Stanley #20 Circular Plane

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Stanley No 20 Circular Plane (Type 2, 1907 to 1909)5
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1897 Catalog Image of No 20 Circular Plane (Type 1)2
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1909 Catalog Image of No 20 Circular Plane (Type 2)3
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1923 Catalog Image of No 20 Circular Plane Showing Japanned Finish  4
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Edmunds Schades's 2/7/1893 Patent Date Cast into the Frame5
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Model Number & "Victor" Cast in Script Lettering on the Adjustment Knob5
Features1: Flexible Sole
Manufactured1: 1897 to 1958
Patents1: E. A. Schade's 2/7/1893 (Design Patent), Traut's 7/24/1888 (disc pivot lateral), E.V. Highes 7/18/1933 (lever cap)
Dimensions1: 9-1/2 inches long; 10 inches long in 1912 and later
Cutter1: 1-3/4 inches wide
Construction1: Cast Iron
Finish1: Nickel Plated prior to 1919, afterwards japanned finish with nickel trim.
User Info1: Adjustable steel sole planes concave or convex surfaces where the minimum radius is greater than 20 inches. A very handy plane which if sharpened properly can produce excellent results. Care must be given that the plane is not tilted at an angle whe in use.
Average Price1: $100 to $250
Type 11: $150 to $350 (1897 to 1907)
Notes1: The #20 circular plane was acquired from Leonards Bailey's sale of his Victor plane patents and tools in stok in 1884. Stanley's model Type 1 has Edmunds Schades's 2/7/1893 patent date cast into the frame and his 4/19/1892 patent on the cutter. Earlier models will have the model number cast in script lettering on the adjustment knob. Of all the circular planes manufactured by Stanley Rule & Level Company, this is the sturdiest and the model often recommended as the most usable of the circular planes. Type 2 (1907 to 1909) will have the same features as Type 1 (nickel plated, 9-1/2 inch, 2/7/1893 patent date) except the blade will have a "T" style trademark.

 

Sources: 1. Walter, John . "Antique & Collectable Stanley Tools, Guide to Identity and Value",   2nd Edition, 1996
2. The Stanley Catalog Collection, 1855 to 1898, The Astragal Press, Mendham, New Jersey
3. Wood, Jack P.  "Early 20th Century Stanley Tools, Price Guide". Contains reprints of the 1909 and 1926 Stanley Works Tool Catalogs.
4. Smith, Roger K., Reprint of Stanley Catalog No 120 orginally issued in 1923, "Carpenters' and Mechanics Tools", The Stanley Rule and & Level Plant, The Stanley Works, New Britain, Conn., U.S.A.

5. Stanley No 20 Type 2 which is part of the tool collection of Gordon Muster . Fine Condition. Nickel Plating is 90%. Purchased on Ebay for $91.