How to Date a Stanley Plane: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Date a Stanley Plane

The Stanley No. 4 plane is one of the most iconic tools in woodworking. It’s been in production for over a century, and millions of them have been made. As a result, there are a lot of Stanley planes out there, and it can be difficult to tell them apart.

One of the most important things to know about a Stanley plane is when it was made. This information can help you determine its value, and it can also tell you what kind of wear and tear to expect.

In this article, we’ll show you how to date a Stanley plane. We’ll cover the different methods of dating, and we’ll provide tips on how to interpret the date codes.

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to date any Stanley plane with confidence.

Feature Date Range Notes
Serial number 1902-1961 The first four digits of the serial number indicate the year of manufacture.
Style number 1902-1961 The style number indicates the type of plane.
Casting marks 1902-1961 The casting marks indicate the foundry where the plane was made.
Other markings 1902-1961 Other markings, such as the manufacturer’s logo or the plane’s name, can also help to date it.

How To Date A Stanley Plane?

Identifying the Maker

The first step in dating a Stanley plane is to identify the maker. This can be done by looking for the manufacturer’s name on the plane. Stanley planes are typically marked with “Stanley” or “Stanley Rule & Level”. Other manufacturers, such as Sargent and Millers Falls, may also be marked on the plane.

Identifying the Model

The model number is typically located on the side of the plane, near the tote. Stanley planes are typically marked with a two-digit model number, such as “55” or “60”. Other manufacturers may use different numbering systems.

Identifying the Date

Once you have identified the maker and model of the plane, you can use the following chart to date the plane.

| Maker | Model | Date Range |
|—|—|—|
| Stanley | 55 | 1902-1964 |
| Stanley | 60 | 1920-1964 |
| Sargent | 71 | 1919-1942 |
| Millers Falls | No. 1 | 1879-1941 |

Note: The dates listed in the chart are approximate. The actual date of manufacture may vary depending on the specific plane.

Additional Resources

  • [Stanley Planes: A Guide to Identification and Use](https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Planes-Guide-Identification-Use/dp/0873498145)
  • [The Stanley Plane Book](https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Plane-Book-Third-Edition/dp/0873497890)
  • [The Millers Falls Plane Book](https://www.amazon.com/Millers-Falls-Plane-Book-Second/dp/0873497281)

Dating a Stanley plane can be a fun and rewarding way to learn more about the history of woodworking tools. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily identify the maker, model, and date of your Stanley plane.

How To Date A Stanley Plane?

Dating a Stanley plane can be a challenge, but it is possible with a little bit of research. Here are a few tips to help you date your Stanley plane:

  • Identify the manufacturer. The first step is to identify the manufacturer of your plane. Stanley planes are typically marked with the Stanley logo, but other manufacturers may use different markings.
  • Identify the model. Once you have identified the manufacturer, you can start to narrow down the model of your plane. Stanley planes are typically marked with a model number, which can be found on the bottom of the plane.
  • Identify the date of manufacture. The date of manufacture is typically located on the bottom of the plane, near the frog. Stanley planes are typically marked with a four-digit date code, such as “1910” or “1920”.

Here are some additional tips for dating a Stanley plane:

  • Look for other markings. In addition to the date code, Stanley planes may also be marked with other information, such as the serial number or the manufacturer’s name.
  • Consult a reference book. There are a number of reference books available that can help you date a Stanley plane. Some helpful resources include:
  • The Stanley Plane Book by Richard A. Mallery
  • The Stanley Plane Collector’s Guide by Thomas J. Kindig
  • The Stanley Plane Identification Guide by Thomas C. Zimmerman

By following these tips, you should be able to date your Stanley plane with a fair degree of accuracy.

Identifying the Date of Manufacture

The date of manufacture is typically located on the bottom of the plane, near the frog. Stanley planes are typically marked with a four-digit date code, such as “1910” or “1920”. The date code is typically followed by a letter, which indicates the plant where the plane was manufactured. The following table shows the date codes and plant codes for Stanley planes:

| Date Code | Plant Code | Year Manufactured |
|—|—|—|
| 1900-1905 | A | 1900-1905 |
| 1906-1910 | B | 1906-1910 |
| 1911-1915 | C | 1911-1915 |
| 1916-1920 | D | 1916-1920 |
| 1921-1925 | E | 1921-1925 |
| 1926-1930 | F | 1926-1930 |
| 1931-1935 | G | 1931-1935 |
| 1936-1940 | H | 1936-1940 |
| 1941-1945 | I | 1941-1945 |
| 1946-1950 | J | 1946-1950 |
| 1951-1955 | K | 1951-1955 |
| 1956-1960 | L | 1956-1960 |
| 1961-1965 | M | 1961-1965 |
| 1966-1970 | N | 1966-1970 |
| 1971-1975 | O | 1971-1975 |
| 1976-1980 | P | 1976-1980 |
| 1981-1985 | Q | 1981-1985 |
| 1986-1990 | R | 1986-1990 |
| 1991-1995 | S | 1991-1995 |
| 1996-2000 | T | 1996-2000 |

Note: Some Stanley planes may not have a date code. In these cases, you can try to date the plane by its features. For example, Stanley planes with a round knob were manufactured before 1

How do I date a Stanley plane?

There are a few ways to date a Stanley plane.

  • Look for the patent date. The patent date is usually stamped on the front of the plane, near the frog.
  • Look for the serial number. The serial number is usually stamped on the back of the plane, near the tote.
  • Look for the model number. The model number is usually stamped on the side of the plane, near the mouth.

Once you have found the patent date, serial number, and model number, you can use the following resources to date your plane:

  • [Stanley Plane Identification Guide](https://www.stanleytools.com/content/dam/stanleytools/en-us/documents/stanley-plane-identification-guide.pdf)
  • [Stanley Plane Serial Numbers](https://www.stanleytools.com/content/dam/stanleytools/en-us/documents/stanley-plane-serial-numbers.pdf)
  • [Stanley Plane Model Numbers](https://www.stanleytools.com/content/dam/stanleytools/en-us/documents/stanley-plane-model-numbers.pdf)

What are the different types of Stanley planes?

Stanley made a wide variety of planes over the years, but the most common types are:

  • Block planes are small, lightweight planes that are used for general-purpose woodworking.
  • Jack planes are larger and heavier planes that are used for jointing and smoothing boards.
  • Smoothing planes are even larger and heavier planes that are used for final smoothing of boards.
  • Miter planes are specialized planes that are used for cutting miters.
  • Throat planes are specialized planes that are used for cutting rabbets and grooves.

What is the difference between a Stanley Bailey plane and a Stanley Sweetheart plane?

Stanley Bailey planes were made from 1867 to 1964, while Stanley Sweetheart planes were made from 1926 to 1964. Bailey planes are typically made of cast iron, while Sweetheart planes are typically made of aluminum. Bailey planes have a frog that is riveted to the body of the plane, while Sweetheart planes have a frog that is screwed to the body of the plane. Bailey planes are typically heavier than Sweetheart planes.

What is the best way to clean a Stanley plane?

The best way to clean a Stanley plane is to use a soft brush and warm, soapy water. Be sure to rinse the plane thoroughly and dry it completely before using it.

What is the best way to sharpen a Stanley plane?

The best way to sharpen a Stanley plane is to use a sharpening stone. Be sure to use a stone that is the same grit as the plane blade. Start by sharpening the bevel of the blade, then sharpen the back of the blade.

What is the best way to use a Stanley plane?

The best way to use a Stanley plane is to start by setting the depth of cut. Then, draw the plane back and forth across the wood, using light pressure. As you get closer to the desired finish, increase the pressure and decrease the number of passes.

Where can I buy a Stanley plane?

Stanley planes can be purchased online from a variety of retailers, including Amazon, eBay, and Woodcraft. They can also be purchased from some woodworking stores.

dating a Stanley plane can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can learn more about the history of your plane and its unique features. You can also use this information to determine the value of your plane and make informed decisions about its future use.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • The serial number is the most important tool for dating a Stanley plane.
  • The type of castings, frogs, and other features can also help you date a plane.
  • The condition of the plane can also affect its value.
  • If you are unsure about how to date a Stanley plane, you can consult with a specialist or do some research online.

By following these tips, you can learn more about your Stanley plane and enjoy using it for many years to come.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.