Vintage Stanley No 61 Miniature Planer.

Title: Vintage Stanley No 61 Miniature Planer.
Manufacturer: Stanley, Made In The USA, circa 1920's.
Height: 5cm.
Length: 16cm.
Width: 4.5cm.
Info: Vintage Stanley 61 Low angle Block Plane. Wooden handle in front, all steel construction.
The Stanley no. 61 is a low angle block planer featuring depth adjustment mechanisms but lacking an adjustable throat plate.  Introduced in 1914 the 6 inch no. 61 was never particularly popular with tradesmen, woodworkers, or carpenters.  Offered as less expensive, fixed throat alternatives to the no. 60 and no. 65, very few buyers were tempted to purchase a low angle plane without an adjustable throat, especially when that feature could be had for just a few pennies more. Subsequently, their limited popularity constricted demand and production, and so they are fairly hard to find today.
Ironically, these planes are virtually identical to the very first type no. 60 and no. 65, both of which were introduced in 1898 with a similar wooden knob and lacking an adjustable throat.  Why then, less than 10 years later, Stanley thought reintroducing this handicapped design under the model nos. 61 was a good idea is anyones guess. Regardless, the no. 61 is easily distinguished from the Type 1 no. 60 and 65 since their model numbers were cast in relief at the rear of the bed just below the depth adjustment knob.  Manufactured for less than 25 years, both planes were discontinued in 1935.
The no. 61 is very collectible due to its scarcity. Virginia Tool Works.
Condition: Fair, a used plane. Decorative item for the vintage collection.
Price: R 295.00 Inc Vat.