Rare Vintage Marples X4 Smoothing Plane With Original Blade

Rare vintage W Marples & Sons X4 smoothing plane, Made in Sheffield. This was Marples improvement upon the common Stanley No. 4 plane, with features including adjustable mouth, heavier body casting, large front knob etc. The blade depth adjuster is at a more ergonomic angle - easily operated with finger and thumb whilst you hand is round the handle.

As I understand it was only produced from 1954 to 1965 williammarplesandsons. Html with high production costs ending it's short life. I have got a Marples 1959 edition catalogue with a 1964 price list, it was priced at 90 shillings, compare that to a No.

4 which was 47 shillings, this is perhaps why there are not many about. This example has it's original round topped blade with side chamfers overall 7.9/16" long x 2" wide.

Has both it's 2 red plastic knobs in the blade aligning lever - a rare survival, cap is still chrome plated (there is some bubbling) and has original paint infill round the Marples name. Both wooden handles are in very good condition, no cracks, only small amount chipping/ware to the black finish + odd minor dings. Body is clean no bad rust spots just small amount of staining, some colouration to the the sides could be the original protective coating (this would clean up if you wish).

The fixing screws are generally very good, the 2 mouth adjusting screws are slightly burred - could be tidied up. Body is 9.1/4" long x 2.3/8" wide, Overall approx. A very nice addition to someone's collection which can still be used - the blade is quite sharp.

Looking at the condition and finish of the plane base it does not look to have had much use, there are so few scratches and dings that you would associate with a used plane, the original manufacturing machining marks can clearly be seen like it just left the factory. ELSEWHERE (including Channel islands) PLEASE ENQUIRE. If going by courier I usually pack the next day after sale, courier booked for following day. This item is in the category "Collectables\Tools & Collectable Hardware\Collectable Tools\Carpentry & Woodworking Tools\Planes". The seller is "edmerlin" and is located in this country: GB.

This item can be shipped worldwide.

Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
Collectable/ Vintage: Collectable/ Vintage
Original/Reproduction: Vintage Original
Type: Carpentry/ Woodworking
Sub-Type: Plane
Manufacturer: Marples