Dating Craftsman (Sargent) 79 (3720) Rabbit Planes

[Grandpadave52]

Originally I tagged this on to @steven newman thread HERE, but decided best not to hi-jack his topic which has much good info and he had (2) Craftsman 3270's (Sargent 79's) shown in that. Since I had acquired two of the planes also in the past year, I started to do some research. This thread is the result mostly. Anyways, hope someone finds it useful.

 

I think the actual number (Craftsman) is a 3720 Deluxe Rabbit Plane Not sure if it was preceded by characters, but I've found no evidence supporting that.

Craftsman first began using the trademark on the left. ~1927 through either 1931 or 1932. My 1931 PDF copy of the Craftsman Hand Tool catalog still shows this style logo. The 1933 shows a transition to the logo on the right. I've found evidence that logo was used from ~1930-1950. However, the Craftsman 1954 Tool Catalog does show use of the logo on/in the catalog pages and on some hand tools but not all. Additionally, the badge appears to be transitioning to a new version of the oval badge beginning in 1949 shown in that Hand Tool catalog.

 

This lettering (logo badge) is consistent in script with the above right sans the long underline from the C. Based on my best guess looking at lots of sites and old hand tool catalogs, this lettering came in around the mid/late 1930's and may have been used to about 1950. Speculation on my part, perhaps Sargent was unable to exactly replicate the C-underline or maybe cost was a factor. IDK? Both blades have the letters BL, indicating Sargent (not Stanley) is the maker. BL is hard to see in above left, but the top of BL is just visible under the knurl lever cap bolt and more visible in the next picture.

 

Another difference between the two is the iron cap retaining bolt. The older (left) used a knurled head bolt whereas the later version used a simple

thumbscrew type bolt. There is only one other major difference between the two shown in the next two pictures.

 

The earliest version used a "three Legged/Edged" spur; seen at bottom just to the right of the depth stop vertical groove.

Later versions used a six edge/point spur which I think not only gave more edge life but also can be positioned

as such to slightly vary the cut depth of the spur. They obviously are not interchangeable between plane bodies.

 

 

Later versions of this plane were sold as Craftsman Model 107-37039. It was similar in design to the Stanley 78

Those planes either had a gray or later green painted body versus black japanning like the above.

There also is/was a model 3730 but I haven't found any exact pictures of it yet. 

 

Millers-Falls sold a model 85 similar in ways to the Sargent 79 as well as the Stanley 78.

 

Internet Pictures of original 3720 & 3730 boxes.

    

 

Thanks for looking...

Edited December 2, 2021 by Grandpadave52
resize / reformat picture

[Gerald]

Nice research. I did a little on some of the planes in my collection but did not write it down and can't tell you half of it now. It is a good thing you are not looking for accurate tool pics today. I saw a Nova G3 on sale at woodcraft but the picture was a SN2. Go figure.

[steven newman]

I think my two are an early version....maybe a "Type 2"....Arch top body, that has now grown a "horn" out front...

The later versions looked more like a direct copy of the Stanley #78...

 

Both irons have the logo like this..

I'll have to remember that number...was going just call them No. 79s...

 

Thanks!

[Cal]

That is a bunch of good info up there Dave

[steven newman]

Will add this one...

[Grandpadave52]

1 hour ago, steven newman said:

Will add this one...

Thanks. From the best I can determine it's a variation of the one like on your plane irons.

[Grandpadave52]

2 hours ago, Cal said:

That is a bunch of good info up there Dave

Thanks Cal. Curiosity got the best of me and oh, couldn't do much else after the back attack. My mind was becoming about as numb as my butt and leg. Realized that might be a very bad combo.