I was at an antique store and bought what I think is a 1/4" DADO PLANE. He was asking $15 and I bought it for $13. I thought that might still be a llittle high, but bought it because I havent run across one before. The heel is neatly stamped "I COX" in very small type and both the heel and one side are more sloppily stamped "E.J. DUTTON" in larger type. I think I. Cox is the maker's mark.
The wood is in nearly perfect condition. The cutting iron looks hand forged, but has a great deal of pitting beginning about half an inch above the bevel. The wedge and the mortise are both very clean. About an inch in front of the cutting iron is a second iron mounted vertically - its ground to provide nickers. The nicker blade is almost perfect and its ground to tightly bracket the cutting iron.
Does anyone know anything about this maker? The only reference Ive found was on Lumberjocks, speculating that I. Cox was an early 19th Century maker.
Thanks guys!
Fred