Plane Identification Question

[Stanley Thigpen]

I have had for years an old coffin plane marked "Marten Doscher, New York". The iron is "W Butcher, Cast Steel, Sheffield". Is this a known plane maker? I am not familiar with wooden planes, and this has been just a decor item up to now. It seems to be in very good condition and I was wondering if it might be worth cleaning up and using. All of my experience has been with power tools and a collection of Stanley planes. Any ideas of it's age? Thanks, folks.

[Jim Koepke]

I would sharpen the blade and find a piece of scrap wood to give it a whirl.

Just my 331552.

jtk

[Phil Mueller]

I believe I read on Steve Voigt's blog that the last wooden plane maker closed in 1927. So it must be from before that. Definitely worth a sharpening and a run down a piece of wood.

[Dave Anderson NH]

Marten Doscher was a hardware and tool dealer in NYC from 1879 to 1894. There are 4 different makers stamps associated with his business.

[Bill White]

I have collected W. Butcher items over the years and find the steel to be quite good. Sharpen and tune the plane. I'll bet that you'll be pleased. If not, send it to me. :p
Bill

[Mike Henderson]

Those old plane makers used to buy the iron from a supplier so the name on the wooden part will be different from the name on the iron. Butcher is a good name for irons. More than likely it's a laminated iron.

Mike

[don wilwol]

Marten Doscher made planes in NYC from 1879-1894. W. Butcher is only made the blades so many early plane makers userd them. Marten Doscher planes are fairly common.