Can anyone tell me what this makers mark is?

[Graham Orm]

It's on the iron of an old woody that I've had un-touched for ages. The writing is indecipherable but I thought someone may recognise the crest?

 

[tobytools]

I can't see te pic very well maby you should clean it a bit and then someone should be able to help.

TT

 

[AndyT]

Yes, I think it needs a clearer photo, or a pencil rubbing or both. Sorry!
Check if your camera has a macro setting - it can be a big help.

 

[Graham Orm]

Yes, I think it needs a clearer photo, or a pencil rubbing or both. Sorry!
Check if your camera has a macro setting - it can be a big help.

Ha! done all 3, had the drill wire brush on it, pencil rubbing was just as bad as the picture, and yes the camera was set on macro. I couldn't get it to come out any clearer. The writing is not readable even with a magnifying glass. I was just hoping someone may recognise the crest. Thanks anyway.

 

[AndyT]

I think I might have found it. Do you think the lettering could be MOULSON BROTHERS around the arch with CAST STEEL and SHEFFIELD in two horizontal lines?
About 1825 to 1883.

 

[Graham Orm]

Wow! Thanks Andy. I'll see if I can clean it up any more. The plane is a little coffin woody with a steel sole. I suppose the iron could have come from anywhere?

 

[AndyT]

Well, anywhere in Sheffield...

The lower lines might be like I said or like this.

 

[Graham Orm]

Yep thats it. I've brought the iron into the house and under a strong light with a magnifying glass I can make out 'brothers' now you have said that 'Moulson' is a little harder to decipher. Underneath it says 'guaranteed cast steel' on the 2 horizontal lines.
Do you have a link to where you found the info Andy?

 

[Graham Orm]

Ah 'warranted' not guaranteed

 

[AndyT]

The large picture book about the David Russell collection of tools (http://www.antiquewoodworkingtools.co.uk/) has an appendix showing the marks on the blades of tools in the collection. The Moulson mark looked closest to yours.

 

[Graham Orm]

Thanks Andy. I've googled it and done some reading up. They were making blades from 1825 to the early 1900's. Seems they had a couple of arms to the business. Quite a few Moulson planes on the internet, but none with a steel sole, which leads me to believe the plane may well be original and has been 're-shod' when worn underneath. It was my dad's and I've never bothered with it. It will remain an ornament now and get passed on to my son., Maybe I'll make a nice heir loom box for it with some provenance. I've no idea where my dad got it from but his grandfather (see my avi) was a Journeyman Joiner, so you never know.

 

[Graham Orm]

By the way...................it's got a rounded bevel!

 

[rxh]

I have some Moulson gouges and they are excellent. Why not sharpen your blade and give the plane a try? You could be in for a pleasant surprise.

 

[Graham Orm]

I have some Moulson gouges and they are excellent. Why not sharpen your blade and give the plane a try? You could be in for a pleasant surprise.

Believe it or not, I set the blade and tried it when I first got it out of the cupboard. It cuts like a dream! The blade has a good edge on it. I have owned it for 30 years and never touched it. I know my dad never sharpened it, he wasn't a hands on guy.