A Guide to the Makers of American Wooden Planes

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1931626006 ISBN 13: 9781931626002

Publisher: Astragal Press, 2001

With its initial publication in 1983, A Guide to the Makers of American Wooden Planes profoundly transformed the emphasis and direction of tool collecting. Since then, it has been the definitive guide to American planemakers, from the earliest individuals who worked before the Revolutionary War to the last few manufacturers of the twentieth century. Now, after several years of meticulous research, a new edition of this extraordinarily influential reference book is available. The 4th edition, completely revised by Tom Elliott, reflects the tremendous amount of new information on planemakers that has come to light since the last edition. Included are: over 4000 biogrtaphical entries, over 5000 imprints, almost 2700 wedge outlines, almost 3000 individual ratings for judging relative scarcity and value. This represents twice as much informaiton as the 3rd edition and overe 4 times more information than the 1983 edition! The scope of the book is expanded by the "What's a Plane Worth" section, providing insights helpful in buying and selling planes, an illustrated glossary of plane terms and styles, and an extensive bibliography for further help in research. Comprehensive and up-to-date, A Guide to the Makers of American Wooden Planes IV is an absolutely essential reference for any tool collector or dealer.

From Scientific American:

Bigger and better than ever. I can think of no other work that has quite the same influence in shaping the direction and emphasis of tool collectingIa work of major importance.

Review:

This book should be a constant companion for anyone interested in early American tools. -- Maine Antique Digest