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Stanley No. 55 Universal Combination Plane

Manufactured: 1897 to 1962
Length: 11-1/2 inches
Blade Width: 55 blades provided in various sizes
Construction: Cast iron, beech or rosewood handles & fences
Finish: Nickel plated
Features: Adjustable fences and depth stops, slitter, spurs and 55 interchangeable blades
Uses: Plow, dado, rabbet, filletster, beading, match, sash, slitting and adjustable molding plane
Average Dealer Price (complete): $350 to $800
Average eBay Price: $300 to $750
Type 1: $400 to $800
With original box: $600 to $1800
Plane body only (no blades): $50 to $200
Standard four box blade set: $150 to $275
Special four box blade set: $1000 to $2000
Standard blades (each): $5 to $10
Special blades (each): $10 to $40

Other Notes: Sweetheart versions (1920-1935) often reach higher prices, but not always


Updated: 30th March, 2006

Stanley No. 55 Universal Combination 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.

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