Replies

1. 
   Eef | Nov 02, 2009 12:55am | #1

   hey kemo,
   what i do not know about old hand planes would fill volumes. however, if one googles the various words stamped on the thing, it will not be long before one is in-the-know. for some real fun, why not post a photo of it?
   eef

1. 
   kemo | Nov 05, 2009 05:13am | #3

   Thanks for your reply and offer of help. Since your reply and one other, I did a bit of cleanig and did find a mfg. stamp on the toe, but only the "tool Co" part was decipherifable. I continued to clean most of the "age" off and did not find any more marks to assist. My concern was simply to see how old it was and not for commercial value since I would like to learn more of the art of "hand tools" and really lucked out on this purchase. The gentleman I purchased it from had just moved into a retirement home and simply did not have room for much. I asked how much for his entire batch and simply asked if he would take a check... I ended up with 15 planes, an English bowsaw a complete set ot riflers and more planes for "parts"-He thru in a storage container. Needless to say, I was "HAPPY"-as was he, especially when the check cleared!

   Thanks again

   Kemo

1. 
   Eef | Nov 05, 2009 06:53pm | #4

   kemo,
   those "old guy passes on his long-used stuff to me" type deals have a joyousness to them, but also a sobering quality-huh? after all, it is only a matter of luck and time before i get to do the same.
   eef

2. 
   SawdustSteve | Nov 05, 2009 10:30pm | #5

   Two of the more common stamps that end in 'Tool Co.' are Sandusky Tool Co, 1869 - 191920's, and Ohio Tool Co. 1923 to 1920. AND there are many others. Both are good using planes. Each company used several different name stamps and MOST markings are qiite common, with no special value. IF you are interested, ask your local librarians if they can get you a copy of "A Guide to the Makers of American Wooden Planes' by E. and M. Pollak. It shows the different stamps, gives a brief history of each manufacturer and a relative rarity scale. It's nice reading if you are interested in the history of tools. SawdustSteve Long Island, NY (E of NYC)

1. 
   kemo | Nov 06, 2009 02:14am | #6

   Thanks for your info and comments. Verry helpful-I'll post after the dust clears.

   Also, yes, uphoria is  fleeting. My arthritic joints are not helping me adjust to "hand work" and will no doubt assist someone else to accomplish that same feeling before too long.

   Thanks again

   Kemo

2. 
   SawdustSteve | Nov 02, 2009 07:57am | #2

   Check the toe (front) of the plane. That is where you should find the makers name stamped into the wood. If there is a name on the heel (back) of the plane, that is the owners stamp. Let us know what the manufacturers name is. If it is an American maker, I should be able to give you an accurate date range.
   SawdustSteve Long Island, NY (E of NYC)