Replies

1. 
   sschefer | Jun 03, 2002 09:50pm | #1

   You may want to use a magnifying glass to re-check the number. It could be a number 27 transistional. I think they are about 17" long and are consisdered a Jointer plan.

   Steve - in Northern California

2. 
   SawdustSteve | Jun 04, 2002 12:28am | #2

   Hi John.... If Steve is correct and it is a Stanley # 27 it was first offered in 1870 and discontinued in 1918.   Take off the lever cap and blade.  Look at the working end of the lateral adjusting lever.  If it has a small upturned FLAT bar on the end it is pre 1888.  If it has a disc on the end it was produced AFTER 1888.  The lever cap should have a streight 'keyhole' in its center.  The kidney shaped hole came in during 1933 production.  The one in my collection has a Design cast into the leasing edge and the rest of the cap with a 'diamond' pattern.    Hope this info helps. 

   Sawdust Steve..... manufacturer of splinters, sawdust and specializing in blotchy finishes.....

1. 
   cuttoff | Jun 04, 2002 12:41am | #3

   I have attached a picture of a # 27 does it look like this one? If so then it is a transistional plane designed to fill the gap during the transition from all wood to metal. They don't seem to have a very high value other than centimental and I really don't understand why. The soles were primarily beech I believe and most that I have seen show checks and cracks. The soles are not difficult to flatten but when doing so, the throat opens up and there is no easy way to adjust it. The widened throats could be the reason that their value has diminished. That could render them useless as anything but display items.

   Edited 6/3/2002 5:44:53 PM ET by Cuttoff

   
1. 
   SawdustSteve | Jun 04, 2002 02:53am | #4

   Yea, that's the one.  I forgot to mention that my plane is just a whisker short of 15".  Sharpen the blade... any method YOU care to use, and have fun with it.  The mouth on all old planes open a bit.  That is why you will see many of these transitional planes with a small 'dutchman' inlet into the sole of the plane.  Remember, our ancestors did not have access to Lie Nielsen planes or Hoch blades and they turned out some prety nice stuff.  I regularly use these old planes.  With a little practice, you will be able to use it as easily as you use a brand new EXPENSIVE plane.     SawdustSteve

1. 
   cuttoff | Jun 04, 2002 06:31am | #5

   Steve, then this is the Jack plane I think and not the Jointer which is a bit longer. Unless, this, like many were cut back to do different jobs.

2. 
   JohnSr | Jun 04, 2002 02:43pm | #6

   Many thanks guys - it is a #27 made after 1888 - the #2 on the stamping simply is not clear.  The base has a piece of hardboard about 1/8" thick screwed to to which I imagine my great uncle installed - maybe to close the throat.  I  removed the hardboard and overall it is in pretty good shape - I intend to enjoy using it.