Hans Brunner Tools
The vintage axe collection previously seen on hansbrunnertools.com is now available here in The Lehmann Collection.
Australia’s First Vintage Tool Site (1997 -2025)
Hans Brunner Tools has long been an iconic source for vintage tools in Australia. As an early internet adopter (especially in the vintage tool space), Hans Brunner quickly became a name known globally within the vintage tool community.
Hans Brunner is a Swiss-born Australian expert in vintage woodworking tools, particularly renowned for his specialization in Stanley planes. After a career as an accountant and serving as operations director for USA Today International in Europe, he transitioned to antique tool dealing in Australia. In 1997, he founded Hans Brunner Tools, Australia’s first vintage tool website, which remains a valuable resource for collectors and enthusiasts.
Brunner has authored several guides, including Stanley Planes: A Guide to Identification and Value, offering insights from over two decades of full-time tool dealing. His publications are well-regarded for their detailed information on tool identification, restoration, and valuation. He also writes fiction under the pseudonym “Addison Marsh.” Currently residing in Queensland, Australia, Brunner continues to contribute to the field of antique tools through his writings and expertise.
Hans Brunner & The Lehmann Collection
In 2021, Hans Brunner Tools was responsible for handling the sale of the renowned axe collection of Steve & Maree Lehmann.
At that time, Mr. Brunner photographed and cataloged over 1300 tools, taking well over 4000 photos. In the process, he created an incredible resource to reference for axe collectors everywhere by keeping all the images and information online after the sale.
Retirement
After nearly 30 years, Hans Brunner retired from tool trade, with his website shutting down on August 5, 2025.
Mr. Brunner graciously allowed the valuable information available on his website to be carried on by this one. The images and information will be sorted and combined into articles to help depict and describe unique types, patterns, and brands of axes for future collectors to reference.
