Linda Mariconda
Established in 1982 Whitney House Antiques is “Celebrating 40 Years”. I specialize in selling, buying and rescuing early woodworking hand tools, trade tools and primitives for collectors and crafters. Being a woman selling tools of a masculine trade is unique in itself, let alone being one of the few prominent female dealers of antique tools in the U.S. All tools are personally selected from private collections, estates, flea markets and house calls. I like to think that I am rescuing these 18th & 19th century tools by cleaning and restoring them to their former glory and usefulness, after which, finding them forever homes. Ready-to-go to the next generation of artisans and collectors!
I made my entrance into the tool ecosystem in the early 80’s when I started buying tool boxes to restore – at the time just a start-up business. During these restorations I would often find wayward tools inside. Once I cleaned them up and brought them into my shop everyone kept coming back for the tools! At that point my tool business took off and here I am today.
All the items that I offer are meticulously cleaned to maintain their integrity & patina. Once cleaned, they are carefully researched and identified.
It’s like a history lesson – I am always learning about the early tradesmen and their influence on our historical past. These are our roots. These are the tools that built our country. I like to think of myself as a preserver of our American heritage and I am.
I enjoy this business very much and have met so many interesting people and colleagues in the tool world over the years. Constantly learning and discovering new minute details about the tools I restore, I find the entire process enlightening, stimulating and rewarding. With all hope, these tools will be passed on to be cherished, cared for and appreciated once more.
On a final note I’d like to mention my friends at Crafts of NJ, Collectors of Rare And Familiar Tools Society, where I am currently a member.
Thank you so much for supporting my passion for old woodworking tools.
I hope you enjoy using your new tools as much as I did rescuing them .
Happy Tooling!
