My first "Norris" plane - help needed please

[rob1713]

I hadn't thought of using shims on the bed!

The mouth might have been widened, and the casting bed filed steeper. On a mitre plane the mouth can be very narrow in an absolute sense because of the bevel up blade.[/quote]

Your right John, I never thought about the blade being bevel up. I've had a close look at the mouth, if he's filed it he has done an excellent job, it's very uniform and flat throughout.
On balance though I'd say it was cast like that, but I can't be sure

 

[toolsntat]

Had a hunch I'd seen something familiar so I've finally dug out The Russell tome https://www.google.co.uk/search?ei=wIGF ... PP0JXB6-RU and we have a few pointers.
Page 305 shows a couple of interesting planes.
A smoother with a bridge of a similar but more refined design and finish.
Circa 1855 with the dealer's mark of G. TISSINGTON on the bridge.

On the same page is a Gunmetal smoother with no bridge or wedge but cast lugs to hold the cutting assembly as it is pushed forward by a screw at the heel of the plane.
No identifying marks unfortunately.
Another name to conjure with is KERR tentatively connected by the bridge with topside lug and flat body (but dovetailed) page 378.
This plane could be better left as is until more research is done Rob :wink:
You have a PM Rob.
Do you know of anyone in your area who may be coming to the sale?
Cheers
Andy