Reply To: Rosewood handles vs Beech handles
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Wood species for handles is probably the least reliable method for dating planes.
Stanley, for instance, sold beech ( sometimes maple) handled tools to trade schools in the 1890ās and did so for most of its history. Many of those tools made it to the collector market when public schools stopped offering shop classes.
And rosewood was sold in all eras, even during WWII until inventory was exhausted.
I just purchased a type 11 #5 ( three patent dates on the body) with what appears to be rosewood stained walnut that passes pretty well for rosewood. (Fooled me until I got it home and took it apart for restoration) Iām pretty sure the totes are original.
There might have been import issues during the first Great War as well.
A much more reliable dating method is to compare the casting, patent dates, and logo details for plane bodies and irons. Hyperkitten has one of the best type study charts to work from.
- This reply was modified 6 years, 3 months ago by Larry Geib.
- This reply was modified 6 years, 3 months ago by Larry Geib.