I figure it this way. I look for things like wear patterns on the round disk on the lateral lever and mushroomed adjuster knobs that show how much use or abuse a plane has had.
Is the lateral adjuster smooth yet tight like this one and not loose and sloppy. A plane will need sharpened over and over but a wore out one just gets more wore out. Thanks and enjoy making those curls! The item "Stanley No 7 Jointer Plane 3 Date Excellent Woodworking" is in sale since Saturday, December 22, 2018.This item is in the category "Collectibles\Tools, Hardware & Locks\Tools\Carpentry, Woodworking\Planes". The seller is "gigiwits1024" and is located in Sequim, Washington. This item can be shipped to United States.