What's your worst memory of letting a good tool slip away? I think mine
happened this weekend. I'm ashamed to admit it except I'm desperate for
consolation and hoping someone has a tougher case than mine. I'm no tool
expert as this event certainly proves but I've been chasing tools long
enough so that my first thought is "if I haven't seen one of those
before, it might well be "rare". As recently discussed on the porch,
confusion about rarity vs value probably keeps me from taking too many
chances I guess.  

Anyway, I went to a flea market downtown and was one of the first tool
guys on the scene. I found an antique dealer with three planes. Two
Millers Falls and one Fulton. One of the MF's (Millers Falls that is)
was in the box and priced cheap so I grabbed it. The other had a tote
that had gotten way too close to a fire either intentionally or by
accident but the front knob was pretty cool. The price seemed typical
for a plane but the tote was so ugly I walked away. I toured the whole
place, talked to four or five tool guys, and came back to find it was
still there. I asked the guy if he'd take a few dollars less since the
tote was so bad but he wouldn't budge. So I came home and spent a good
day in the shop having forgotten about the plane.

Just before what was supposed to be time for some shuteye, I decided to
check the MJD website to see what he thought the plane was worth. Here's
what ruined a good nights sleep for me....

Millers Falls Company No. 209: Rare "Red Handle" Metallic Plane. Full
Nickel Plating. Transparent Hdles.. Length: 9.00 Inches. ..... The
"modern" planes introduced by Millers Falls included the so-called "Buck
Rogers" planes and this most unusual fully nickel plated smoothing
plane. Fitted out with handles of clear, red plastic and in essentially
the same condition as it was when it was made, this tool was perhaps too
"flashy" for most and therefore left wanting for buyers. We have seen
only a few examples of this rare plane, and none in this nearly
perfectly preserved condition. An extremely rare plane in near new
condition. (FINE). $565.00      

Must have been too "flashy" for me too...I can only hope a friendly
galoot was smart enough to pounce on it after I left.

I guess I'll get over it if MJD ever sells the tote only for $530.  

Anonymous