Sargent No. 409 VBM Smooth Plane No. 4 Size

This is a nice clean smooth plane marked "SARGENT VBM" on the cap cover. The blade iron, is marked "STANLEY MADE IN U.S.A." and the bed is not marked. The cutter from a Stanley No. 4 that is in this plane fits perfectly and is at near full length. The black color Japanning is about 95% intact on the body. This smooth plane is basically the same size as the Stanley No. 4, it measures 9.5" long overall, 2" wide cutter. The hardwood rear handle, and the front knob both have a rosewood type stain and varnish finish on them. Both are in very good condition. The front knob has no the rounded bead at the bottom or foot of the knob, both look good in appearence. The cutter is sharp with plenty of length left for future sharpening. The cutter lateral and depth adjustment both work just fine. This model has no frog adjustment screw, but the frog can be adjusted, as per original design, much like the late 1800's Stanley planes of this type. The bed is very clean steel has no rust or pitting noted, some minor scratch on the bottom. We note a few small scrapes on the cap cover edges, but still looks pretty good, clean, no rust. A very nice quality plane with less than normal wear. A rare find at this price!