Preston 1355 bullnose plane

[parvum]

Hello all I stumbled across a nice Preston 1355, but, although in good overall condition, even a good length of original Preston iron it is black all over! even after a gentle bubble bath Almost like phosphate parkerising except where the sides have rubbed in the course of use. As I understand it these planes were made in the early 1900s and finished with Nickel plate, was there a war finish like the record planes? steel in the white, as Nickel was in short supply and needed for war works. This plane will be a user but as it will outlast me I do do not want to spoil what may be its original finish. Any ideas please
.
Thanks Paul

 

[Racers]

I had the same problem with some second hand tools, I think Cillit bang and a brass brush sorted it out.
One was a Preston side rebate plane.

Pete

 

[ED65]

The plane could be old enough for nickel plating to have worn or flaked completely off, you see this sometimes even on something the size of a brace. Or as you say it could have been sold in the white. Regardless, some will see the current colour as a nice patina, others as rust and want to remove it.

If you want to brighten up your plane any of the standard restoration pathways will do it.