Vergatthobel

[Corneel]

Seen on ebay, a real Vergatthobel, the old German interpretation of the mitre plane. And no I didn't buy it, just admired the pictures. I have no idea if 750 pounds is a reasonable preice for this, it's too rich for me anyway. But it is a nice little thing.

http://www.ebay.nl/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300873766225&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:NL:1123

 

[jimi43]

Stunning!

I'm not that keen on the front decoration but the plane is gorgeous and the cabinet equally so.

There are not likely to be many of those knocking about from that era but it does pose a question.

Is it that old? If so...where was it made? (oops that's two questions!).

I say this because it pre-dates the British infill which was supposedly the first and much later.

Jim

 

[AndyT]

It has such a tight mouth it's hard to imagine a shaving passing through it! Lovely craftsmanship.

 

[Corneel]

It's a typical German model. Here's another one: http://hobelaxt.wordpress.com/2010/...-18-jh-miterplane-with-dovetailed-ironbody-d/

I read in an old german dictionary from 1714 about this type of planes and it's use. They were first made from wood, later with iron soles and sides. These metal ones are probably the latest incarnation. They were made for mitering and endgrain shooting. Allthough the lip around the sole must have been a point of concern on a shootingboard .

 

[Richard T]

I think it (the first one) must be through - mortised all the way round. If dovetailed it wouldn't have that lip.

Maybe these pre date the idea to 'double' dovetail.

???

 

[Corneel]

I am not 100% sure, but I think the sole was welded/brazed to the sides.
On the ebay plane the corners look like some kind of dovetail.

 

[Corneel]

BTW, there are similar planes in Roubo, in the marquetry section. So this type of plane certainly predates the British infill mitre plane. They came on the scene somewhere at the end of the 18th century.