Help ID: Stanley C559 MP Plane?

[Hylourgos]

I picked up a Stanley plane today that has me intrigued. Same size/shape as a #5, but heavier. It's labeled between the tote and frog, "C559 MP" (same on frog), "made in USA" in back of the front knob, and has a stanley lever cap w/ kidney shaped hole, the stanley blade is marked "H1205 (12-205)". The tote and knob are plastic, but of a heavier material than the cheap ones I see on new Stanleys.

The casting is thick and heavy, reminding me of a bedrock: one rib behind the tote, two in front forming a triangle pointing to the frog. The frog is also heavier.

I couldv'e sworn I read about Stanleys like this, but I can't remember where I read it.

Any help?

Thanks, H

[Anthony VanCampen]

Best starting place is Patricl Leaches Stanley Blood and Gore web page.

Standard disclaimer, I've done business with Pat, who is an all around good guy who sells good tools and I recieve no benefit from plugging him except that he might still be in business when I finally have the money for the #7 jointer.

Best bet is to check the width, IIRC there are three Stanley plane series

5, 5 1/4 and 5 1/2 the 5 will measure 2" wide, the 5 1/4 is 1 3/4" and the 5 1/2 is at least 2 1/4 inch. Details are on the Blood and Gore web page. As far as the plastic knob and tote are concerned they may be replacements for the original, and unless authenticity is a major concern can be replaced fairly easily with wooden parts from Highland or Lee Valley. Don't forget the bedrocks have a level clipped side profile if it bellies down you might have a steel bodied plane.

Tony