Old Stanley Hand Plane - How Old??

[Corey Hallagan]

I recieved this Stanley hand plane from my wifes great uncle shortly before he passed away, about 15 years ago. I have used it a few times, sharp as heck. I need to clean it up, has a slight amount of rust on the sides, the bed is clean as a whistle. Mostly just dusty.
Any one have any idea how old this is? It is a Stanley Handyman, says #1205 on the tops of the blade where it locks in.
What is the best way to remove rust on these and what is the best way to clean and protect the wood handles? Here are a couple photos and yes, I did make the blanket chest. That was one of my first projects probably about 15 years ago. A little banged up from kids crawling on it, sitting on it etc.
Thanks,
Corey

http://www.gpxd.com/Woodworking/BlanketChest.JPG

http://www.gpxd.com/Woodworking/Plane1.JPG

http://www.gpxd.com/Woodworking/Plane2.JPG

[Todd Keesal]

If I recall correctly my dad got one of those new in the mid 70's. Not sure if they were made much before that. For cleaning some 000 or 0000 steel wool and WD40 seems to work pretty well on exposed metal. Rubbing it on wetted wet dry sandpaper works faster for the sole and sides. On the painted part I would try a cleaning with soft scrub or something like that. For the handles I would just use pledge or any furniture cleaner.

[Michael Cody]

The Stanley Handyman planes were out in the late 60's I think, early 70's @ the latest.. they were a downgraded economy version. They still work fine though for normal rough work like fitting pieces, drawers, roughing, etc... but they are quirky to tune and the irons aren't all that good.

[Corey Hallagan]

Thanks guys for the info. Didn't really care how old it was but figured it had to be about 30 years old or so. Mike, pretty much right one. Very fidgety plane, I have used it to shave down doors etc. but it is pretty hard to get the iron seated just right. It is the only plane I own, don't use one very often, but it and it belonged to old Harry and reminds me of him when I see it. Talk about a craftsman, he was a woodworker that made alot of stuff but had a very few power tools. Used a brace and bit for drilling, hand saws, fret saws etc. He made a beautiful clock with all kinds of open fretwork and used an old fret saw! Thanks again,

Corey