Hi All,
I have been mostly lurking here for some time now and from reading the various posts regarding planes, I can tell there are quite a few fans of old Stanley planes and planes in general. I work wood for relaxation, and like a lot of woodworkers, I love using handplanes. I’m attracted to older planes, whether they say Stanley or not, and my latest acquisition is a 4 ½ size smoother that because of its unusual thick, tapered iron looks like it would be a great smoother. I can’t wait to sharpen up the iron and put this baby to use, but just want to make sure it’s not a rare piece with historical or collector value. I bought it for a very reasonable price as a user, but if it has any value other than a good user, I would have to put it up on the shelf and just look at it, so I’m hoping that you guys will say that it’s common as dirt and go ahead and put it to work.
It says H. S. B. Co. and Rev-O something (can’t recall at the moment) on the iron, but no other manufacturer’s markings anywhere. The iron is tapered in thickness, about 3/16″ thick near the bevel (bezel?), and the mouth is wider than a Stanley’s to accomodate the thick iron. The main casting, frog and lever cap looks like Stanley, and I learned recently from Larry William’s post that the twisted lateral adjustment lever likely means that Stanley made this plane. Scott Frankland’s post pointed me to Jay Sutherland’s Plane Dating Flowchart, and from that source, it appears that this could be a Type 4 Stanley, made between 1874 and 1884. It does have the broad rectangular area with arched rear for the frog that this type calls for. Under the tote is “83” cast into the base, which I presume means that it was made in 1883. If correct, this would be the oldest tool I own. Any help identifying this plane would be appreciated.
Rick in Orange, California
Replies
Rick,
I doubt that this is a Type 4 Stanley...The lateral adjustment lever came out in 1885 on the Type 5s. However, it is likely that it was manufactured by Stanley as the OEM, my suspiscion is that the iron was an "after market" and the mouth was filed open to accomodate it. Actual dimensions of the body would be helpful.....Here is another site that might be of some help: http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan0.htm and a more recent update of Mr. Sutherland's flow chart http://www.wwforum.com/faqs_articles/pdatechart.pdf .
Dano
Edited 4/29/2002 8:50:43 PM ET by Danford C. Jennings
Dano,
You’re right, it’s not a type 4. It’s not even a type 5. The lateral lever on the #4 ½ is a later type with the round disc. I took a closer look at the base where it mates with the frog, and it looks like the second one from the left in the photo of frog base evolution according to Patrick Leach. That would make the manufacture date no earlier than 1888, according to Patrick’s write-up. So much for the “83” having to do with the date. The body dimensions are: 10” long x 2¾” wide base, 2 3/8” wide iron. It weighs 4 3/4 lbs.
As for the wide mouth, I think it’s original. There are no signs at all of filing. Another clue is that the part of the depth adjustment yoke that sticks up into the cap iron is 1/16” longer than in a normal Stanley. That tells me that it was designed to reach through a thick iron. Thanks to your input, I’m learning more and more about these old tools.
Rick
Rick,
HSB is Hibbard, Spencer and Bartlett a large hardware firm of the past--I hope I have the name right.
I'm not sure about your other information. I just don't have a lot of the metal plane books. The only metal planes I can recall that had thick tapered irons were made by Ohio Tool. Their metal bench planes are Bailey pattern and pretty good planes. It seems like those I've seen have hardwood totes and knobs that were painted but there may have been other styles. Revonoc (Conover backwards) was a HSB logo but I can't remember a lot of details about the planes. Here's a link: http://www.thckk.org/ovb-hist.html
Edited 4/29/2002 10:21:34 PM ET by Larry Williams
Larry,
I've seen the Hibbard, Spencer and Bartlett name on a chisel before. And the logo is Rev-O-Noc. I never would have guessed that was Conover spelled backwards. The handles appear to be varnished or lacquered mahogany. Thanks for the information.
Rick
Rick,
I don't even remember the significance of the name Conover in this case. Just one of those things I read somewhere and stuck in my mind.
BTW, if the iron is original to your plane, it is most likely made by Ohio Tool. If they'd just put rosewood totes and handles on 'em, I suspect Ohio Tool Bailey style planes would be pretty highly sought after. The steel in Ohio Tool irons and chisels was good stuff.
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