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What is PATINA?

The Potomac Antique Tools and Industries Association, Inc. (PATINA) is an educational, tax-exempt organization for people who have an interest in the tools, crafts or manufacturing processes of the past.

Formed in 1977, PATINA is a regional tool club based in the Washington, D.C. area. We have members from 24 states, the District of Columbia and several foreign countries. Antique tool collectors, tool users and people simply seeking knowledge are well represented in PATINA's membership. The annual dues of $15 includes membership for the entire family and they are welcome to participate in all PATINA events. PATINA's original group of about 30 has grown to over 350. Antique tool collectors, tool users and people simply seeking knowledge are well represented in PATINA's membership.

Our mission is to promote and increase knowledge and understanding of the tools and trades practiced by our American ancestors.

Our bimonthly meetings, held at the American Legion Post 270 in McLean, Virginia 22101, generally start with tailgate sales around 9:00 AM, followed by a short tool auction around 12 noon. The presentation by the guest speaker begins after the auction.

PATINA 2026-27 Events

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Latest News from PATINA

September 13 meeting will feature Bruce Johnson, a descendant of the Hermon Chapin family.

Announcement, Event

Our September meeting will feature Bruce Johnson, a descendant of the Hermon Chapin family. During the meeting he will talk about how the connection between his family to Hermon Chapin occurred, the history of Union Factory of Pine Meadow, CT, and the transitioning of Union Factory over the generations until it was acquired by Stanley Rule...Continue reading→

Annual Tool Sale and Auction

On March 15, 2025, PATINA held its most recent Annual Tool Show and Auction  in Damascus, Maryland. The auction took place on the same day as the dealer tool sale and started at 2:00 pm. consignees submitted tools, books, catalogs, artwork and advertising items pertaining to the subject of tools.

This annual event is free to attend and open to the general public and consists of tailgating (Friday and Saturday outside the Hall), a dealer tool sale (inside the Hall) and a tool auction (Saturday inside the Hall). The lots are open for inspection all day and usually feature antique tools, planes, chisels and the like but can also have user tools, antiques, collectables, signs and even some scientific-type pieces.

 

Inside the PATINA Annual Tool Show and Auction

Tailgater's section at the PATINA Tool Sale & Auction

Benefits of Membership

Our mission is to promote and increase knowledge and understanding of the tools and trades practiced by our American ancestors. Membership in PATINA is open to anyone interested in our mission.

  • Attend PATINA Tool Meetings – Antique & traditional tools for sale, trade, programs, displays & demos. See schedule of meetings and information on previous meetings.
  • Our annual Tool Auction has become a significant event in the tool marketplace. Quality tools and especially collector-type tools command larger premiums at our events. Tools are consigned by members and buying is open to the public. As almost all of the work of conducting the auction is done by member volunteers, we offer an inexpensive means of selling tools to the collecting community.
  • Invitations to educational programs, auctions, and tool sales.