Since the early days of metal planes there were quite a few designs based on the idea of “miniature” planes, although in truth they were not true miniature planes, but rather just tiny planes. Some manufacturers even used the term “toy” plane. Miniature assumes some level of similarity to a normal size plane, i.e. it applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale. In all likelihood these planes evolved because the likes of cabinetmakers and joiners wanted a small plane to do small jobs like planing trim in hard to reach areas. One example would be to make small adjustments to room trim, or other architectural features.
They appeared in the late 1800s at the same time as the move towards the use of metal planes. It possible that the concept of a small plane evolved from violin (luthier) makers planes (also known as the model makers planes) which have been around since the 16th century. There are limits to the size of small planes which can be crafted in wood, and in all likelihood they evolved because of a need and advances in technology.
One of the earliest tiny planes was likely the Stanley No.101 which appeared in 1877. This was followed by Stanley’s No.101½ bullnose in 1880 (which didn’t actually appear in any catalogs). It was not until 1936 that Stanley introduced the No.100½ curved bottom. The No.101 and No. 100½ were produced until 1962, however the No. 101½ was discontinued in 1929. Stanley also offered a No.201 which was just a nickel plated version of the 101, from 1890 to 1910. At the same time, Bailey’s “Victor Plane Company” introduced a line of five tiny planes – the No.50, No.50½, No.51, No.51½, and No.52. They were produced for a short period from 1880-1884, and all had cast iron bodies but differing finishes and adjustment mechanisms.
Most of the tiny planes that came after those of Stanley took on the structure of the No.104 – 3½” in length with a 1” wide blade. Sargent also produced a tiny block plane, the No.104. manufactured from 1887-1944. Millers Falls sold tiny planes for a number of years, including the No.33 “non-adjustable block plane”, manufactured from 1929-1974. It was designed for model and instrument makers.
What about modern miniature planes? The there are a few that fit the bill. Veritas makes the tiny Pocket Plane, and Lie Nielsen make three miniatures: the Violin Maker’s Plane, the Model Maker’s Block Plane, and the Convex Sole Block Plane.
working by hand 
The violin maker’s plane, the model maker’s plane, and the veritas pocket plane all do the same thing, yet they are worded to appear as if they are made to perform different tasks.
Yes, hard to know why. I always wished that Lee Valley had numbered all their planes in the conventional manner. The violin makers plane is also not the traditional form of VM plane. Probably they should all be termed modelmakers planes… with differing numbers.
It always boils down to one thing: marketing. That’s what this is, and the same applies to hand planes. Realistically, all we need is a 5 1/2; it can perform as a roughing plane, sometimes as a jointer, and definitely as a smoother. I rarely use my No. 4. Not because I don’t like it, but because my 5 1/2 covers it, and so I simply have no real use for it. I recently learned that Rob Cosman is of the same opinion, and I know that the late Krenov also just used the 5 1/2. Now that I have said all that, I will make an effort to use it.
Thanks for this insight! I am a budding woodworker and have been gifted one premium plane of my choice…now I am of course overwhelmed with that choice. I am leaning towards the 4 1/2 of Lee Nielsen or Clifton, mainly because I sometimes wish my No. 4 were wider. Now your comment has me doubting again 😄 Any thoughts on what criteria I could use to come to a conclusion would be much appreciated!
Julius, that’s easy; go for a 4 1/2 Lie Nielsen. It is a better-built plane all around and comes with a lifetime warranty as long as LN is still in business, and yes, they do honour that without question. Hence, I prefer my 5 1/2 over the four. It’s just as wide as a 4 1/2 and can be used on shooting boards, jointing smaller-length timber for box making. I also thoroughly enjoy using my wooden jointer and jack. If you have big hands, then the No. 4 will slightly feel uncomfortable. The thing you need to remember is that there is no right nor wrong here. People use what they feel comfortable with, what they’re used to, and what makes them happy. If you can borrow a No.4 use it for a couple of weeks every day, then switch to a 4 1/2, and you will know which plane you prefer.