Bruce said:
  The raised portion
> > around the knob and the half turnover on the lateral.  I may be wrong,
but I
> > feel this identifies the better made planes and if they made planes with
any
> > other features, they just aren't the same quality.

Then Steve wrote:
>     The toe on Type 1 planes has the  "Millers Falls" cast into it.
> The successive types have the radiating ribs from the knob boss.  Both
> are unique and distinct, but the radiating ribs are not viewable until
> the knob  is removed.

I guess this is what I'm referring to.  The raised portion of the toe where
the knob sits has been consistent on the planes I've seen.  I would think it
would be cost-prohibitive to have a second casting that did not have this
raise.  I don't remove the knob to look for the ribs, just look around the
knob for the raised area.  I'm not disagreeing that the frog has the gap you
have all mentioned, just that if the plane in question I'm looking at
doesn't have the raised area, I dismiss it as a second rate plane.  And you
are absolutely on target that lateral levers do get changed over the years
and are not reliable indicators of manufacture. OTOH, there is always the
question in my mind if I want a plane that has had that much monkeying.  I
buy to use or resell.  As a user, it may have other problems, and as a
resale item, it loses value to the potential purchaser if not original.

Just my opinion, and that is worth what it cost you. (chuckle)

Bruce Z.
Kearney, MO
Who really enjoys the different points of view we have on the Porch.....