One of the highlights of my wood plane collection is my Stanley #1 – this was a gift to me by my family & friends on my 60th birthday.
There has been a lot written about these little planes and they seem to have an aura all of their own – perhaps partly because they are actually fairly impractical for regular use.
So, let’s start with some basic information:
- Dimensions: Approximately 5.5 inches in length, 1.25 inches in width
- Weight: Around 1.125 pounds
- Production Years: 1869-1943
- Historical Context: The No. 1 plane marked the inception of the Bailey series. Stanley acquired the patent rights from Leonard Bailey, who had been crafting these planes in relative obscurity in Boston during the 1860s. It became the world’s standard plane configuration.
- My plane has the Sweetheart logo – so comes from the period of 1920-1934, in a future blog I’ll talk more about the origins of that logo.
So, some general information about these planes:
The No. 1 served as a bevel-down bench plane, fitting in the palm but too small for comfortable two-handed use. Highly sought after by collectors and woodworkers, it is known for its quality craftsmanship and historical significance. While less commonly used for general woodworking tasks due to its size, it’s appreciated for its charm and specialized use. The plane was designed for smoothing small areas and lacks a lateral adjustment lever or cast number markings. It has a solid brass nut for iron depth adjustment. Beware of reproductions, as they can easily fool novices; authenticity can be determined by examining the threaded rod for the depth adjustment nut. Despite their diminutive size, No. 1 planes are generally in good condition due to minimal usage, though they may suffer damage around the mouth or have cracked totes. The most famous of all Stanley planes, the No. 1 never had a lateral adjuster or any number markings.
There are much more informed commentators on these planes, so if you you are after more information – try some of the following links: