THAT 4C

[jimi43]

I know when to avoid too much "restoration" and have just cleaned and sharpened the Stanley No.4C so that it can be used but retains the patina of use.

Given the 100 year odd history...anything else would be kind of sacreligious....and that gorgous profile deserves some respect!

Why oh why did the Stanley Rule and Level Co. ever feel that their subsequent evolutions were an improvement? I mean...just look at the simplicity that Leonard Bailey wrought and wonder at the iconic image that has stood the test of time...

Even the name on the iron...has a font that oozes quality and distinction...

I can really see why the collectors love this generation of Stanleys....

Maximum frog bed...tight, interlocked adjustment...rotating disc on the lateral lever...everything.

As the accountants took over pushing the engineers to the background, things cheapened...and all along the way they struggled to regain those old designs...and only once did they get it right...the Bedrock. But did they push it forward to the norm...no!

Was the corrugated sole a good idea...not sure...

...but what is certain...this old design...was beautiful....

Now....do I cold Japan it...the Japanning is shot...or do I leave it...

The jury's out on that one...what do you guys think? 8)

Jim

 

[yetloh]

I think I would leave it showing its history.

Jim

 

[Scouse]

I'd leave the Japanning as is, just throw a coat of camellia oil on the exposed bits. Having said that I would take a wire brush or whatever to the screws, frog adjuster plate etc, just to tidy them up in an unobtrusive kinda way

'Tis a lovely plane though, I'm very jealous! :mrgreen:

 

[AndyT]

I'd follow my self-imposed principle of - whenever possible - just taking a plane back to the state it would be in if a sensible owner had taken good care of it. So working parts must move freely but colour can naturally age. No loose dirt to come off on your hands or the work.
So, I'd say you've finished the restoration, very sensitively.

 

[markturner]

Very nice Jim, my favourite style and type range as well, I prefer the low knobs. Re the cleaning etc, myself, I go a little further, I like to have the screws etc all cleaned up and the finish on the handles perfect, and off course no dirt and rust, but I do like to leave the cap irons and soles with a bit of patina. So I would definitely do the japanning. Its like having an old car, you would not leave it rusty if you were a collector and brought one, but each to their own. And I do love shiny brass, so a good polish there is always essential for me.

Cheers, mark

 

[jimi43]

Interesting spectrum of thoughts there guys...I think I will opt for the brushing but with a copper brush so as not to be brutal...remove the rust...the loose Japanning and then treat with Corro Dip which will lock it down without showing...the cap iron could do with a tad more...the frog adjustment screws similarly...probably copper brush and lathe but not too much.

I hate to say it...but I think I will just keep this one for a while at least...sod the "collector" image...I just fell in love with it the first time I picked it up...

Anyone know what this vintage goes for on the FleaBay by any chance...just in case I change my mind...

Oh and do No.4 sized infills count in the collecting tally? :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Jim

 

[GazPal]

Hi Jim,

Ye olde worlde Stanley #4's of the same vintage don't seem to sell for anything near what they should, but their true value is in the way they handle. I've a slightly older one with the March - 25 - 02 & Aug - 19 - 02 patent markings behind the frog, but without corrugated sole and love using it.

 

[Scouse]

Ye olde worlde Stanley #4's of the same vintage don't seem to sell for anything near what they should, but their true value is in the way they handle.

Gary's absolutely right, but it's possible that the fact it is corrugated might add to the value and collectability.

I do wonder if a sale might fare better if it could be directed more towards our friends over the pond? They seem more eager to part with greater amounts of cash for old American tools? I know it's a sweeping generalisation, but it does seem to be the case, at least from the evidence of looking at ebay for tools in the past.

 

[markturner]

I have picked up a few similar on e-bay for between £20 & £40.

Cheers, Mark

 

[AndyT]

If the purchaser will have chosen it because they understand how unusual and special it is, they may not want re-japanning, however well done.
But it's a hard call, as this plane is on the edge between being desirable as a collectable object and as a good plane to use.

 

[jimi43]

I've acturally decided to keep it because it fair whizzes along now that I have reworked that old iron.

It is quite amazing how the older the iron is...the better the steel appears to be.

Anyway..I had some pine to whittle down for a carcase so it's not a hardwood test I'm afraid...but I am now knee deep in fine, even shavings...

I can't say that I notice the effect of the corrugation...but it does glide really easily...

So....another keeper...at least for a while I think...

....after all...we are just guardians of these wonderful gems...

Cheers

Jimi

 

[Paul Chapman]

I've acturally decided to keep it because it fair whizzes along now that I have reworked that old iron.

Good - please to hear it Good quality tools were designed to be used to make nice things. It would be a pity to sell it and have it snapped up by a collector who would just lock it away in a cupboard.

Cheers :wink:

Paul