Marples No M4½ Smooth Plane
as illustrated in the 1938 Marples catalogue.
MARPLES “M” PLANES
Best Grey Iron Castings, Handles & Knobs of Selected Rosewood.
All Adjustments Smooth & Precise.
Cutting Irons of MARPLES SPECIAL EDGE TOOL STEEL – Crucible Cast.
SMOOTH PLANES.
Note: The above information has been reproduced from an original catalog listing.
Specifications:
| Plane Type: | Smooth Plane |
| Features: | Adjustable, with screw adjustment for cutter |
| Manufactured: | From 1932 to 1963 |
| Length: | 10 inches |
| Cutter Width: | 2⅜ inches |
| Construction: | Cast iron body. Indian rosewood (early) or stained beechwood handle & knob |
| Finish: | Enamelled. Polished Trimmings |
| Price (1938): | 16/ |
| Price (1959): | 16/ |
| Uses: | General purpose bench plane |
Please check the Value Guide For Marples Planes page for relative prices.
Additional Notes:
These planes were made at Turner, Naylor & Co.’s “Northern Tool Works” in John Street, Sheffield until World War II, and castings for these planes are the same as the “I. SORBY” branded tools sold by Turner, Naylor & Co. After the war, production moved to Marple’s own “Hibernia Works”.
Mirroring the “I SORBY” line, bodies and frogs on early planes were enamelled in black, with handles and knobs of Indian rosewood. After a year or two of production bodies and frogs were enamelled in red.
Although still listed as having rosewood handles and knobs leading up to the war – particularly in the Marples 1938 catalogue – most examples found seem to be made from stained beechwood. This is the same for the “I SORBY” range.
See the Marples M4½ Type Study for more information.
