Fifteen years ago, my grandfather retired from his job as a salesmen at the family business to his sheep farm in Adell, Wisconsin. For ten years he passed his time raising sheep for meat and hides. After perfecting the process, his interests waned and he searched for a new vocation.
As a child of the depression, my grandfather's pack rat mentality (common amongst many children of the depression) drew him to Ebay. In September, 2002 he started an eBay account to sell off his old tools and finds from local auctions and estate sales. Blinx1641's business steadily grew and he transitioned away from farming. Six years and 1166 transactions later, my grandfather now spends his weekends traveling locally going to auctions and rummage sales looking for antique American Tools.
Focusing on American made tools, his business has benefited from the resurgence of interest in Americana and vintage work wear. The vintage tools he sells inspired Redwing's Shoes, Levi's Jeans and Carhartt. This work wear was developed to suit the needs of the workers that used these tools and is worth a look if you're interested in vintage American work wear. Here are some photos from his auctions:
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1 comment:
Grandpa could give you some other pictures of tools. He has a bunch. He has seen some cool tools over the years. What amazed me most is that this passion for tools is a multigenerational thing. Is it nature or nurture?
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