Strange plane

[dickm]

Can anyone shed any light on this plane?

From memory, it was in a job lot from Pugh's auction some 10 years ago, bought because of what looked like an "interesting" Norris type adjuster. But it's actually a pretty cr*p item which fortunately didn't cost much. Passed it on to my daughter for odd jobs on the grounds that the bronze(?) body wouldn't rust in her damp shed. Had forgotten about it until she asked me to sharpen it, and I began to wonder about its provenance. it has absolutely no marks anywhere, a very thin poor quality iron but reasonably comfortable handles.
Might it be one made up from a kit by someone, or did a company actually go to the trouble of making the whole thing but didn't want the embarrassment of putting their name on it ?

 

[AndyT]

I'm pretty sure it was from GTL - Guaranteed Tools Limited - who specialised in selling kits of tools for the handyman, on hire purchase payments.
They are fairly common on ebay but all reports seem to concur with your verdict that they are pretty useless as planes for actual use.

 

[carlb40]

I have seen a few of these on ebay and have been tempted by one.
Also the other day i came across a link to an old tool shop, they were selling one and mentioned it's name. But i cannot remember the name of the plane maker or the shop #-o

 

[jimi43]

Yup...a GTL or variant.

They were sold on the "never never" I believe...and were considered inferior but the ones with the adjuster command high prices now...solid brass...they're probably worth their weight in gold now!! :mrgreen:

There is one on FLEABAY for £65 BIN at the moment.

CLICKITY CLICK

Jim

 

[AndyT]

I found the - rather similar - earlier threads:

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/gtl-plane-any-ideas-t27375-15.html

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?p=104784

but best of all this one

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/more-old-hand-tool-adverts-t12856.html

which included this splendid ad that member Mirboo posted, neatly confirming the target market and easy payment terms. (I hope he doesn't mind me posting his image - he's not been on this site for quite some time):

 

[dickm]

Thanks guys! I like the reference to "unsuspecting buyers taken in by the Norris type adjuster". Guilty as charged, your honour .

The only saving grace is that this one doesn't have the magic GTL stamp on it - must make it worth at least 2p more than the ordinary run-of-the-mill marked ones

And since the garage where son-in-law now keeps it is probably damper than the shed, at least the brass body doesn't rust.