John Wells, the well known plane authority, wrote up a very detailed analysis of this 5 variant in the Winter 2010 issue of the Fine Tool Journal / FTJ. He analyzed the size and all of its other aspects & characteristics and determined all is right with the 5 variant.
The overall condition is very nice with it still sporting approx. 80% or more of its original japanning.
There is no rust or pitting to speak of. The cutter is proper and original.
The spanner type cap nut is also proper and original. The throat is good, and there are no other condition issues. The cap iron is not original. The John Wells example, and his analysis, determined this is correct given that examples of the 4 sizes of this plane do not have a cap iron either. Since then another example has been found with a cap iron.
Given that, I fashioned one for this plane from a piece of cast iron from another plane. I have several hours of file work invested. It functions well, and looks OK, but is not perfect.Please look at all the pics to see the details and condition. What you see is what you get. We are full time antique dealers who have been at this for over 30 years. Our descriptions and our photos are never designed to misrepresent or over-embellish our merchandise. The item "5 Birmingham Batwing Rabbet Plane RARE Antique Patented Woodworking Tool" is in sale since Friday, December 25, 2020.
This item is in the category "Collectibles\Tools, Hardware & Locks\Tools\Carpentry, Woodworking\Planes".com" and is located in Marina, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.