About

Martin J. Donnelly Auctions is the largest marketer of antique tools in the world. Through the medium of Martin J. Donnelly Auctions, a total of nine auctions containing approximately 120,000 total antique tools, are held each year. Our auction locations of Nashua, New Hampshire and Indianapolis, Indiana had been antique tool auction locations for many years before our business began. In addition, we conduct a massive three-day auction at our Avoca, New York World Headquarters Complex that attracts hundreds of people as we sell more than eighty tons of tools over the course of the event.

Martin J. Donnelly Auctions began in 1983 as the then twenty-nine year old Martin J. Donnelly held a “yard sale” to investigate the possibility of selling tools as a business. The sale was scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m., but when all of the tools had been sold by 6:30 a.m., the viability of such a business was confirmed.

From this small beginning, the business has grown and prospered, first as a single person operation selling at shows throughout the country; then, from 1993 to 2002 as the publisher of “The Catalogue of Antique Tools”--the recognized preeminent value guide to antique tools; and continuing with Martin J. Donnelly Auctions, which began in Nashua, New Hampshire in September of 2000, expanded to Indiana in 2002 and added the Avoca location in 2003.

We are committed to being the very best at what we do and our commitment to customer service is an essential element of our business. Whether to those who consign tools to our sales, those who attend the auctions or those who participate by way of secure online bidding, the satisfaction of all is our highest priority. Our longstanding promise that “information is free and given freely” remains a guiding principle.

As we have moved forward each year, we have begun including other types of antiques in our auctions. We hold a Federal Firearms License and have sold antique and modern guns in our sales for record prices. We have recently been licensed in New York State to sell handguns as well. Among the other categories we have sold are sewing machines, cast iron banks, fishing lures and tackle, surveying instruments, kichen collectibles, pencil sharpeners, early lighting, gasoline engines, musical instruments, nautical collectibles, antique traps, railroad memorabilia, antique locks, advertising items and many, many more. Our strength is in our marketing and we can reach buyers world wide.

We invite those who read this to join us at one of our auctions and participate in the good will and camaraderie that is the common condition of those who are interested in antique tools. The only problem that might arise from attending one of our sales is that you will not want to miss one ever again. Hope to see you soon.