Stanley Bailey No. 4 Smooth Plane Value Guide

The Stanley Bailey No. 4 is the quintessential smoothing plane, representing the pinnacle of Leonard Bailey's 1867 patented adjustable iron design. This specific 1940-1955 era tool is highly collectible for its blend of historical utility and the transition of materials like rosewood and brass in post-war American manufacturing.

What affects the value of Stanley Bailey No. 4 Smooth Plane?

• Condition of the rosewood handles, as cracks or repairs significantly reduce the $55-$60 market value.
• Presence of original parts, specifically the lever cap and the iron, which should match the 1940-1955 production hallmarks.
• The amount of original japanning (black finish) remaining on the cast iron body.
• Mechanical functionality of the lateral adjustment lever and the depth adjustment screw.

How to Identify Stanley Bailey No. 4 Smooth Plane?

• Check for the 'No. 4' casting behind the frog and the 'Bailey' name cast behind the front knob.
• Verify the presence of rosewood for the tote and knob, which was standard for high-quality Stanley planes of this era.
• Look for the 'Made in USA' stamping on the lateral adjustment lever and the iron's trademark.
• Inspect the brass adjustment nut; authentic models from this period feature a large, knurled brass nut for depth adjustment.

History of Stanley Bailey No. 4 Smooth Plane

The Stanley Bailey line of planes revolutionized woodworking in the late 19th century. Based on Leonard Bailey's 1867 patents, these planes featured an adjustable iron and a lever cap that allowed for much easier fine-tuning than traditional wooden wedge-style planes. The No. 4 became the standard 'smoothing plane' found in almost every carpenter's toolbox throughout the 20th century.