Stanley Bailey No. 3 Hand Plane Value Guide

The Stanley Bailey No. 3 is a highly collectible smoothing plane prized for its compact size and precision in fine woodworking. Produced in the United States between 1900 and 1930, these tools represent the peak of Leonard Bailey's adjustable design revolution.

What affects the value of Stanley Bailey No. 3 Hand Plane?

• Condition of the rosewood components, as cracks or replacements significantly reduce the $70-$90 value range.
• Presence of original nickel plating on the lever cap and the amount of original 'japanning' finish remaining on the bed.
• The specific 'Type' or production era, with planes from the 1900-1930 period being more desirable than later models.
• Mechanical integrity of the Leonard Bailey adjustable mechanisms, including the depth adjustment nut and lateral lever.

How to Identify Stanley Bailey No. 3 Hand Plane?

• Check for the 'No. 3' casting behind the frog and 'Bailey' cast behind the front knob.
• Verify the presence of authentic rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) for the rear tote and front knob.
• Look for the Stanley trademark stamped on the lateral adjustment lever and the steel iron.
• Inspect the cast iron body for the specific 'B' or 'Bailey' markings consistent with early 20th-century production.

History of Stanley Bailey No. 3 Hand Plane

Stanley hand planes, particularly the Bailey series, revolutionized woodworking in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Designed by Leonard Bailey, these planes featured adjustable mechanisms that allowed for precise control over the depth of cut, making them indispensable for carpenters and woodworkers. The No.3 is a smaller smoothing plane, highly prized for its versatility and ease of use in fine work.