Giant Stanley Plane

                                                  WHAT HAVE WE HERE?

In October 2017 I was at my computer, browsing through the Stanley planes for sale section I came across one that was 28 inches long. I thought "hello hello that can't be right", 4 inches longer than a Stanley No 8? It did look like a Stanley, this really had me intrigued, but l had an inkling it was a Stanley, so I bought it, mainly that it was unusual, but also if it was decipherable and that my theory was correct as I will explain.

ls it a Stanley                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Now I have a jointer plane No?? 28 inches long.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is 4 inches longer than the No 8- But, the same width as the No 7.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Body markings; none as Type 4.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Frog and Frog receiver; as of Type 4.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Brass adjustment wheel; as of Types 4 – 6.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Blade markings; Tm " T " 1909-1912"- [wrong blade]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Cap; as of Type 3 - 6. Handle and Knob; as of Type 5.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  But! Type 4, "has no lateral lever"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Note "this plane has the" First lateral lever", but no markings.

But, Type 5, is known as the first with "Lateral Lever" and two date markings.                                                                                                                                                                                                                So this plane may have been a purpose ordered prototype, and altered with Stanleys next invention, the "Type 5”......   WHO KNOWS?                                                                                                                                    But Type 5, did arrive with a new Frog and Receiver, also the First Lateral.

So in a case study, this plane fits in with Type 4...1874 - 1884 for most parts.                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Except odd size and of course, it has a first lateral.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Can't be called No 8 [being longer and narrower]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Can’t be called No 7. [being longer, but is the No 7- Width]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Can't be called Type 4. [having a lateral lever]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Can’t be called Type 5. [having a different frog] So maybe I should call it (tongue in cheek) a No 7P "for prototype" Type 4-1.  

Interesting to say the least, but still, would have never known, or was it a fallacy, that the first lateral lever came out in 1885 – 1885.                                                                                                                           Outcome, definitely is a Stanley; definitely has a lateral Lever –1874.

…..........................But I will keep it anyway............................

This is my story, Bringing Tools To Original Glory.

Gerry.

  Gerry's extensive ongoing research into Stanley Spokeshaves and Planes  cannot be adequately covered in these brief articles. He is more than happy to talk to interested parties on the subject. If you wish to contact Gerry please email our secretary at samualwayneh@gmail.com who will be happy to forward your details on.