A few of the type studies seem to make it look like it is! I know enough to know that Bedrock=good and small knob=good! I am wondering if anyone here can confirm or deny the type. The bed says PAT'D APR. 2 - 95 and the adjustment lever says PAT 7-24-88
I've attached a couple of pics. It has a little ding on the handle and a few scratches and rust here and there, but also has most japanning and is just kinda old and cool.
If this is a Type 3, is that the age and kind of plane you actually would monkey around with (ie electrolysis bath, clean up, etc.) or would you leave it alone? The sole has a few long (and deeper) scratches and a few scratches right in front of the blade opening, so I think it would require some work on the sole to get it to "well tuned" status.
I am thinking of keeping it and starting a real collection or maybe sending it to the great bay in the sky in exchange for one of them new fangled 4 1/2 Veritas smoothers. I dunno - it is kinda exciting to have stumbled on to something old, even though the #5 seems to be awful common.