Diamond Edge Planes

[Ganthan Rhodes]

Here's a Shapleigh Diamond Edge DE5 from the early 1900s with the molded rubber-like (gutta percha?) tote.

http://www.rarebit.com/tools/de5_1.jpg (http://www.rarebit.com/tools/de5_1.jpg)

http://www.rarebit.com/tools/de5_2.jpg (http://www.rarebit.com/tools/de5_2.jpg)

Does anyone have a definitive answer on who made this for Shapleigh? (It would be great if you could point me to a reference). So far I've heard Union, Ohio Tool, and Stanley (plus Sargent, but only for the 1950s models).

Many thanks.

GR

[Tim Leo]

I don't have a definitive answer, but it sure looks like a Stanley.

[Leif Hanson]

Walt Q's standard answer:

"what's the lateral lever look like?
2 piece.lower fin-Stanley
"U" shape=Sargent
single twist=Union, and Ohio and sometimes Keen Kutter
90 degree bent over=Millers Falls
Ohios usually marked with "O" prefix..not that I see that many of them here"

I would point out that Keen Kutter's were not their own manufacturer...

Speaking of Walt, everyone give a prayer for him and his dad - sounds like his dad is back in intensive care, according to his web site.

Leif

[Ganthan Rhodes]

Thanks Tim and Leif.

I've done a bit more research and it appears that the Diamond Edge plane I posted was made by Union Manufacturing's plane division.

Stanley bought Union's plane division in 1920 and I'm not sure whether the Diamond Edge pictured was made before or after 1920. If after, I guess that would make it a Stanley/Union.

I'm still hoping someone can nail this down ... there must be a Shapleigh guru out there somewhere.

Walt's lateral lever guidelines are helpful ... the Diamond Edge does have the quarter twist lateral seen on Union and Ohio planes. The early Type 2 and Type 3 Sargent's and variants (e.g. Fulton) also had this lateral, usually with a Feb-3-91 patent date on them.

You're right, Leif ... Keen Kuteer planes were made by a number of maufactureres:
The KK series (1906 - 1913) were made by the Ohio Tool Company.
The K series (1913- 1942) were made by Stanley.
The KKM and KC series (mostly 1950 - 1958) were made by Sargent. (This was after Shapleigh bought Keen Kutter from Simmons in 1940).Now ... if I could just get some more info on those dang Shapleigh Diamond Edge planes.:)