CONDITION: Good, not collectible; Restoration included stripping and re Japanning in original process; but fully functional.

DIM; 15inx2-1/2in by 6in High Estimated age based on description of cap and blade adjuster was built after to 1888 and before 1933, approx. 100 years

REPAIRS & RESTORATION: Blade; cleaned, dressed, squared and sharpened to 32* bevel at 4000grit. Original blade may have been replaced in the 1920 with a Stanley sweetheart, the logo cleanly defined.

Sole; checked for square, some gouging at toe that has no impact on functionality. Sole is centerline burnished the full length of body. Makers marks on toe of body and blade match. Prior owners marks (Overdorf) on heal.

UPPER IRON AND CAP: Stripped, dressed, new Japaning using original Japaning process.

TOTE; replaced with hand carved; ready for final shaping by new owner.

HISTORY;

The Stanley #26 was produced from 1870 to 1942. Lets assume all the parts are original to the plane. First, look at the front knob. If it is sort of short and squat, it is before 1922, taller type is after 1922. Look at the lever cap. If the hole is straight, it is before 1933. If it is kidney-shaped, it is after 1933. Finally, look at the lateral adjusting lever. if the end that contacts the blade is a straight bar, it is prior to 1888. If it has the 'usual' round riveted washer it is after 1888. Those are the 'quick-and-dirty' check-points for dating a plane.