when I started "collecting" woodworking tools 11 years ago The desire for factory tools that I encountered in the tool market always made me feel like a bit of an oddball collector. ... I would love to have the plane, BTW.
OK then, you are as weird as me. heeheheh But then we are hanging out so what is the surprise there??
I make parts. I make tool parts. Whatever part you were looking at can be made.
I just never saw that particular construction before. It is, in my experience, a unique frame design. And I look around at tools pretty hard when they turn up.
Its kind of a marriage between metal and wood. And even then, its an unusual marriage from the dozens of other designs.
The hole in the front just saves metal when you are casting, I'm sure.
You don't need the weight, and why waste the metal?
For pleasure browsing of pretty tools? Here you go.
Prepare to quietly die where you sit :)
http://www.sindelartoolmuseum.com/ yours Scott