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. 78 Duplex Plane

Manufactured: 1884 to 1984
Length: 8-1/2 inches
Blade Width: 1-1/2 inches
Construction: Cast iron
Finish: Japanned
Features: Two blade positions, adjustable fence and depth
Uses: Duplex rabbet and filletster plane
Average Dealer Price: $35 to $75
Average eBay Price: $22 to $65
Type 1: $50 to $150

Other Notes: Only comes with one blade, but it can be used in the bullnose or normal position.


Updated: 26th April, 2006

Stanley No. 78 Duplex 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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