Bailey No 11 Split Frame Spokeshave

Post date: 06-Mar-2020 23:19:32

Spokeshave No 11.." Patent No 55,599...1866 “. as heading describes is actually a frame split in half, as it was a time the industry was determined to be first with new inventions - one only has to look how many patent numbers were applied for.

Each part of the frame was marked numbered by dimples, or later model by numerals to match the parts of each shave. This shave was only in production for a very short time, as it had problems with the cast iron pressure bar cracking under pressure as the brass thumb screws were tightened. To alleviate the problems, later models were introduced with a brass pressure bar. 

But that wasn't the only problem; the split frame cast was also susceptible to breakage. 

Production only lasted a year after the Stanley take over in 1870. The No 11 was never manufactured by Stanley, although he still listed as a No 61.

Right. To the question asked via our web site. “How come my spokeshave Bailey No 10 Type-2- has a patent 'June-19-1866...No 55,599' same as my No 11 Bailey split frame spokeshave?”

Very good question and something I haven't noticed.

 Answer : Patent No 55,599 resulted in changing the cutter clamping system on the Bailey spokeshaves No 6,7,9 and 10...only on Type 1 & 2, but still being covered by the existing patent. 

Type I had front fitting pressure plate, few of these models have Bailey Boston on the face. 

Type 2 had a downward wedge pressure plate, and downward screws to secure. In the case of the Stanley No 60 spokeshaves the same method was used up to and including Type 6 but in 1930 a nickel plated, pressure plate was introduced and screwed on the face. 

Hope this is of some help to you.

                                                                                                     Bailey No 41 and No 43 Spokeshaves.

Bailey manufacturing activities in Hartford USA started mid 1875, in a shared factory with A.F.Cushman, who manufactured Lathe Chucks and a Patent Box Scraper. 

On that same location was where Leonard Bailey became known for the Victor line of tools, being planes, spokeshaves, squares and bevels and the Stanley Rule and Level Co became an agent for the Victor range.

Controversy developed between Leonard Bailey and Stanley over patent infringement, even spying, mainly involving Victor planes legal action and long running disputes. Nasty stuff. 

Bailey had at least nine patents issued at the time, for planes and spokeshaves between 1871 and 1883. 

The trade name "Victor" was registered to Bailey Jan-4-1876 with Registration No 3299. 

One particular patent application related to a spokeshave patent No 182,881 but was actually for a box scraper. 

Bailey developed and manufactured two spokeshaves No 41 and No 43 and one box scraper No 48.

These spokeshaves differed from others at the time, the handles were open and called the "loop style" [that means they break more easily] although some earlier heel shaves are known to have open handles. 

The patent No 182,881 Oct-3-1876 referred to No 41 spokeshave, known as "double iron type", it involved the cutter being secured from behind and a machined screw which pressed the cutter forward. 

The No 43 spokeshave known as " lock type "differs, it has a locking lever that activates a cam, which when rotated puts pressure on the back of the cutter. None of that action refers to the 1876 patent. This shave also has a pivoting sole. [which to all intents and purpose seems useless]

The two Victor shaves, did not appear in the 1876 Bailey catalogue, so quite easily may have been manufactured 1876, as the patent wasn't issued until Oct-3 –1877. It is quite conceivable that the shave had not gone into production at that time. 

These new spokeshaves, No 41 and No 43 and also No 48 box scraper, were depicted in Stanley's 1879 catalogue, but at the time Stanley was only an agent for the Victor brand, till 1884. 

On July-16-1884 Stanley purchased the whole Victor range, but the No's 41, 43 and 48 were never a Stanley brand. 

Beware of the imposter, the Victor No 41, 43 and 48, were quite distinctive, and copied by others such as, Goodell & Pratt No 36, Sears also Dunlap and a few unmarked.

                                                                                                                               The “Victor Spokeshave’

                                           Top Card: These Victor Spokeshaves were never offered as a Stanley product because Stanley was an agent for Victor.

                                          Middle Card: Bailey “Victor No 41 Spokeshave. Double iron 1876—1884 Loop Body. Made in USA Pat. No 182881 Oct-3-1876

                                          Bottom Card: Bailey Victor no 43 Spokeshave. Lock Type 1876—1884 Loop Body. Made in USA Pat. Unsure but presume as for No 46.

                                  .....................................................This is my story and bringing tools to their original Glory......... Gerry Gradisen...............................................

                     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.