While passing through Oregon, it was fun to stop and browse through the antique shops. I found a dusty old plane sitting on a shelf with a price tag of $7.50 attached. Looked kind of promising even though I already had another much newer number 4. If nothing else, I could give it away or sell it.
After cleaning it up and using it a while, my other number 4 was sold. This one just has a magic feel to it. Since then, a few number 4s have been bought and sold, but this old gem seems to have its own special charm. When the blade is honed, it can take a shaving as thin as the wind. They mic out at about 4-5/10,000.
Well, the pits, spots of rust and scratches are all just beauty marks for this old tool.
From the markings on the blade’s depth adjuster and the lateral lever it has been determined that this plane dates to between 1888 and 1891. I hope I can do as good when I am that old and I hope this old friend is still with me.
