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Stanley 97 cabinet maker's edge plane

offered 1905 - 1943

10"  long with  a  2 1/4" cutter.

Just about all of these planes have some damage to the leading edge  - to a point where most of us simply have to accept it and settle for the least possible apology. The plane in the picture has what I consider fairly minor damage with slightly rounded edges. The inserted detail shows the straight cutter edge lined up against the front edge of the plane. If you find one in this condition you should count yourself lucky.

A lot of them have worse damage with missing corners and chipped edges that reduce the value by at least half. Competent cast iron welders can easily fix the damage. My mate reckons this plane is the perfect fixer-upper with unrestricted machining access to the repair.

Earlier models with the ornate lever cap screw seem to sell a bit better.