Set of carving chisels

[cutting42]

Hi All, been a while since I posted anything but have received a gift from a lovely neighbour yesterday and carving is not my thing so was wondering if anyone knew anything about this set of carving chisels.

They are marked JB Addis 10 Medals and seem in reasonable condition with just a few specks of rust here and there.

I gather from a bit of searching that they are a decent make but I was not able to find out age (I am guessing early 1900's). Was the box original do you think or was it made by the owner? It is reasonably well made and solid so fairly old I suspect and the patina suggests that as well.

Anyone out there know anything about them please?

 

[Cheshirechappie]

That's a very generous gift!

There were several branches to the Addis family tree, and all are sought-after tools. Those look to be in almost pristine, little-used condition, and the box looks sound too.

May I suggest little research by typing 'Vintage Addis chisel set' or similar into the Ebay search box; you may get a bit of a shock.

 

[JimB]

That is a beautiful set. I have one Addis carving chisel, fantastic steel. Lucky you.

 

[Lons]

As said, a very generous gift, I'd estimate a couple of hundred quid in value there.

The box I would say didn't come with the chisels, could be wrong but I'm not aware of Addis supplying sets in boxes. It looks old and most likely was made by the owner of the chisels, very common, I've done it myself. The spring clips are a giveaway really as they damage the ferules so probably not likely to be used by the manufacturers who also would have stamped their mark on the box.

I still own a number of addis carving chisels but sold 12 of them a couple of years ago for £160 to a dealer, wasn't a set either just mixed duplicates. You can buy them for around £12 - £20 each depending on condition.

You should try a bit of carving though, you might like it and those old gouges are a delight to use.

 

[cutting42]

I am now feeling a little guilty as my neighbour gave them to me as their mother (98 years old and sharp as a button) was having a clear out and asked if they knew any woodworkers and said these chisels had been sitting the attic for 50 years plus and she wanted to give them to someone who could use them.

I am pretty sure they had no clue they were that valuable. I feel the need to let them know the value and offer to purchase them or donate to a charity of their choosing.

I fully intend keeping them and trying some carving so not looking to sell as they were given on the basis I would use them.

Thanks for the comments and information!

 

[Lons]

There are several people who specialise in old quality tools Gareth, I took mine to the Harrogate show to sell but can't remember which one I sold them to, I'll have a look.

Suggest you go on line and maybe email photos to some of them for valuation in case values have dropped so don't do anything rash until you find out.

Bob

 

[thetyreman]

that is an amazing set, I'd probably offer them some money for them, great to have them laid out in a nice box as well, you hit the jackpot here.

 

[JimB]

it's an awkward one Gareth. Probably best to mention that they're high quality and you'd be willing to offer some money but the best thanks you can really give the donor is to use the tools. Best for the tools too.
ps. mentioned it to my wife and she suggested chocolates and a big bunch of flowers.

 

[Harbo]

I’ve got a set I inherited from my father but not as nice as yours.
My father did a lot of carving with them but I don’t know where he got them from. He was born in 1916 so if he bought new they must be 1930ish??
They have different handles though

Rod

 

[Tasky]

Yeah, just a little bit jealous...!
I have a Lidl carving set, which look (and probably work) nothing like as good as these!!

I'd guess that's an owner-made box, from the lack of lock escutcheon and the uneven bits around the hinges, perhaps? Just a pure guess, though.

 

[johnnyb]

Looks like a purchased set to me. It all fits so nicely. I doubt Addis would produce sets maybe an enterprising ironmonger. I have a lovely old set made by herring Bros for Giovanni tiranti( tirantis carving supplies) beautiful chisels. Big octagonal handles

 

[nabs]

I bought a set of incorrectly labeled Herring Bros carving chisels for a ridiculously cheap price on ebay and I think they are the finest looking edge tools I ever bought (I am not a carver, so it was just the bargain price that tempted me + a bit of curiosity - I pressume they do work!) . I will have to take a pic this weekend (if I can find them - all my stuff is still in boxes following a year of failed attempts to move house, we have now finally moved and I can start unpacking!)

 

[johnnyb]

I agree the herring Bros chisels are amongst the most beautiful hand tools ever made. To use them is to experience a delicate finesse with a remarkable edge. Addis whilst well known are not quite the same ( I know that's a generalisation realising Addis were quite a few companies!)
Tiranti have a long history of selling carving chisels with there own mark made by great makers. They used to sell Henry Taylor's. Now I think they sell stubai.