Here we have an American user-made violinmaker's plane by H.R. West. Made from beech wood and measuring only about 1 3/4" long, it has been constructed in two halves and "pinned" together with wooden dowels (possibly walnut). Though not the "traditional" method of hand plane construction, it is, nonetheless, a very valid one -- especially when considering the modern glues that are available to woodworkers and musical instrument makers nowadays. Having said that, the join on this particular plane seems to have opened up slightly and signs of shrinkage, or too much force being used when adjusting the blade, are evident by a crack that has appeared on one of the sides (just behind the blade).
This plane has also had a rear handle at one stage, but it has long since gone. Unfortunately there's no indication as to the date of the plane, though it may be around 20 years old or so.
It also appears that Mr. West may have made at least seven more planes beforehand, as this one is marked with an "8" on the toe of the plane, as well as on the nicely shaped wedge.
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User Made Violinmaking Planes,
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