What Is a Type Study?
Purpose
A type study is a systematic classification of a tool's manufacturing changes over time. By examining specific physical features (frog design, lateral lever style, brass nut markings, casting codes, trademarks on the iron and lever cap), collectors and restorers can identify when a plane was made and understand its place in Stanley's century-long production history.
Origin
The foundational research was compiled by Roger Smith in Patented Transitional & Metallic Planes in America. Patrick Leach later reformatted and extended it based on hands-on experience with thousands of planes. Joshua Clark's hyperkitten.com converted it into hypertext form. All subsequent studies build on this foundation.
Scope
This study covers the Bailey-pattern bench planes: sizes #1 through #8C. These are the classic smoother, jack plane, fore plane, and jointer that define Stanley's legacy. The Bedrock series (#600s) is a related but separate study, summarized in its own section below.
International Variants
Stanley manufactured planes in Canada, England, and Australia. These international variants often don't match the American type study. They may share some features but have different casting marks, trademarks, or timing. This study covers American-made planes only.
Production Timeline
Click any segment to jump to that type. Hover for year range.
All 20 Stanley Bailey Plane Types (20 / 20 shown)
- "BAILEY, WOODS & CO. BOSTON" on brass nut; banjo spring; no model # on bed
- Made by Bailey, Woods & Co. in Boston, Massachusetts
- Predates Stanley's acquisition of the Bailey design
- Solid brass (sometimes two-piece) stamped: "BAILEY, WOODS & CO." "BOSTON" "PATENTED" "AUG. 31, 1858, AUG. 6, 1867"
- Right-hand threads
- "L. BAILEY'S" "PATENT" "DEC. 24, 1867" stamped on iron and cap iron tops
- Solid lever cap back
- Banjo-shaped spring under the lever cap, distinctive to Type 1
- Higher plane sides with rounded (not chamfered) tops
- I-shaped frog receiver in bottom casting
- Rounded frog back held by round-head screws
- No model numbers cast on main bed. Size incised into frog underside and lever cap
- Balloon-shaped rosewood knob with beaded base
- Rectangular lever cap spring replaces banjo shape
- Earliest examples: no Bailey's name or Boston marking
- Most examples: "BAILEY'S PATENT" with two patent dates (AUG. 31, 1858 / AUG. 6, 1867)
- Right-hand threads retained
- Rectangular spring replaces the banjo shape, the key change from Type 1
- Otherwise retains Type 1 characteristics
- Production overlaps with Type 1 at start of period
- Smaller frog on vertical rib; recessed brass nut; lever cap back recessed
- Smaller frog held by a vertical rib between casting sides
- Designed for interchangeability across sizes #3–#8 with a single #3-sized frog
- Short-lived, abandoned by 1874
- "STANLEY RULE" (in arc) "& LEVEL Co." now stamps the iron
- Cap iron retains Type 1 logo
- Brass nut becomes recessed with patent info stamped inside
- Lever cap back is now recessed
- Center of rounded sides moved further back
- Plane size numbers no longer incised on frog or lever cap
- Broad rectangular frog receiver; flat-head frog screws; occasional foundry numbers
- Traditional frog style restored, abandoning the interchangeable Type 3 design
- Broad rectangular frog receiver with arched rear, machined flat
- Flat-head screws secure the frog (replacing domed screws)
- Foundry numbers (e.g. "73", "71") occasionally cast into bed between receiver and tote
- Y lever tip no longer rounded
- First lateral adjustment lever; model numbers cast on toe
- Lateral adjustment lever introduced, patent dates "2-8-76" and "10-21-84"
- "STANLEY" stamped into the lateral lever
- One-piece construction with straight engaging portion
- Frog top becomes flattened arch shape rather than rounded
- Model numbers first cast into main casting (toe for smaller planes, heel for #5+)
- Trademark: "STANLEY" in large straight letters above smaller text
- Frog corners fully rounded on top
- Two-piece circular-disk lateral; left-hand thread nut; iron hole at cutting edge; grooved receiver
- Two-piece construction, circular disk replaces straight engaging portion
- "7-24-88" added (third patent date)
- All three dates: 2-8-76, 10-21-84, 7-24-88
- Brass adjusting nut switches to left-hand thread, permanent from this point forward
- Circular iron hole relocated toward cutting edge (was at top of blade)
- Allows cap iron removal without detaching the iron from the plane
- "STANLEY PAT. AP'L 19, 92" stamps the iron (some without patent date)
- Beaded front knob eliminated
- Frog receiver gains two shallow parallel grooves with screw holes within them
- Lower side wings; modified handle design
- Sub-type ca. 1891–92: "Nib" casting marks appear on bed, frog, and lever cap
- "S" mark on frog/lever cap/bed; Bailey name and patent dates removed from nut
- Bailey's name and patent dates removed from brass nut and cap iron
- Number spacing increases, "No" approximately 1" from the size numeral
- "S" cast mark on frog, lever cap, and/or bed, likely Sessions Foundry, New Britain
- Most examples: left-hand threaded adjustment nuts (established in Type 6)
- Patent dates still stamped on all irons
- "B" foundry mark replaces "S"; single patent date on lateral lever
- "S" marks replaced with "B" , a different foundry identifier
- "B" appears on frog, lever cap, and bed
- Only "7-24-88" remains as the patent date
- "STANLEY" retained
- "BAILEY" at toe; ribbed frog receiver with two bosses; waisted brass nuts; dates Mar-25-02 / Aug-19-02
- Completely redesigned and patented frog receiver
- Smaller bearing surface toward tote
- Two circular screw-receiving bosses ahead of bearing surface
- Rib runs from mouth to bearing surface to maintain lateral frog alignment
- Frog has slot at bottom that fits over the rib
- "BAILEY" cast at the toe , returning as tribute after absence since Type 6
- Model number now positioned just behind the knob
- Patent dates "Mar.-25-02" and "Aug.-19-02" cast immediately behind frog
- "B" casting marks disappear
- Lateral lever loses all patent dates
- Brass nuts for knob and tote develop a waisted (hourglass) design to reduce wood sticking
- No frog adjustment screw . This is the key differentiator from Type 10; the tapped hole does not yet exist
- Frog adjustment screw below frog (from Bed Rock); four-line iron logo
- Frog adjustment screw added directly below the depth adjustment nut
- Screw engages a forked piece attached to the frog, allowing forward/backward movement
- Center rib enlarges and arches
- New four-line trademark: "STANLEY" / "RULE & LEVEL CO." / "NEW BRITAIN CONN." / "U.S.A."
- Iron carries an "S" or "T" trademark stamp . The S and T marks overlap this transition period
- V-shaped trademark on iron; APR-19-10 cast behind frog
- New V-shaped trademark: "STANLEY" / "NEW BRITAIN" / "CONN." / "U.S.A."
- Early Type 11 examples may carry the "T" trademark stamp before transitioning to V. Both marks appear in this type
- Three patent dates cast behind the frog: Mar.-25-02, Aug.-19-02, and Apr.-19-10 (same three as Type 12)
- Spans WWI (1914–1918) with stable quality
- Otherwise identical to Type 10
- Tall 'high knob'; Sweetheart logo (notched rect + heart S.W.); 1.25" depth nut; unblued cap iron
- Sweetheart logo debuts: notched rectangle containing "STANLEY" over a heart with "S.W." (The Stanley Works)
- Marks the merger of Stanley Rule & Level and Stanley Works
- Version 1 (ca. 1920): "NEW BRITAIN," "CONN. U.S.A." below logo in two lines
- Version 2 (1921–22): "MADE IN U.S.A." in one line, slightly longer than notched rectangle
- Version 3 (1923–35): "MADE IN U.S.A." slightly shorter than notched rectangle
- Extremely rare: some lever caps have sweetheart outline embossed on the reverse
- Tall "high knob" style replaces the low mushroom knob
- Brass depth adjustment nut enlarged to 1.25" diameter
- Lever cap cam extends to 1 3/16" (was 1 3/32")
- Lever cap edges become less rounded
- Three patent dates cast behind the frog: Mar.-25-02, Aug.-19-02, and Apr.-19-10
- Cap iron backs no longer blued from this type forward
- "STANLEY" in notched rect on lever cap; colored lever cap backgrounds; U.S.PAT.APR-19-10 only behind frog
- "STANLEY" in notched rectangle debuts on lever cap
- Multiple finish treatments (in approximate sequence):
- — Machined with japanned (black) rectangle background (earliest)
- — Entirely nickel plated
- — Nickel with orange rectangle background
- — Nickel with reddish background (possibly Winchester influence)
- — Nickel with yellow background (later, with rounded irons)
- "U.S. PAT. APR-19-10" becomes the only casting remaining behind frog
- Some frogs have orange overpaint of unknown purpose (institutional ID?)
- "MADE IN U.S.A." at toe; raised ring cast as knob receiver
- "MADE IN U.S.A." cast at toe , its first appearance
- Raised ring cast into bed as knob receiver to prevent splitting
- High knob base tapers to seat in raised ring (later) or uniform (earlier)
- "MADE IN U.S.A." behind frog; "BAILEY" behind knob; plane # at toe leading edge
- "MADE IN U.S.A." relocates behind frog (was at toe)
- All patent information removed from bottom casting
- "BAILEY" behind knob toward the rib
- Plane number at leading edge of toe , reversing the previous placement
- Kidney-shaped lever cap hole; ogee frog back; flat ribs at toe/heel; no heart on iron
- Kidney-shaped hole replaces the old symmetrical keyhole shape
- Intended to reduce blade loosening during depth adjustment
- Ogee (S-shaped) curve on frog back on either side of the lateral lever
- Raised broad flat ribs cast at toe and heel
- Frog receiver: less metal between arched rib and sides than Type 15
- Heart and "S.W." removed, leaving "STANLEY" in notched rectangle with "MADE IN U.S.A." only
- New BB trademark stamp introduced on irons from 1936
- Red-stained or black-painted hardwood; steel/rubber depth nut; thicker castings; coarse machining
- Hardwood handles and knobs , stained red or painted black (not rosewood)
- Depth adjustment nut smaller; steel or hard rubber instead of brass
- Nickel-plated lever caps discontinued; coarse machining on replacements
- Brass cap and threaded rod consolidated into single-piece steel screw for wooden parts
- Thicker, heavier bottom castings , a significant weight increase
- Some lack frog adjustment screw despite having the tapped hole
- Some retain old-style keyhole lever cap holes from Type 16 tooling
- The weakest documented type . Considerable variation makes precise sub-dating unreliable
- Parts-bin assembly means mixed features from Types 16 and 18 are common
- Brass nuts return with diagonal knurling; lighter castings; black-painted handles
- Brass adjusting nuts return with diagonal knurling
- Handles and knobs: black paint (not red stain)
- Castings lighten to pre-war specifications
- Very short production window: 1946–1947 only
- Represents restoration of quality after WWII compromises
- Y-shaped frog receiver; rosewood with heavy varnish; "STANLEY" vertical on lateral lever; parallel nut knurling
- Y-shaped (wishbone) frog receiver in bottom casting, a major internal redesign
- "STANLEY" now incised vertically on the lateral lever
- Sometimes appears on both sides of the lever
- Parallel knurling on brass depth adjuster (was diagonal in Types 7–8, 18)
- Rosewood reappears for tote and knob, often with heavy varnish obscuring grain
- Later examples (ca. 1958–61): black-painted hardwood
- Some forked levers: nickel-plated instead of black japanning
- Mid-1950s onward: rounded iron tops replace angular designs
- Blue painted castings; two-piece pressed steel fork; one-piece lateral lever; no "STANLEY" on lever
- Blue paint on all castings , ending over a century of black japanning
- Hardwood tote and knob: lighter stain
- Depth adjustment fork becomes two-piece pressed steel ("cheesy")
- Lateral lever: one-piece with bent thumb grip
- "STANLEY" no longer stamped on the lateral lever
- Rounded iron top corners
- Described by Patrick Leach as "the beginning of the end for Stanley bench planes"
- Types 8–13 are generally considered the best user planes; decline begins at Type 16
Stanley Trademark Stamps on Irons
The trademark stamped on the iron (blade) is one of the most reliable dating aids. Each mark covers a defined production window. Note that overlaps occur, especially during transitions, and Canadian production used different marks on different schedules.
Bailey Bench Plane Specifications
All standard Bailey-pattern bench planes produced by Stanley. Specs are: sole length × cutter width, weight. Production years indicate American manufacture. Corrugated variants (C suffix) have lengthwise grooves on the sole to reduce friction.
No lateral lever ever added. Solid brass depth nut with no recess. Scarce; thin castings crack easily around mouth. No corrugated variant. Heavily reproduced: an original's adjuster rod runs parallel to the sole, while reproduction rods tilt up toward the tote.
No frog adjusting screw on any example. Distinctive concave, shallow brass nut. A late scarce variant is ~½" longer.
Extremely scarce, and corrugations add no practical benefit at this size. Watch for fraudulent machined 'dados' masquerading as corrugations.
Common. Some prefer over the #4. Four major frog designs across production life. Frogs frequently crack at the lateral lever attachment.
Stanley's fortune-maker. Standard smoothing plane. Some early examples have a built-in oiler beneath the knob.
Aluminum bed and frog. Aluminum oxidation discolors freshly planed wood. Cost 25%+ more than the standard #4, and it was poorly received.
Pressed/forged steel U-shaped bottom with riveted mouth pieces. Marketed for concrete-floor shops. Resembles Bed Rock aesthetically.
First fractional designation. First model has no number cast at toe (predates 1885 embossing). Likely Stanley's response to English infill planes.
English-market variant with thicker castings. "H" cast after the number. No American catalog documentation. Aimed entirely at the English market.
Stanley's most useful bench plane, produced in enormous quantities. The standard first rough-prep plane. Some early examples have a built-in knob oiler.
Same performance issues as #A4.
Steel version of jack plane, paralleling #S4.
Designed for manual training schools. A pre-production example (no frog screw, old frog style) found in New Britain suggests earlier test-market batch.
The rarest plane in the entire American Bailey series (not the most valuable, which is the #1). Faked examples exist.
Cutter width changed to 2⅜" in 1939. Older planes need original irons. Later replacement irons are incompatible.
Stanley called it "simply a short jointer." Less common than #5 or #7. Used by some as a lightweight jointer, and for face planing glued panels.
Three more years of production than #A4/#A5, suggesting marginally better acceptance at this size.
Standard jointer. Pairs with #4 and #5 in the classic bench plane triad. Perfect sole flatness is less critical than often claimed.
Heaviest standard jointer. Extra mass helps plow through knots and grain reversals.
Considerably less common than #7C.
Market Prices by Plane Size
Realized sale prices from Jim Bode's Value Guide to Antique Tools. Prices vary by manufacturing type (1–20), condition, and era. Based on 450 historical transactions. All figures in USD.
Rare, with no user-grade market. All examples are collector pieces regardless of condition.
Moderately scarce. Small size limits woodworking use; primarily a collector piece.
Most common Bailey. Abundant supply keeps typical prices low.
Most-sold size in the dataset. Value closely mirrors No. 4 across all condition grades.
Less common than No. 4/5; slight premium over those sizes in comparable condition.
Larger size commands a consistent premium. One pre-Stanley Bailey Boston example sold for $1,500.
Largest standard bench plane. Size premium is consistent. Even users sell above No. 4/5 fine examples.
Source: Jim Bode's Value Guide to Antique Tools. Historical realized sale prices, not a guarantee of current market value.
Type Identification Wizard
Answer each question about your plane to narrow down its manufacturing type. Based on the decision tree from Hyperkitten's Type Study Flowchart.
Quick Reference Table
| Type | Years | Era | Lateral Lever | Frog Receiver | Key Identifier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1867–1869 | Pre-Lateral (Boston) | None | I-shaped | "BAILEY, WOODS & CO. BOSTON" on brass nut; banjo spring; no model # on bed |
| 2 | 1869–1872 | Pre-Lateral (Boston) | None | I-shaped | Rectangular lever cap spring replaces banjo shape |
| 3 | 1872–1873 | Pre-Lateral (Boston) | None | Vertical rib (experimental) | Smaller frog on vertical rib; recessed brass nut; lever cap back recessed |
| 4 | 1874–1884 | Pre-Lateral | None | Broad rectangular, machined flat | Broad rectangular frog receiver; flat-head frog screws; occasional foundry numbers |
| 5 | 1885–1888 | Lateral Era | One-piece; "2-8-76" & "10-21-84" & "STANLEY" | Broad rectangular (Type 4 style) | First lateral adjustment lever; model numbers cast on toe |
| 6 | 1888–1892 | Lateral Era | Two-piece circular disk; "2-8-76", "10-21-84", "7-24-88" | Broad rectangular with two parallel grooves | Two-piece circular-disk lateral; left-hand thread nut; iron hole at cutting edge; grooved receiver |
| 7 | 1893–1899 | Lateral Era | Two-piece; patent dates present; "STANLEY" | Grooved rectangular (Type 6 style) | "S" mark on frog/lever cap/bed; Bailey name and patent dates removed from nut |
| 8 | 1899–1902 | Lateral Era | Two-piece; "7-24-88" only; "STANLEY" | Grooved rectangular | "B" foundry mark replaces "S"; single patent date on lateral lever |
| 9 | 1902–1907 | Lateral Era | No patent date; "STANLEY" | Ribbed with two circular bosses (patented design) | "BAILEY" at toe; ribbed frog receiver with two bosses; waisted brass nuts; dates Mar-25-02 / Aug-19-02 |
| 10 | 1907–1909 | Lateral Era | No patent date; "STANLEY" | Ribbed with enlarged arched rib | Frog adjustment screw below frog (from Bed Rock); four-line iron logo |
| 11 | 1910–1918 | Lateral Era | No patent date; "STANLEY" | Ribbed with enlarged rib (Type 10 style) | V-shaped trademark on iron; APR-19-10 cast behind frog |
| 12 | 1919–1924 | Sweetheart | No patent date; "STANLEY" | Ribbed (Type 9+ style) | Tall 'high knob'; Sweetheart logo (notched rect + heart S.W.); 1.25" depth nut; unblued cap iron |
| 13 | 1925–1928 | Sweetheart | No patent date; "STANLEY" | Ribbed | "STANLEY" in notched rect on lever cap; colored lever cap backgrounds; U.S.PAT.APR-19-10 only behind frog |
| 14 | 1929–1930 | Sweetheart | No patent date; "STANLEY" | Ribbed | "MADE IN U.S.A." at toe; raised ring cast as knob receiver |
| 15 | 1931–1932 | Sweetheart | No patent date; "STANLEY" | Ribbed | "MADE IN U.S.A." behind frog; "BAILEY" behind knob; plane # at toe leading edge |
| 16 | 1933–1941 | Sweetheart | No patent date; "STANLEY" | Ribbed; less metal between rib and sides | Kidney-shaped lever cap hole; ogee frog back; flat ribs at toe/heel; no heart on iron |
| 17 | 1942–1945 | Wartime | Variable; present on most | Ribbed; may retain Type 16 or new design | Red-stained or black-painted hardwood; steel/rubber depth nut; thicker castings; coarse machining |
| 18 | 1946–1947 | Post-War | No patent date; "STANLEY" | Ribbed | Brass nuts return with diagonal knurling; lighter castings; black-painted handles |
| 19 | 1948–1961 | Post-War | "STANLEY" incised vertically; sometimes both sides | Y-shaped (wishbone) | Y-shaped frog receiver; rosewood with heavy varnish; "STANLEY" vertical on lateral lever; parallel nut knurling |
| 20 | 1962–1967 | Blue Era | One-piece; bent thumb grip; no "STANLEY" stamp | Y-shaped | Blue painted castings; two-piece pressed steel fork; one-piece lateral lever; no "STANLEY" on lever |
Feature Quick-Find Index
Spot a specific feature on your plane? Find which types it appears in. Use this to quickly narrow down an unknown plane's type.
Notable Design Changes Explained
Why Did the Iron Hole Move? (Type 6, 1891–92)
The original hole near the top of the iron created a problem: as the blade wore down through sharpening, that hole would eventually fall directly into the space where the lateral lever engaged the blade slot, making the lever useless. Stanley relocated the hole near the cutting edge in 1891, allowing blades to be used to the last inch of their life. Stanley patented this (No. 473,087, April 1892) and sued Ohio Tool Company for copying it. Ohio used a hexagonal hole instead; courts dismissed Stanley's claims in 1902.
Why the High Knob? (Type 12, ~1920)
The taller "high knob" introduced around 1919–1920 provided better hand clearance and leverage during planing. However, the increased height also meant more force on the knob base during pushing, causing stress fractures at the base. This problem wasn't solved until Type 14 (1929–30), when Stanley added a raised ring cast into the bed as a receiver, distributing the load and preventing splitting. The high knob base either tapers (later) or remains uniform (earlier) where it seats in the ring.
Orange-Painted Frogs (Types 13–16)
Some planes from the 1920s–1930s have bright orange paint applied over the normal japanning on the frog sides only. The purpose remains uncertain. Theories include institutional ownership identification (schools, shops) or competitive positioning against Millers Falls, which introduced red-frogged bench planes in 1929. Similar orange treatment appears on Bed Rock planes and some #78 rabbet planes of the same era.
The Frog Adjustment Screw (Type 10, 1907)
The frog adjustment screw, which moves the frog forward or backward to open or close the mouth, first appeared on the premium Bed Rock series. Stanley added it to standard Bailey planes starting with Type 10. The screw is accessible directly below the depth adjustment nut and engages a fork attached to the frog, though on a Bailey the iron still has to come out before the frog screws can be loosened; adjusting the frog without removing the iron stayed exclusive to the flat-side Bed Rocks of 1911 onward. Some Type 17 wartime planes have the tapped hole but no screw installed, as a cost-saving measure.
Stanley Bedrock Series
Stanley's Premium Bench Plane Line · 1898–1943
The Bedrock series (#602–#608) is Stanley's premium alternative to the Bailey line, with a fully machined frog seat for greater rigidity and reduced chatter. Produced across 12 manufacturing types, it shares irons and handles with the Bailey line but commands a consistent collector premium.
View full Bedrock reference: type study, specifications & market prices →
Understanding Type Studies — Important Caveats
Before using this guide to date a plane, understand these five fundamental limitations shared by all type studies, as articulated by multiple researchers.
Type Studies Are Modern Tools
These classification systems were developed by collectors after the fact. Stanley never followed a type study. They simply made periodic design modifications. The categories are our analytical framework imposed on their manufacturing history.
Dates Are Approximate
Old parts stock was used until depleted. A plane "dated" to 1902 might have a frog from 1900 inventory. Feature changeovers sometimes took months or even years, producing transition planes with features from adjacent types. Always use multiple features together, not single markers.
Type Studies Are Model-Specific
The No. 4 type study is often incorrectly applied to other sizes. Each plane size has distinct features. For example, the #2 never received a frog adjusting screw, and the #1 never got a lateral lever. Always verify which size you're examining.
The eBay Effect
Early type studies were compiled before online marketplaces made rare planes commonly available. Items once considered very rare turned out to be common, requiring substantial updates to rarity classifications. Modern collectors have access to far more data points than early researchers did.
Variations Exist Within Types
Type 17 (wartime) is the most extreme example: planes from 1942–1945 show inconsistent brass vs. steel hardware, rosewood vs. painted hardwood, and variable frog mechanisms, all classified as Type 17. No type study captures every variation.
Restored Planes Are Tricky
Many planes for sale have replacement parts, creating "Frankenstein" planes with components from multiple eras. Some sellers unethically modify components to pass items off as rarer types. Examine japanning consistency, casting texture, and screw holes to detect mismatched parts.
Vintage Tool Resources
A curated directory of active websites for antique and vintage tool research, buying, and collecting. Ranked by cross-reference count across eight major tool collector link directories.
Patrick's Blood & Gore
The definitive illustrated Stanley Bailey plane guide by Patrick Leach. Covers every Bailey plane from #1 to #608C with production dates, defects, rarity, and restoration warnings.
supertool.comEarly American Industries Association
The oldest tool-collecting organisation in the US, dedicated to celebrating trades, crafts, and tools in American history. Publishes The Chronicle and Shavings.
eaia.usMid-West Tool Collectors Association
National organisation with regional chapters holding meets, swap sessions, and auctions focused on antique and traditional tools.
mwtca.orgCRAFTS of New Jersey
Collectors of Rare and Familiar Tools Society. Around 350 members, publishes The Tool Shed journal, and holds regular meetings and auctions in the New Jersey area.
craftsofnj.orgPATINA
Potomac Antique Tools and Industries Association. An active Washington DC-area club with regular auctions, meets, and events through 2026.
patinatools.orgPacific Northwest Tool Collectors
Growing organisation of 500+ men and women across the Pacific Northwest dedicated to tool collecting, education, and enthusiast activities.
pntc.websiteOhio Tool Collectors Association
Active Ohio-based organisation with meetings held four times yearly at various locations throughout the state. The 2026 schedule is confirmed.
sites.google.com/site/ohiotoolRichmond Antique Tool Society
Virginia-based club for makers, users, and collectors of antique tools. Regular meetings with opportunities to learn about, buy, sell, and trade historical tools.
richmondantiquetools.comHand Tool Preservation Association of Australia
Australian organisation meeting on a bimonthly basis, dedicated to the preservation and study of hand tools. Active since 2000.
htpaa.org.auNew Zealand Vintage Tool Collectors Club
Non-profit organisation promoting the collection and presentation of vintage and antique tools in New Zealand. Established 1987, with 200+ members.
nzvtcc.org.nzAmbacht en Gereedschap
Dutch membership organisation dedicated to crafts and tools. Active with scheduled events including biannual collector gatherings.
ambachtengereedschap.nlJim Bode Tools
Active dealer since 1997 with daily Stanley plane inventory updates. Publisher of the Jim Bode Value Guide to Antique Tools, the realized-price reference used in the Prices section of this study.
jimbodetools.comMichael Rouillard Antique Tools
Specialist dealer since 1994 with a focus on rare patented and early Stanley planes. Inventory updated multiple times weekly, with an emphasis on collector-grade pieces.
michaelrouillardtools.comThe Superior Works (Supertool)
Patrick Leach's antique tool dealership, one of the first antique tool sellers on the internet, active since 1987. Buys and sells vintage woodworking tools and runs bi-annual consignment auctions. Also hosts Patrick's Blood & Gore, the landmark Stanley plane reference.
supertool.comHyperkitten Tool Company
Specialist dealer in vintage woodworking and machinist tools, with an emphasis on usable pieces over pure collectibles. Inventory includes tools, parts and restoration projects, and vintage tool books and catalogs.
hyperkitten.comJon Zimmers Antique Tools
Portland, Oregon dealer in antique and user-grade hand tools and tool books, established 1995. Known for accurate, complete descriptions and type-correct listings. Includes a bargain bin section for lower-grade tools.
jonzimmersantiquetools.comNH Plane Parts
Online shop with 2,500+ replacement parts for vintage Stanley and antique planes: blades, frogs, screws, totes, and knobs for restoration projects.
nhplaneparts.comCan I Have It — Vintage Tool Auction and Sales
Facebook auction and sales group for vintage hand tools, a community marketplace for buying and selling antique planes, Stanley tools, and related items through member-run listings.
facebook.com/groups/CanIHaveItToolAuctionsJust Plane Fun — The Parts Division
Facebook group focused on buying, selling, and trading vintage hand tool parts, a community resource for sourcing replacement components for Stanley and other antique plane restorations.
facebook.com/groups/just-plane-funSources & Further Reading
Patrick's Blood & Gore (Supertool)
Patrick Leach's landmark reference covering #1 through #608C in exhaustive detail. One of the most comprehensive bodies of Stanley plane research. Covers all sizes with individual commentary.
supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan0a.htmlThe Plane Dealer — Bailey Type Study
Mark Nickel's well-organized quick-reference guide to all 20 types, with additional pages on Stanley trademarks, Bedrock planes, and L. Bailey's history.
plane-dealer.com/bailey-type-studyTime Tested Tools — Bench Plane Typing
Practical dating guidance covering both American and English Stanley planes, with active development of the English-made type study draft.
timetestedtools.netHyperkitten — Stanley Bench Plane Type Study
Joshua Clark's hypertext type study (credited to Roger Smith and Patrick Leach), including a plane dating flowchart and complete feature timeline across all 20 types.
hyperkitten.com/tools/stanley_bench_plane/A Plane Life — Links & Information
Curated directory of plane research resources, including Bedrock type studies, English Stanley references, and specialty plane information.
aplanelife.us/links-plane-informationThe Valley Woodworker — Bob's Illustrated Study
Bob's two-part illustrated type study (Types 1–20) with detailed photos and commentary, plus companion posts on type dating methodology and the iron hole relocation story.
thevalleywoodworker.blogspot.comVirginia Tool Works — Five Confusion-Busting Facts
An accessible overview of the five most important caveats for using type studies correctly. Essential reading before attributing a precise date to any plane.
virginiatoolworks.comRoger Smith — Patented Transitional & Metallic Planes
The original academic foundation underlying all modern Stanley type studies. The definitive scholarly reference on the subject.
Book reference (not online)