Norris A5 Smoothing Plane – original box [Vintage]

Product Description

The box for this A5 smoothing plane is quite tatty, unlike the plane inside. The main label is very legible but there isn’t a great deal to commend the box other than it is original and that it has done a fine job to help protect the plane inside.

This engine milled steel, coffin shaped smoothing plane is nicely observed in this article by well-known tool historian and lifelong curmudgeon Doug Orr in his article on Lee Valley Tools web site

This plane has a “Notes for Users” sheet regarding the sharpening of the cutter.

It also states: “Every Norris plane is carefully tested under working conditions before leaving the factory, and is guaranteed perfect”

The factory in question was Norris Planes & Tools Ltd of Croydon. T S Norris started his planemaking business in about 1860. It continued as Norris Planes Ltd from 1944 until 1946 when it was changed to Norris Planes & Tools Ltd, a subsidiary of Aeronautical and General Instruments Ltd based at Croydon. So, this is what is commonly termed a late model Norris, made after the 2nd World War with a stained beech infill.

This plane has 85% of the engine milling to the sides remaining with original lacquer to the infill, brass lever cap and steel sides. It is quite remarkable condition being 80 years old. We doubt it has ever done a day’s work.

Full original Norris’s iron.

Mike at Classic Hand Tools, has probably seen more than a hundred of these exact planes in his time and this is one is in his top 5

They do not command the prices they once enjoyed but this is still great value for a plane that should be put to use.

A commission sale.

View other products in Active Sales »