Antique Wooden Thumb Plane - 6" Traditional Joiner’s Tool circa 1800s

£25.00
Vintage 6" Thumb Plane, with 1 1/2" wide blade
Unknown manufacturer
18th to 19th Century

A characterful antique wooden thumb plane showcasing traditional British craftsmanship from the 18th or 19th century. This compact hand plane features beautiful patinated hardwood construction with a lovely warm honey-brown tone developed over generations of workshop use.

The rich patina and wear patterns on this plane tell the story of a working tool that served a craftsman faithfully, smoothing countless pieces of timber with skill and care. Each mark and discoloration represents hours of skilled handwork in a time when craftsmen took pride in their tools and their trade.

Thumb planes, also called palm planes or violin maker’s planes, are among the oldest and most intimate woodworking tools, with designs dating back centuries. These compact planes were essential for fine detail work, edge chamfering, smoothing small surfaces, and working in tight spaces where larger planes couldn’t reach. The name derives from their size and the technique of using thumb pressure on the back while planing.

The flat-bottomed sole on this example makes it particularly versatile - suitable for general smoothing work, flattening small surfaces, and fine finishing tasks. Unlike curved-sole compass planes used for rounded work, flat-soled thumb planes like this could tackle a wide variety of joinery and cabinetmaking tasks.
These planes were particularly favored by joiners, cabinetmakers, patternmakers, and musical instrument makers who needed precision control for delicate work. Before the mass production era, wooden planes like this were often made by local planemakers or even by the craftsmen themselves, making each one unique. The all-wood construction with wedge-held iron was the standard design for centuries, proving both effective and easily maintained in the workshop.

The compact 6" (15cm) body length makes this an ideal size for detailed work - large enough to provide stability and control, yet small enough to maneuver in confined spaces and work one-handed when necessary. The 1 1/2" (3.5cm) blade width is perfect for smoothing narrow surfaces, cleaning up joints, and general fine work.

Antique with beautiful aged patina and honest workshop wear. Shows evidence of extensive use by a skilled tradesman. The wood remains structurally sound with the warm color and character that only time can create. Blade and wedge present. Traditional flat sole ideal for general work. A wonderful piece of woodworking history..All items have been lightly cleaned and oiled with linseed oil, to keep the original patina.

Perfect for hand tool enthusiasts, collectors of antique woodworking tools, working woodworkers who appreciate traditional methods, or as distinctive workshop decoration showcasing centuries-old craftsmanship.

All items where appropriate will be sent well packaged, tracked and insured. If you wish to purchase the countries other than those listed, please contact us to discuss options. International buyers are responsible for any import taxes and duties.
Where possible we will combine purchases for shipping. Total weigh approx. 0.3Kg.
Vintage 6" Thumb Plane, with 1 1/2" wide blade
Unknown manufacturer
18th to 19th Century

A characterful antique wooden thumb plane showcasing traditional British craftsmanship from the 18th or 19th century. This compact hand plane features beautiful patinated hardwood construction with a lovely warm honey-brown tone developed over generations of workshop use.

The rich patina and wear patterns on this plane tell the story of a working tool that served a craftsman faithfully, smoothing countless pieces of timber with skill and care. Each mark and discoloration represents hours of skilled handwork in a time when craftsmen took pride in their tools and their trade.

Thumb planes, also called palm planes or violin maker’s planes, are among the oldest and most intimate woodworking tools, with designs dating back centuries. These compact planes were essential for fine detail work, edge chamfering, smoothing small surfaces, and working in tight spaces where larger planes couldn’t reach. The name derives from their size and the technique of using thumb pressure on the back while planing.

The flat-bottomed sole on this example makes it particularly versatile - suitable for general smoothing work, flattening small surfaces, and fine finishing tasks. Unlike curved-sole compass planes used for rounded work, flat-soled thumb planes like this could tackle a wide variety of joinery and cabinetmaking tasks.
These planes were particularly favored by joiners, cabinetmakers, patternmakers, and musical instrument makers who needed precision control for delicate work. Before the mass production era, wooden planes like this were often made by local planemakers or even by the craftsmen themselves, making each one unique. The all-wood construction with wedge-held iron was the standard design for centuries, proving both effective and easily maintained in the workshop.

The compact 6" (15cm) body length makes this an ideal size for detailed work - large enough to provide stability and control, yet small enough to maneuver in confined spaces and work one-handed when necessary. The 1 1/2" (3.5cm) blade width is perfect for smoothing narrow surfaces, cleaning up joints, and general fine work.

Antique with beautiful aged patina and honest workshop wear. Shows evidence of extensive use by a skilled tradesman. The wood remains structurally sound with the warm color and character that only time can create. Blade and wedge present. Traditional flat sole ideal for general work. A wonderful piece of woodworking history..All items have been lightly cleaned and oiled with linseed oil, to keep the original patina.

Perfect for hand tool enthusiasts, collectors of antique woodworking tools, working woodworkers who appreciate traditional methods, or as distinctive workshop decoration showcasing centuries-old craftsmanship.

All items where appropriate will be sent well packaged, tracked and insured. If you wish to purchase the countries other than those listed, please contact us to discuss options. International buyers are responsible for any import taxes and duties.
Where possible we will combine purchases for shipping. Total weigh approx. 0.3Kg.