Miniature Antique Tools

Salesman Samples

• Tool companies created small versions of their tools for salesman to take to trade shows and on their sales routes. The smaller tools were easier to carry and required less space. An entire inventory of hand tools could be carried in a suitcase instead of several large crates. The salesman would show the smaller versions of the tools to their perspective customers. The customers would purchase tools from the selection. Full size tools were then delivered to the customers. Salesman sample tools are a rare find and add great value to any miniature antique tool collection.

Tool Development

• The study of miniature antique tools provides a glimpse into the past and how people of a specific time period solved the problems of gardening, farming, construction, sewing and manufacturing. Antique tools are the predecessors to other tools. The evolution from one to the next shows the development of knowledge within each generation to better accommodate the production requirements of the time period.

Collecting

• Several reasons to collect miniature antique tools include using the miniature tools to create miniature objects; cataloging the various types of miniature antique tools in a specific category or within a certain area such as woodworking; preserving the past so future generations can experience the many tools used throughout history; as a financial investment that requires minimal space; and simply for the enjoyment of the artistic aspect of each miniature tool.

Displaying

• Miniature antique tool displays create a visually interesting display. The intricate designs show the ability of the artist and make a conversation piece for those looking at the display. A picture frame shadow box allows the collector to mount the tools with either hot glue or nylon thread. A small shadow box shelf provides individual boxes to place each tool or a collection of similar tools. Flat glass cases provide an area for each tool to lay separately and viewers to look at the tools.