What kind of Plane do I own?

Yes, but it is also a convertible. It can be changed into a bull nose rabbeting plane.

-- Improvise.... Adapt...... Overcome!

is that what the extra cavity in front is for?

-- Greg Simon

It’s a no. 78. Missing some parts unfortunately.

Stanley #78 Duplex Rabbet (or clone)

I agree. A 78 clone, missing the fence and cap.

-- There is nothing like the sound of a well tuned hand plane. - http://timetestedtools.wordpress.com (timetestedtools at hotmail dot c0m)

excellent – thanks everyone!

-- Greg Simon

I just downloaded the original specs from Stanley for it
I see what you mean now
http://www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu/~flip/wood/planes/stanley-078.html
likely a clone since there are no#78 or Stanley in the body other than “Made in USA”
thanks again
greg

-- Greg Simon

A rabbet plane of that kind will do certain cuts that no other tool (other than laborious hand carving) will do. Namely, it will make a tapered or curved rabbet cut. This is done in building lapstrake boats, where the planks fully lap (except for a slight bevel to give the planks a solid mating surface on a curved hull) throughout most of the length of the hull, but gradually taper toward the ends so that at bow and stern they are flush. The tapered rabbet (both on lower and upper mating planks) allows this joint. It’s not the only way to make the planks flush at the ends, but is the easiest (if you have a rabbet plane) and probably the best. I guess you could call it a tapered shiplap.

I saw this thread and it reminded me that I have this same exact plane. My brother bought a house last year and it was left in a drawer in the garage. Mine is a bit more rusty but it appears that it is all there. It needs a little tlc but it isn’t bad.

Is this plane supposed to have two irons?