Stanley Bailey No. 4 Smoothing Plane Value Guide

The Stanley Bailey No. 4 Smoothing Plane is a cornerstone of American craftsmanship, originating from the Stanley Rule & Level Company's iconic 1869 Leonard Bailey design. This 1930s era model is highly collectible due to its perfect balance of rosewood aesthetics and the peak mechanical reliability of the pre-war manufacturing period.

What Is Stanley Bailey No. 4 Smoothing Plane Worth?

The typical price range for Stanley Bailey No. 4 Smoothing Plane is $70 - $90 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the rosewood components, as cracks or replacements significantly reduce the $70-$90 market value.
• Presence of original parts versus 'frankenplanes' assembled from different eras or manufacturers.
• The amount of original japanning (black enamel coating) remaining on the cast iron body.
• Overall mechanical functionality, including the flatness of the sole and the sharpness of the original steel iron.

How to Identify Stanley Bailey No. 4 Smoothing Plane?

• Check for the 'Bailey' name cast into the toe behind the front knob and 'No. 4' cast into the heel.
• Verify the presence of authentic rosewood (Dalbergia retusa) for the handle and front knob, typical of 1930s production.
• Look for the 'Made in U.S.A.' stamping on the bed and the specific Stanley logo used during the 1930s on the iron.
• Inspect the frog adjustment screw and the lateral adjustment lever for the correct patent markings and structural design.

History of Stanley Bailey No. 4 Smoothing Plane

The Stanley Rule & Level Company, later Stanley Works, introduced the Bailey line of planes in 1869, based on patents by Leonard Bailey. The No. 4 smoothing plane quickly became one of the most popular and widely used models, renowned for its reliability and effectiveness. Generations of woodworkers, from professionals to hobbyists, have relied on the Stanley Bailey No. 4 for achieving smooth, finished surfaces. Its enduring design has seen little fundamental change over the decades, a testament to its original brilliance.