Selling Rare Antique Stanley Bailey No 22 Wood Bottom Transitional Plane

Rare Antique Stanley Bailey selling Wood Bottom Transitional Plane

Great vintage condition with nice brownish patina

Smooth wood plane rule level Company

#24 Smooth plane 8"L (9"L 1922 on), 2"W 1870-1943.

Stanley claimed that "Every Carpenter needs two or more wood planes in his kit, for rough outside work" and that "wood planes push easier." Thus, these planes were offered as an alternative to the metallic planes. Furthermore, some guys preferred the feel of wood against wood, like that afforded by the old style wooden bench planes. But, they also understood the benefit of the patented adjustment features found on the metallic planes. Stanley made it possible for these guys to have their cake and eat it, too, by offering these planes.

There are many different sizes of these wood bottom planes, often called transitionals (they bridged the all wood and all metal designs), than there are of the metal ones. Why? Because patterns are not needed for wooden bodies like they are for metal bodies. Thus, the plane's body could practically be any size desired. The 18 different models attest to this fact - all of them are different lengths and widths. Guys could also tailor their wooden plane to the exact length with which they were comfortable by sawing off the toe and/or heel.

Judging by the numbers still out there, these were very popular planes, so popular that many of Stanley's competitors decided to make their versions of wood bottom planes (makers such as Sargent, Union, Birmingham, Siegley, etc.). When sold originally, they were at a price somewhat less than their iron counterparts making it possible for the average Joe Meatball of the day to afford a plane that came equipped with the Bailey patented features.

There are only a few numbers that are generally considered anywhere near collectible - the #21, #25, and #37. Of course, the earliest versions of the planes, mainly the ones made by Leonard Bailey himself in Boston, are scarce and collectible.