Info on Sargent VBM planes

[GBsCards]

I bought an old tool chest at an auction recentlay and after going through my new booty, needed some more information on a plane in it. In the chest were various Stanley tools ranging from a 9 1/2 to a #4, bevel square, etc. Good stuff, but nothing to get robbed over. There was a wooden bottomed plane that I would like some more info if anyone can help out. It's stamped on the front Sargent VBM No. 8415. The plane is 15x 2 3/4. The cap iron has a nice design on it although this particuliar plane is in rough shape rust-wise. Its a neat plane and I would just like some info on the VBM's (reputation in WWing and possible value if any.) Thanks for any help.

[dave]

Sargent was a major competitor to stanley, as was Millers Falls. VBM stands for Very Best Made. What you have is a transitional Jack plane. If the throat isn't chipped out and the rest of the plane can be fixed up you've got a fairly common user. How people feel about transitional planes is a religous question adn the answers can vary widely. It sounds like you don't do much WWing, if not a plane probably isn't of much use to you. If you sell antiques, put it on the shelf. You can check eBay to see what they've been going for, the condition of the wood and metal parts is critical. I'd expect to pay about $10-$15 for one. To be priced any higher it would have to be very pretty and undamaged, with lots of blade left. I hope that helps. Dave in Fairfax

[Mike]

That style of plane is known as a "transitional" and "VBM" stands for "Very Best Made". I don't know the Sargent numbering system but it sounds like you've got the Sargent version of the Stanley #27-1/2 (wide jack plane). If that's the case, the cutting iron should be

2-1/4" or 2-3/8". I highly doubt you've got a collector's piece but it may turn out to be a decent user. Sharpen the iron, wax the sole, and put it to use.

Cheers, Mike