Stanley No. 5 Jack Plane Value Guide

The Stanley No. 5 Jack Plane is widely regarded as the most versatile bench plane ever produced, designed to bridge the gap between rough stock removal and surface flattening. This 1930-1950 era tool is highly collectible for its iconic Bailey adjustment mechanism, which pioneered hammer-free blade depth and lateral alignment control.

What Is Stanley No. 5 Jack Plane Worth?

The typical price range for Stanley No. 5 Jack Plane is $45 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the Rosewood handles, specifically looking for cracks or repairs in the rear tote.
• The amount of original black japanning remaining on the cast iron body.
• Mechanical functionality of the brass adjustment nut and the steel lateral adjustment lever.
• Presence of original Stanley-branded steel components versus later replacement parts.

How to Identify Stanley No. 5 Jack Plane?

• Look for the 'No. 5' casting behind the front knob and 'Bailey' cast behind the frog.
• Verify the presence of authentic Rosewood for the tote and front knob, characteristic of mid-century production.
• Check the iron for the Stanley trademark stamp and ensure the lateral adjustment lever is present.
• Confirm the body is made of heavy cast iron with the original black japanning finish.

History of Stanley No. 5 Jack Plane

Introduced in the late 19th century, the Stanley No. 5 is often cited as the most versatile bench plane ever made. It was designed to 'jack' or quickly remove rough stock while being long enough to flatten surfaces. This specific model features the iconic Bailey adjustment mechanism which revolutionized the tool industry by allowing users to make fine adjustments to the blade depth and lateral alignment without the use of a hammer.