Old tools might look rusty or worn, but lately, collectors are paying serious sums for rare pieces. That’s especially true on eBay, where sold auctions confirm surprising price tags. We assembled this list by reviewing completed listings, browsing vintage-tool forums, and consulting with respected dealers and collector sites.
The goal? Highlight tools that are commanding top dollar right now—without sounding salesy or vague. Here are 11 standout antique tools currently selling for hundreds.
Stanley No. 1 Smooth Plane
This tiny hand plane is the smallest Stanley made and was discontinued in the 1940s. Despite—or because of—its rarity, clean original models often sell for $400–$600. We saw multiple sold listings on eBay where collectors posted full fingers-width shots and paid top dollar. Vintage dealers like Jim Bode Tools regularly feature them around the $450 mark, confirming their consistent value.
Keen Kutter Hatchets
E.C. Simmons’ Keen Kutter branding is unmistakable, and early 20th-century hatchets with the etched logo routinely fetch $150–$300 on eBay. Collectors favor ones with original handles and crisp markings. The Keen Kutter Collectors Club offers solid background on why certain stamps and packaging drive value.
Millers Falls Hand Drills
Hand-crank drills from Millers Falls, especially Models 1, 2, and 5 with wooden grips and brass gears, often sell for $100–$250. We checked sold listings where functional examples with intact gears and clear maker names commanded higher prices—especially among restorers browsing Old Tool Heaven for ID help and comparisons.
Disston Hand Saws
Saws made by Disston & Sons—particularly late-19th-century models with applewood handles and brass medallions—repeatedly show up for $100–$300 on eBay. The Disstonian Institute is widely cited among collectors for its medallion-date reference guides, which help determine vintage and value.
Apple Peeler Machines
Clamp-on Victorian apple peeler machines, like those from Reading Hardware Co., are fetching $150–$400 on eBay when in working condition. Collectors and kitchen-gadget aficionados prize intact gears, embossed patent dates, and wooden knobs—features showcased in historical examples from the National Museum of American History.
Stanley Bed Rock Planes
Stanley’s premium Bed Rock series (models like 604 or 608) consistently sell for $200–$600. Dealer listings at Jim Bode Tools and detailed breakdowns from The Superior Works explain why the frog design and black japanning command higher prices among serious collectors.
Antique Blacksmith Tongs
Hand-forged blacksmith tongs from the late 1800s or early 1900s, especially with unique jaws or maker’s marks, are landing in the $100–$300 range. According to AnvilFire, a leading educational site for metalworkers, these tools are valued both for their history and their practical use in modern forging.
Tobacco Tin Tool Kits
Early 20th-century tool kits packaged in branded tobacco tins—like Bridgeport Hardware or Winchester—have sold for over $200 online. The combination of vintage advertising and complete tool contents makes them exceptionally collectible. Price trends on WorthPoint confirm that complete kits in original tins are in high demand.
Antique Wood Mallets
Joiners’ and coopers’ mallets made from maple or lignum vitae and showing carved initials or signs of wear regularly sell for $75–$200. Auction sites like MJD Tools feature these often, and experienced sellers note that aged patina and authentic wear raise the value significantly.
Post Drills
Large, wall-mounted post drills—typically iron and gear-driven, by makers like Champion Blower & Forge—sometimes reach $300–$500 depending on originality. Historical information on the VintageMachinery.org profile for Champion adds insight into why these functional relics are prized among tool restorers and decorators alike.
Watchmaker’s Lathes
Compact precision lathes by brands like Boley or Levin are used by restorers and hobby machinists, often selling in the $300–$800 range on eBay. Listings with accessories or original cases command premium pricing—confirmed by discussions in the Practical Machinist forums.