Now, you're in trouble, because I could use your help on a number of planes. I hope you don't mind me asking you about them. I have a random handyman plane which bears the marks underneath the cap iron, " c-134. I haven't taken time to look into it any further... I know it's a cheap plane.
I have a transitional plane that I thought was a sargent plane, but the blade reads, " L Bailey's Patent Eec. 24 1867"
I have another transitional plane that I think is a sargent plane that reads, " sargent and co 3416 " The blade has the old "circular type emblem that reads Sargent USA New Haven."
I have another Stanley plane that looks like a no 4. It reads, "no 4 on the toe." It has a high front knob. The entire cap iron is the same iron type color. It's a banjo type hole. IN front of the back handle it reads, " US PAT APR-19-10". The adjustment knob is a large circumference brass knob.
The lateral adjustment lever has nothing written on it. The actual blade has the stanley sweetheart emblem on it. OK, I take it back. On the front of the lateral adjustment lever it says "STANLEY."
I'm well aware that you need a picture to figure this out. But, I don't have one.
I'm supposed to send you a picture. But, I'm not good at that. ... it's just who I am. I suck at computers. I can't offer you anymore info than the pathetic info that I've given you. I'd love your help.
cheers, bird
[/quote]
I'm not so sure about your "random handyman" plane. I might need a little more information on that one. I could also use a little more info regarding your Stanley transitional plane. Stanley made transitional planes as early as the 1860s and kept making some models as late as 1943. Telling me it's overall length, and the width of it's iron might help me identify it. As for your Sargent transitional plane, I think I can tell you a little about it. Sargent did made a model #3416. From what I can tell, most, maybe all, Sargent transitional plane model numbers started with "34." The second two digits usually designated the particular plane's overall length. In the case of your plane, and basing my guess on the model number itself, I'd say that your plane is approximately 15" to 16" long, or what's typically known as "jack" plane length. Sargent was also pretty good about stamping a plane's model number on the plane's iron. They did this with metal planes too. The 3416 was manufactured between 1891 and 1918. It's wooden body is most likely made from beech. I don't think the plane is too valuable, of course, one in original mint condition would be a different story. As for your Stanley #4, I'd guess that it's probably a type 12 (1919-1924) to a type 13 (1925-1928), based on some of the characteristics you described. As you probably know, Stanley used all of its parts until they were gone. So it's not uncommon to see parts that have been identified on an earlier version of a particular plane, showing up on a later version of a plane. So, an early type 13 would very likely have some original factory installed parts on it that were more closely identified with a type 12. An early type 14 would very likely have some type 13 parts on it, etc., etc. The #4 was one of Stanley's "bread and butter" planes. They were a staple of every woodworking craftsman back in the day, and most DIYers. I don't know if that's true today. Stanley still makes the #4, and has been making them since 1869. Sounds like you have a few good planes. Have fun using them!!
Jim C.
