Reviewed By: I.Ball
Category: Old Smoothing Planes
Extra Info: What is a Smoothing Plane? Smoothing Plane Videos
Manufacturer: Marples
Plane Type: Smoothing
Model No: FMT-1
This is a very early William Marples smoothing plane.
The plane doesn't have any markings on it to indicate a model number
and so far I haven't come across any literature to indicate a model
number for this reason we will reference this number as '1' until a time
comes where a model number is discovered.
The plane is fitted with a shaped hardwood rear handle and a bulbous
front knob. It may be that one or both of these shown in the photographs
are replacements. Once I see another example of this plane I will be
able to confirm this further.
The plane lays on a fixed bed instead of the usual adjustable frog which
most iron smoothing planes have. This may mean this plane was designed
before or very near to the first Stanley iron planes which could give
a date of 1850-1890's.
The plane bed is just an indication of the early manufactured date,
other indications include the shape of the handle with the long tote
(if original), the shape of the plane sides and the elaborate lever cap
design with an elaborate brass securing nut.
The plane is finished with a black japanning.
There is a very similar Marples plane which I have labelled as the
William Marples smoothing plane 2
The main difference being the lever cap
design is different, it says 'Hibernia' with a large shamrock symbol.
When I purchased these two planes, the person I bought them from said
they were the type 1 and type 2 planes.
Body: cast iron
Handle and Knob: hardwood
Plane finish: black
No markings
? - ?
Neil - My example has the number 34 stamped inside. The number is filled with japanning and difficult to read. Could this be a model number?
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FindMyTool - Thanks for the info Neil, it is possible the model number is 34, I will
keep a look out for literature on this plane to confirm. It is also possible it
didn't have a model number. Numbers hidden away on old planes / tools were sometimes
used for other reasons / manufacturing reasons.
------------
Cameron - Hi there. I was just wondering if the cutter was stamped on this one and, if so, can you make out the name at all? Thanks in advance.
------------
FindMyTool - Hi Cameron, I have since sold this plane so am unable to check, it doesn't look
like there was a name on this particular blade which given its age, it could well
have been a replacement. The other
old Marples plane - 2
which I purchased at the same time
from the same person had a W.Marples & Sons, Hibernia blade and cap iron.
....
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