Thoughts on surface rust

[RustnGrease]

Looking for opinions here, and i'm sure there's as many as the day is long.

Bought box lots of wrenches at sales and now i'm looking to sell off the extras. Most are good user models, with some surface rust/patina.
Some of these wrenches may not even have been plated as they are quite vintage 50-60's or earlier.

Not cheap china wrenches either. Mostly USA with some german mixed in.
As far as brands, Indestro,Bonney,williams, Blackhawk and so on.

Personally it doesnt matter to me, if i was keeping them i wouldn't be concerned, not a tool polisher here.

So the question is, how much does that affect value? Would it bother you or turn you away from a purchase?

Thanks

 

[jakemac]

Pure collectors will want it "as found", Users will want it de-rusted, and Polishers will want it pristine.

You'll need to pick your market in order to determine the pricing.

 

[Karl_B]

I think you should start by posting some pictures of these finds, especially of those Bonney wrenches. I've been on a Bonney kick ever since one saved my bacon about a month ago.

Jakemac is right, though. Different people will want different conditions. Personally, I don't mind doing the clean up myself, just so long as the wrench isn't worn badly and it's usable.

 

[RustnGrease]

karl, they're posted over on the garage sale thread, got most at an estate sale over the summer. I think i'm just going to sell them as is. That way the buyer can clean and protect them as they see fit.

I'll get a for sale thread started shortly. Been trying to get most of the shop organized lately and haven't had time to get anything for sale, either on here or that online auction site.

Problem is, i'm not sure what to value these at,i know they're not perfect but i don't need the room that bad to give them away.

 

[woody 73]

Pure collectors will want it "as found", Users will want it de-rusted, and Polishers will want it pristine.

You'll need to pick your market in order to determine the pricing.

You hit the nail on the head

As a user I will take the rust off asap, and as a collector I will leave it alone.