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Identification

Stanley Bailey No. 5 Jack Plane

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

The item is clearly identifiable as a hand plane. The casting marks 'BAILEY' at the toe and 'No 5' at the heel, combined with the seller's description, confirm it is a Stanley Bailey No. 5 jack plane.

Story

Stanley Rule & Level Co. (later Stanley Works) dominated the American hand tool market in the late 19th and 20th centuries. The 'Bailey' design, patented by Leonard Bailey, became the global standard for iron hand planes. Based on the kidney-shaped lever cap hole and high front knob visible in the provided image, this example dates to the mid-20th century, likely Type 16 (circa 1933) or later. Vintage Stanley hand planes remain highly liquid on the secondary market, driven by both collectors and active woodworkers.

Maker / Origin

Stanley

Condition & Value

Based on the single visible photo, the plane appears complete on top with intact handles (tote and knob) and visible japanning (black finish) on the bed. However, the critical functional surfaces—the sole (bottom) and the cutting iron (blade)—are not visible.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

Vintage Stanley hand planes remain highly liquid on the secondary market, driven by both collectors and active woodworkers. The No. 5 'Jack Plane' is the most common and versatile size, meaning supply is high, but so is demand for good 'user' condition examples. Mid-century types (Types 16-19) are generally valued as excellent users rather than high-end collector pieces, trading briskly on online auction platforms and through specialist tool dealers.

Value Drivers

▲ Iconic Stanley Bailey No. 5 form ensures strong, consistent demand from woodworkers.

▲ Visible high knob and kidney-hole lever cap confirm a desirable mid-century 'user' era (Type 16+).

▲ Handles appear intact without major visible breaks, preserving baseline value.

Concerns

▼ Unverified sole condition — cracks, deep pitting, or severe warping would drop the value to parts-only ($20-$30).

▼ Unverified blade (iron) — a missing, heavily pitted, or non-original blade reduces value by the cost of a replacement.

▼ Unverified frog and lateral adjuster — broken castings in this area are common and severely impact usability.

Best Venue

This is a highly sellable item best suited for eBay or specialized vintage tool groups. To maximize return, wipe away any loose dirt with a dry cloth or light oil (avoid harsh abrasives) and take clear photos of the sole, the blade stamp, and the frog. List with a Buy-It-Now price of $85-$95 if the sole is clean and flat, or run a 7-day auction starting at $50 to ensure a quick sale.

Upside Potential

If additional photos confirm the sole is perfectly flat and free of pitting, and the blade retains a clear early Stanley stamp with plenty of length left, the plane could reach the $100-$110 dealer-retail range. Confirmation of an earlier Type 16 (1933-1941) generally commands a slight premium over post-WWII models.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 3 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Jim Bode Tools
    Fine STANLEY No. 5 Jack Plane - 97750
    Link could not be verified.
    $145
  • eBay· 2026-08-14
    2 Vintage Stanley Bailey Hand Planes,No. 4 &No. 5,Old Carpenter Woodworking Tool
    Lot of two planes (No. 4 and No. 5); subject is a single plane.
    $100
  • Jim Bode Tools
    Good User STANLEY No. 5 Jack Plane - 97016
    Link could not be verified.
    $100