Vintage 8" smoothing or coffin plane.
Unknown manufacturer.
Late 19th to early 20th Century
Width 8 1/8" (20.5cm)
Height 5 1/8" (13cm)
Depth 2 1/4" (6cm)
The shortest of the bench planes, until the end of the 19th century, smoothing planes were predominantly wooden, typically made out of beech.
Being smaller than other bench planes, it is better to work on smaller workpieces and around obstructions. Since the 1700s wooden smoothing planes have predominantly been 'coffin shaped' – wider in the middle and slightly rounded. It has been claimed this shape exposes more end grain, enabling the plane to better adjust to changes in humidity. In Britain the name smoothing plane dates back to at least the 17th century.
Comes with a Cast Steel Thos. Ibbotson & co. blade and a Buck, of Tottm Ct Rd, London, chip breaker.
Founded by Thomas Ibbotson (c.1788-1871),who was also a merchant and table knife ‘manufacturer’, who made Bowie knives. Thos Ibbotson and Co was established in 1814 as a manufacturer of Joiners' tools. In 1855 edge tools were added to the range, encompassing joiners' tools, saws, files, engineers' and machinists' tools, hammers, garden tools, tool chests and skates. When Thomas etired in 1859, his sons – Thomas (c.1813-1883), William (c.1818-1895), and Peter Frith (1834-1905) – became partners in the firm, which by 1871 employed a hundred workers. Ibbotson’s assets were bought by William Marples & Sons Ltd. in 1905. With Gee & Holmes later owning the name.
A very solid and substantial plane, in excellent condition.
Has been lightly cleaned to keep the original patina.
Aged related wear.
All items where appropriate will be sent well packaged, tracked and insured.
Where possible we will combine purchases for shipping. Total weigh approx. 0.96Kg.
