As I was browsing some antique shops this past weekend for some used hand tools I came across exactly what I was looking for. I found a Stanley #8 fore plane in excelent condition for $30. I did some research on "Patricks Blood and Gore" and found that the plane was manufactured between 1886 and 1889. One curious thing that has made me ask this question was a stamping on the side of the sole of the plane. It reads, "C. Christiansen". I have done some internet searches and found a C. Christiansen of Chicago that manufactured work benches from around 1890 until 1940, but not much more past that. It makes sense that this plane would be used for making work benches because of its ability to flatten large surfaces. I was wondering if anyone might have any more information on the C. Christiansen Company as I would love to figure out the history of this plane.