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On first impressions this is a typical 13 1/2 inch dovetailed Norris No.1 panel plane with rosewood infill.  Closer inspection reveals some unusual features.The most obvious difference to other Norris panel planes is the mark on the gunmetal lever cap.  The usual Norris mark is of 'NORRIS' over 'LONDON' with…

An unusual and interesting early moulding plane.This plane has many of the features associated with the early English makers of the 18th century and before including its length of 97/8 inches, flat and wide chamfers, deep gouge cuts to the toe and heel, fillet between the shoulder and upper stock,…

A very rare pair of thumb screw adjustable plough and sash fillister planes by John Moseley of London.Similar planes typically have wedge adjustable fences but this unusual pair of planes have hollowed out fence arms with thumb screw adjusters.  This configuration allows fine and precise adjustment.The plough is marked 'J.MOSELEY…

Back in October 2015 we published images of a wonderful little used 28 inch dovetailed jointer plane by SPIERS of Ayr, from a private collection.  The jointer was found in a tool chest in near original condition and the owner explained that a mitre plane was also in the chest.We…

If old wooden planes are your thing then Richard Arnold's collection is something to behold.  Both Richard's knowledge and enthusiasm for subject, especially early wooden plough planes, is much appreciated by those that have enjoyed one of his talks on the subject.Richard, a full time woodworker, occasionally opens his workshop…

Sometimes you just never know 'what's in the box' and this small unassuming wooden box certainly reveals an unexpected surprise.Packed full with 27 rosewood and boxwood planes plus a few squares and templates.  All apparently produced by the same craftsman.There are pairs of hollows and rounds, smoothers plus tailed and…

From a private collection, a group of 4 brass violin or luthier planes marked W E Hill & Sons.Very much in the same style as those much sought after examples by Norris and Preston.W E Hill & Sons were renowned makers of violins and other string instruments with a reputation…

A recent addition to a private collection is this early 18th century English moulding plane with wonderful features.With flat, very wide chamfers, fantastic shoulder detail and gouge cut finishes at the toe and heel.  The plane bears no obvious maker's mark but this is not unusual for planes of this…

A rare pair of registered design mortice gauges from a private collection, one by Fenton & Marsden, the other by Marples.The Fenton & Marsden gauge is made up of a brass stem with a brass plated ebony head stock.  The Marples gauge has a brass frame with boxwood infill and…

A recent find, a handled beechwood plough plane by Moseley of London.  We, and others, have never seen a handled plough by this maker.Marked 'MOSELEY & SON KING ST & BEDFORD ST COVT GARDEN LONDON' dating this plane to between 1862 - 1872.The handle fits into a dovetailed slot at…