My Hand Planes- Meet the Boys #2: RECORD #04 Smooth Plane Circa 1955

Here we have a RECORD #04 Smoothing Plane.
This is shown here in ‘as found’ condition, a recent Ebay purchase.

I decided to to do some ‘homework’ to establish when this might have been made? Judging by the parts: -
· the frog- flat machined straight sides, from 1931 to 1956.

· the body- how the frog is seated. The frog receiver in the body casting was modified from a straight central rib to a wishbone shaped buttress around 1955 to 1960. This plane has the straight central rib.

· the lateral lever- Solid disc at the end of the lateral lever with “RECORD” marked on the lateral lever, about 1952 to late 1957.

· the wood used for the handle and the knob- . Rosewood was used for the handle and knob until WW2. Post-war production used dark stained beech until 1998 when resistant resin (plastic) replaced wood handle and knob. I removed the handle to look underneath- it is obvious Stained Beech was used.

. the Cutter and Backing Iron. The profile of the cutter has a straight top with angled sides, marked “RECORD, Made in England, Best Crucible Cast, Tungsten Steel” from 1930 to mid 1950’s.

Most importantly I think the best clue is the original ‘RECORD’ decal on the rear handle. The lettering and border are in gold on a blue background with ‘Trade’ and ‘Mark’ either side of RECORD. ‘Genuine’ is on top of RECORD and ‘Made in England’ is underneath, from 1930 to 1955/6.

Therefore I believe this plane was made circa 1955 /6.

All reference info was found here:- Record Hand Tools, A History. By David Lynch

I hope you find this of some interest?

Cheers,
John.

-- Gossamer shavings just floating around the back yard….-Bandit