 17" Version
jpg_file Unmarked : Three Interesting Early Hammers. Length: 11.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 60.00-120.00)
  • Octagon Poll Claw
  • Two Metal Wkg. Types
jpg_file Robinson, M.W./Brooklyn, N.Y. : Early Version 24" Cast Iron Level. Length: 24.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 60.00-120.00)
  • Brass Tabs With Pat Dt
  • Body Painted Black
jpg_file Starrett Co., The L.S./Athol, Ma No. 16: Protractor Combination Square. Length: 12.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 75.00-150.00)
  • Double Plumb Vials
  • Uncommon Type
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Kitchen & |hh Opportunity Lot. Length: 13.75 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • |ebs, Some Patented
  • Patent Shoe Polish T
jpg_file Unmarked : Lot Of Brass & Iron Plumb Bobs. Length: 4.75 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 75.00-150.00)
  • One Surveyor Type
  • 3 Hexagonal Form
jpg_file Goodell Pratt Company : Six Extra Clean Spirit Levels. Length: 24.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • Brass Bd Maho 18"
  • Alum. Bound 24"
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Four Clean Complex Molding Planes. Length: 9.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • J.T. Brown Balt. Q/O
  • W. Vance, Cove & Ast
jpg_file Simmons Hardware Co./St. Louis : "Fast Mail" 5 1/2 Pt Rip Hand Saw. Length: 29.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 60.00-120.00)
  • W Locomotive Etching
  • Tight Crack In Hdl.
jpg_file Millers Falls Company : "New Rogers" Jig Saw. Length: 30.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 125.00-250.00)
  • Clean & Complete
  • Most Orig. Striping
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level No. 7 C: Extra Clean Jointer Plane. Length: 22.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 90.00-180.00)
  • "Type 11" Version
  • 98% Original Paint
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Lot Of Clean & Usabl Woodworking Tools. Length: 18.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 90.00-180.00)
  • |sn #6 |t7, 9 1/2 La
  • #624 A |hd
jpg_file Wilton Tool Mfg. Co./Chicago : Uncommon Pivot Base Bench Vise. Length: 8.25 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 175.00-350.00)
  • 2" "Bullet Vise"
  • Exc. Working Cond.
jpg_file Lindenberger, I : Extra Clean Ovolo Molding Plane. Length: 10.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 175.00-350.00)
  • Early Flat Chamfers
  • Bold Maker Imprint
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level No. 605 1/2 C: Early "Bedrock" Heavy Jack Plane. Length: 8.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 125.00-250.00)
  • "Notched Rectangle"
  • 75% Original Paint
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level No. 96: Brass Bound Rosewood Level. Length: 28.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 90.00-180.00)
  • Ca. 1910 Trademark
  • 90% Orig. Finish
jpg_file Matthews & Co., Jas. H./Pittsburg : Weber's Patent Marking Hammer. Length: 12.38 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 60.00-120.00)
  • Pat. June 9, 1942
  • Most Unus. Type
  • patent.jpg
jpg_file Grade Level Co./Jackson, Mich. : Early Patent Sightin Level. Length: 21.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • Pat. Sep. 16, 1884
  • Most Unusual Type
  • patent.jpg
jpg_file Unmarked : Early Shipwrights's Tool Tote. Length: 40.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 200.00-400.00)
  • Stitched Leather Hdl
  • "Portland Head, Main
jpg_file Addis & Son, S.J./Sheffield : Set Of 9 Extra Clean Carving Tools. Length: 11.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 125.00-250.00)
  • |go, Fishtail |go
  • |ch, Scoop |go
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Lot Of Small Size Woodworking Tools. Length: 9.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • Veritas Blind |ch |g
  • Rabone #1190 |fr |pr
jpg_file Keuffel & Esser Co./New York : Coll. Of Early Trade Catalogues. Length: 9.88 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 125.00-250.00)
  • 34th, 37th, 38th
  • 40th, 41st, 42nd
jpg_file Unmarked : Classic Hand Forged Finnish Billhook. Length: 18.75 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 125.00-250.00)
  • "Hakokirves"
  • Fancy Decorated Body
jpg_file U.S. Patent Office/Washington, D. : Seven Volumes Of U. Patent Office Gazett. Length: 11.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 120.00-240.00)
  • 1902: 101 (2 Books)
  • 1903: 102, 103, 104
jpg_file Marples & Sons, William/Sheffield : Rare Nickel Plated Two-Fold Folding Rul. Length: 24.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 200.00-400.00)
  • Nickel Over Brass
  • "Thistle" Pattern Jt
jpg_file Unmarked : Lapping Station With Four Metal Hones. Length: 24.25 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 90.00-180.00)
  • With Lapping Powder
  • All Excellent Cond.
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level : Lot Of Seven Clean Transitional Planes. Length: 15.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • #21, 22, 23, 24, 26
  • 35 And 36
jpg_file Unmarked : Extra Large Mahogany Body Mitre Jack. Length: 29.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 90.00-180.00)
  • 7" Width Jaws
  • Opens To 10" Width
jpg_file Addis & Son, S.J./Sheffield : Wkg. Set Of 8 Clean Carving Tools. Length: 11.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 125.00-250.00)
  • All Octagon Hdls.
  • |go, |ch, Fishtail |
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Three 19th C. G'man' Walking Sticks. Length: 36.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 90.00-180.00)
  • Silver Tip Ebony Sha
  • Ebony Hdl. Silver Ba
jpg_file Keuffel & Esser Co./New York, Ny : Extra Clean Surveyor's Compass. Length: 4.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 60.00-120.00)
  • With Sighting Feature
  • Orig. Leather Case
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Modern Shop Items Opportunity Lot. Length: 15.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • Brushes, Drill Sets
  • Hones, Hardware
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Two Uncommon Spec. Purp. Rule. Length: 13.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • Printer's Rule By
  • Stephenson, Blake &
jpg_file Unmarked : Classic Turkish Pattern Plumb Bob. Length: 7.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 90.00-180.00)
  • Octagonal Form
  • Hinged Brass Top
jpg_file Lyon & Co., D.M./Newark, N.J. : Early Plumb & Level Level. Length: 30.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • Mahogany & Brass
  • Early Newark Maker
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Two Extra Clean Transitional Plane. Length: 22.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • #27 & #30
  • Both 95% Finishes
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level No. 386: Clean & Complete Jointer Gauge. Length: 11.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • 386, By Stanley. 95
  • Excellent Condition
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Six Extra Clean Turning Tools. Length: 22.75 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • "Easy Wood Tools"
  • "Packard", 3 Unmkd.
jpg_file Stanley Tools/Sheffield, England No. 90: Clean & Usable "Bullnose" Plane. Length: 4.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 75.00-150.00)
  • 3/4" Orig. |ci Remai
  • 98% Original Nickel
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Three Elegant Early Woodworking Tools. Length: 13.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 90.00-180.00)
  • Spoon "Pod" |au
  • With Pewter Inlay
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level No. 72 1/2: Extra Clean Special Chamfer Plane. Length: 8.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 400.00-800.00)
  • With Beading Att.
  • 95% Original Paint
  • patent.jpg
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Lot Of Clean & Usabl Leather Tool. Length: 8.25 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • Osborne Stretcher
  • Oval Punch, Punches
jpg_file Lie-Nielsen Tool Works/Warren, Me No. LN-7: Cast Iron Jointer Plane. Length: 22.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 200.00-400.00)
  • "Bedrock" Type
  • Brand New Condition
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Two Extra Clean Spec. Purp. |tms. Length: 10.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • |lk #1378 200'
  • "Wolverine" |ob
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level : Three Clean & Usable Transitional Planes. Length: 20.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • #26, #27 & #29
  • All Complete & Orig.
jpg_file Fuller, Jo./In Providence : Early Yellow Birch Rabbet Molding Plane. Length: 10.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 175.00-350.00)
  • Bold Maker Imprint
  • Superb Patina
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Lot Of Seven Asst. Coachmaker's Shaves. Length: 16.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • Brass, Wood & Iron
  • Rabbet, Bead, Ovolo
jpg_file Hennig, C.T./Brooklyn, Ny : Patent Ornamental Hammer. Length: 7.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 125.00-250.00)
  • Pat. Sept. 17, 1901
  • With Extruded Figure
  • patent.jpg
jpg_file Unmarked : Artfully Crafted Mahogany |ro. Length: 7.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 125.00-250.00)
  • Slanted Form Body
  • Very Well Made
jpg_file Unmarked : Early Hand Forged French Bill Hook. Length: 13.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 60.00-120.00)
  • For Pruning, Etc.
  • Distinctive Form
jpg_file Unmarked : Coll.. Of Three Early Crating Hammer. Length: 11.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 90.00-180.00)
  • All Different Forms
  • All "Strap" Types
jpg_file Starrett , L. S./Athol, Mass. No. 360: Early Patent Bevel Protractor. Length: 7.25 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 125.00-250.00)
  • Pat. May 10, 1892
  • Orig. Starrett Box
jpg_file Stanley Rule & Level No. 98/99: Pair Of Side Rabbet Planes. Length: 4.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 175.00-350.00)
  • |t3 With Depth Stops
  • Pat. Jan. 29, 1895
  • patent.jpg
jpg_file Record Tool Works/Sheffield, Eng. No. 07: Cast Iron Jointer Plane. Length: 22.00 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 90.00-180.00)
  • Unused Condition
  • 98% Original Finish
jpg_file Prentiss Vise Co./New York, N.Y. No. 53: Clean & Usable 4 1/2" Jaw Bench |vs. Length: 18.75 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 90.00-180.00)
  • Case With "Bull Dog"
  • Painted Silver
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Lot Of Asst. H/R Molding Planes. Length: 9.50 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 100.00-200.00)
  • Most English Mkrs.
  • All Sound & Usable
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Misc. Ship Items Opportunity Lot. Length: 12.25 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 60.00-120.00)
  • Koethe Comb. Kit
  • Fancy Metal Box
jpg_file Assorted Makers : Lot Of 20 Asst. Carving Tools. Length: 9.75 Inches. Auction Item: (Estimate: 80.00-160.00)
  • Many Sizes & Types
  • |go, Flat, Veiner Ty
Items for Auction, Questions, Answers? Click HERE to Contact us by EMail ( mjd@mjdauctions.com)

 

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Copyright ® by Martin J. Donnelly Antique Tools. Last Updated December 1, 2025 04:36:01 PM