10/18/2026
ISRAEL WHITE MYSTERIES: A Legendary Pump Log Plane & An Intriguing Three-Arm Plow.
Operating out of Philadelphia in the early-to-mid 19th century, White is revered by wooden plane collectors as one of the most innovative, fiercely independent American makers to ever strike a stamp.
Both of these lots represent completely different ends of White's historic craftsmanship—ranging from a heavy-duty industrial utility plane to a highly complex, multi-armed mystery variation.
Here is a closer look at the treasures crossing the block:
🧭 Lot 401: Unmarked Israel White Patent Three-Arm Plow Plane (An absolute riddle!)
The History: This is a spectacular puzzle for advanced tool scholars. While completely unmarked, this plane is virtually identical to the legendary first version of Israel White’s famous patent layout (illustrated in PTAMPIA I, Plate 12).
The Variations: It features two major quirks that make it incredibly intriguing. First, it utilizes heavy, custom cast brass locking screws for the outer nuts—a luxury attribute never before documented on an authenticated White plow. Second, the iron skate toe features a beautiful, stylized ogee shape rather than being squared off. Whether this was an unrecorded prototype variation straight from White’s Philadelphia workshop or a masterpiece copy built by a rival artisan, it is unquestionably from the correct pre-Civil War era.
The Details: Crafted from a rich, dense fruitwood body. The initials "CSS" are proudly stamped into the end of the fence guide.
Condition: Graded Good. The fruitwood body is clean with honest workspace scratches and dings, and the wooden threads are entirely undamaged. Notes a historic crack in the outer nut, two tight splits in the front shoulder, a missing depth stop locking screw hole in the left cheek, and a rough, non-original replacement wedge.
Estimate: $800 – $1,600
🪓 Lot 286: Israel White Signed 15-3/4" Pump Log Plane
The History: A phenomenal piece of early American infrastructure history! Long before cast-iron or PVC pipes existed, cities ran water lines through hollowed-out wooden pine logs. A pump log plane was a highly specialized, heavy-duty instrument used to taper and fit the joints of these underground wooden water mains.
The Details: Measures a substantial 15-3/4" long and features an authentic, open tote handle profile. Struck with White's highly collectible B1 factory maker stamp on the toe. It comes outfitted with a premium, heavy 2" James Cam cutter iron.
Condition: Graded Good. The wood displays significant, honest workshop wear from a lifetime of rugged use, but suffers absolutely zero major structural damage.
Estimate: $100 – $200
📆 Auction takes place live, in-person on October 31 in York, PA
🧳 Can’t make it to York?
👉Click the link below to browse the full catalog, and absentee bid!
https://www.finetoolj.com
