B67-115 FRENCH SMOOTHING PLANE. Fremy Patent. Cutter adjustment mechanism patented in 1858 by Jean-Baptiste Fremy of Dijon. The cutter has two holes that fit over pins that are moved by a screw adjusted by a wingnut. A second screw with a capstan head adjusts the position of cap iron, and a steel box wedge with a third screw locks the whole thing into place. See page 129 of David Russell's Antique Woodworking Tools, where David illustrates the mechanism and claims that only two examples are known; this one makes three. 8-3/4" long and appears to be made of cormier; the cutter has pitting that obscures the mark but the body is clearly marked by Fremy. A clever but over-complicated design, doomed to failure. From the collection of Steve Dice. Good+ 500-1000