Keep them or sell them?

**NZStu** · 25th February 2011, 04:48 PM

As alluded to in another thread, I've made an interesting chisel purchase on TradeMe, but it's timing has given me a small dilemma.

The chisels in question are a set of 5 Robert Sorby Kangaroo 166 pattern, dating from some time in the dark distant past (60's?), but are unused - still in their original box with the wax paper wrapped around the blades untouched. Unfortunately, the end of the 1" has worn through the end of the paper and there is a small amount of surface rust on the tip. Would come off with the initial back flattening/sharpening though.

Ordinarily, I would probably keep them and use them, but before buying that set I had decided to start building up a set of Japanese chisels over the next few months, and had ordered the first one. (I'm getting these ones)

Having started buying the Japanese ones, I'm loath to stop as it would be a bit of a waste starting down a dead end route like that. Adding to that, I'm wondering if the Sorbys would be worth more to a collector than to me as users. Perhaps they would sell on ebay for a sum that allows me to get one or perhaps two extra Japanese chisels. No idea how to price them though...

Anyway, here are few pics:

**Scribbly Gum** · 25th February 2011, 05:35 PM

Those should do well on Ebay Stu.
They are new in box and have the quite rare boxwood handles.
Start them off at what you paid for them and see where the market takes them.
If you don't get around the $150 mark or more I would be surprised.
Having said that, they are only worth what the market is prepared to pay at the time.
Good luck with the sale.
SG

**kiwioutdoors** · 25th February 2011, 05:36 PM

Never heard of the brand but am interested in them when you have decided on a price let me know and ill see if I can purchase

Andrew

**Heavansabove** · 25th February 2011, 10:50 PM

As for date of manufacture, Robert Sorby started in 1828, and as the company had been in business for over 150 years judging by the label, we can assume a post 1878 manufacture.

**orraloon** · 25th February 2011, 11:42 PM

I have a 11/2" sorby I got back in 1975 and can say they are pretty good. I think it cost about 3 pounds back then. They would be up there with any of the good brands.
As for cost of the set that is up to the market. I would not mind a set like that if I did not already have more chisels than I can poke at sticks.
Regards
John

**planemaker** · 26th February 2011, 12:18 AM

In the case of Robert Sorby and Sons the factory was known as Kangaroo Works. The kangaroo itself was one of a number of registered trade marks used extensively until the 1980's. The presence of Robert Sorby in the Antipodes is further reflected by medals and diplomas of distinction awarded in both New Zealand and Australia as well as in London, Edinburgh and Calcutta.Robert Sorby left these Kangaroo Works in 1934.

**NZStu** · 26th February 2011, 06:24 AM

Originally Posted by Heavansabove

As for date of manufacture, Robert Sorby started in 1828, and as the company had been in business for over 150 years judging by the label, we can assume a post 1878 manufacture.

I emailed Sorby and asked them if they had any idea of date - they've come back and said they think 1950s, but can't be more precise than that. That fits in with the look and feel of the packaging.

**rsser** · 26th February 2011, 04:21 PM

AFAIK the Sorby Kangaroo brand was a subset of what they produced.

I started woodturning with a HCS boxed set of this brand and they weren't too shabby.

Last year a forum member sold a similar set on ebay and got a very good price.

Just as an aside, as far as I know they're the only crowd that polishes the flutes of their HSS turning gouges.

**Vann** · 26th February 2011, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by orraloon

I have a 11/2" sorby I got back in 1975 and can say they are pretty good. I think it cost about 3 pounds back then.

I can't remember when Aussie changed to decimal currency (in NZ it was 10th July 1967, and I think Aussie was a year or two before that), but if you paid in pounds it must have been in the 1960s (or earlier).

Cheers, Vann.

**KevM** · 26th February 2011, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by Vann

I can't remember when Aussie changed to decimal currency (in NZ it was 10th July 1967, and I think Aussie was a year or two before that), but if you paid in pounds it must have been in the 1960s (or earlier).

Cheers, Vann.

T'was the 14th February 1966 when
"in come the dollars. in come the cents
to replace the the pounds, shillings and pence"

This was part of a radio commercial prior to that time.

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