Klein Tools unearths oldest pair of its own pliers, worth $5,000

Klein Tools testified to the enduring nature of its products in a most unusual way: by hunting down the oldest pair of Klein side-cutting pliers in existence today. The winning pair, belonging to Dan Schmidt, dated back to 1904 and was valued at $5,000.

"We were overwhelmed with the inquiries and heart-warming stories of Klein tools beind handed down from one generation to another," said product marketing manager Thomas Barton. "Stories such as our second oldest pair from Robert Armstrong, Jr. really exemplify what the Klein Tools' brand is all about. His pair of 1906 pliers were handed down to his father in 1941 while on the job as a line foreman in Dyersburg, Tenn. and then handed down to Robert."

Klein Tools found the relic at a swap meet at the Sky Village Meet in Yucca Valley, Calif., where they were on sale for only $10. According to the company, they were still in good working condition.

Schmidt's pliers originally sold for $3.60 in 1904, which included a special nickel plating for an additional 30 cents.