Are old wood planes valuable?

Old wood planes can certainly be valuable to collectors and users, depending on their age, condition, rarity and other factors. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide quick answers to some key questions about old wood planes and their potential value.

What are the different types of old wood planes?

There are several major types of old wood planes, including:

• Bench planes – For smoothing and flattening wood. Examples are jointer planes, smoother planes, jack planes.
• Moulding planes – For cutting decorative shapes and patterns. Examples are beading planes, rabbet planes, and combination planes.
• Block planes – Smaller planes for trimming and shaping work.
• Shoulder and chisel planes – For trimming tenons and other precise work.
• Specialty planes – Various planes made for specific purposes, like plow planes, router planes, dado planes.

How old is considered “old” for wood planes?

In general, wood planes made before the 1930s-1940s are considered “old” and collectible. Some specific guidelines on age:

• Pre-1850 planes – Quite rare and sought after by serious tool collectors.
• 1850-1900 planes – Very collectible period for metal-bodied planes.
• Early 1900s planes – Still have appeal for collectors, especially planes made by coveted manufacturers.
• 1920s-30s planes – Can be collectible, but less so than older ones.
• 1940s+ planes – Typically not very collectible unless very rare or unusual.

What makes an old wood plane valuable?

Some key factors that can make old planes valuable to collectors include:

• Age – The older the plane, the more desirable it is.
• Condition – Fine condition with little wear, rust, or restoration.
• Rarity – Scarce planes are worth more than common models.
• Maker – Well-known companies like Stanley command higher prices.
• Decoration – Elaborate ornamentation increases value.
• Provenance – Documented history can increase antique value.
• Size – Unusual sizes often appeal to collectors.
• Complete sets – Full original boxes add value.

What are some of the most valuable and sought-after antique wood planes?

Here are some of the most coveted and pricey antique planes for collectors:

• 18th century British planes – Can fetch $3,000 and up for rare examples.
• Early 19th century American planes – Particularly New England-made planes, $2,000+.
• Early Stanley planes – No. 1, 2, and 3 commanding the highest prices.
• Early transitional planes – Can sell for $500-$1,500.
• Fancy moulding planes – Ornately decorated French and British planes for thousands.
• Rare specialty planes – Like wagon-wheel spokeshaves or odd sizes.
• One-of-a-kind shop-made planes – Can have great value to the right collector.

What are typical price ranges for old wood planes?

Common antique wood plane prices when sold through auctions, antique dealers, or specialist tool sellers are:

Plane Type & Era	Typical Price Range
Pre-1850 bench planes	$500 – $3,000+
1850-1900 bench and block planes	$75 – $800
Early Stanley, Sargent, etc bench planes	$100 – $500
Common early 20th century bench planes	$25 – $150
Decorative moulding planes	$100 – $1,000+
Rare/pristine condition planes	Can sell for much more

These are typical ranges, but exceptional examples can sell for much higher prices at auction or to eager collectors.

What should you look for when buying old wood planes?

Key things to inspect when purchasing old planes include:

• Metal – Check for pitting, cracks, damage.
• Wood – Seek planes without cracks, warping.
• Screws, bolts – Should be original, not replaced.
• Iron blade – Prefer little wear and no cracks, chips.
• Marks – Look for manufacturer’s imprints.
• Wear – Seek planes showing minimal use.
• Restoration – Avoid “frankenplanes” with odd repairs.
• Box/accessories – Complete sets with boxes are ideal.

Doing research on makers, dates, models, and values is essential when buying old planes to get fair prices and legitimate articles.

Where can you find and buy old wood planes?

Some places to locate old planes for purchase include:

• eBay – Large selection but need to validate condition.
• Estate sales – Can find hidden treasures.
• Tool collectors – Join forums and groups to find private sales.
• Antique stores – May uncover planes at good values.
• Auctions – Can get rare/unusual planes but at high prices.
• Collector’s shows – Talk directly with knowledgeable sellers.

It pays to learn about proper old tool prices and develop relationships with trusted sellers and collectors when buying vintage wood planes.

Are restored/refurbished old planes less valuable?

In general, yes – restoration and heavy refurbishing reduces collector value. Guidelines around old plane restoration:

• Subtle cleaning/oiling doesn’t hurt value.
• Repainting can reduce value significantly.
• Replaced parts lower value unless very well documented.
• Heavy pitting removal and regrinding iron lowers appeal.
• Cracks, damage repairs should be stabilized, not concealed.
• Restoration for use keeps utility, but hurts collectibility.
• All changes should be openly disclosed when selling.

Many collectors want planes in untouched “as found” condition. Light restoration for use is okay, but heavy cosmetic work or part replacement hurts antique value.

Can you make money buying and selling old wood planes?

It is possible to profit from buying and selling vintage planes if you:

• Develop expertise in old plane values and models.
• Establish relationships with collectors and pickers.
• Learn to spot underpriced planes.
• Master restoration skills for use planes.
• Utilize online selling platforms effectively.
• Go to estate sales, auctions, flea markets regularly.
• Negotiate good deals on purchases.
• Willing to hold inventory until prices maximize.
• Accept that returns take time and effort.

Plane dealing is hard work and requires substantial knowledge, but profits are attainable with diligence and smarts in buying, restoring and selling vintage models.

Conclusion

Old wood planes can certainly hold significant value for collectors, users, and dealers of vintage tools. Key plane features that increase value are age, rarity, condition, maker marks, decoration and provenance. Prices range widely from $20 user planes to $3,000+ for 18th century British antiques at auction. While refurbishing can hurt collector value, it allows users to profitably sell quality restored planes. With patience and knowledge, buying low and selling high yields reasonable returns in this specialty market.