The simple answer is — they find me.
People often bring books to the shows where I am selling, or while we are chatting in my booth they mention they have books at home that might interest me. Over the years I’ve also been contacted by many long-time antique tool collectors who are now downsizing and looking for a good home for their personal reference libraries.
In most cases these books have been gathered carefully over many years—sometimes decades—for research, study, or guidance in making things by hand. What matters most to many sellers is that the books continue their journey with new owners who will appreciate the knowledge and craftsmanship they contain.
When someone contacts me about selling books, the first step is simple: send a few photos. Seeing the titles on the shelves is usually enough for me to know whether they may be of interest to my customers.
If the collection is within a few hours’ drive, I’m happy to come take a look in person—cash in hand. More often, however, the books are hundreds or even thousands of miles away. In those cases we work together to identify the books I’d like to purchase and agree on a fair price.
Once the books are packed, the seller sends me the box dimensions and weight and I provide a prepaid shipping label, making the process as easy as possible. Then comes one of the most enjoyable parts of my work—opening the boxes and discovering what has arrived. Every shipment is a bit like a treasure chest. Occasionally I even find a volume so interesting that I have to read it before passing it along to its next owner.
My own favorite subjects are books about early house construction and social history, though I am always interested in quality books on tools, trades, early technology, and traditional craftsmanship.
