A CLOSE SHAVE WITH COLLECTING - Atlantic Tool Collectors ...
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I am not sure when the display cabinet appeared. I know it wasn’t always there, but sometime in the last couple of visits there it was. A small glass doored case mounted on the wall above the chairs at the barbershop that you mostly noticed in the reflection of the wall length mirrors opposite. Left side of open display case You see, even though I noticed it was there, and could tell it held some barbershop paraphernalia, I was never really interested enough to take a closer look. I am not a barber, what could be there for me? Turns out quite a lot. “I am not a collector” is something I used to say when the topic of tools came up. I would go on and on, well past what most people bargained for. I never considered the assortment of beat up tools in my possession worthy of the title “Collection”. Right side of open display case After all, in my mind the only criteria necessary for acquiring a tool is need. If I needed a tool for a specific task, and I had the money, I would buy it. I didn’t want to be the guy that hung a perfectly good handsaw on the wall as decoration, ending its useful life. A CLOSE SHAVE WITH COLLECTING
Transcript of A CLOSE SHAVE WITH COLLECTING - Atlantic Tool Collectors ...
I am not sure when the display cabinet
appeared. I know it wasn’t always there, but sometime in the last couple of visits
there it was. A small glass doored case
mounted on the wall above the chairs at
the barbershop that you mostly noticed
in the reflection of the wall length
mirrors opposite.
Left side of open display case
You see, even though I noticed it was
there, and could tell it held some
barbershop paraphernalia, I was never
really interested enough to take a closer
look. I am not a barber, what could be
there for me? Turns out quite a lot.
“I am not a collector” is something I used to say when the topic of tools came
up. I would go on and on, well past
what most people bargained for. I never
considered the assortment of beat up
tools in my possession worthy of the title
“Collection”.
Right side of open display case
After all, in my mind the only criteria
necessary for acquiring a tool is need.
If I needed a tool for a specific task, and
I had the money, I would buy it. I didn’t want to be the guy that hung a perfectly
good handsaw on the wall as decoration,
ending its useful life.
A CLOSE SHAVE WITH COLLECTING
I’m a builder by trade; my tools had to work, had to earn their keep, but after
twenty years in the business, the tools
just sort of accumulated.
How often did I use some of those tools?
Who’s to say that rarely used handsaw hanging on the pegboard in my shop
isn’t now a decoration? It sure looks good. It gives the place a real wood shop
“feel”, although the mitre saw and table saw do all of the heavy lifting.
The light bulb moment really came
along with the kids. I am a 4H
Woodworking Leader and both of my
children are involved. The class averages
10 to 12 kids, so I needed a lot hand
tools to keep them all busy at the same
time. Before I knew it I had 8 crosscut
saws, 4 backsaws, 5 braces, 4
combination squares along with dozens
of chisels and planes. I have also
managed to fill an entire bookshelf with
books on tools. When I finally took the
plunge and joined the ATCA I had to
admit that I might be a tool collector.
Instead of railing against it, I decided to
embrace this new interest as part of who
I am and it has had a big impact on me.
Art Keeble had once warned me that
collecting changes a person.
Closed display case
I would typically describe myself as a
shy guy, but I am really starting to enjoy
meeting new people and learning about
what aspect of tool collecting is
important to them. Collecting is the
perfect non-religious, non-political
common ground when getting to know
someone new. My wife Nicole will
suggest, and often does, that I am
oblivious to the world around me.
Collecting has opened my eyes a little
wider and helped me become more
observant. All of this influenced me
enough to make me stand up and take a
good look at the contents of the display
case, on my last visit to the barbershop.
There were several ornate metal razors,
china shaving cream bowls and wood
handled brushes in the case.
Blaise’s chair
When it was my turn, I sat down in the
owner, Blaise’s chair and for the first time in 15 years we didn’t talk about the weather. Instead, I commented on the
case and asked him about the contents.
Blaise proudly explained that the items
were all family pieces passed down to
him by his father and uncles. He even
stopped in the middle of the cut to show
me a unique piece he was very excited
about.
“Best Sheffield Steel” inscription
Closed silver case Open case with blade attached to
sharpener and handle on the right
It was an engraved silver case that housed a sharpening stone on one side and a leather strap on
the other. This ingenious little travel case gave the option for a razor blade to either be
sharpened on the stone or stropped on the leather, allowing its owner to have a sharp blade and
close shave wherever their travels may take them.
As it turns out, barbering is in the blood. Blaise took over the shop from his father and by
displaying his collection he is preserving that history. What was supposed to be a quick Saturday
morning trip to the barber turned out to be more like a school field trip! I really learned a lot that
day; about Blaise, about razors and about the history of barbershops. I may have also ripped off
that razor case idea for a portable blade-sharpening jig, but that’s another story for another time. ~ Rob Porter~
Below: A small sample of my “collection”. Notice the fancy cardboard box used for storage.
IN MEMORIAM
It is with deep regret that we inform you
of the passing of one our own, David
Murray, 66, of Irishtown, New
Brunswick. His wife of 33 years, Fonda,
notified us earlier this year that David
had passed away in hospital on January
15, 2017. The following is an excerpt
from his obituary:
Born in Moncton, he was the son of the
late Lionel and Pauline (Atkinson)
Murray. David was formerly employed
with Maritime Farm Supplies. He was a
member of the Buckskinners
Muzzleloading Association and the
Danks’ Rangers. David was very much an outdoorsperson, enjoying walking,
canoeing and snowshoeing. He was an
antique collector, enjoyed woodworking,
cartoons and to his family, he was known
as "Mr. Fix It". David was an avid
historian and enjoyed socializing with his
friends and family, especially his
grandchildren.
You can view David’s full obituary online at the following url: http://www.monctonobituaries.com/p
ost.php?id=1685
MEMBER INPUT REQUESTED
We would like to put a call out to the
Membership for submissions to be
included in future editions of ATCA
News. If you have an item in your
collection that you need help to identify
please send photos and a note with any
information you have that may assist in
identifying it.
Member Profiles are also a great way to
introduce yourself to other members and
make contact with those sharing common
interests. Even if you send a rough draft
of what you’d like to say, we can polish it before it goes to print.
If you happen upon a tool show, auction
or something else you think other
members would be interested in, snap a
few pictures, write a brief description
and forward it to us. Remember, this is
your newsletter and we want to include
as much news about you, the members,
as we can.
Submissions can be sent to us by:
Mail: Rob Porter & Nicole Kelly
PO BOX 1137 Stn Main
Antigonish NS B2G 2R6
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 902-863-2971
NEWSLETTER DELIVERY
This is the first issue to be available for
delivery by email. The demand for this
service has been quite underwhelming so
the paper copy isn’t being phased out any time soon. Printed copies will continue
to be delivered by Canada Post unless
you request otherwise. Please send your
request for email delivery directly to the
new editors at:
TOOL & INFO EXCHANGE
Editor’s Note: Remember that ads in
this section are still free.
Ken Greene is looking for a 20” x 4” Stanley or Disston Backsaw and has 12” x 3.5” Millers Falls and 28” x 5” Disston Backsaws for sale / trade. Also Sargent 408 and 409 planes for sale / trade. Call Ken at 902-435-2250 or email [email protected]
Scott Ross is still collecting mining paraphernalia and is in need of a coal bucket or coal scuttle. Condition doesn’t matter. His email is [email protected]
Kevin Wood is searching for the following items: Buggy wheels & nuts L&R Mi’kmaq stone tools Work benches
Ship’s wheel Caulking tools Mandrel (Blacksmith’s) Large anvil Whale oil lamp Wooden dasher type butter churn Kevin’s email is: [email protected]
Art Keeble has 110 horseshoe caulks for sale - $20.00 for the lot. Contact Art at (902)889-2324
2017 MEMEBERSHIP DUES This is a reminder that the 2017 Annual Membership Dues are now past due. Please make cheques in the amount of $15, payable to “Atlantic Tool Collectors Association”. If anyone is unsure of their membership status please contact Ken Greene at: 131 Bellbrook Crescent Dartmouth, N.S. B2W 0G7 (902)435-2250 [email protected]
HOW’SIT?
Instead of our usual “What’sit?” segment this issue, we are going to
switch things up a bit in with a
“How’sit?” photo instead provided to us by Art Keeble (below).
The above item is a device called a
Hoist Hook, apparently used in hand
lining. It is made of cast bronze with a
rather unique design. The wording on
it is “A B CHANCE CO #M1849” which are cast in the metal. It also
has “WORKING LOAD 500 LBS” stamped on it. Since Art knows what
it is, he is wondering if anyone can
shed some light on where and how it
is used.
Contact Art at (902)889-2324 or
CLEAN UP YOUR AXE! (hammer, chisel, plane etc.)
One pitfall of collecting antique tools,
besides the hole it leaves in your wallet,
is the mess many of them are in when
you buy them. Frequently the tools
have been neglected for years by the
owner and are only on sale because a
family member has either convinced
them to (finally!) clean out their garage
or has been tasked with the disposal of
the collection after the owner has
passed. Whatever the reason, collectors
often find themselves looking for a safe
and effective way to clean their
collection. With this in mind, we
present the tips below, from member
Scott Ross, which appeared in a
previous issue of A.T.C.A NEWS.
Tips on cleaning old tools
We all have old tools with wooden
handles sitting around. To keep them
looking like you care for them as well
as to keep them from drying out, I
simply rub a piece of sand paper
(120grit) over the handle removing dirt
and grey weather stain. Then I apply a
coating of Linseed oil to the wooden
surface. This also works well for
wooden planes. Caution must be used
not to scratch off any ID marks or cross
grain sanding that will be highlighted
when oil is applied. Care should also be
taken not to scratch any painted
surfaces that when exposed could cause
surface rust. Also do not store your
tools in a damp basement or shed. And
as always, remember that my
suggestions are just that! Good luck
and happy tool hunting. ~ Scott Ross~
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
A warm ATCA welcome to our
newest members Scot Sutton, Rocky
Robinson, Wayne Moore, and Ron
Sangster.
EXECUTIVE
Mike Illingworth, Chair
360 Square Road St.
AndreLeBlanc NB E4N 6G7
(506)577-6534
Jim MacLean, Vice Chair
14 Olie Street
Halifax NS B3R 1M8
((902)477-6087
Scott Ross, Secretary
261 High Street
New Glasgow NS B2H 2X4
(902)752-1852
Ken Greene, Treasurer/Membership
131 Bellbrook Crescent
Dartmouth NS B2W 0G7
(902)435-2250
Wayne Blenkhorn, Past Chair
PO BOX 46
Port Williams NS B0P 1T0
(902)542-7141
ATLANTIC TOOL
COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION
A registered non-profit society, whose
purpose is to promote fellowship and
increase knowledge of antique tools
and crafts. Visit our website at: www.tallships.ca/atlantictoolcollectors
A.T.C.A. News published quarterly,
is the official newsletter of the
organization.
Rob Porter & Nicole Kelly, Editors
PO BOX 1137 Stn Main
Antigonish NS B2G 2R6
902-863-2971
NEW MAILING LIST
Does the address on your newsletter
look a little different? Is something
missing that was there before? The
mailing list has been revised to
accommodate printing by the new
editors. We would like to apologize in
advance for any errors or omissions.
Please advise us of any changes that
you would like to be reflected in your
mailing address on the next
newsletter.
SPRING MEETING & SALE
Saturday May 13th, 2017 Museum of Industry
147 North Foord St, Stellarton NS
Admission to the Tool Show is Free Open to the public from 12 noon to 3:00pm
AGENDA
10am: ATCA Business Meeting (Members, guests, perspective new members)
12pm: Tool Displays, Swap & Sell Tables and Tool Identification
1:30pm: A.T.C.A Benefit auction
2pm: “What'Sit” Session
3pm: Close
Take Exit 24 off the Trans Canada Highway,
which will take you to Foord Street, Stellarton.
The entrance to the Museum will be on your left,
and is only about 500 feet from the highway. (Museum opens at 9am)
