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 I 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.

Is it a Stanley?
Now I have a jointer plane No. ? that is 28 inches long.
It is 4 inches longer than the No. 8.
But is the same width as the No. 7.
Body markings: none as of a Type 4.
Frog and frog receiver: as of a Type 4.
Brass adjustment wheel: as of Types 4 – 6.
Blade markings: Tm "T" (1909-1912 so not correct for this plane).
Cap: as of Types 3 to 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 Stanley's next invention, the "Type 5”......WHO KNOWS?
But Type 5 did arrive with a new frog and receiver, also the first lateral lever.

So in a case study, this plane fits in with Type 4...1874 to 1884 for most parts.
Except odd size and of course, it has a first lateral lever.
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.                             

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 G.