As the trades have rushed to embrace electronic and power tools, old hand tools have become increasingly collectible. And some of the most sought after of these are rules, squares and levels.
Rules
Not to be confused with classroom rulers used primarily to draw straight lines, rules are used to measure, though with the passage of time, this distinction is blurring and the terms are becoming interchangeable.
Rules are generally either straight or folding. Folding rules are high on collectors' wish lists and come in two varieties, fold and zigzag. Most folds open to no more than two or three feet, while zigzags can extend to five or six feet or more.
Rules have been manufactured of metals, plastics, and woods, and have been marked for the separate trades - carpentry, masonry, etc. - and in different systems - English, metric, Japanese, etc. - allowing collectors to specialize. During the 19th and early 20th centuries especially, many folding rules were made of boxwood or ivory. Examples of boxwood rules can sell for $30 to $250-plus, while ivory specimens in good condition can easily command prices ranging from $250 to over $2000!
Squares
Though "square" often refers simply to a carpenter's square, the term in general is used to indicate a group of tools used for determining and checking angles. Rafter (or speed), combination, and try are just a few of the many variations of the square.
The carpenter's square - also called a framing square - has two rules attached at a 90 degree angle. The longer section is called the blade while the shorter is referred to as the tongue. The standard for framing squares today is 24 by 16 inches, but older versions had different standard dimensions at various times.
Most contemporary squares (of all types) are made of aluminum or steel, but many older specimens were composed of materials like rosewood, ivory, whalebone, and brass.
All varieties of antique and vintage squares are collectible. Some collectors devote attention to specific types or companies or periods. And one could amass a considerable collection just focusing on "oddities."
Prices for old squares depend upon rarity, material, and condition, and can run from just a few dollars to several hundred and more.
Levels
Levels are also plentiful in their variety, but they all serve the same function: to indicate a line or plane parallel to the horizon. Like rules and squares, they have been manufactured from diverse materials - Bakelite, wood, metal - but some of the most collectible are the Victorian-era, cast iron affairs complete with filigree decoration.
(Note: Plumb bobs, the weights on the ends of strings, are used to determine the perpendicular to the horizon. For those new to the vernacular, think "plumb the depths." Plumb bobs are collectible in their own right.)
Some companies, like Davis Level & Tool, discovered that the filigree on some of their levels could not stand up to normal use. The designs were reinforced by adding to the patterns. This aids collectors today to more easily date their levels, if they know what to look for. That is a big plus when you consider that it has been estimated that reinforced filigree levels outnumber unbroken originals by 50 to 1.
Another example of knowledge equaling money is being able to differentiate between Stanley's No. 23 level and the rarer No. 23S. The 23S was manufactured only in 1943, and discerning the difference can translate into several hundred dollars saved or made.
Would you like to learn more about levels, squares, and rules? Check out the resources listed below, and
Catalogue of American Patented Antique Tools - Link - Nicely presented with great pics.
DATAMP - Directory of American Tool and Machinery Patents - Link - Invaluable aid for dating tools.
Mel Miller's Antique Tools - Link - Check out the section on Davis levels.
Mid-West Tool Collectors Association - Link - Hosts events; offers quarterly publication, "The Gristmill"; site offers tips on patent searches, more.
Museum of Woodworking Tools - Link - Nice site, has American levels, tools of Vietnam, lots of links, more.
Old Tools: Measuring Devices - Link - Check out the extensive list of "Makers and Markers of Rules and Squares."
PAST (Preserving Arts and Skills of the Trades) - Link - Organization hosts annual events. Check out the Links and Articles pages.
Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum - Link - For a look at Japanese wood tools.
University of Vermont Special Collections - Link - Check out the history of the Eagle Square Manufacturing Co.
About the author:
Michele Alice is EcommerceBytes Update Contributing Editor. Michele is a freelance writer in the Berkshire mountains of Massachusetts. She collects books, science fiction memorabilia and more! Email her at makalice @ adelphia.net eBay ID: Malice9
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