Replies

1. 
   chamfer | Sep 01, 2009 09:05pm | #1

   Larry,

   I believe yours is a smooth plane based on an 1884 patent issued to George D. Mosher, of Birmingham CT.

   The DATAMP entry for this patent can be found at:

   http://www.datamp.org/displayPatent.php?number=309400&typeCode=0

   Take a look at the second and third images to verify the similarities to your plane. They were manufactured by the Birmingham Plane Mfg Co. until about 1891, when the name of the company was changed to the Derby Plane Mfg. Co. The DAT (_Directory of American Toolmakers_) shows an ending date of 1900, but the company may have continued for a while after that. The irons are often marked with the Birmingham Plane Mfg. Co. name. The primary claim of the patent revolved around the entire plane (body, frog & handle) being cast at one time, thus reducing production costs.

   I believe these are somewhat rare, and one, in good condition, recently sold on that electronic auction site for something over $1,600.

   Hope this helps.

   Don McConnell
   Eureka Springs, AR

1. 
   leparker5099 | Sep 01, 2009 09:49pm | #2

   Thanks Don!

1. 
   Tony Z | Sep 01, 2009 10:44pm | #3

   I was going to say Birmingham plane, but Don really gave a detailed answer!  Yard sale????  How little did you pay???

1. 
   leparker5099 | Sep 01, 2009 10:53pm | #4

   $20

1. 
   Tony Z | Sep 01, 2009 11:00pm | #5

   Major gloat!  I give you $40 so you can double your money?

2. 
   leparker5099 | Sep 01, 2009 11:03pm | #6

   That'd be a lot better than I do on most things....BUT I think I'll wait for a better offer. :)

3. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Sep 02, 2009 03:50am | #7

   Tony,

   Well aint you a sport!?

   Wanna buy some cherry?

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

4. 
   Tony Z | Sep 02, 2009 04:52am | #8

   Don't need no stinking cherry!  I've learned how to make cheap-butt poplar look like cherry!

2. 
   LEPARKER | Sep 21, 2009 03:19am | #12

   I sent this plane to "FINE TOOL JOURNAL" for their December auction. I hope to get some cash to buy new tools for my shop. Anything more than $31.50 (What I paid + shipping) will be a profit.Thanks for your help!Larry

2. 
   philip | Sep 02, 2009 11:39am | #9

   Larry,
   What is the length of yours? Following on what Don has said I see pictures of similar planes on page 189 of Roger K Smiths book "Patented Transitional and Metallic Planes in America volume 1" except that these are shorter and back and front than yours, leading me to think that yours may be a jack plane size because of the extended back and front ends....

   Philip Marcou
3. 
   cowtown | Sep 03, 2009 07:18am | #10

   it looks like a Birmingham Plane Manufacturing Co plane

    

   You might want to check US patent 309400 of Dec 16 1884

    

   or check out Patented and transitional planes in america Vol 1 pg188-9

    

   Eric in Calgary

1. 
   philip | Sep 03, 2009 12:01pm | #11

   Eric, I think this has already been established.....Philip Marcou