Over the years I locally acquired a range of Bailey planes from 3 
through 8 (in an area where good handtools are not readily found). All 
are used regularly for woodworking.

I did not have a 5, only a 5 1/2 C which is of a heft and width a bit 
bigger than I preferred for most jobs.

Consequently several years ago I picked up a lighter plane nominally 
size 5. The only markings are the letters RAE in an ellipse on the 
blade, and N5 in raised lettering on the toe. It seems a bit lighter 
in heft than a Bailey equivalent and is 13.5 inches long vice 14 
inches. But otherwise looks the same.

Internet searches over the years yielded other RAE marked tools but no 
answers about their origin. Someone came across a 4 inch vice marked 
RAE. Another fellow found an old RAE 16" metal shaper. But no info 
about the company.

I'm not a collector (really), but do like to know a tool's origin.

Any information from this learned group would be appreciated.

regards
Steve -- in Thunder Bay, Ontario

------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Canadian maker: National

See: http://forum.canadianwoodworking.com/showthread.php?p
http://forum.canadianwoodworking.com/showthread.php?p Darren Addy
Kearney, NE
------------------------------------------------------------------------