01
Signature Blue Finish
Original Record blue enamel coating on the interior casting.
Curio Gallery
01 / 04
01 / 04Record No. 04 Smoothing Plane — photograph 3
Highlights
Why this object
still matters.
A vintage Record No. 04 bench smoothing plane featuring a blue-enameled cast iron base, hardwood tote, and matching front knob. Fitted with an adjustable frog, brass depth adjustment wheel, and original Record-stamped lever cap.
02
Hardwood Furniture
Turned wooden front knob and rear tote handle.
03
Branded Lever Cap
Plated lever cap featuring embossed Record badge with red inlay.
04
Cast Iron Sole
Flat ground sole engineered for smooth surface planing.
05
Brass Adjuster
Knurled solid brass wheel for fine cutter depth control.
06
Lateral Adjustment Lever
Enables precise angular alignment of the cutting iron.
Specifications
The useful facts,
clearly recorded.
Measurements, construction, identity, and seller-supplied details are kept together for direct comparison.
Reviewed · Curio catalogue
Maker
C. & J. Hampton Ltd. (Record), Sheffield
Origin
United Kingdom
Year
1931
Department
scientific-instruments
Dimensions
24.8 × 6.3 × 13.5 cm
Packed shipment
4 kg · 40 × 30 × 25 cm
Plane Type
Smoothing plane (No. 04)
Sole Length
9 3/4 inches (approx. 24.8 cm)
Body Material
Cast iron with blue enamel finish
Handle & Knob Material
Turned hardwood with clear finish
Adjustment Mechanism
Brass knurled thumbwheel and lateral lever
Details
Close inspection,
recorded in photographs.
Detail № 01 · Record No. 04 Smoothing Plane — photograph 1
Detail № 02 · Record No. 04 Smoothing Plane — photograph 2
Heritage
A traceable life,
carefully recorded.
Provenance documentation was not supplied for this specific Record No. 04 Smoothing Plane; this listing is based on the supplied photographs only.
Sheffield Craft
Industrial Precision
The cast sole shown in the profile view highlights Sheffield foundry quality, designed to remain stable and true across decades of woodworking use. The account stays anchored to the individual object photographed here, preserving its maker, period, and visible material character for the next collection.
Workshop Icon
The Classic Lever Cap
Visible in the three-quarter view, the iconic red-and-silver Record lever cap secured the iron assembly, establishing the brand's unmistakable mid-century presence. That specificity gives the buyer a traceable, emotionally resonant piece of United Kingdom design history rather than a generic decorative substitute.
Timeline
An object in time,
one continuous story.
1931
Model Introduction
Record introduces the No. 04 smoothing plane line in Sheffield.
1950
Post-War Production
Standardized production continues with trademark blue finish.
1982
Corporate Reorganization
Record merges with Ridgway Tools to become Record Ridgway.
1998
Brand Transition
Acquisition by American Tool Companies ends classic Sheffield casting era.
Condition
Honest wear,
documented clearly.
The tool shows minor surface oxidation and light wear on the bare cast iron cheeks and sole. The wooden tote and front knob retain their shape and finish with faint surface handling marks.
✓
InspectedCasting & Enamel
Original blue paint remains largely intact with minor chips along edges.
✓
InspectedSole & Cheeks
Machined iron shows mild surface patination and minor spots without heavy pitting.
✓
InspectedWoodwork
Hardwood handle and front knob are intact with intact lacquer and minor surface wear.
✓
InspectedHardware
Brass adjuster wheel, lever cap, and screw threads are complete and intact.
Logistics
Inspected, insured,
door to door.
Step 01
Delivery
Inspected, photographed, and packed with its condition report.
Step 02
Shipping
Custom-fit protective packing with tracked, insured courier service.
Step 03
Returns
Return requests are accepted within fourteen days of confirmed delivery.
Step 04
Dispatch
Prepared for courier handoff within three to five business days.
Acquisition
Make it part of
your collection.
Contact the seller for more information or to discuss this object.
✓ Insured Shipping✓ 14-Day Returns✓ Condition Report✓ Reviewed Listing
Record No. 04 Smoothing Plane