Edward Preston Smoothing Plane No. 1340
The Edward Preston smoothing plane number 1340 was the first of their bench planes
intended as an upgrade to the rival dominant Stanley smoothing planes and a budget
version of the steel dovetail planes.
Judging by the scarce numbers of these planes
which surface today I think it would be safe to assume they didn't offer Stanley
or the dovetail steel planes much competition. Further supporting evidence pointing
to the lack of success of this plane is the fact other manufacturers (at that time
and future) did not try to replicate this plane (the GTL planes and the Record Calvert
Stevens CS88 are the only similar planes I can think of). These factors do however
make this plane more interesting and more colelctable.
The 1340 is made of malleable iron with a Preston Patent adjuster and a lateral /
side adjuster. The 1340 lever cap was of plain design; the manufacturer advertising
designs would soon appear on all other Preston smoothing plane models.
This plane is 10 inches long with a 2 1/4" wide blade.
Plane Use
The Preston 1340 plane is generally used for finishing work on pieces of joinery and carpentry.
Plane Markings
"PRESTON" - (raised) positioned in front of the forward knob.
Manufactured Dates
1912 - ?
Further Info
Further information on this tool can be found in trade catalogues and retailer brochures of the period. These tool books usually contained a drawing and a sentence or two for each tool.
Where Can I Buy This Tool Secondhand?
This model of tool can be purchased from the following woodworking tool retailers, subject to availability.
* The price shown is a typical price. The price may vary between retailers. The price may vary between planes. Some planes may command higher prices due to condition, type, age, variations.
Where Can I Buy Alternative Modern Planes?
Clifton Planes
This model of tool can be purchased from the following woodworking tool retailers, subject to availability.
* The price shown is a typical price. The price may vary between retailers.
Plane Details
Manufacturer: Preston
Model No: 1340
Plane Type: Smoothing
Date Produced:1912 - ?