I saved the best plane (IMO) for last. This one is a gen-u-ine antique, though is was not when I bought it in 1982. I found this wonderful bench plane at an antiques shop in or near Staunton VA, and immediately wanted it for use in my job. I didn't care it was old, it was in good shape and proved very handy over the years on my bench.
It wasn't until I researched it in preparing for this Karma that I learned its provenance. Various web sites have a ton of info on the Stanley-Bailey planes, including identifying features. It turns out this is a No 5c (c for corrugated bottom), Type 11. The type is identified by the number of patent marks behind the frog (3), and the size of the adjusting wheel (1"). The Type 11 planes were manufactured from 1910-1918. The No 5 is a 14" jack plane. The corrugated bottom makes it smooth to operate over large surfaces. From the web sites' info, it appears to have all original parts, including the rosewood handles. There is a bit of surface rust on the bare metal parts which I never bothered to clean because I bought it as a user tool, not a collectable. And the Japanning is worn off just a bit at the heel.
There are my usual requirements to enter the Karma: you must have been a member of SIGforum prior to 2021, and have an email address in your profile. The forum's new Karma Picker (with thanks to mark123) will pick a winner early Wednesday morning (2021-02-03).
This message has been edited. Last edited by: henryaz,
When in doubt, mumble
Posts: 10887 | Location: South Congress AZ | Registered: May 27, 2006
What a beautiful piece with a great provenance. I am learning wood working and would love to add this to a few smaller planes that I am restoring. -Dave
This business will get out of control. It will get out of control and we'll be lucky to live through it. -Rear Admiral (Lower Half) Joshua Painter Played by Senator Fred Thompson
Posts: 3693 | Location: Central Virginia | Registered: November 06, 2006
-- Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past me I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. --
Posts: 17746 | Location: New Mexico | Registered: October 14, 2005
I have been looking to add some Stanley- Bailey planes to my wood working tool chest for a while now. Please include me in this very generous karma.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Posts: 5671 | Location: Upstate NY | Registered: February 28, 2002
I have a few planes, all well used but properly tuned. I don't have one this long, and could put it to good use on my current project, making cutting boards. Thanks for all your generous karmas!
Posts: 1651 | Location: North Carolina | Registered: June 16, 2004
This message has been edited. Last edited by: henryaz, 
