Replies

1. 
   locash | Oct 26, 2004 07:49pm | #1

   You might find this link useful: Patrick's Blood and Gore Planes #21 - #37

2. 
   SawdustSteve | Oct 26, 2004 11:14pm | #2

   Welcome to the strange and wonderful world of hand-planes. The Stanley #26 was produced from 1870 to 1942. Lets assume all the parts are original to the plane. First, look at the front knob. If it is sort of short and squat, it is before 1922, taller type is after 1922.

   Look at the lever cap. If the hole is straight, it is before 1933. If it is kidney-shaped, it is after 1933. Finally, look at the lateral adjusting lever. if the end that contacts the blade is a straight bar, it is prior to 1888. If it has the 'usual' round riveted washer it is after 1888. Those are the 'quick-and-dirty' check-points for dating a plane. There are 20 different check-points on Stanley planes. Unfortunately for the collector, most parts are interchangible, therefore a 'new style' knob can be used to replace an 'old style' knob. The same goes for the lever cap, blade, adjusting nut etc. I hope this quick guide helps you in comming up with an approximate date for the plane. As long as the throat is not too 'open' or the sole cracked or worn out unevenly, these planes are good using tools. No it will not give the results of a L-N, but you can sure do a lot of work with it.

   SawdustSteve Long Island, NY

3. 
   JohnWW | Oct 26, 2004 11:33pm | #3

   #26 is a 15 inch long wood body plane with a Bailey cast iron mechanism mortised into it. 

   In general, these aren't highly regarded as cabinetmaker's planes, but I've never restored and used one, so I can't personally comment on their utility.  To quote Stanley's 1929 catalog, describing the series, "Every Carpenter needs two or more wood planes in his kit, for rough outside work."    

   The wood body was made of "selected, well seasoned beech."  The plane sold for $3.60 in 1929.

   John W.