Coffin smoothing plane – pre lever cap so used wedge to hold the plane iron.  The plane iron has the I Sorby “Jester” trademark, the plane Iron cap has “ Ward solid steel warranted marking” along with the “anvil under the crossed hammers and the W. and P. on either side of the anvil”   . The I Sorby plane iron with a Ward plane iron cap does not make this inconsistent as to quote Sheffield experts in this era   “Its not always the case that the maker of the iron was also the maker of the plane and vice versa.There was a lot of sub contracting that went on in Sheffield.” 

The partnership between David Ward and Henry Payne was established before 1843, when the Ward & Payne trademark was registered; Henry Payne was a Sheffield edge tool maker who appeared in directories by 1837.  I suspect that the W.& P. “anvil and crossed hammers” was used before the mark was registered, possibly as early as 1837, since some original irons with the Ward & Payne mark appear on the bevel side, in Robert Towell mitre planes.  Henry Payne died in 1850, and ownership of the company reverted back to the Ward family, but the Ward and Payne trademark was retained.

This plane has no I Sorby identifiers/stampings or they have been abraded or rubbed away with use. The only stamp/identifier other than the plane iron/cap is on the front of the wood “ Tested 2 ¼” . The various bevels on the wooden “coffin” smooth plane as well as the round striking “button” on the back are consistent with bevels only found on I Sorby planes that have I Sorby stamped into the wood.   

The sculpted raised button on the rear was used to tap to bring the iron back before hardening the wedge down into location.

The blade markings are as follows:   “I Sorby Shefield cast steel -  circled with Waranted “   comes with a Ward plane iron cap ‘holder’ with  brass weld. . Ward and Payne has the W and P on either side of the anvil.

Vintage condition but is still useable for the purposes it was made. The blade wedge is made out of oak whereas the rest of the plane appears to be rosewood.  This suggests the original factory made blade wedge was replaced with a handmade wedge.  The plane shows scuffing, and markings typical for it’s age and use. Very collectible.  Please see the pictures for the most accurate condition of the product. Examine the pictures closely as they are provided as part of the description.  If the ad is visible the plane is available.