Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Buy or read books about collecting antiques. Many of these books offer descriptions of the tools and how much money they're worth at the time of printing. The price an antique sells for is dependent on how old it is and what condition it is in. Some collector's books specify prices for the different conditions of an item. For example, a tool in perfect condition may sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars more than an item in poor condition. If an item is rare enough, with only a handful in existence, even in poor condition the price tag might be high.
Look up photos of antique tools. Know what you are collecting and how to properly refer to the item. For example, burins and flat gravers are not common terms for tools so if someone claims to have a 14th century burin, they might actually have a round-tool. Be able to identify what you are looking for.
Learn during what time period various tools were used and where they were used. According to the University of Michigan, the French were very rigid when it came to using burins to complete engraving work. The English, however, used a variety of tools to engrave metals.
Visit antique shops, thrift stores and pawn shops to locate antique engraving tools. Searching at flea markets and yard sales might also mean that you'll find a treasure or two. Keep an eye out for antique tools wherever you go. Auctions and estate sales often feature items for sale that have gone unused for years.
Place an ad in the paper or online and list what tool you are looking for and how much you're willing to pay for the item. People may own antiques they're willing to part with but be unsure of how to sell them.