Wood working planes..

The world of collectors is vast, some areas of collecting require deeper pockets and are more competitive than others. In the world of antique tool collecting, none is more competitive than plane collecting. I have a few planes, but don't have the budget, nor really the interest to 'collect planes'. I do have an appreciation for the appeal of planes on a collector.

If you are ignoring planes on garage/estate sales and auctions, you may be missing a prize. Not every plane is valuable, as with any collectible condition, brand and model are what determines rarity. For example, a Stanley #3 plane:



In nice shape and depending on version $40 to $80.

A Stanley #2 in nice condition OTOH,:



Will bring $200 to $400.

There are many examples of this in plane collecting. It is worthwhile to check eBay completed listings when you run across a plane. I've found many sleepers over the years. A lot of people will pay $30 for any working plane, not that many people understand the values of specific models, thus both the #2 or #3 above could be found priced at $30 at an estate sale.

Condition of common variety planes is based on correctness..no knobs replaced and original marked blade. Most early planes were painted black. This black paint was a nitrocellulose lacquer called 'japanning'. The amount of remaining japanning is important. Any chip or scratch can effect the value, but unlike glass, some wear from use doesn't dramatically reduce value or desirability, especially of rarer models.

Few planes are more desirable than a Stanley #1. This plane was a tiny version of a jack plane. The overall length is around 6"..the length of a $1 bill. Stanley #1 is not exactly rare, more scarce, but their allure to collectors and illusivness A nice example of a #1 would bring $1000 to $2000. The inspiration for this thread came when I found this plane on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-RARE-Ohio-No-01-bench-plane-5-1-2-Great-shape-world-logo-on-blade-/400341882659?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d363c5723

For every Ohio #1 plane I have seen, I've seen 20 or more Stanley #1's. This plane is in only fair condition. It will be interesting to see the sale price. In most planes a corrugated bottom, as this plane has, increases the rarity and value.