Rare Antique A. Howland Cayuga Wood Compass Plane w/Double Stamped Beehive Iron For Sale

Up for sale is a highly collectible and historically significant 19th-Century Wooden Compass Plane manufactured by A. Howland & Co. during their brief operation in Cayuga County, New York (circa 1869–1874).This exceptional piece features a matching, deeply stamped "Cayuga NY" and premium "Record" beechwood body. Most notably, the cutting iron boasts a remarkable factory double-stamping error—a crisp, clear strike of the famous Howland Beehive logo with a partial "ghost stamp" shifted slightly above it. Because A. Howland & Co. relied heavily on New York prison labor contracts during a tumultuous five-year window, verified factory errors and fully intact, non-marriaged regional pieces like this are highly sought after by antique tool historians.🛠️ Item Specifications

• Manufacturer: A. Howland & Co. (Auburn / Cayuga, New York)
• Mfg. Era: Circa 1869 – 1874
• Plane Type: Wooden Compass Smoothing Plane (Curved sole for concave/convex work)
• Body Material: American Beechwood
• Body Markings: Stamped "Cayuga NY" on the toe; Stamped "Record" on both the toe and heel.
• Iron Markings: Features the iconic Howland Beehive Logo with a documented Factory Double-Strike / Ghost Stamp Error (partial strike visible just above the primary stamp)

📜 Historical ContextA. Howland & Co. holds a legendary status among American tool collectors due to its brief, five-year existence. Born out of the competitive offerding wars over the Auburn State Prison labor contracts in New York, the company operated exclusively between 1869 and 1874 before being re-absorbed by the Auburn Tool Company.The "Cayuga NY" stamp identifies this as part of Howland's specialized regional line, while the "Record" stamp denotes it as a premium, top-tier retail offering. The double-stamped iron is a textbook factory anomaly from the 1870s workspace, where a cold-rolled steel punch slipped or bounced during production. This unique flaw adds an undeniable layer of authenticity and a premium edge for anomaly and error collectors.🔍 Condition Report

• Wood Body: Wood is in Good, Antique condition. It shows beautiful, authentic patina with No major cracks. The curved sole remains smooth with minor has minor scratches.
• Iron/Blade: The iron retains a fantastic, readable Beehive trademark and the ghost strike. Shows minimal pitting and rust, WITHOUT the usual hammer strike dents at the top of the iron.
• Wedge: Comes with original matching beechwood wedge. Fits snugly.