Engraved 1844 Wrought Iron Rabbet Plane

Early dovetailed wrought iron rabbet plane with rosewood infill. The original owner’s name and the date “1844” have been expertly engraved on one of the sides of the plane in script. It should be noted that dated planes are not that common, so finding one is always nice.

Though this plane does not have a maker’s mark, it’s quite conceivable that it may have been made by Robert Towell or a notable contemporary of his. It may even be an early example of a Stewart Spiers rabbet plane. The fact that it does not feature a “keeper” for the wedge further suggests ties to Towell though, in truth, many small rabbet planes (mainly the 6″ long ones) don’t seem to bother with adding an iron or steel keeper.

The wrought iron side plates have been dovetailed to the sole of the plane, and then infilled with Brazilian rosewood. The wedge is also rosewood. The plane measures 8-1/2″ in length and 1/2″ wide, and comes with a 1/2″ wide snecked cutting iron. Interestingly the height is only 1-15/16.

A rare, dated example of early dovetailed planemaking.

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