Tools of the trades
Atlantic Tool Collectors Show and Sale being held in Bible Hill
Page Baird tries to refrain from buying any more old tools, but he loves to look at them and learn about them.
Baird has collected tools since he was young and is a member of the Atlantic Tool Collectors Association, which is holding its fall show and sale in Bible Hill this month.
“I always gathered up all the old tools I could find,” he said. “My father was a carpenter, among other trades, and I grew up using his tools. My son and grandsons are carpenters and I outfitted them with hand tools.”
He keeps the tools he uses at home but has placed most of them in the Antique Farm Equipment Museum’s collection.
“I use a mix of old and new ones, but it’s pretty rewarding to pick up an old tool and do something with it,” he said.
He joined the Atlantic Tool Collectors about six years ago and enjoys seeing the unusual items that show up at the twiceyearly gatherings.
“This is the first time the show and sale has been held here, and it’s a chance to see some good quality, unusual things. There will be tools for sale, an auction, and a chance for people to bring in tools they’re unsure about and have someone try to identify them. There’ll be a lot of knowledge in the room.”
There will be carpenters’, machinists’ and blacksmiths’ tools on display.
Art Keeble of Musquodoboit Harbour has been a member of the group for about 14 years.
“I’ve always liked old tools, especially cast iron or blacksmith-made tools,” he said. “I didn’t realize it at first, but I was a collector.
“Some people collect tools because they like the beauty. They were a good investment in the old days, but not now. At one time you could get $500 for some Stanley planes and they’re now worth about $150. The ones that were going for $30-$40 are now going for $5 or $10.”
The public is invited to drop by the show and sale on Sept. 30, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Antique Farm Equipment Museum, on the NSPE grounds.
The day will include a performance from the Good Times Fiddlers, from 12:30-1:30 p.m., and coffee and tea will be available. People wishing to sit for the entertainment are asked to bring a chair, as seating is limited.
The Atlantic Tool Collectors Association formed in 1994, with 21 charter members, and now has more than 80 members from across Canada and the US. For more information visit www.atlantictoolcollectorsassociation.ca.