I inherited several handplanes from my Swedish Cabinet maker father-in-law. They're very precious to me and I've restored several of them to the best of my ability and use them whenever I see the opportunity. One of them I haven't been able to use is a Stanley No 71 1/2. It looks like the Stanley 71 Type 1 in the Stanley Tools pocket guide. It also says: Pat'D and the date: 10-29-01. I haven't been able to use it because it is missing the blade. Not being a full time Neander, I need help in guiding me where to look for one.
There are two manufactured holes in the body of the tool, about the size for a #8 screw and 1" towards the middle of the tool from the wood handles. On the new Lie Nielsen that is where a fence is attached. There is no corresponding groove on the face side of the 71 1/2 as on the new Lie Nielsen router tool to help stabilize a fence. However, is that what the two holes are for? I've looked on eBay at the several for offer there, and am still not sure what the holes are for. If not for a fence, please clarify. Thanks for any assistance.
Don M