Coffin style plane

[Kenbo]

A friend of mine (my oldest friend actually) dropped by last week to say hello. He said he had a present for me. This is what he brought over. The wood in the coffin is still in great shape and the metal at the toe is also in great shape. The blade needs to be re-ground and sharpened because it has been sharpened too many times by hand and it is in poor shape. Everything else seems to be in great condition on this plane and there were still wood shavings in it when I took it apart.
Although I don't know much about it, I do know that I like it a lot. Any insight into this plane and its use?

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[ButchC]

Same shape as mine, but mine is all wooden construction. I was also curious, and found this blog at www.sawmillcreek.org

http://www.fullchisel.com/blog/?p=256

It's this guy's personal opinion, but it sounds good to me. I especially like comment #8 at the bottom that states "because that's the way we've always done it."

 

[Brink]

It's a smoother, Ken. To be used instead of sandpaper. Love to see it working.