Stanley 9 1/2 vintage plane ID help

[Craig Johnson]

Hi everyone.
First post for me here at the Neanderthal Haven.
I need some help from you guys regarding a plane purchase I made.
This is from Ebay and ad said this was a Stanley 9 1/2 made between 1920-1930.
Firstly, I have scoured tons of photos online and havd not seen a 9 1/2 this deep red color. Secondly, all of the 9 1/2s I have seen pics of say Stanley very clearly on the front. The only thing that has a identifying mark on it is the blade which says Stanly 9 1/2 and made in USA. On the back of the handle (frog?) it says c-330 or something close to that.
It appears to be in good shape with no damage to the bottom. I am happy with what I received but want to know EXACTLY what I have.
I cant see any words at all either on the side of the base or on the bottom.
Hoping you plane veterans can help me.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x123/gearhound17/IMG_2096.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x123/gearhound17/IMG_2097.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x123/gearhound17/IMG_2098.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x123/gearhound17/IMG_2099.jpg

[Jim Koepke]

That could be one Stanley made for one of the large chain stores like Sears. They did have some planes with a maroon color, not quite like the red yours displays.

jim

[Craig Johnson]

I just looked and a green one that is identical on Ebay.
That listing said it was a Craftsman.

[Rob Luter]

I have a maroon version of the 9 1/2 as well. My research suggests Stanley used that finish in the 1960's. Nothing concrete though.

[scott spencer]

I'm way out of my element here Craig, but is it possible it was painted by another owner at some point?

[Rob Luter]

On the "Blood and Gore" site form Patrick Leach there's mention of the Stanley "maroon period". This commentary came from the entry on the 61 1/2 low angle plane found here: http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan9.htm

"The plane can be found in several colors of paint (as it originally left Stanley, not the colors commonly found on it from it serving double-duty as a paint drop-cloth). The black and blue japanned models are both fine workers as Stanley's block plane standards didn't suffer tool-death at the same time that the bench planes did; i.e., blue painted block planes are fine whereas the same color on the bench planes should make you scream, run, and seek cover. Definitely stay away from the maroon colored block planes; Stanley must have hired some Greenwich Village arteest to come up with this hideous color."

I find that when the plane is properly sharpened, the wood can't tell what color the japanning is. Maybe it's just me though..........;)

[Craig Johnson]

I'm way out of my element here Craig, but is it possible it was painted by another owner at some point?

I thought the same thing yesterday when I got it. Upon closer inspection I could find no overspray at all and the rivets/pins that hold some of the plane together did not have paint on them.

[Craig Johnson]

Well the plane is in fine shape and is flat and the mouth has no issues.
I did read that info from the blood & gore website but it didnt sink in.
I was hoping for a vintage plane when I got this but thats ok.
Shes sharp and ready to go.
Thanks for all your help guys!

[Jim Koepke]

I find that when the plane is properly sharpened, the wood can't tell what color the japanning is. Maybe it's just me though..........

My little "maroon monster" is a fine little block plane.

jim