G. Miller Ebony & Gunmetal Steel Soled Chariot Plane

… or rather two infill chariot planes by G. Miller, each one with slightly different details, such as the rear overhang of the front infill as well as the shape of the finial on the wedge. Many collectors would be familiar with George Miller’s shoulder planes — with or without the rhino horns — but not many would know of his equally charming little chariot planes.

Like a great deal of George Miller’s planes, one of these chariot planes is not stamped with his name (the other one is, however). This is not unusual for Miller, however. In fact as far as infill planes go I would have to say that there are probably more unmarked and unstamped G. Miller planes than any other maker that I am aware of.

Thankfully though, Miller had very distinctive shapes for his planes and it would be very unlikely that other planemakers would be making planes of his particular patterns when they could just as easily make more familiar patterns that would probably sell for higher prices, such as Spiers or Norris patterns. Having said that though there may be a few “G. Miller-like” planes that have been made by individuals for their own use, simply because they like the shape.

The marked plane is stamped “G. Miller, 24 Ampton St., Grays Inn Rd.”, which is his usual stamp (when in fact he uses it). Miller was active at this address from around 1890 to 1914. Both planes are 4″ long and 2″ wide, with a cutting iron measuring 1-3/4″ wide. Both are cast in gunmetal with a sweated on steel sole (I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a plane made by G. Miller that hasn’t been constructed in this way, whether a chariot plane or a shoulder plane). These two chariots also have ebony infills, which contrast nicely alongside the gunmetal castings.

G. Miller predominantly made two types of infill planes – shoulder and chariot – though there are several examples of smoothing planes out there as well. However, I’ve been around long enough to know that there are often surprises around the corner and that there may be, lying in a basement or workshop somewhere, a bullnose or a rebate plane made with his mark. If anyone out there has something interesting made by him then I would sure like to know about it.

Having said that, the G. Miller chariot planes are much more uncommon than his shoulder planes, and are always desirable if you can find them.

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