Stanley No. 45 combination plane

Maker
Stanley Tool Company
Production date
Unknown
Description
Combination plane. (some parts are missing, usually has a guide). Stanley No. 45 combination plane.
The combination plane combines the functions of, rebate and grooving and moulding planes.
Special Notes on Stanley's No. 45
Stanley applied at least twenty improvements and design changes to the No. 45, their best selling combination plane. The No. 45 is the predecessor to one of the most ingenious planes ever designed, the No. 55 Universal Plane. Several English firms have manufactured a 45 style plane since Stanley discontinued production of it, but no modern version even comes close to the quality of Stanley's original. Stanley 45 planes are in big demand by woodworkers today, and in this author's opinion, they are undervalued considering that reproduction models cost about twice the current price of a vintage, good user quality Stanley No 45. Woodworkers generally prefer the No 45 models manufactured after 1915 as they have all of the patent improvements. With regard to value, having a complete plane with all its parts is a most important consideration along with vintage and condition. See the list of parts in the Type Study. According to Stanley No. 45 collector and authority, Dave Heckel, the Types 7, II, 12, 15 and 16 are very common. Types 3, 4, 8, 9, 14 and 17 fairly common, Types 1,2,5,10,13 and 20 are scarce and Types 6, 7a, 18, 19 and 19a are very scarce. (Look forward to a new publication on the No. 45 plane by Dave sometime in the near future.)
Stanley offered many optional items for the No. 45. These included a special set of 23 cutters including beads and reeds, etc., and a series of eight hollow and round bottoms with corresponding cutters, patented in 1884. Prices quoted for these items include the cutters. Stanley added a nosing tool in 1888. The extra bottoms were japanned from 1884 to 1889 and nickel plated from 1890 to 1942. Stanley further improved the basic plane by adding a cam stop in 1901. The first type had a thumbscrew for attaching it to the rods and had a tendency to break. Later versions had a stronger solid piece of iron attached with a slotted screw. Other patent improvements are listed in the No 45 Type Study. (http://www.oldtooluser.com/TypeStudy/StanNo45CombPlaneTypeStudy.htm)
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