The handles are normally of rosewood
or maple with a double grip,
and being placed across the centre of
the tool, give it a good balance.
This one, a type 3 is thought to date from between the wars, 1918
– 1943.
The blade is set at a low angle and it has an adjustable throat.
These planes were used by the guys who made and repaired the big
leather belts
that used to drive machinery,
farm implements etc. The ends of the belts were
lapped with this plane
so that they could be spliced neatly together.
Early models before 1909 were 5 ¾” long and had graceful sloping
fronts.
From 1909 onwards, the front took on a more stubby appearance
and
they became a little longer at 5 15/16” long. Cutter width is 2 3/8”.