Bailey Iron Bench Planes
Stanley bench planes, unless otherwise noted. Used for smoothing and surfacing of wood, and edge jointing preparation. First offered by Stanley in 1870 after their acquisition of the production license for Bailey's seven plane patents in 1869, the most important of which were the 8/31/1858 cammed lever cap and the 8/6/1867 cutter adjustment, still manufactured today. Stanley retained Bailey's numbering system for iron bench planes No. 1 through No. 8, adding corrugated bottom availability for sizes No. 2 through No. 8 in 1898 (designated by the letter "C" in catalogs but not in the plane's casting). Later changes in model number include the addition of the wider No. 4½ in 1884 and 5½ in 1898, as well as an extra-heavy version of the No. 4½ and 5½ in 1902, designated by the letter "H" in the casting (but never offered in catalogs as such). The final addition to the line was in 1921, with the introduction of a smaller, lighter Jack plane No. 5¼. Type information is based on Roger K. Smith's Iron Bench Plane type study in Antique & Collectable Stanley Tools.

Wood-Bottom "Transitional" Bench Planes
Wood-bottom Stanley bench planes offered as an option for users hesitant to make the change from the traditional wood-with-wedged-blade plane to the new Bailey patented blade adjustment mechanism, while maintaining the look and feel of the wooden plane (hence the term "transitional"). Like their iron bench planes, Stanley first offered their wood-bottom bench planes in 1870 as a result of the 1869 production agreement with Leonard Bailey. Bailey had been manufacturing bench planes in Boston from 1858 until 1869 when he made the deal with Stanley, with both iron and wood-bottom models available. Bailey's original "transitional" models were numbered 1 through 14, which Stanley changed to 21 through 34 by adding the prefix 2 for size 1 through 9, and 3 for sizes 10 through 14 when they took over production. Stanley also added the No. 35 through No. 37 sizes with a rear handle and a modified, stepped-down casting to allow room for the adjustment mechanism. In 1898 Stanley made one addition to the "transitional" line with a wider version of the No. 27, designated as the No. 27½. Most "transitional" model production was ended by 1917 as iron bench planes took over sales, but a few popular models lasted until as late as 1943 before they were discontinued. Type information is based on Roger K. Smith's Wood Bottom Plane type study in Antique & Collectable Stanley Tools.

"Liberty Bell" Bench Planes
In addition to the planes based on Bailey's patents, Stanley also offered their own line of planes based on Traut & Richards 1875 patented cutter adjustment and lever cap (which were much cheaper and simpler to produce than Bailey's design). Introduced in 1876 with a Liberty Bell inscribed with the number "76" in it cast on the lever cap to celebrate the nation's centennial, the "Liberty Bell" line remained in production until 1918. Five wood-bottom "Liberty Bell" models were produced in identical sizes to their Bailey patented counterparts, designated as models No. 122, 127, 129, 132, and the stepped-down handle 135 (as well as two iron models No. 104 and No. 105). Type information is based on John Walter's "Liberty Bell" type notes in Antique & Collectable Stanley Tools.

"Handyman" Planes
Lesser quality Stanley planes marketed for occasional home use. I first became enamored with planes thanks to my father's H1204 Handyman plane, so despite many collectors frowning upon this line of Stanley planes, I've made some effort to collect all nine of the Handyman plane models. The Handyman line of tools was introduced around 1954, and continued into the 1970's with six plane models added to the line in 1957, and three more models added in 1964. The 1957 models were offered in identical sizes and used the same model numbers (preceded by "H") as Stanley's 1200 series "Defiance" planes that had been offered from the early 1930's through the early 1950's.
I have yet to find any manner of type study relative to these planes, despite the many differences in color and logos over the years, so I'll make an attempt to categorize the finish differences. The earliest Handyman bench planes (Type 1 ) were offered with a finish similar to the Stanley "Victor" planes of the late 1930's and early 1940's: A grey enameled body & frog with polished sides, black enameled hardwood handles, and a silver enameled cap iron & lever cap. The lever cap has a red background "Handyman" logo, and the cap iron has a red enamel stripe along the bottom ½" or so ("Victor" planes always had red-stained hardwood handles and a red enameled frog & cap iron, however). The next finish change (Type 2 ), has a lever cap without the red stripe, and some models (Type 2a ) appear to have been offered without the red background logo as well. The next finish change (Type 3 ) appears to be the addition of a red enameled frog, and the lever cap logo was changed to "Stanley Handyman". These models still have the grey enameled body & frog, with the black enameled hardwood handles. I've also seen examples identical to the Type 3, with the only difference being a Nickel plated cap iron & lever cap, as well as Nickel handle hardware rather than Brass hardware (Type 3a ).
It appears that when Stanley introduced the three H100 series Handyman planes in 1964 with dark blue enameled bodies and handles, and red lever caps, they also changed the bench plane line to dark blue enameled bodies and handles (Type 4 ), rather than the earlier grey and black combination. The dark blue models also have a much simpler rear handle profile than earlier models, which had closely matched the handle of late Bailey bench planes. I've also seen these with Nickel plated cap irons & lever caps, so let's call those Type 4a, since they're identical to the Type 4 in all other respects. A late hardware change (Type 5 ) includes a stamped steel 2-piece adjustment fork (rather than the earlier 1-piece cast fork), 2 knurled ridges on the Brass adjuster wheel (earlier models all had 3 ridges), and the Brass handle hardware is replaced with Nickel plated hardware on all models. The Type 5 finish colors are identical to the Type 4. The final model (Type 6 ) has the same poor quality hardware as the Type 5, however the dark blue enamel is changed to a lighter blue-grey color slathered on the frog, body, and handles.
The Handyman H100 series were only offered with a single color combination as mentioned previously, while the H1200 block planes were offered in a variety of light and dark grey bodies and lever caps, with later models having red lever caps or a red cap tension wheel, depending on model. If I can find an assortment of the proper years of Stanley catalogs, I'll attempt to provide more accurate dates for the type changes I've outlined above.

Block Planes
Iron Stanley block planes, unless otherwise noted. Bevel-up planes used to plane small pieces of wood and the ends of trim or mouldings, etc. The numbering system for Stanley block planes can be quite confusing, so I've attempted to organize the block planes based on style and features, broken into five basic chronological categories. Following the description, the table lists the models I own in the proper category and notes the differences between the standard style plane and the features that warranted a new number. It's also important to remember that during the earliest years of a particular model's production, the basic model may not yet have all the features listed as standard (knobs, adjustable throat, lever caps, etc. were often changed during the first few years of a model).

The No. 9½ Fully Adjustable, Standard-angle Group
Introduced in 1872, under manufacturing contract of Leonard Bailey's design. The No. 9½ is 6 inches long, with a 1-5/8 inch wide bevel-up cutter bedded at 20°. It has an adjustable throat, a vertical screw cutter adjustment mechanism with a brass wheel (based on Bailey's 1867 patent), a pivot-lock lever cap, and a lateral adjuster. The finish consists of a Japanned lever cap and interior, with polished sides and sole. Recent models (since the mid-1960's) received a blue enamel finish, then later maroon enamel before returning to today's black enamel finish and No. 60 style end-wise adjuster. Models based on the No. 9½ include the 9¼, 9¾, 15, 15½, 16, and 17.

The No. 110 Slide-in Palm-cap Group
Introduced in 1874, designed by Stanley contractor Justus Traut. The very basic No. 110 is 7 inches long with a 1-3/4 inch wide bevel-up cutter bedded at 20°. It is a completely non-adjustable plane with a simple palm lever cap and wooden front knob. The plane and cap are Japanned inside and out with a polished sole, although Nickel lever caps made a brief appearance after W.W.II. It is likely Stanley initially produced this plane as an inexpensive alternative (both to manufacture and purchase) to the Bailey designed 9½. Models based on the No. 110 include the 102, 103, 120, and 130.

The No. 101 Finger-plane Group
Introduced in 1877, the small No. 101 marketed "for household use and light work" is 3-1/2 inches long with a 1 inch wide bevel-down cutter bedded at 40°. The lever cap is a slide-in style with a set screw, based on the style introduced the previous year on the "Liberty Bell" bench planes. The plane and cap is Japanned inside and out with a polished sole and a Nickel plated lever cap screw. A red enamel lever cap became standard in 1940, and the body changed to grey enamel in 1951. This plane is likely a copy of Bailey's No. 50 "Little Victor" planes, which he introduced at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876 (but didn't offer for sale until 1880) as one of his new "Victor" planes after he left Stanley over a dispute regarding their production of Traut's cheap No. 110 reducing his 9½ royalties. Models based on the No. 101 include the 100, 100½, 101½ and 201.

The No. 18 Knuckle Joint Group
Introduced in 1888, the No. 18 is the first block plane to employ the new knuckle joint lever cap, but is otherwise identical to the 9½ - 6 inches long, with a 1-5/8 inch wide bevel-up cutter bedded at 20°. It has an adjustable throat, and the same vertical screw and brass wheel cutter adjustment mechanism. The finish consists of a Japanned interior, polished sides and sole, with a Nickel plated lever cap and trimmings (front knob, adjustment wheel, lateral lever, & throat adjuster). Models based on the No. 18 include the A18, S18, 18¼, and the 19. The low-angle No. 65 was also offered with a knuckle joint cap from 1911 to 1963. Type information is based on Jack Schoellhamer & Bob Kaune's type study in Antique & Collectable Stanley Tools (and John Walter's notes for the No. 65).

The No. 60 End-wise Adjuster Group
Introduced in 1898, the No. 60 low-angle block plane is 6 inches long with a 1-3/8 inch wide bevel-up cutter bedded at 12°. It has an adjustable throat and because of the low angle of the cutter, a new end-wise screw cutter adjustment mechanism is introduced. It has the same pivot-lock lever cap as the 9½. The finish consists of a Japanned interior, polished sides and sole, with a Nickel plated lever cap and trimmings. Models based on the No. 60 include the low-angle 60½, 61, 63, 65, 65½, and 118, as well as the standard-angle 131, 203, and 220.

Specialty Planes
Stanley planes, unless otherwise noted. Specialty planes include circular planes, combination plow and moulding planes, router planes, and rabbet planes. When Stanley began production of Bailey's planes in 1870 the line included the No. 10 Carriage Maker's Rabbet plane, the No. 11 Belt Maker's plane, and a circular plane that Stanley offered as the No. 13. Stanley immediately took on the market of wooden moulding planes when they secured the rights to produce Charles Miller's combination plane in 1870, which they offered in an 1871 catalog supplement as the "Miller's Patent Adjustable Metallic Plow, Filletster, Rabbet and Matching Plane" In addition to Miller's contract work, Stanley produced a dizzying array of specialty planes before the turn of the century based on the work Justus Traut. One of the most familiar is the No. 45 combination plane, as well as the No. 78 rabbet plane, which both appeared in 1884. Since there are hundreds of models of specialty planes that I know I'd never use, I've concentrated most of my collecting efforts on those models that I can actually use for trim carpentry or cabinet work as I try to maintain focus on user models of specialty planes. Dates listed below are based on cutter trademarks as well as type studies (for some models) available in Antique & Collectable Stanley Tools.

"Premium" Planes
In June 2009, Stanley announced the introduction of five new Sweetheart™ premium hand planes with the statement "Our heritage in premium hand planes dates all the way back to 1870, which is why our company takes so seriously its place in hand tool history. We are certain that the new line of Stanley planes will once again capture the hearts of professional woodworkers, cabinet makers, and boat builders alike. Their mechanical precision, simple adjustment features, and top-quality grade materials are once again worthy of the famous Sweetheart logo... a distinction that professionals, collectors and tool enthusiasts all recognize as a coveted symbol of hand plane quality." Bottom line: Stanley decided to make an attempt to reclaim their place as the premiere hand plane maker from Veritas and Lie-Nielsen Toolworks - no small feat. I purchased their two bench plane models in 2010, and have found I use them more often then any of the other planes I currently own. Partly because I have only restored a handful of my collection to fully useable condition, but more importantly because I find the new Stanley planes are a joy to use, easy to adjust, and simply work very well. The Norris-style adjusters and adjustable mouths are wonderful, and the 1/8" thick A2 steel blades really hold an edge. At less than half the cost of comparable Veritas and Lie-Nielsen models, I'm very happy with the new Stanley planes, although many woodworkers seem less impressed with the new Stanley line and aren't giving up on the premium planes they already have from other makers. The five models are the 12-136 (No. 4), 12-137 (No. 62), 12-138 (No. 9½), 12-139 (No. 60½), and the 12-140 (No. 92).

Scrapers
Iron Stanley scrapers, unless otherwise noted. Used for scraping fine hardwood, veneers, and fancy grained wood. Other scrapers for general purpose use are listed here as well. Like the rest of Stanley's iron plane offerings, they entered the scraper market in 1870 when they offered Bailey's patented No. 12 veneer scraper. Many of Stanley's veneer scraper offerings are highly valuable today (and far outside what I'm willing to spend), so like the specialty plane collection, I've concentrated only on those models I'll actually use. I find the No. 80 is perhaps the most used hand tool in my shop, since it excels at cleaning up milling and saw marks with just a few strokes. Wood handled scrapers are also quite useful for glue removal during cabinet assembly. Dates listed below are based on cutter trademarks or general production years.

Spoke Shaves
Iron Stanley spoke shaves, unless otherwise noted. Used for planing flat or convex surfaces, especially useful in confined, restricted access areas. Many models also employ raised handles for clearance. Stanley iron spoke shaves originated with Leonard Bailey, of course, when Stanley began production of his work in 1870. Bailey originally had offered iron shave models numbered 1 through 12, which Stanley re-numbered as 51 through 62 in their 1870 catalog. The earliest models had Bailey's name stamped in the cutter, but by the 1880's Stanley trademarks began to appear on the blades. Model numbers in the casting and hanging holes appeared in the 1890's. By 1910 the line expanded to over 24 models, all of which had cast model numbers as well as textured surfaces on the handles. Stanley eventually produced 36 spoke shave models with both cast iron and wood bodies. By the end of W.W.II most models were discontinued, although the No. 64 and No. 151 are still produced by Stanley today. Dates listed are based on cutter trademarks and production years.

Miscellaneous Vintage Tools
Stanley tools, unless otherwise noted. This section includes a variety of hand tools purchased to meet a specific need, or just because the price was right and they're nifty. Also, after reading Schwarz' The Anarchist's Tool Chest, I've gained a greater appreciation of how useful hand tools are in the shop, and how much can be accomlished with just a few tools. I have many more hand woodworking tools than what I'm listing here (clamps, chisels, etc.), however I try to purchase vintage tools whenever possible, so I'm continuing to keep track of what I have with this section. As this miscellaneous section grew rather rapidly, I broke out the information regarding Bit Braces, Hand Drills, and Bench Vises into separate sections below.

Bit Braces & Hand Drills
Faced with finally building a proper woodworking bench in the Fall of 2014, I found a need for a good quality bit brace and a few auger bits. The selection of bit braces and hand drills Stanley offered throughout the early 20th century is quite impressive (nearly 40 types of hand & breast drills, and over 50 models of bit braces), yet I tried to stay focused on obtaining tools I would actually use. While I've still got my father's Millers Falls No. 1410, 10" sweep brace from the 1960's, after studying many of my vintage Stanley catalogs I decided to get the 923 series of ratcheting braces since I think they finally got the ratchet and universal chuck system as good as it could get with those models in the early 1950's.
Of course, getting some vintage bit braces meant I also needed some augers and screwdriver bits... that led to the acquisition of a nice, boxed set of Russell Jennings fine-thread bits, as well as a set of Irwin course-thread, solid center bits. I also picked up a variety of driver bits, countersinks, hand drills, a breast drill, with all the details listed below.

Stanley Vises
I was recently bitten by the "vise bug" - so I've started collecting a few specific years of small Stanley vises. Before WWII they produced a dizzying array of vises, so I've created this section to try and keep track of what I've got. Other larger machinist's bench vises are in the Shop Tools & Equipment section of the Et cetera page.
Trying to nail down the production years of these vises is no picnic, believe me. Stanley bought the P.J. Leavens Co. of Vineland, New Jersey in 1911, and introduced two new lines of vises (the stationary base 650 series and clamp base 660 series) named Stanley "Jersey" and Victor "Jersey" to make use of the familiar Leavens' "Jersey" vise name. When Stanley made their big internal merger and introduced the Sweetheart logo in 1919, they also dropped the "Jersey" name and began casting the Stanely name in the side of their vises. They re-numbered the 650 series as 750's and the 660 series as 760's, and expanded their offering to include the clamp base 740 series (with simple cast iron jaws rather than the steel jaws of the 750's and 760's) as well as the swivel base 770 series. A few years later they also added the model number to the side of the vise, although I haven't determined when this change was made (I suspect it was in 1929, when they also changed the base clamp washer to a large oval from the previous small round washer). In 1929 they started to pare down the number of vises they offered, that being the last production year of the 750 and 770 series according to Walter (although those series were still listed in the 1934 catalog). They also introduced three new styles of vises in 1934 that were much cheaper to produce - the 707, 709, and 710. In 1939 they pared down the offerings more with the removal of the 1-3/4" and 2-1/4" widths from the 740 and 760 series to offer four widths for each series rather than six. The last change was made in 1950, with a change to the body casting to include a pair of indented lines in the side of the vise, and the finish changed to grey enamal with red lines. The 760 series steel jaws were also made removable in 1950. Production was finally stopped for the 740 and 760 series in 1964.
I'm mostly interested in getting the 740 series from the mid-1920s when there were six models. I've also gotten the three 1934 styles (707, 709 & 710) for the V6A vise display unit before they re-branded them to the "Defiance" line in 1942, which then became their "Handyman" 1200 series after the war.