No.97

The No. 97 is the big brother of the 5-1/2 X 1-3/8 No. 55. The lever cap is secured with a tension wheel. The iron adjustment is controlled with a paddle extension lever that rocks the iron depth adjusting seat back and forth moving the iron very slightly. The iron has a series of micro grooves that engage a matched set of ridges on the depth adjusting seat. If the cap is overtightened and the lever is forced, the grooves on the iron, and or the ridged on the seat will be stripped and the plane is now a good looking door stop. The plane has a fixed mouth and is bed at 20 degree with a bevel up configuration.

Type 1 Configuration 1929 to 1935

• Millers Falls name and number are cast around the front finger support.

• The iron landing has a full surface with no recess.

• After the initial release, the name and number are stamped on the cheek.

• The mouth is very narrow - 7/64”

• Lever cap is painted red. Short time later the caps are black.

• “Since 1868” iron trademark (see irons for more details)

Type 2 Configuration 1936 to 1944

• The embossed Millers Falls name and number are removed from the casting.

• Iron landing has a recessed area.

• The mouth has increased to 13/64”

• 1942, Knob is a stained hardwood.

Type 3 Configuration 1945 to 1960

• Knob is secured to the bed with a 10-24 flat head machine screw.

• 1949 - Iron trademark changed to “Solid Tool Steel”

• 1949, Knob made of rosewood.

• 1956, Knob made of tropical Goncalo wood.

• The June 1960 price sheet no longer lists the No. 97.