A gorgeous and early instrumentmaker's plane from the late 17th Century. Though not as small as the tiniest violin maker's plane this particular plane would have, in all likelyhood, seen service amongst other lutherie tools of the great masters in and around Cremona, Italy.
Measuring a mere 3" long, including the front bun, this plane has a 2-1/2" sole, and comes with a 1-1/8" wide iron (or cutter). The sole and sides are made out of wrought iron which has been brazed together. Also note how the wedge is carved to match the front bun.
Obviously a woodworking plane such as this is not a common find. At 300 years old it is truly a one-of-a-kind plane.
Whether it was employed as a violin maker's plane, a lute maker's plane or another musical instrument maker's plane, it's a testament to the creativity, ingenuity and the skill of the person who originally made it all those years ago.
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Metal Violinmaking Planes,
Other Small Planes,
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