Sargent No 714 VBM (Very Best Made) Auto-Set c1915 Nicely Restored Ready to Use

Clean, sharp and ready to use, this 714 auto-set is a great all around bench plane, maybe that's why it's referred to as a "jack" of all jobs. Stanley and Sargent were major compactors during the latter 19th and early 20th Centuries. As Stanley had the Bailey, Sargent had the 400 series.

As a upscale plane Stanley had the Bedrock, Sargent had Shaw's patent series. It seems that project development for the two companies was in parallel but as for the Stanley equivalent to the auto-set planes, I can't think of any with the possible exception of the Liberty Bell, a much lesser grade and quality line by comparison. As Stanley discontinued its Bedrock series at the onset of WWII, Sargent did the same with the Auto-set. This is a nice example of the most common size auto-set, the 714, comparable to the No 5 Bailey or 605 Bedrock. It has been cleaned and the tote repaired/refinished along with the knob, the iron sharpened with a 25 degree bevel.

Other than that, it's pretty much the way it came off its last bench. I tried to maintain the basic "modern-esque" look of the early century design.

The tote horn has been repaired but not having any East India Mahogany available, I used a more common mahogany variety. Admittedly, the shape isn't a perfect match to the original but it is a reasonable facsimile. The finish is a clear brushing lacquer as was likely the choice originally. Of note is the small etched ID symbol on the left side aft of the center. Nicely done and I have no idea what it means.

As you can see in the photos, the plane works well. I don't have a lot of opportunity to work on these uniquely designed planes and this one was a real kick. The adjustment system is unlike most other common bench planes and it seems to work quite well once you get used to it.

This would be a great example to add to your collection or to your bench arsenal if you enjoy working with antique tools especially non-mainstream types. It is too, a very attractive plane for those whose intent is have it look nice on a shelf.

The question of pricing always comes up. I feel that this is worth something so you will find my prices reflective of this effort. I've had some questions about the "perfection" of my work. I'll tell you upfront, it's not, nor is it implied nor purported. I take a basic bench plane, clean it, tune it up to a practical point, then test it to make sure it functions properly and as intended. I also try to maintain the historical look and integrity of the plane so you will find imperfections, dings, dents and other evidence that it was indeed used by someone at some point in its 100 year history.

My goal is not perfection but to maintain a working tool in the condition in which it was originally used. My view is that the perfection lies in the skill of the craftsman/craftswoman in whose hands the plane is set to wood, just as a brush in the hands of a master artist or lump of clay in the hands of a sculpturer. Tools don't need to be perfect to create a masterpiece.

Questions are welcomed and answered promptly. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Tools, Hardware & Locks\Tools\Carpentry, Woodworking\Planes". The seller is "nicmk" and is located in this country: US.

This item can be shipped to United States, Canada.

• Brand: SARGENT
• Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Modified Item: No