A Mystery Hand Plane and Its Not-So-Soviet Origins
In an earlier post I mentioned my sextet of Russian (or rather, supposedly Russian) planes. As I’ve continued to research them, however, I’ve come to the conclusion that the final plane in that group may not be Soviet at all.
When I bought the plane on eBay UK back in 2011, the listing confidently described it as Russian. For a long time I accepted that at face value—until a closer look raised a few red flags.
All the other planes were identifiable with the Bokoba makers mark
This plane had a different makers mark
Why I Doubt Its Russian Origin
Two things in particular made me question the original claim:
- No photographic match anywhere. My usual go-to resource, Russian Handplane Central, shows no examples of this plane.
- No trace of the makers mark. Neither Russian Handplane Central nor Wolfgang Jordan’s excellent resource on European toolmakers (Small Tool Museumsite) contains anything resembling the mark found on this plane.
So here I am: I own a plane that looks interesting, feels substantial, and yet may not be Russian at all. Its true origin remains a mystery—but it’s still worth documenting.
The Plane Itself
Type
Skewed rabbet/rebate plane, with some similarities to a wooden moving fillister.
Construction
- Material: Cast iron body
- Handle & tote: Plastic
- Thickness: 3/16″ on both sides and sole
Dimensions & Weight
- Weight: 3½ lb (only slightly lighter than a Stanley No. 4)
- Length: 10¼” (~26 cm)
- Width: 1⅝” (~4 cm)
- Blade width: 1 5/16″
Interestingly, the blade’s corners are rounded—meaning it wouldn’t cut cleanly into the corner of a rabbet. This doesn’t appear to be wear; the blade looks unused.
Depth Stop
- Length: 2½”
- Mounting: Single machine screw
- Alignment: A vertical rib fits into a machined slot, keeping it parallel to the sole.
Adjustable Fence
- Length: 7⅞”
- Attachment: Two machine screws through the sole
- Maximum rabbet width: ⅞” with fence installed
Machining
Both the sole and sides have been machined, but the milling marks remain very visible—an indicator of either quick production or minimal finishing.
In Use?
I’ve never used this plane, and judging from its pristine blade and the general lack of wear, I doubt any previous owner has either. As such, I can’t comment on its performance—but as an object, it’s a curious and solidly built piece.
If anyone out there has seen a plane like this or recognises the maker’s mark, I’d love to hear from you. The mystery continues!