I’m a member of Taths and can attest this is a very interesting group that its members meet up and discuss many aspects around the subject of antique tools. It has its merits and the people there are very nice people and well worth meeting if you get a chance to do so. I want to make it clear we are not building another version of what is already serving this section of the community well.
We are antique tool dealers and whilst the history aspect is fascinating the commercial aspect and attributing scarcity and desirability is more where we are focusing this website. We are building a website for collectors who want to gain a dealer perspective on what things are really worth to accompany the detail that can be learnt through others.
True value can only be assessed when the full focus of all dealers and collectors are present. The worldwide web broadens the reach and brings a different dimension to how things were previously done.
There have been two specialist antique tools auctioneers in the UK with Tony Murland & David Stanley. Tony Passed this domain to me before his sad passing at Easter this year (2020) knowing that I would take on the mantle to continue his legacy. This was agreed with Tony last year and I had 12 months to think this over and after much thought has decided that the way forward is via the web. Yes, this changes the way it was always done but the focus was supposed to be antique & collectable tools as per this domain and not boxes of general old tools sold in the latter auctions with a few antique & collectable additions.
The fact is if we get offered many old tools as dealers but when it comes to collections of antique tools there needs to be a closer reflection of retail prices for sellers than dealers can offer. Using platforms such as saleroom.com costs buyers an additional 5.9% on top of standard auction fees and this has to reflect on the final hammer prices.
The buyers premium also has to incorporate card transactions along with costs of handling and providing unbiased true and honest descriptive lots for buyers. Whilst sellers expect an auctioneer audience worthy of achieving market values. That’s why a specific antique tools auction website is needed, antique tools aren’t abundant and many sit in collections.
What then for collectors other than putting their treasured possessions in amongst many old user grade tools or putting them on eBay and all the issues this brings. Surely a professional auction for antique tools is needed and wanted by collectors to bow out knowing they achieved the proper rewards of their time and effort.
So this website may be under new management as they say but it comes with it many customers from its many years of service, add to that our customer base at Tooltique and our ability for online marketing it’s a mix that can attract a very healthy audience.
Our handling of shipping and customer service via Tooltique is second to none and this website inherits all this as standard.
Tony gave me the domain, this is the first thing significant anyone has given me in my life, everything I do comes from hard work and I’m not going to let Tony down by not giving this everything I’ve got to offer. He trusted me to take this further, I hope others can recognise this and if you have ever met me you will know I’ve only got good intentions and I’m proving this every day on every order received online.
It’s going to be inclusive, there will be something to gain from this website even if it’s something to sell, learn or buy.