Stanley Try Square Value Guide

This 1900-1930 Stanley Try Square represents the peak of American tool manufacturing following the 1920 merger of Stanley Works and the Stanley Rule and Level Company. These early 20th-century models are highly collectible due to their robust steel and wood construction, which remains a benchmark for precision joinery.

What Is Stanley Try Square Worth?

The typical price range for Stanley Try Square is $80 - $90 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of original finishes on the wood handle and a lack of heavy pitting on the steel blade significantly increases value.
• Specific production years, particularly those immediately following the 1920 merger, can command higher prices from niche collectors.
• The accuracy of the 90-degree angle; tools that have maintained their precision over a century are more desirable for functional use.
• Rarity of the specific size or model number, with larger or specialized squares often reaching the $90 upper valuation range.

How to Identify Stanley Try Square?

• Check for the Stanley Rule and Level Company branding or the post-1920 'Stanley' logo stamped into the steel blade.
• Examine the handle for high-quality wood, typically rosewood or mahogany, characteristic of the 1900-1930 era.
• Look for the 'Made in USA' mark and specific patent dates often etched near the base of the blade.
• Verify the presence of the brass decorative inlay or 'plate' used to secure the wood handle to the steel blade.

History of Stanley Try Square

Stanley Works, founded in 1843 by Frederick Stanley, began as a small shop manufacturing bolts and other hardware in New Britain, Connecticut. By 1857, Henry Stanley formed The Stanley Rule and Level Company, and the two companies merged in 1920. Stanley tools quickly gained a reputation for quality and innovation, becoming a household name for craftsmen and DIY enthusiasts alike. The try square, a fundamental tool for precision joinery, has been a staple in their product line for over a century, evolving in design but maintaining its core function. Early models, like this one, are prized by collectors for their robust construction and historical significance.