DID YOU KNOW…

The descriptive terminology used by planemaker’s and collectors can be somewhat confusing to the beginner. For example there was never any real standardization of the various parts of a plane as such, but the names tended to follow the same general pattern.


Stanley No. 9-1/2 Block Plane

Manufactured: 1872 to 1981
Length: 6 inches
Blade Width: 1-5/8 inches
Construction: Cast iron
Finish: Japanned
Features: Adjustable throat
Uses: general purpose block plane
Average Dealer Price: $15 to $35
Average eBay Price: $12 to $60
Type 1: $300 to $650
Type 2: $150 to $350
Type 3: $100 to $200
Type 4: $100 to $150
Type 5 to 12: $35 to $85
Type 13 to 17: $25 to $75

Other Notes: There were three later types which were identical to a #15 (only shorter) and two later types that were identical to #16, but with a different finish. Sweetheart versions (1920-1935) often reach higher prices


Updated: 12th March, 2006

Stanley No. 9-1/2 Block Planes on eBay right now…


Sources: While many of the dealers prices for Stanley planes are largely set by John Walters’ book “Antique & Collectible Stanley Tools” it appears that eBay, while acknowledging the Walters guide somewhat, tends to march to it’s own beat and sets its own prices. For that reason – and the fact that eBay’s reach and customer base is huge – I’ve decided to include a separate eBay average price here. Other sources include: “The Antique Tool Collector’s Guide To Value” by Ronald S. Barlow, “Antique & Collectible Stanley Tools” by John Walter, “The Stanley Plane” by Alvin Sellens, “Patrick’s Blood & Gore” by Patrick Leach, various auctions and sales of collectable tools and my own compilations of prices realized, observations and notes over the past 20+ years.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email