Question on vintage hand planes

[Tucko]

I've got a Stanley No. !44 3/8" handplane that belonged to my wifes grandfather. It's got a little bit of light surface rust and has some nicks in the finish. No blades with it. What's the best way to clean it up, and what kind price do these hand planes fetch? I love vintage tools, but my knowledge of wood tools is kinda slim.

 

[Outlawmws]

That looks to be a round over plane (pre router tool) and the blade would have an inside radius curve to t/I'd bet the blade would have to be ground from raw blade stock, as I doubt they are available.

I'd stick with WD-40 for cleanup on the painted surfaces, and either paper towel or a soft tooth brush for te tough grunge. Leave the paint alone it's mostly intact and any attempt to repaint would wipe a lot of it's value (Sorry no clue on that, while i casually collect then when they pop up, I'm not a die hard collector)

The metal surfaces you can go at with fine steel wool and oil or more WD. Keep the Steel wool off the paint though...

Nice interesting little piece, I would mind finding one like that.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Those planes are not that old and, even if complete, they are not that collectible compared to the same type of wooden planes. Without a blade they are essentially worthless and replacing the blade scan easily cost a bunch.
A lot of planes that you see commanding prices in the 30to 50 buck range are bought by woodworkers who collect them but also use them. So broken planes or those missing parts are a dime a dozen.

 

[oleblu]

Stanley 144 Corner Rounding Plane was made 1925 - 1943 in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" (3/8 most common, but all are scarce). Early castings have Patent applied for, later ones have a pat. date of 10/6/1925.
"Fantastic planes for rounding an edge to a set radius".
Average price for these planes is $225-$450 (with the cutter of course).

This information is from John Walter's book STANLEY TOOLS - Guide to Identity and Value. The book I use is a Second Edition, 1996. Values today may differ.

Nice find!!

 

[bluebolt]

Stanley 144 Corner Rounding Plane was made 1925 - 1943 in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" (3/8 most common, but all are scarce). Early castings have Patent applied for, later ones have a pat. date of 10/6/1925.
"Fantastic planes for rounding an edge to a set radius".
Average price for these planes is $225-$450 (with the cutter of course).

This information is from John Walter's book STANLEY TOOLS - Guide to Identity and Value. The book I use is a Second Edition, 1996. Values today may differ.

Nice find!!

Cool info, you can see the "Pat applied for' on this one making it early!

 

[turbowoodworker]

I truely apologize if my take on those planes are dead wrong. go ahead and call BS on me but honestly, I can't see anybody putting those kind of values on those planes, especially without blades. As an "end user" They are still pretty worthless to me. Won't be the first time I'm wrong though. Sometimes those "coffee table" books can be way inflated.
But again, I apologize if I've mislead.