So last Friday, I spent most all afternoon and evening performing a series of small jobs for my step-father. The main one was repairing his clothes dryer plus a mixed bag of other things...while picking up my tools in the laundry room, he disappeared for a bit...when I went to check on him, he had pulled these off the fire place mantel where they've "resided" for years. He handed them to me and said "I want you to have these if you want them?" They belonged to his grandfather (a carpenter by trade)...

 

This is not a tool gloat (well maybe just a little), but I was overwhelmed to receive this as family heirlooms...Thanks for looking!

 

I think the one on the left is mahogany??? The one on the right is hard maple. Both are in remarkable good condition for being ~125-150 years old

  

 

Notice the heavy layers of leather strapping put in place to cushion your hand. Also I'm assuming the optional add on leg bolt to adjust the fence position

  

 

I think both f these might have been used to cut window sash moldings and also for some trim work as they both have multiple cutters some with a degree of profile

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

The only markings on either were on this one..."great-grandfather's" initials stamped in one end.

  

What a wonderful gift! They are absolutely beautiful pieces. 

 

You're gonna need to talk to @John Moody about a display case!

WOW!!!

 

Tools with HISTORY love it. I have one with a story (my dad made that one) and others that I know where they came from just no story.

we talking shoulder. rabbet or molding...

versatile combination...

Very Nice!!

Those are some really beautiful planes. I would be really proud to be the custodian of those...it's obvious that they are in the right hands, just where they need to be...

Now that's just cool!!!!

What a great and generous gift, Dave. I'm sure they'll rest in a place of honor in your home. 

NICE! They don't build 'em like THAT anymore!

John

Guess your Step father knew these would be well taken care of Dave. What a awesome gift. The wooden threads still in working condition.

Edited August 10, 20178 yr by It Was Al B

Your step father thinks highly of you.  He gifted them for you to cherish and keep them in the family.  You will be able to pass them on to one of yours when the time comes.  Very nice indeed.

So cool!!!!

Priceless!

Cal

I would say it is a very nice tool gloat and I would if they had been given to me. Those are so nice and you know the lentiage so that makes them very very special. 

 

I love them them and they are beautiful. I can just imagine the hands of a skilled craftsman on them. 

On 9/3/2017 at 9:16 AM, John Moody said:

 

I love them them and they are beautiful. I can just imagine the hands of a skilled craftsman on them. 

Thanks for the kinds remarks John.

I know I shouldn't covet things such as these...BUT, a little hard not to do so.

I find myself doing that quite often with any of the old tools I acquire...holding on to them wondering who/when/what they've done over time like they're going to speak to me...Probably should should less of that and maybe I could get something tangible done.

But @Grandpadave52 I believe somehow they do speak to you. That's how I find them when they speak to me and then I have to take them home. 

3 hours ago, John Moody said:

But @Grandpadave52 I believe somehow they do speak to you. That's how I find them when they speak to me and then I have to take them home. 

For me, that is part of the enjoyment!  I always try to remember God and family first, then the fun.  But holding an oldie of a plane and imagining where it has been sure can have an enjoyable allure for those of us with these interests!  And, I feel like we collectively preserve a little history in the process.  I hope the next generation still cares....time will tell.  But, we are doing our part!  

 

Incidently, Those plows are beautiful, Grandpadave!!  Enjoyed seeing them.  

Completely and totally amazing pieces of history. He could not have given them to anyone more appreciative than you. Take good care of these treasures.