That increases the difficulty for sure. The light chunks make me thing it isn't rosewood but that could just be the finish flaking. There are places where it is clearly worn down to bare wood and is very dark but I think that is just dirt and oil worked in to the wood over the years. If I had to guess I would say it is "hardwood" and not rosewood but it's hard to tell just from these pictures.
I would have suggested this, but my beech knob and tote were dipped in stain so the bottom was actually darker, even when scratched. I scraped and now have to refinish with stain.
Colour is too light for rosewood but it’s impossible to tell what it is with that stain and lacquer on.
What makes you think it’s beech? Did Millers planes come as standard with either beech or rose?
Some of the millers falls planes of the time were starting to use cheaper materials because of the war I think the type 2s were slightly before the war so the only real distinguishing between a type 2 and a type 2b is the rosewood handles. Also Im assuming that they used beech as their cheaper hardwood
I really like [this site](https://www.justtheplanefacts.com/no-9) for reference. It's pretty hard to tell to be honest. I can't be sure, but some parts look to be brass. That would be an indication that it's not stained hardwood. Also the totes in the wartime type 3's have a slightly different shape, a little "S" like, while the other types were more straight. This tote doesn't seem to have that contour, so that might be another indication.
Remove the tote and look at the bottom of it. Sometimes there is less/no finish on the bottom and it's easier to tell.
Should've probably clarified in the post I haven't actually gotten my hands on plane yet am merely trying to find out before I buy😅
That increases the difficulty for sure. The light chunks make me thing it isn't rosewood but that could just be the finish flaking. There are places where it is clearly worn down to bare wood and is very dark but I think that is just dirt and oil worked in to the wood over the years. If I had to guess I would say it is "hardwood" and not rosewood but it's hard to tell just from these pictures.
I would have suggested this, but my beech knob and tote were dipped in stain so the bottom was actually darker, even when scratched. I scraped and now have to refinish with stain.
Colour is too light for rosewood but it’s impossible to tell what it is with that stain and lacquer on. What makes you think it’s beech? Did Millers planes come as standard with either beech or rose?
Some of the millers falls planes of the time were starting to use cheaper materials because of the war I think the type 2s were slightly before the war so the only real distinguishing between a type 2 and a type 2b is the rosewood handles. Also Im assuming that they used beech as their cheaper hardwood
I really like [this site](https://www.justtheplanefacts.com/no-9) for reference. It's pretty hard to tell to be honest. I can't be sure, but some parts look to be brass. That would be an indication that it's not stained hardwood. Also the totes in the wartime type 3's have a slightly different shape, a little "S" like, while the other types were more straight. This tote doesn't seem to have that contour, so that might be another indication.
This is a good source thanks for posting. Been looking for this info.
Millers Falls used bubinga into the 1950’s so those should refinish really well. I think they did add red stain.
If you scratch the finish and it’s a different color, it’s not rosewood.
It's painted wood afaik.
It’s Nordic cherry