Here is a particularly clean and attractive Stanley No. 35 Bailey transitional smoothing plane, dating to approximately 1909–1910. At roughly 116 years old, I think this is a remarkably well-preserved example.The No. 35 combines a traditional wooden body and sole with Stanley’s Bailey-style cast-iron adjustment mechanism, giving it much of the feel of a wooden plane together with the convenience and precision of a metal bench plane.This example is clearly marked “STANLEY RULE & LEVEL CO. / No. 35” on the toe. The iron is likewise marked Stanley Rule & Level Co., New Britain, Conn., U.S.A. The raised BAILEY lettering is present in the cast-metal frame ahead of the front knob. Taken together, these features are consistent with an early 20th-century example, approximately 1909–1910.I would grade the plane Very Good+ condition for its age.The beech body is exceptionally clean overall, with only the sort of small marks, stains, and evidence of use one would expect on an antique woodworking tool of this age. I see no major cracks, splits, or structural damage to the wooden body.The rear tote is especially nice. It is solid, attractive, and retains a beautiful warm finish. I see no broken horn or significant structural damage. The front knob is likewise sound and retains a very pleasing aged finish.The cast-iron Bailey mechanism is complete and appears quite sound. The brass depth-adjustment wheel, lateral adjustment mechanism, lever cap, chipbreaker, iron, and associated hardware are all present. The iron has plenty of usable length remaining, which is always an important consideration with an antique plane.The metal surfaces retain an appealing aged appearance, with normal oxidation, patina, and some expected finish loss along exposed edges. I have deliberately not attempted to over-clean or “restore” the plane. To my eye, it looks exactly the way a well-cared-for antique tool should look.The wooden sole is also quite clean and flat-looking for its age, and the mouth remains remarkably well defined.There is one minor apology, which I have photographed clearly: a very small chip is missing immediately adjacent to the left side of the mouth. I do not believe this small loss would affect the plane’s normal cutting ability, as the overwhelming majority of the mouth and the wood directly ahead of the cutting edge remain intact.If the new owner wished, this would also be a relatively straightforward repair for someone experienced with wooden planes—a small matching hardwood insert could be fitted and leveled with the sole. But I will leave it exactly as it is and allow the next owner to make that decision.Aside from that tiny chip, I find very little to apologize for on this plane.What appeals to me most about this example is that it has not been restored into looking new. It still has its age, patina, and evidence of genuine use, yet it has obviously been cared for. The condition of the wood, the intact tote and knob, strong identifying marks, long Stanley iron, complete Bailey hardware, and overall presentation make this a very attractive example of the Stanley No. 35.Overall, this is a beautiful and collectible early Stanley transitional plane, equally suitable for a Stanley collection, antique-tool display, or for someone who appreciates using traditional woodworking tools.Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the Due to chronic illness, I am unfortunately being “forced” to sell my entire large collection of antique hand tools. Most items will be priced to sell rather quickly (hopefully!). I will be regularly posting new tools on a frequent basis (everything from hand planes—metal and wooden—to saws, spokeshaves, braces, bits galore, and many, MANY more. If you’ve been wanting or needing a certain tool, feel free to shoot me a quick message to see if I have one. Most questions are welcome. Just please understand I’m having to dig through three large storage units to find and post these tools. So the process of posting may (may not) be a little slow at the beginning. But rest assured, hundreds of “new” antique tools will be posted before too long. A relative few tools will be saleed off, but I intend to sell most items as Buy It Now! And remember: virtually ALL of my Buy It Now’s will ALWAYS have the option of OBO (or best offer). So don’t hesitate to shoot me an offer. Thanks for reading, and don’t hesitate to shoot a question my way. All my best, Russ
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