DID YOU KNOW…

Making planes can be a difficult task, but the most difficult part is actually finding good information on planemaking and how to go about it. Handplane Central simplifies the process somewhat by providing a wealth of information and various tips and tricks on making planes, as well as the tools and materials necessary for planemaking (and how to make the plane making tools themselves in some instances).


Stanley No. 4 C Smooth Plane

Manufactured: 1898 to 1961
Length: 9 inches
Blade Width: 2 inches
Construction: Cast iron, rosewood handle & knob
Finish: Japanned
Features: Corrugated sole
Uses: General purpose bench plane
Average Dealer Price: $25 to $75
Average eBay Price: $15 to $45

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


Updated: 15th February, 2006

Stanley No. 4 C Smooth 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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