Birmingham “B-Plane” (Union Type 0 / precursor)

So you’re likely asking yourself why would Birmingham Plane Company have anything to do with Union Mfg Co and further why would they be included in an in-depth study of Union’s Planes. While they were in fact two distinctly separate companies at one point on the surface, Birmingham would eventually be the driving force behind the board at Union’s decision to manufacture and sell hand planes, spokeshaves and other implements for the woodworking market. The influence will be readily apparent as we go further into the study, especially the first two types of Union’s Plane offerings.

Birmingham Plane Company was founded by George D. Mosher in November of 1885 in the area of present day Shelton, CT. George Mosher was issued various patents for his inventions (only one of those patents will matter to the Union Feature Study at hand). Birmingham Plane Company was renamed Derby Plane Mfg Co sometime during the year 1891. The name change is somewhat under debate as to exactly why, some have speculated financial hardship, while others have associated the geographical area name change to be the reason for the name change from Birmingham Plane Company to Derby Plane Manufacturing Company.

The Derby Plane Mfg Co. was purchased by Union Mfg. Co. sometime in the later 1890’s, with the latest possible date of 1900. This is where things get a little confusing and are up to some pretty heavy debate. It was always thought that Union purchased the Derby Plane Manufacturing Company in 1900, however Union was offering planes bearing the Union name identical to the B Plane including the patented Mosher “caged” lateral lever as early as 1898-99 through a wholesale distributor in Boston, Mass. So this could be summed up to a partnership which lead into a buyout or an earlier buyout than previously thought. It is thought that Union offered the B Plane products until stock was exhausted after the purchase of Derby. This theory is more than plausible and likely. Companies of this era wasted nothing as you’ll see repeated over and over throughout this study.

BIRMINGHAM Plane Features that pertain to Union Mfg Co Planes

(SEE TYPE 1 Feature Study for specifics on each detail)

Cheek Shape

Sole/ plane bottom shape/ bed

Tote, Knob Finish and Shape

Frog Seat Shape

Frog Shape and Detail

Chipbreaker & Iron Stamp Configuration