Sandusky No. 141 Center Wheel Plough Plane
c1875
Let me preface this by saying that I am not an expert or even a novice when it comes to wooden body planes. I do know a rare example when I see one and after finding this Sandusky center wheel plough plane in a local antique mall, I recognized it as such, even with my limited knowledge of the subject.
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After a not too exhaustive search for information about plough (plow) planes I was able to learn that the Sandusky Tool Company was established in or about 1869 in, (where else) Sandusky Ohio. They produced a varied assortment of tools and implements to fulfill the needs of a growing agricultural society as the USA expanded its borders westward. Probably better known for thier production of wooden planes of all shapes and sizes, Sandusky became more involved in the patented development of a couple of iron planes, to include the Morris patent "waffle or checkerboard" bottom plane and later the patented "Semi-steel" bench plane.
Plough planes have indeed been around a long time. Useful in wood joinery plough planes come in many shapes and sizes and have been around in one form or since Roman times. It would seem that the adjustable wheel plough planes have a much more recent history and it would also seem that there were not many patents attributed to their development. At any rate this particular Sandusky center wheel plane came into development after the end of the Civil War and first appears for sale in the early 1870s and until the 1920s. It should be noted that a similar example of a presentation piece of ivory and ebony, believed made for the 1876 Philadelphia Exposition celebrating the Centennial anniversary of the USA, sold at auction for around $110,000.00.
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Anyone reading this that has additional information about the development of this plane is invited to contact me at tools@mknickel.com. I'd love to learn more. Until then, pay less attention to the narrative and more to the photos of this lovely example.
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I'm also looking to replace the broken ivory tip. If you have the skill and material to take this on, please let me know. Thanks.
 Sandusky No. 141 Center Wheel Plough PlaneCondition as found. Note damage to depth adjusting thumb screw, which is missing. |  As found condition |  Sandusky No 141 Center Wheel Plough PlanePrimary wood is beech with ivory tips |
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 Sandusky No. 141 Center Wheel Plough Plane |  Sandusky No 141 center wheel plough planeThe large brass adjusting wheel moves the fence in and out on a threaded shaft. The outer shafts are unthreaded and add stability to the fence. The two screws on the top edge of the body lock the fence in place. |  Sandusky No 141 Center Wheel Plough Plane |
 Sandusky No 141 Center Wheel Plough PlaneBeautiful brass adornments add to the awesome design of this relatively rare plane. The large thumbscrew atop the plane body controls the depth of the guide foot on the bottom via a threaded rod that passes down through a hole in the body. |  Sandusky No 141 Center Wheel Plough PlaneThis 141 was in rough condition when found but some minor repair and a cleaning brought it back to life. |  SandusSandusky #141 Center Wheel Plough PlaneNote the Sandusky trademark, plane number and the apparent names of either the maker, the owner, or both. |
 Sandusky Center Wheel Plough PlaneVery early Sandusky trademark of the day, c1875 (ish) |  Construct of the ivory cap over the wooden spindleI would surmise that this piece was broken during a catastrophic fall from a work bench. Undesirable otherwise, this piece of broken ivory shows the construction of the application over the spindle. The black stuff is glue. |