Dating Woden Planes

This page concentrates on bench and rebate planes.

There are some dating notes on Woden block planes at the end and more detailed information is incorporated in the
page describing those planes.

If you have read the brief history of Woden Tools or any of the sections on patterns of Woden planes, you will have noted the switch of
production from Wednesbury to Sheffield after the Record takeover of Woden Tools Ltd., in 1961.

Re-capping, the original Woden (WW) period is from early 1954 until April 1961, at Wednesbury, and the Record Woden (RW) period
is from April 1961 until the end of production, around mid 1965, at Sheffield. This applies to all Woden planes and is the starting point
for dating an example.

When dating planes, especially bench planes, it is usual to concentrate on the main parts - bodies, frogs and lever caps. Other smaller
parts, including cutters, are user replaceable and could distort the dating process if not original to the tool.

With WW planes, accurate dating is not easy as they were only in production for about seven years and the main parts show very little
difference size for size.

Fortunately, many Woden bench planes retain their little-used original cutters which were marked in a specific way. Hence it has also
been possible to use cutters to assist with dating as three different types have been identified within the seven year period. Even then,
some overlap in date ranges must be allowed for.

Bodies and frogs can be dated approximately by the marks underneath the handle and face frames respectively.

WW lever caps appear to be consistent throughout production, apart from a batch of both sizes with rounded lower edges, made
between about mid 1954 to1957. It has also been noted that some very early 2-inch lever caps are slightly shorter (by 2mm) than later
ones and have an indistinct flat about 7 mm wide on the inside lower edge, similar to that found on the 2-3/8 inch size.

These parts were fitted to early planes which also have slightly thinner body sides and frogs with a single lower pane face frame.
On mid production and later frogs with 7/32 inch (5.5 mm.) marks, the right hand orifice for the frog screw is lower than the left.

Other pointers include plane packaging, instructions and tool dealer prices, if marked. The price marks can assist in confirming a date
range despite the lack of inflation in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

RW planes are a little easier, even though Sheffield production only lasted for about 4 years. This is because of almost continuous
changes implemented by Record, following the takeover of Woden Tools Ltd.

In the U.K., most RW planes have been found to comprise a mixture of original Steel Nut and Record specified parts. In this study,
these planes are referred to as ‘changeover’ planes and such examples will date to c.1961/62.

Later RW planes have been found to be rarer in the United Kingdom (see history) and fully RW specified planes will date from late1962
to the end of production, around mid 1965.

Bench Planes:

The previous pages and notes above give some pointers on how to tell the difference between a Wednesbury and a Sheffield made tool.

For WW planes, analysis of collected data from several dozen examples, indicates that there are three periods of time in which
to date the planes:-

1 – 1954/55, (early production);

2 - 1955/57 (mid)

3 - 1957/61 (late).

These periods are based on there being at least two common factors in the main parts of the planes in each period, including cutters.
There may be some overlap and change as more examples and data is collected. Here are some images to illustrate differences
that have been noted:-

IMG 0601

W4 body cast marks and side thickness

Left to right, thinner side thickness, c.1954/55;;
Thicker sides c.1955/57 and
Foundry mark "QC" under the handle, c.1957/61.

IMG 0602

W4 2 inch frogs

Left to right, small 5/32 inch (4 mm.) mark and single pane lower face frame, c.1954/55;
7/32 inch (5.5 mm.) mark and two lower face frames, c.1955/57 and
Foundry mark "Q" in upper left hand face frame and right hand frog orifice lower than the left, c.1957/61.

IMG 0603
W4 type 1 (left) and type 2 & 3 cutters
(double irons)

Type 1 has sharp top edge corners and a
bright steel finish which is liable to corrosion,
c.1954/55;

Type 2 has the top corners of the cutter
rounded over slightly and a superior bright
steel finish which was also clear lacquered,
c. from 1954/5.

  Both types 1 and 2 are 1/16 inches nominal
thickness (1.6 to 1.9 mm.).

Type 3 is the same as type 2 but up to
25% thicker - 3/32 inches nominal
(up to 2.5 mm.)

At present, It is difficult to date the introduction
of type 3 cutters, the best estimate is
  c.late1957 to early 1958, which may co-incide
  with the introduction of L2 labelled boxes
  (see below).

Types 2 and 3 may show radial grinding marks on the upper front and complete rear surfaces.

The lower front surface (slot to edge) of some cutters is finished to a degree of flatness by linishing at right angles to the length.
All WW cutters are print marked at the top with the Woden brand.

IMG0604

Rear views of 2-inch lever caps

Left to right, early parts with an indistinct rib along the lower
edge, c.1954/55;

Later parts with slightly longer sides and without the
bottom rib, c.1955/61.

These later parts are found on the majority of W4 and W5
planes from 1955 to 1961 and on into 1962 as some were
carried over to assembly at Sheffield,
(see RW bench planes below).

IMG 0605

2-3/8 inch lever cap with rounded bottom corners.

c. mid 1954 to 1957, this uncommon pattern appeared on both
sizes of lever cap.
Note the indistinct 'rib' across the bottom at the rear,
also found on very early 2 inch lever caps (see above).

Other factors such as military marks, boxes, penciled prices compared to price lists and Woden plane instructions (WPI), have assisted
in confirming these dating periods. Early and mid dated planes were packed in L1 boxes and later planes in L2 boxes
(see packaging below). The first planes fitted with the type 3 new improved cutter (NIC) had a small black & white label affixed to the box.
These labels have been found on both L1 and L2 boxes. L2 boxed planes may also be found with NIC but no sticker.
This could be because NIC was then standard production and therefore these planes will be later production.
Here are some other notes which may assist::-

Plane bodies:

The body side and base thickness did vary slightly within sizes, varying from about 2.5 to 3.1 mm for a W4, up to 3.5 to 4 mm for the
larger planes. Some early examples of W4’s and late example W5’s have been noted with the thinnest sides. Casting marks on bench
planes can be found underneath the handle. Apart from the mark “1” which has several variations, all other numbers are 7/32 inches
(5.5 mm) in height and consistent for the same number. Where “QC” is found in addition to the number, these are later production from
around 1957 to 1961. According to the Woden catalogues, all parts were made at the factory. It is probably that all early bodies were
cast at the Wednesbury foundry, changing to an outside supplier from late 1955 onwards.

Frogs:

Dating pointers may be found on the face frames of Woden ‘Ogee’ frogs.

Early W4 frogs had a single lower face frame, which changed to two frames from about mid 1955 onwards. 2 inch frogs on W5 planes
and all 2-3/8 inch plane frogs to date have been found with two lower face frames. Early frogs of all sizes from 1954 to mid 1955, had a
single mark 5/32 inches (4 mm) in height in the upper right hand frame. These frogs were probably cast at Wednesbury.
From 1955 to1957, this single mark increased in size to 7/32 inches (5.5 mm) for 2 inch frogs. From about 1957 to the end of production,
the letter “Q” was included in the upper left hand face frame in addition to the right hand number mark. Mid and late 2 inch frogs have
the same features and probably came from an external supplier. To date, all 2-3/8 inch frogs have the smaller (5/32" or 4mm.) marks and
none have been found with “Q”. This suggests that all 2-3/8 inch frogs were from the first batch cast at Wednesbury.

Lever caps:

All lever caps, irrespective of plane size, have single 5/32 inch (4 mm) marks on the reverse lower section.
Early 2 inch lever caps had an inside measurement (shoulder to tip) of 48 mm (1954/55), increasing to 50 mm for 1955/57.
Early 2 inch lever caps also had an indistinct flat across the lower inside edge, similar to 2-3/8 inch parts. All 2-3/8 inch lever caps
were about 2 mm longer than the larger (mid production) 2 inch, so do not show any dating apart from the actual plating. Like the bodies
and frogs, early 2 inch lever caps were probably cast at Wednesbury, changing to an outside supplier from late 1955.
Like the frogs, it appears that all 2-3/8 inch lever caps were from the first batch cast at Wednesbury.

It has been noticed that early lever caps had poor chrome plating and were subject to corrosion and poor chrome retention.
From around 1956/57, the plating process was improved and later lever caps have a much better chrome finish without corrosion.

Cutters:

Very early planes had cutters with sharp top edge corners, exactly the same as the cap iron top profile and similar to most other
plane makers in the early 1950's. These cutters had no surface finish or protective lacquer. They were very susceptible to corrosion and
the printed trademark could easily become obliterated over time. These early cutters are designated as Type 1.

Later cutters, from c.mid 1954, had the top edge corners slightly rounded over. These cutters had an improved bright finish with a
protective clear lacquer coating and much improved resistance to corrosion. These cutters are designated as Type 2.

A third cutter had the same finish as type 2, but was much thicker, up to about 2.5mm. These were known as “New Improved Cutters"
(NIC’s) and a white sticker was sometimes attached to the plane box to show their inclusion. These cutters are designated as Type 3.

Ex- works, Type 3 cutters were 7-1/2 inches long (190 mm.), with about 1-7/8 inches (50 mm.) from ground cutting edge to the lever cap
screw slot, giving about 1-3/4 inches (45 mm.) of usable cutter.

Small parts:

Some differences in small parts have been identified. It is likely that these differences are not significant but have been included should
they be found on more examples:-

The frog screw washers on some of the earlier and larger planes had chamfered top edges.
Frog clip screws on later planes had a chamfered end, like a set screw (a finished end rather than a cut off the screw end as
on earlier planes).
On later depth adjustment wheels, the three fluted flats were slightly wider than earlier wheels but as the overall dimensions
were the same, the gaps between these flats were narrower.

In summary, the following factors are considered to be the most significant:-

1954/55:

Bodies without “QC” or “Q” marks;
W4’s with single lower pane frogs;
2 inch frogs with small (4mm) marks;
2 inch lever caps with inside lower flat or rounded bottom edges;
Type 1 or type 2 cutters;
Supported by L1 boxes, type 1 or 2 Woden plane instructions and a price in agreement with the price list table.

1955/57

Bodies without “QC” marks;
2 inch frogs with 2 lower panes, without “Q” marks but with single 5.5 mm marks;
2 inch lever caps without inside bottom flat, with or without rounded bottom edges;
Type 1 or type 2 cutters;
Supported by L1 boxes, type 2 or 3 Woden plane instructions and a price in agreement with the price list table.

1957/61

Bodies including “Q” or “QC” marks;
Frogs with “Q” marks and 5.5 mm. marks;
2 inch lever caps without inside bottom flat and square corners;
Type 2 or type 3/NIC cutters;
Supported by L1 or L2 boxes with or without NIC lable, type 3 or 4 Woden plane instructions and price in agreement with the table.

For RW planes, there are two periods:-

1. 1961/62 (changeover) and

2. 1962/65.

‘Changeover’ planes are identified by being constructed of a mixture of original Woden and Record parts. At the time of the
Record takeover, part made Wednesbury planes were completed at Sheffield. Original Woden bodies, frogs, and lever caps may be
found on these planes, together with small parts, for example lateral levers, found on Record planes. The greater number of Wednesbury
parts, the earlier the date. The more Record parts found, the later the date.

These ‘changeover’ planes were packed in L2 labeled black boxes until the latter were used up. The most common original WW part
in these planes is the lever cap. These seem to have lasted the longest into Sheffield production, but they did need modification by
Record to accommodate the Record lever cap screw.

There were problems for Record in changing over to their own parts in that the screw threads of original Woden and Record planes were
different. Woden used mainly BSF screws, but Record used historic Stanley and BSW threads. So, for example, Record could not use
its own pre-drilled and tapped depth adjusting wheel on Woden frogs unless the screw was changed. Consequently, there are some
unusual depth wheels on RW changeover planes that are not common to either Record or later Woden planes.

Whilst it is not possible at this time to give all the options which may be found on 1961/62 RW planes, all the examples seen so far
have the following features:-

“WODEN” and “No xx” cast marked on either a WW or Record shaped body:
Either WW or RW specified frog;
Woden type 4 tungsten vanadium cutter, with stamped marks;
Either WW original or RW modified lever cap;
Either WW or Record wood parts with the original Woden transfer slide affixed to the handle;
Either WW or Record specified depth adjustment wheel with appropriate screw or
Unusual pattern of depth adjustment wheel with WW screw.

IMG 0606

Record Woden type 4 double iron
with stamped marks, c.1961/65

IMG 0607

Unusual pattern of depth adjuster on RW changeover plane,
military marked 1962.

Also note Record frog clip and screw.

Later (1962/65) RW planes have all Record specified parts. A full description is included in the bench plane section, but to summarise,
late RW planes had:-

A Record body shape with just “No 4” in front of, or behind the knob and no ‘WODEN’ cast mark;
A Record type frog having a thicker USA UNF thread depth adjustment screw;
Record unmarked adjustment wheel;
Record 3-piece lateral adjustment lever with a bottom fixing rivet;
A lever cap with either a Woden cast mark with a red or orange background on the front or simply a Woden transfer slide at the top;
A Woden type 4 cutter with a Record cap iron forming the double iron;
Record wood parts with Woden transfer slide on the handle top;
Record small parts – cheese headed frog screws, straight frog clip with round headed screw and Record BSW threaded double
ended studs for the handle and knob.

These planes were packed in L2 or L3 boxes and had fully Record Woden printed instructions.

Here are some further notes on RW bench planes, in summary:-

Plane bodies:

Planes assembled by Woden Tools Sheffield either had the original WW body (1961) or the Record type body
(mid to late 1961 onwards), described in the Record Woden bench plane section.
On sizes 4 and 4-1/2, the Record bodies are most easily identified by the chamfered heel end of the casting and rounded and painted
side tops. On larger planes, the high transverse rib in front of the cutter mouth is prominent.

Frogs:

The main difference between the RW frog and the earlier WW is the lower rear suface where the clip for the frog adjusting screw is fitted.
This is angled backwards with a straight clip, whereas the WW frog is near vertical with an angled frog clip. It has also been noted that
2-3/8 inch frogs with 4mm cast marks were consistent throughout production and also carried over to Sheffield and used in
‘changeover planes’. It is likely that these were original Wednesbury production and too many were made such that, unlike 2 inch frogs,
no external supply was needed. to meet further demand.

Lever caps:

A surplus of WW lever caps were transferred to Sheffield after the takeover (from April 1961).
These were fitted to Woden planes during 1961/62. They were modified to have a larger orifice for the Record specified lever cap screw.
The Record specified lever cap with a rib along the inside lower edge was used on Woden planes from about 1962 onwards.

Cutters:

Most RW plane examples have the stamp marked type 4 cutter described above.

Small parts:

1962 to the end of production, around 1965, marked the complete change to Record specified parts for Woden planes.
From 1962 onwards, ‘changeover’ and RW planes are fitted with a number of variations in small parts. Generally, Woden and Record
planes used the same small parts. One notable exception was an unusual depth adjusting wheel, not yet seen on any Record plane.
This coarse fluted brass wheel could have been sourced locally by Record to fit the ¼ bsf WW screw on WW frogs, until this latter part
was expended. Although some un-marked Record wheels were machined for the narrower WW thread, the standard Record wheel had
a thicker and coarser thread and could not be used until the matching Record screw was fitted to later frogs.

Packaging:

Woden planes were wrapped in a greaseproof type of protective paper and have been found packed in four different boxes with
a number of different labels. See IMG 0608.

The earliest are buff paper covered thick cardboard boxes with red, white and black labels printed in a simple font. Sometimes the label is orange (faded red) and some block planes have yellow labels. The box contents were sealed for dispatch by one inch wide gummed paper tape around the waist. These boxes date from 1954 to the mid or late fifties and have been designated ‘L1’. L1 labels were used at least up until mid 1957.

Around the mid to late fifties/early sixties, planes were packaged in a black paper covered cardboard box with a yellow, black and white label having a more advanced font. These boxes were also carried over and used by RW until around 1961/62. These boxes have been designated ‘L2’.

Record Woden used another buff paper covered box from around 1962 to the end of production. These boxes used thinner cardboard, but the same label colours as L2, and the font reverted to a simple black lettered style. These boxes were used for bench and rebate planes and have been designated ‘L3’.

Lastly, a simple and plain thin cardboard box with a similar label to L3 was used to distribute block planes from around 1962 to the end of production.

IMG0608a L1 box and label, c.1954/57	IMG0608b L2 box and label, c.1957-61/62
IMG 0608c L2 lable with New Improved Cutter (NIC) sticker c.1957/61	IMG 0608d L3 box label, c.1962/65

The box always contained the Woden buff and blue printed open-out plane instructions (WPI) with the business address on the front and back. The plane instructions themselves were consistent but the address and pictorial contents varied and seven different WPI examples have been identified from six printings.

Number “1” is the first WPI from The Steel Nut & Joseph Hampton Ltd., Wednesbury;
            Telephone number Darlaston 331. c.1954 to mid 1955.

Number “2” is the same as number 1 but with the telephone number James Bridge 3166;
            c. mid 1955 to 1957.

Number “3” is the WPI published upon establishment of Woden Tools Ltd., Wednesbury;
            c. early 1957 to around 1959.

Number “4” has the same front as number 3 but with pictorial details of 10 other tool lines inside, including the newly introduced Woden Quiksaw.
            c. around 1959 to 1960.

Number “5” has same front as 3 and 4 but lists 5 lines with bigger pictures, including the newly introduced A130 Rapid Action Woodworkers’ Vice.
            c. 1960 to early 1961.

Number “6” is the same as number 5, overprinted with the new Woden Tools Ltd., Sheffield address.
            c. April 1961 to late 1961/62.

Number “7” is the full WPI reprint by Woden Tools Ltd., Bernard Road, SHEFFIELD 2;
            c. 1961 until around mid 1965, with perhaps an address change before production ceased.

IMG 0609

Woden Planes INSTRUCTION LEAFLETS

Left to right:- WPI2 c.1955/57, WPI3 c.1957/59, back of WPI6 (same lable on the front), c.1961/62 and WPI7 (W.P.I. 62), 1962
WPI 2 and 3 are the most common found with WW planes,
WPI6 and 7 are found with RW planes.

All WPI were printed in England, probably by the catalogue printer, Joseph Wones Ltd., West Bromwich.

A Trade Mark label was also included in the box.

IMG0610

Trade mark label tag, showing both sides

Price Lists:

Price lists prefixed ‘HPL’ gave the prices of Woden planes in England.
Tools Dealers were in the habit of adding the plane price to the box in pencil, so it could easily be changed. Many of these marks remain
so if the plane is boxed, look closely for a penciled-in price, usually on the box label.
The following table shows all the prices from the various lists that have been identified, and other sources, together with the year.

wodentoolpricelisttable

Rebate Planes:

W78 rebate plane (WW):

Very early W78 planes are those with the Woden transfer slide brand mark in a panel on the offside and a “W78” red and gold slide on the nearside, with no other body marks. These are the planes shown in Woden catalogues from 1954 to 1961 and date to c.1953/54.
See IMGs 0611 and 0612.

IMG 0611

W78 c.1953/54, offside view

IMG0612

W78 nearside view

These body castings are believed to be those carried over from W^.S after the Woden takeover. The W^.S cast marks on the near and off sides being machined out by Woden before assembly. Look for irregularities in the lower edge of the offside panel, which is an enlargement of the W^.S shape, and for end milling marks and/or a smooth finish under the “W78” slide on the nearside. They also have the cutter mouths cut further forward by about 1/8 inches such that the bull nose is shorter. There is a modified cutter bed with the cut adjustment lever set further away from the inner body side (and the handle) than W^.S, which gives more clearance.
See IMGs 0613 and 0614.

IMG 0613

Early W78 body, top, compared to W^.S A78, bottom.
Showing shorter bull nose on the Woden W78.

IMG 0614 (right)

Modified cutter bed.

Although the handle has a border around the pattern work on each side, the actual pattern is identical to W^.S but not to later planes.
The fence rod holes are cut further forward and are not central through the rear support. The spur locking screw has a bright steel finish.

The fences have no marks or a single digit near one of the fence arms. Usually, but not always, the rod holes on these fences have a marked countersink to assist insertion of the rods. The lever cap and fence locking screws were similar to W^.S and have shallow fluted heads with 24 tpi., 3/16 BSW (coarse) threads.

IMG 0615

Revised offside body panel

IMG 0616

Revised cutter bed c.1954/57

Later c.1954-57 planes had “WODEN” in a symmetrical panel and “W78 MADE IN ENGLAND” cast into the bodies on the off and near sides respectively, but no other marks. This was a Woden cast body and the cutter adjustment lever was positioned clear of the handle by means of an inner flange on the body, at the same time making it more central. See IMGs 0615 and 0616. The fences
associated with these planes had a marked countersink on the inside faces of the rod holes to assist with insertion of the rods.

IMG 0617

Cast marks and numbers on later
body castings, c.1957/61

IMG 0618a and b

Shorter ribs and cast marks on fences.

Still later planes c.1957-61 had casting numbers and foundry marks on the bodies and fences, “B07” “B08” “Q1” etc., see IMGs 0617 and
0618. These are believed to be outsourced parts dating from the formation of Woden Tools in 1957.The fence arm ribs are much shorter than on earlier planes, about 7/16 inches (10mm). The countersink for insertion of the fence rods is less, or not present at all.
The lever cap and fence locking screws on these planes either have the coarser BSW threads as on earlier planes, or thicker heads and finer 32 tpi 3/16 BSF threads. If BSF threads, all screw threads on the planes are BSF.

All WW rebate planes had Woden brand print marked cutters and bright chromed lever caps. Later (RW) had Woden stamped cutters and other RW features (see below).

All were packed in L1 labelled boxes, c.1954-57 and later, L2 labelled boxes c.1957-61, together with appropriate Woden Plane Instructions (WPI) and a brand label tag, the same as for bench planes. Some early W78’s had a small open cardboard box inside the main box, for the safe keeping of small screws.

As with bench and block planes, the price mark table may assist in dating if the box is so marked.

Record Woden W78 (RW):

W78’s with mixed WW and Record parts are ‘changeover planes’ or fully Record specified parts examples, c.1961/62 and c.1962/65 respectively. All these planes appear to have the late WW type body with "B07" and "Q" cast marks, the only difference being the finish on the sole which appears to be linished rather than smooth ground. See IMG 0619.

The main Record (RW) parts were Woden stamp marked cutters, painted steel lever caps and ebonised (black) knobs. See IMG 0620..

IMG 0619

RW78 linished sole, left, c.1962/65. (WW on right)

IMG 0620

RW parts for W78, c.1962/65

Many WW parts were transferred to Sheffield and lasted well into production, so only the later planes, c.1962-65, will have these RW parts and may be packed in L2 or L3 labelled boxes. As the WW parts were used up, small parts fitted to Record 078 and 0778 planes were used to complete RW 78’s. see IMG 0621.

IMG 0621

Record parts for late production W78 planes

There are some Record-Woden factory notes in the archives at the Hawley Collection which detail proposed modifications to the bodies
and small parts of the W78 from about mid to late1964. The “Woden”
red painted panel and “W78 MADE IN ENGLAND” marks on the body castings were to be replaced with “Woden” and “W78” roller marking respectively. The “Woden” marking was to be in a reduced sized panel. Also the WW D-shaped spur was to be replaced with the Record
star-shaped part. To date, no example with these features has emerged, so there is some doubt if the changes were implemented before
production ceased.

IMG 0622a

Modified RW78 body offside view
showing reduced size panel and Record 'star' shaped spur.

(Images (2) from The Hawley Collection)

IMG 0622b

Nearside view showing ebonised knob,
large headed lever cap screw
and "W78" cast mark missing.

There is a prototype RW modified W78 in the Hawley Collection, see IMG 0622.
These images show some of the proposed Record replacement parts and the reduced offside body panel.
In addition, the depth stop screw was replaced with a Record style thumbscrew and the lever cap screw is also larger.

The RW features described should differentiate these planes from the very early WW examples with transfer slide near and offside body markings, as described above.

RW planes were packed in L2 or L3 labeled boxes with appropriately dated Woden Plane Instructions (WPI6 or 7), or later. It should be noted that the L2 box label changed to “REBATE PLANE”, replacing “RABBET and FILLETSTER PLANE” on the earlier L1 labels.
In all WW and RW catalogues, the listing was "Woden Fillister Plane".

Block Planes:

WW block planes are difficult to date. There may be some date pointers such as differing shades of paintwork etc., referred to in the block plane section. Planes packed in L1 labelled boxes are c.1954/57 and those in L2 boxes are c.1957/61. The later planes have casting marks and numbers on the underside front of the clamping plate/lever cap and are thought to be outsourced parts. See IMG 0623.
WPI and a penciled price, if available, will assist.

IMG 0623

Later W110/W130 clamping plate
with cast marks, c.1957/61

IMG 0624

RW130 showing Record parts.

RW bock planes underwent similar changes to bench planes and have the same date ranges, 1961/62 and 1962/65. Changeover planes with mixed parts were packed in L2 boxes and later ones in simple card boxes with a similar label to L3. Later Woden and Record 110 and 130 block planes appear to have used the same production line. The only difference being either a Woden or Record marked cutter and either a Woden or Record box and instructions. Here is a summary of the parts which differentiate between WW and RW block planes. Full details may be found in the block plane page. See IMGs 0624, 0625 and 0626.

Record body with thinner, top painted and rounded sides, a 'teardrop' at the heel and twin fin cutter support;
No brand cast marks, just No. o110 or No 130 etc.;
Clamping plate with no 'window' at the front;
Die cast alloy cutter locking wheel;
Woden brand stamp marked cutter and
Record shaped knob with reduced sized hanger bolt fixing to smaller boss.

IMG 0625

Changeover L2 boxed W110, c.1961/62

IMG 0626

Full Record spec. No.110, L3 boxed, c.1962/65

Late RW block planes are not very common in the U.K. I have only seen the one example (above right) in the last three years.