Rare And Expensive
Tools should not cost more than 100 bucks, but these are special. They were the first of their kinds, which makes them especially rare and sought after. One of these goes over $10k…
E.W. Carpenter Rosewood & Boxwood Handled Plow Plane (1838): $8,995
The E.W. Carpenter screw-arm plow plane is a stunning example of early American creativity. Lancaster's E.W. Carpenter was a trailblazer in precision woodworking tools, and his plow planes are considered masterpieces. This one was patented in 1838 and features a boxwood body and arms.
E.W. Carpenter Rosewood & Boxwood Handled Plow Plane (1838): $8,995 (Cont.)
It also has locking nuts and a separate rosewood tote fastened by brass brackets The immaculate threads and minimal damage on this particular piece make it a standout. So, these planes were staples for cabinetmakers, but due to their delicate construction, few have survived in this condition.
Flossie Greenleaf Log Caliper With Signed Grover Wheel (1922–1928): $5,500
Made by Florence "Flossie" Greenleaf during her brief career crafting log calipers, this is the finest example ever found. The five-foot tool, used to measure log diameters, retains 100% of its original finish and is signed "PAT'D C.W. GROVER CARATUNK, ME" on both sides of its wheel.
Flossie Greenleaf Walking Wheel Log Caliper by Dowds Tools
Flossie Greenleaf Log Caliper With Signed Grover Wheel (1922–1928): $5,500 (Cont.)
Loggers relied on tools like this to maximize timber efficiency. And Flossie began making these calipers after her father's death in 1916, continuing until 1928. Her handcrafted designs, particularly those created in Belmont, Massachusetts, are rare collectibles today.
Flossie Greenleaf Walking Wheel Log Caliper by Dowds Tools
Millers Patent No. 50 Gunmetal Plow Plane (1875): $12,495
The Miller's Patent No. 50 Gunmetal Plow Plane is often referred to as the "Holy Grail" of tool collecting. Designed by Charles Miller and patented in 1872, this combination plane was manufactured by Russell & Erwin and offered for just one year in 1875.
COMBINATION PLANE. Gunmetal Miller's 1872 Patent. by Brown Tool Auctions
Millers Patent No. 50 Gunmetal Plow Plane (1875): $12,495 (Cont.)
What sets it apart is the unique gunmetal construction, with its copper wash finish, detailed acorn finials, and fine rosewood knob. The tool's scarcity stems from limited production and the fragility of its design. Exquisite craftsmanship is what comes to mind when you see this.
COMBINATION PLANE. Gunmetal Miller's 1872 Patent. by Brown Tool Auctions
Stanley No. 1 (1867): $1,000 Or More
Introduced in 1867 and sold until 1943, the small size (5.5 inches long) and lack of a lateral adjuster makes the Stanley No. 1 impractical for most woodworking tasks. The plane's rarity stems from its poor sales; many woodworkers found it too small to be useful.
Restoring the Holy Grail of Vintage Planes (Stanley No. 1) by Rex Krueger
Stanley No. 1 (1867): $1,000 Or More (Cont.)
Despite this, collectors love the No. 1 for its novelty and historical value. Some theories suggest it may have been marketed as a child's tool or a demonstration piece, but its true purpose remains unclear. Ultimately, the Stanley No. 1 is a tiny bench plane with an oversized reputation.
Restoring the Holy Grail of Vintage Planes (Stanley No. 1) by Rex Krueger
A6 Norris Smoothing Plane (1920s): $1,400–$2,400
The A6 Norris smoothing plane, from 1920s England, is celebrated for its precision and durability. It is made of solid cast steel, and has a thick blade and chip breaker, with a finely tuned bed angle of around 47 degrees. This design was ideal for creating smooth finishes. Also, the plane's "tight mouth" prevented tear-out.
Norris - the ultimate smoothing plane? by DavidBarronFurniture
A20E Norris Infill Adjustable Shoulder Plane (1920s): $1,200–$2,400
Another one from Norris. This one was designed for trimming tenons and shoulders with unparalleled accuracy, so it was a must-have for fine joinery work. Norris tools, known for their superior craftsmanship, were often custom-made in small batches.
A20E Norris Infill Adjustable Shoulder Plane (1920s): $1,200–$2,400 (Cont.)
This A20E Norris shoulder plane was a mix of ebony elegance and of course functionality. It's got a full-width cutting edge and an adjustable blade held in place by an ebony wedge. The A20R version features rosewood instead of ebony—both remain high on collectors' wish lists.
Pennsylvania Goose Wing Axes (19th Century): $4,995
The gorgeous Pennsylvania Goose Wing Axes are a matched pair—one right-handed and one left-handed—crafted by the same maker. These tools were essential for early American settlers and used primarily for felling trees and hewing logs.
Such a piece of history: Pennsylvania Goosewing Axes #woodworking #shorts by A2WoodArtShorts
Pennsylvania Goose Wing Axes (19th Century): $4,995 (Cont.)
It's their elegant design, inspired by European axe styles, that earned them the "goose wing" nickname. They have 14-inch blades and 17-inch handles. Few axes made by skilled blacksmiths from this period remain in such pristine condition.
Such a piece of history: Pennsylvania Goosewing Axes #woodworking #shorts by A2WoodArtShorts
Stanley No. 51/52 Shooting Board (1920s): $2,395
The Stanley No. 51/52 was a precision tool for squaring up the edges of wood and perfecting miter joints. People are willing to pay over two grand for this "Sweetheart" era model (from the 1920s) for its completeness and fine condition.
Stanley No. 51/52 Shooting Board (1920s): $2,395 (Cont.)
The board is paired with a specially designed plane, and it was a favorite among professional cabinetmakers. Its rarity lies in the fact that most shooting boards were heavily used and discarded once worn out. Finding an intact example like this one is almost unheard of.
Stanley Millers No. 42 Gunmetal Ornate Plow Plane (1875): $1,995
This one was produced for a short period in 1875. It comes complete with a filletster bed and wrap-around fence—a masterpiece of Victorian-era design and functionality. As a cousin to the No. 50, it shares similar functionality but stands out with its ornate detailing and gunmetal construction.
STANLEY No 42 MILLER’s PATENT FILLESTER COMBINATION PLOW PLANE … GUNMETAL by Chester Spier
Stanley Millers No. 42 Gunmetal Ornate Plow Plane (1875): $1,995 (Cont.)
This tool would have been used for creating decorative grooves and intricate joinery, tasks that required precision and skill. Its fine rosewood handle and brown patina make it as beautiful as it is rare. The design and smooth finish of the rosewood handle, in particular, is proof of impeccable craftsmanship.
STANLEY No 42 MILLER’s PATENT FILLESTER COMBINATION PLOW PLANE … GUNMETAL by Chester Spier
Fisher Norris Cast Steel Ten Pound Anvil (1847): $1,800
Small yet mighty. This ten-pound Fisher Norris anvil is one of the earliest examples of American anvil manufacturing. Blacksmiths relied on tools like this for metalworking, but few were as durable or well-made as Fisher Norris products. The company has a reputation for quality.
Old Fisher Norris 1929 #Anvil #blacksmith by Christian_Mitchell
Fisher Norris Cast Steel Ten Pound Anvil (1847): $1,800 (Cont.)
This specific example, at only ten pounds, was designed for portability, which means it was perfect for jewelers, small-scale blacksmiths, hobbyists, and now collectors. What makes this anvil especially collectible is its crisp markings and sharp edges—features that typically wear down after decades of use.
Old Fisher Norris 1929 #Anvil #blacksmith by Christian_Mitchell
Solomon Anderson Hammer With Wrap-Around-Claw (1845): $1,695
As the earliest known patented hammer in the United States, this Solomon Anderson design is a marvel, and we have to include it on the list. Patented on August 20, 1845, the hammer features a wrap-around claw for removing nails, a design that we see ever so often now.
Earliest Patent Hammer up for auction now! by Brown Tool Auctions
Solomon Anderson Hammer With Wrap-Around-Claw (1845): $1,695 (Cont.)
This tool is larger and heavier than most. It is 13.38 inches long and weighs 16 ounces—it was well-suited for heavy-duty construction. The hammer's rarity stems from its age and the fact that few examples were made, as manufacturing technology in the 1840s was still evolving.
Earliest Patent Hammer up for auction now! by Brown Tool Auctions
Acme Miller Falls No. 74 Mitre Saw (Early 1900s): $499
Now, we have two items on the lower side of the range. This Acme Miller Falls No. 74 Mitre Saw was part of a box set made by the Langdon Mitre Box Co. in collaboration with Henry Disston. It includes a 26-inch saw that cuts precise angles.
Refurbishing an antique Millers Falls miter saw by OrcaBoats
Acme Miller Falls No. 74 Mitre Saw (Early 1900s): $499 (Cont.)
This tool was a staple in workshops and was also essential for tasks like framing and molding. While mass production made the No. 74 accessible to many woodworkers, its use in heavy carpentry meant that few examples survived in original condition. Those that remain are often worn, rusted, or missing parts.
Refurbishing an antique Millers Falls miter saw by OrcaBoats
Davis Level & Tool Co. Pat Inclinometer Level 18 Inch (1867): $265
Although not as huge as the other, we wanted to include this Davis Inclinometer Level, which has intricate designs and brass accents. The 18-inch level, patented in 1867, was used for measuring angles and slopes with precision.
1870s Ornate Inclinometer [Restoration] by Hand Tool Rescue
Davis Level & Tool Co. Pat Inclinometer Level 18 Inch (1867): $265 (Cont.)
This level was widely used by engineers, architects, and builders in the late 19th century when infrastructure projects were booming across America. Davis Level & Tool Co. was a company celebrated for the sheer attention to detail in their design. And hence, this is different from simpler, utilitarian levels of the time.
1870s Ornate Inclinometer [Restoration] by Hand Tool Rescue
