Hi everyone,
This #5C jack plane followed me home from the flea market on Saturday. I probably paid a little too much for it (I blame the excessive heat). So live and learn.
This one caught my eye because of the "beefier" casting, the webs cast near the tote, and the big "Made in England" cast into the front. It's in good condition with it's japaning about 90 to 95% intact. Although someone got careless with some red paint and stained the sides. It's nothing a little elbow grease can't take care of
I've always wanted to have one of these out and was somewhat surprised to find this version just a bit heavier than my "standard" #5. (We're talking about approximately 10 to 15% difference based on holding one in each hand). If I get a chance I'll weigh my #5 and then this #5C and get an accurate weigh difference (if any).
But my question regards the age and source. I have a copy of "Antique and Collectible Stanley Tools" and didn't see a mention of the words "Made in England" in the section that helped you date your hand plane. I did see that they were manufactured from 1898 to 1970. But not much else. I also looked on the internet at "Patrick's Blood and Gore" and didn't see a reference to this particular feature.
Can someone tell me some more about this plane and help me find out how old this is?