Dating vintage stanley tools

How do you date a Stanley Sweetheart?

This is the first of the sweetheart marks– Note that the heart extends into the rectangle. Assuming Stanley used approximately the same marks on all of their tools, this mark can be accurately dated to the first few years of the SW era. This is an inked mark, and is always found on the side of the bar near the non-point end.

What is the history of Stanley Tools?

In the United States, the words “tools and hardware” and “Stanley” are almost synonymous. The company began modestly in 1843, when Frederick T. Stanley founded a door-hardware company in New Britain, Connecticut.

Is the Stanley 45 tool still in use?

The Stanley No. 45 was produced between 1884 and 1962, and is still used by woodworkers. When Stanley released an improvement on the model, the No. 55, it was praised by carpenters as it had even more options, but for some reason—perhaps the weight and complexity of the tool—most of the ones found today are unused.

What is the earliest marking on a Stanley gauge?

The Stanley Eagle (a.k.a the “chicken” for obvious reasons) is the earliest marking that I know of on Stanley marking gauges. It is always found on the side or back of the head. This mark is quite rare, and gauges with this logo will typically bring a premium price from collectors. Mark known on: #80, #90. Mark assumed on: #75, #76, #78, #79.

What is a Stanley Sweetheart stamp?

Just what is a Sweetheart, you ask? Originally used from 1920 to 1935, the “S.W.” inside the heart trademark stamp stands for The Stanley Works, and “STANLEY”, obviously stands for the rule and level firm. The two companies share lineage. The heart-shape is a memorial to The Stanley Works long-time president, William Hart (1884-1915).

How important is the sweetheart logo to Stanley tool collectors?

Generally when people are nostalgic for the old Sweetheart planes they tend to be nostalgic for the era and the quality of the Stanley planes of that era itself. I expect the sweetheart logo itself is more important to tool collectors than tool users.

Whats so special about the Stanley Sweetheart planes?

There was really nothing especially special about the sweetheart stuff, as they werent a specific line of planes but indicative of a logo that Stanley used in a date range.

What are the types and dates of the Stanley planes?

Here is a list of the types and dates of the Stanley planes: Stanley Type 1 Handplanes: 1867-1869. Stanley Type 2 Handplanes: 1869-1872. Stanley Type 3 Handplanes: 1872-1873.

What is the rarest mark on a Stanley gauge?

The Stanley Eagle (a.k.a the “chicken” for obvious reasons) is the earliest marking that I know of on Stanley marking gauges. It is always found on the side or back of the head. This mark is quite rare, and gauges with this logo will typically bring a premium price from collectors.

Where do I find the patent on a Stanley gauge?

The patent referred to on this mark is U.S. Patent #141475 by Justus Traut, which covers the adjustable point used on Stanley gages. This is a stamped mark (as opposed to an inked mark), and is always found on the side of the bar near the non-point end. Mark known on: #62, #64, #65, #66, #70, #85-1/2. Mark assumed on: #64-1/2, #85.

What is a simple marking gauge?

The most basic form of gauge is the simple marking gauge. These gauges have a single point, and so will mark a single line parallel to the reference edge. The gauge shown above (a Stanley #64) is fairly typical of the genre– it has a graduated arm approximately 8″ long, and a head about 2″ square.

What is a panel gauge?

These are really nothing more than marking gauges with extremely long arms, designed for marking off wide panels for ripping. The gauge shown above (a Stanley #85-1/2) shows most of the commonly found features on a panel gauge. Note that the head on these gauges is quite wide (typically 6″-8″), and is often shaped like a flattened out bell.