A characterful antique wooden astragal moulding plane by MOSELEY & SONS of LONDON — one of the most respected London plane makers — with G. SAUNDERS owner stamp and an earlier J.H. mark. The second Moseley plane from this Saunders kit.

MAKER:

- "MOSELEY & SONS, LONDON" stamped on the toe — William Moseley & Sons, top-tier London plane maker, c.1818-1880s. Moseley planes are highly sought by collectors of British woodworking history.

OWNERSHIP:

- "G. SAUNDERS" — clearly stamped Victorian owner mark

- "J.H." — smaller earlier owner stamp, possibly an apprentice or even earlier hand

- Multiple layers of working history

TYPE & USE:

An astragal (or torus) plane cuts a half-round bead with flat fillets either side — a classic profile for picture frames, architectural cornices, plinths, panel mouldings and furniture trim. The iron has a U-shaped concave cutting edge that produces the convex bead in the wood.

CONSTRUCTION:

- Beech body, approximately 18cm (7 inches) long

- Decorative round-topped wedge

- Boxwood insert / wear strip set into the sole — denser hardwood that resists wear, indicating premium construction

- Original cutting iron, present and seated

- Astragal profile carved into the sole

CONDITION:

Honest used antique condition consistent with age and working life. Iron present, wedge present, body complete with boxwood insert intact. Maker and owner stamps clearly readable. Some patina, light scuffs and historic use marks consistent with a working tool. Please see all photos for full condition assessment.

Perfect for a tool collector, restorer, or anyone wanting a piece of British woodworking heritage from one of the great London names.