Stanley Bailey No. 4 Plane Value Guide

The Stanley Bailey No. 4 is the quintessential smoothing plane, celebrated for its Leonard Bailey design that revolutionized woodworking in the late 19th century. These 1930s-1950s era models are highly collectible due to their perfect balance of cast iron durability and precision performance on finishing surfaces.

What Is Stanley Bailey No. 4 Plane Worth?

The typical price range for Stanley Bailey No. 4 Plane is $70 - $120 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the cast iron bed, specifically checking for cracks, chips, or significant pitting from rust.
• Presence of original parts, as mismatched irons or levers from different eras can decrease collector value.
• The type of wood used for the handle and knob, with original rosewood fetching higher prices than later hardwood versions.
• Mechanical functionality, including the smoothness of the depth adjustment nut and the lateral adjustment lever.

How to Identify Stanley Bailey No. 4 Plane?

• Look for the 'No. 4' casting behind the frog and the 'Bailey' name cast behind the front knob.
• Check for the 'Made in USA' stamp on the bed, typical of the 1930s-1950s production era.
• Verify the presence of rosewood or stained hardwood for the tote and front knob, rather than plastic.
• Inspect the iron for the Stanley logo trademark, which changed styles across different production 'types'.

History of Stanley Bailey No. 4 Plane

The Stanley Rule & Level Company introduced the Bailey line of planes in the late 19th century, designed by Leonard Bailey. The No. 4 smoothing plane became one of the most popular and iconic hand planes ever produced, widely used by woodworkers for finishing surfaces. Its enduring design has seen little change over the decades, a testament to its effectiveness and user-friendly nature.