Before and after

On our recent trip to Goondiwindi for the Aspects Art Show, where my piece Bending was acquired and awarded second place, Fiona and I kept our eye out for junk and collectables shops. We managed to find a couple of good ones on the journey.

Apart from the usual stuff I search for (silver plated EPNS trays and brass, copper and rusted objects) we managed to find a number of tools with interesting pasts that we can use in our work including: a small anvil with a built in vise; an anvil beautifully crafted from a piece of 1949 railway line; a Willcox and Gibbs sewing machine from the late 1880s; and a hand operated grinder.

I spent Thursday afternoon dismantling and cleaning the various bits. I thought I would post on the before and after photos of the tools.

Small Harper anvil with vise built into it - before and after.

Anvil made from the 1949 rail line - after.

The Willcox and Gibbs sewing machine - before and after.

And the hand operated grinder - before and after

Because these items were not in such good shape they came at a lower price - but now they can be used and are worth much more - but they won't be leaving our place.