Help - value for Preston shoulder plane

[Mike.S]

I'm trying to assist someone who was a cabinet maker, specialising in furniture restoration (apprenticed in the 1950s) who now, due to ill-health, is no longer able to work wood and wishes to dispose of his tools.

In his workshop amongst the lathes, veneers, and assorted tools from 60+ years of woodworking was this Preston infill shoulder plane. It measures 8" long and is 1 1/2" wide with an infill believed to be of Rosewood. It looks to be in good condition, with a Preston iron:

Side:

Name on toe:

Top:

What do you think would be a realistic value (selling price)?

 

[Mr_P]

Almost identical to this one

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rare-Heavy-Pr ... 7675.l2557

but yours has the original iron so worth more providing the mouth is good/great.

£50 - £80 on a good day I'd say.

 

[Mike.S]

Thanks Carl/Mr_P

Surprised they don't fetch more, given general popularity of Preston stuff, but the market has spoken and £50+ is the value.

I'll give it a closer inspection, including checking the mouth (which I forgot to take a picture of #-o )

Mike

 

[Argus]

In my opinion, if it is going to be used rather than admired for its looks, there are three important things to know about any old shoulder plane before venturing a figure on its value, (apart from it being by Preston) ......

The state of the back of the blade, i.e. no pitting near the cutting edge. Similarly, clean sides:
The state of the sole, i.e. no pitting, flat and an un-chipped mouth. (the tip of the mouth-bed behind the blade is shallow, brittle and often breaks)
The sole should be unworn and at right angles to the sides.

Other than that, this plane will be at least 80-odd years old, probably well over 100. It was in its day and may still be, a quality usable tool.

Ultimately the market will decide.........

 

[Mike.S]

Argus

Thank you - useful information that I need to address.

Mike

 

[Mr_P]

Even if it was a Norris it wouldn't be worth big bucks unless it had an adjuster or made from something more exotic than steel.

Young uns today prefer adjusters on everything so a similar size Record or Preston with cast names / logos on the side are worth more.

Plus this is a bad time to sell and a great time to buy :wink: . I noticed it, this time last year as well.

Seriously this is a £150 + plane

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/391215546190? ... EBIDX%3AIT

It was in my watch list #-o I did pick up something a bit smaller for £30 though

Good Luck,
Carl

 

[Mike.S]

Plus this is a bad time to sell and a great time to buy :wink: . I noticed it, this time last year as well.

Carl

Absolutely. I've noticed the offers on ebay are pretty thin (lots of very ordinary stuff) and assume that many people are on their hols. I'll likely hold off selling on until September onwards