The vintage Blackhawk Thread

[dodge610]

This was in a tool lot I bought now trying to get it apart and rebuild it


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[four.cycle]

RE:

I wonder why we are seeing such a sharp vertical rise in Blackhawk prices lately though.

I don't think it's sharp or lately, horse. I think it can seem that way in relationship to our own low price points, memory or perspective. I agree that $50 is high for a starting point on a midget set, and it could go much higher, but they have sold for at least that and more in the past even if they started much lower.

(* emphasis added * *)

What the $132 16-ND set and this 11-ND set have in common are very nice decals. And that often has much more to do with price than we may like to think.

(* emphasis added *)

This BLACKHAWK "TORPEDO" case with contents is by its very nature (substantially old & relatively intact) a high dollar collectible for those with that specific interest. Not in the same league as the "first appearance of Superman in a comic book" but sort of the same tendency. If it sold for the asking price in two days, the asking price may have been too low for the potential market.
The wrench that came with the first "experimental" [DAIN] tractor produced by JOHN DEERE is a "high dollar" item because of its attractiveness to both wrench and JOHN DEERE collectors,-- so few were made and only a few of those survived. If someone put one of those on the market for 80% of its potential, it would be snapped up in a flash, and those who did not realize the true potential market would say "huh??? - what crazy spent all that for an odd old piece of iron."

(* emphasis added *)

I think that both Private Lugnutz and Stan raise salient points; that the selling price of the "Nugget" set and what might turn out to be what we perceive to be a high price on that 11ND set are not, in fact, that extraordinary. It's quite possible that in the little echo chambers of our own minds we are underestimating the market.
I also think that Private Lugnutz's point about the decal cannot be overstated. I myself have paid what I considered to be "more than it was worth" prices for sets simply because the decals were relatively intact, which on some of those 1920s and 1930s sets is really quite a rarity, particularly on the outside of the box.

 

[four.cycle]

I have been reminded to keep things in perspective:



So maybe the $1650.00 selling price shouldn't be considered to be extraordinary at all.

 

[thehorse13]

It's quite possible that my life long cheapskate disease is clouding my vision. But now we have a bomb box that looks like it was actually dropped from a plane, sell for 675 bucks?

It's fun to kick this around and I can always count on Lugz to give me perspective that I had not considered while reveling in my cheapness. That said, how many high price sales constitute a spike?

 

[four.cycle]

^ Honestly, after a few back-and-forth exchanges with other collectors about this, I'm not really surprised, nor do I think the selling prices of the Nugget set or the Nugget box are all that anomalous when viewed in a larger context.

A latte' is six dollars. A candy bar is a buck and a half. A loaf of bread is four dollars.

So why not $1650.00 for a 1940s socket set, even incomplete?

I am very seriously considering becoming an Ebay seller myself.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

It's quite possible that my life long cheapskate disease is clouding my vision...

I didn't say that. I just think we all take notice of the spikes, because we tend to think linearly, because a lot of us prefer hunting in the wild for bargains, and are prone to good-old-days disease, and when we see prices creeping up we tend to cry trend, and we forget the fact that we've had other spikes, i.e., the $132 ND-16 set just two year ago, or plenty of other midgets sets acquired in between maybe with lesser decals, or lesser intact, in the more reasonable range ($35 to $70).

...That said, how many high price sales constitute a spike?

That's a good question. Time will tell. It will be very interesting to see what the next empty box, the next partial set without a box, or the next near-complete with box sets sell for. If the losing bidders had deep pockets, it could take a few sales to come back down. And if those kinds of guys continue to be attracted to the hobby in numbers (cool is cool, guys, and wealthy people are not immune to good taste!), the going rate could stay that high.

...So why not $1650.00 for a 1940s socket set, even incomplete?

I'm not ready to go that far yet. That and the $700 for an empty box are record highs for the last 5 or so years and at least 2 x higher than normal.

 

[thehorse13]

I didn't say that. I just think we all take notice of the spikes, because we tend to think linearly, because a lot of us prefer hunting in the wild for bargains, and are prone to good-old-days disease, and when we see prices creeping up we tend to cry trend, and we forget the fact that we've had other spikes, i.e., the $132 ND-16 set just two year ago, or plenty of other midgets sets acquired in between maybe with lesser decals, or lesser intact, in the more reasonable range ($35 to $70).


That's a good question. Time will tell. It will be very interesting to see what the next empty box, the next partial set without a box, or the next near-complete with box sets sell for. If the losing bidders had deep pockets, it could take a few sales to come back down. And if those kinds of guys continue to be attracted to the hobby in numbers (cool is cool, guys, and wealthy people are not immune to good taste!), the going rate could stay that high.

I'm a self admitted cheapskate. Even if you didn't say it, I already know it. lol. I also hope this goes without saying, I enjoy your responses.

You are spot on about hunting in the wild, which brings me to another angle that a friend and fellow Blackhawk junkie has pointed out. For many collectors, Ebay is their best and only way to hunt down this stuff. I guess a reminder of how lucky we have it to be able to roam the fleas is a taste of good medicine every so often.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Tax season could possibly play into the high price. I recall this time last year, the butterfly speeder ratchets caught on fire and some sold for 300+ dollars. The buying (or I should say selling?) craze lasted about a month or so then selling prices dropped like a rock. Admittedly the bomb box gets a lot closer to thin air than the wonky speeder rat but both are "must haves" for some collectors. I've forgotten what it's like to get a tax refund so I don't get to play "buy my dream tool" with one.

 

[four.cycle]

"...hunting in the wild..."

Flea Markets and Swap Meets in this area are just junk-fests full of tables of cheezy Taiwan and China made goods and sellers who think the stuff is all gold-plated. I've been to a few of them around here and they were all complete wastes of time.
Additionally, here on the west coast, the old stuff which is fairly common for those of you on the eastern seaboard is almost non-existent "in the wild".
Some of it shows up in antique malls and on Ebay, but not at the type of venues Private Lugnutz frequents.

 

[don long]

Flea Markets and Swap Meets in this area are just junk-fests full of tables of cheezy Taiwan and China made goods and sellers who think the stuff is all gold-plated. I've been to a few of them around here and they were all complete wastes of time.
Additionally, here on the west coast, the old stuff which is fairly common for those of you on the eastern seaboard is almost non-existent "in the wild".
Some of it shows up in antique malls and on Ebay, but not at the type of venues Private Lugnutz frequents.

I agree with you. It is a lot harder to find good stuff down here too so I go on road trips when necessary

 

[Provincial]

My take on the recent Ebay price spike is this: the effect of CCF (Covid Cabin Fever) on buying habits. Many people are reacting to travel/gathering restrictions by using the internet for virtual buying tours. I even see some GJ members doing this instead of/in addition to their normal localized in-person searching.

It is not just tax refunds that provide "mad" money for these acquisitions. Anyone who has avoided being laid off from work still has an income, and the Stimulus payments are a cash windfall for them. If it came that easily, the temptation is to splurge on something you always wanted, but were too frugal to buy. Why not pay more than you are comfortable with, since you're spending "other people's money?"

I agree with JoCo that today's hot item probably will drop in price soon, but unless the Health Emergency and Stimulus Payments end, folks will just move on to the next shiny object of their dreams. Pebble Plomb, anyone?

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Good point Provincial. I redid my front porch with Trex decking with my sick call check.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Picked up this old hardware store cabinet/display for a reasonable 50$ +shipping. I guess some of the blackhawk stuff is still affordable.

 

[thehorse13]

Picked up this old hardware store cabinet/display for a reasonable 50$ +shipping. I guess some of the blackhawk stuff is still affordable.

I've seen that cabinet before. I told the seller that it's missing the topper when he asked about it. I'm glad that a GJ Blackhawk hound ended up with the cabinet.

 

[Shelbylex]

Great find, Oldtuleguy!!! Congratulations!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Nice snag, OTG! Someone bought one out of an antique store a few years ago during my Garage Sale thread host tenure. I'll try to remember who it was and find some pics. They're on here somewhere because I remember convincing him to post on this thread, too.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Thanks guys it's a little beat up but after a 100 years that's to be expected

 

[y'sguy]

Thanks guys it's a little beat up but after a 100 years that's to be expected

Glad you got it! very nice score!

 

[four.cycle]

It looks a lot better than most of us will at age 100. Great find!

 

[Shadow408]

Yes, The Blackhawk "Chief Wrench-Set" Was Mine. I Think I Payed $5.00 For The Box At A Garage Sale. Blew My Mind! I Figured It Would Probably Bring $250.00 Tops... LOL...

 

[Shadow408]

Since we were discussing prices of Blackhawk stuff lately, and specifically, this box listed on Ebay...

Holy moly. Someone went almost 500 dollars deep into this (with shipping)...I wonder if it was a GJ member.

Yes, I'm A Member. I Got This Box At A Garage Sale For $5.00.. Blew My Mind!

 

[z28lsc]

My greatest score so far. I got almost 2 complete 7/16 sets. 1 gripline and 1 bullet. I also got a ball t handle recently to go with either set. Luckily I got a nugget box and a bantam. I will update pics later.

 

[don long]

Picked up a couple more porto power boxes for my collection last week

s-l1600 (11) by don long, on Flickr

s-l1600 (10) by don long, on Flickr

And they will need some work before they make it into the party garage

s-l1600 (13) by don long, on Flickr

s-l1600 (14) by don long, on Flickr

.

 

[Catfishdan]

I got these out of a box of junk yesterday. I know nothing about Blackhawk tools. Are these 30’s era lock on sockets? 3/8” drive.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

They do look like it. What are the model numbers? If so, early 30's, no release buttons (too small), and extremely rare. I have never seen one in the wild and I don't recall too many if any being posted here before. They favored Nuggets - their much more famous 'tweener 7/16-inch drive size. One of the theories is because they couldn't fit the Lock-On release buttons on the 3/8-inch drive. Consequently, you won't see any of the classic late 30's and 40's Lock-On with the three-grooves in 3/8-inch drive size. Only Nuggets.

 

[drivesitfar]

Catfish: can you take a few more pics of the bases and the writing that will give us a few more details to help figure out what you have.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Here is a set I collected. Took many years.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Picked up a couple more porto power boxes for my collection last week

s-l1600 (11) by don long, on Flickr

s-l1600 (10) by don long, on Flickr

And they will need some work before they make it into the party garage

s-l1600 (13) by don long, on Flickr

s-l1600 (14) by don long, on Flickr

.

Lmk if you want to go in on getting any decals made. Still need one for my suitcase set! Nice finds.

 

[Catfishdan]

Catfish: can you take a few more pics of the bases and the writing that will give us a few more details to help figure out what you have.

Part numbers are 7824s, 7820s, 7818s. Labeled “Blackhawk pat.pend.USA They have holes, but no lock button.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

The earliest 3/8 drive sockets offered by blackhawk were the 800 series, followed by the 7000 series (early 30s) then the 9000.

 

[thehorse13]

My 70RD treasure chest has 6000 and 8000 series sockets along with 7000 and 9000 stuff. I wonder if they dumped older stuff into the sets just to get rid of it.

 

[Provincial]

That would be a good bet!

 

[Catfishdan]

Thanks for the info. If any of you Blackhawk guys need them for a set, they’re yours. I’ll never come across enough to get close...

 

[thehorse13]

Thanks for the info. If any of you Blackhawk guys need them for a set, they’re yours. I’ll never come across enough to get close...

I'm your huckleberry. I need all 3 for my 70RD.

I can PM you to sort out the details.

 

[Catfishdan]

I'm your huckleberry. I need all 3 for my 70RD.

I can PM you to sort out the details.

Sounds good. Pm me an address and I’ll send them on their way.

 

[Nutria]

These are handy.

 

[RagTopTA]

Hey yall, heres a couple of treasure chest boxes I picked up this last year. The bigger one is filled with only BH tools.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Nice grab. Looks like alot of blackhawk goodies in there.

 

[Nutria]

That is a haul. Nice boxes.

 

[MR.X]

Here's some old Blackhawk 1/4" drive sockets that are interesting (to me at least), 9/16 8 pt. is a pretty chunky socket for 1/4" drive. I paired it with a 7/16 Plomb socket in the last pic for comparison.