Last updated on June 8, 2026

A Comprehensive Reference Guide to Defiance Bench and Block Planes

For many years, Defiance by Stanley planes were viewed simply as economy versions of Stanley’s premium offerings. Modern collectors, however, have come to recognize that the Defiance line developed a character and history all its own.

One of the challenges facing collectors today is the lack of a comprehensive reference covering the full range of Defiance bench and block planes. Surviving catalogs, collector discoveries, and documented examples reveal a surprisingly diverse lineup that extends far beyond the commonly encountered No. 1204 smoothing plane.

This checklist is intended as a working reference for collectors seeking to build a representative Defiance plane collection and document known variations.

Understanding Defiance Model Suffixes

Before examining individual models, collectors should understand an important distinction in Defiance nomenclature.

Capital “C”

A capital C designates a corrugated sole.

Examples include:

• 1203C
• 1204C
• 1205C

These planes feature grooves cast into the sole to reduce friction during use.

Lowercase “c”

A lowercase c designates a cadmium-coated finish and does not indicate a corrugated sole.

Example:

• 1247c

This distinction is frequently misunderstood and is one of the first details collectors should learn.

Bench Plane Checklist

Defiance No. 1202

□ Length: 7½ inches

□ Iron Width: 1¾ inches or possibly 1⅝ inches

□ Status: Unconfirmed

The 1202 remains one of the most intriguing mysteries in Defiance collecting.

While references occasionally appear in collector discussions, documented examples remain scarce. Some collectors question whether the plane was ever produced as a cataloged model.

Until a verified example surfaces, the 1202 should be considered a research target rather than an established production plane.

Defiance No. 1203

□ Length: 8 inches

□ Iron Width: 1¾ inches

The 1203 is the smallest confirmed Defiance bench plane and one of the most desirable models for collectors assembling a complete set.

Because it was produced in smaller numbers than the 1204, clean examples can be surprisingly difficult to locate.

Defiance No. 1203C

□ Length: 8 inches

□ Iron Width: 1¾ inches

□ Corrugated Sole

□ Produced only in 1933

The 1203C is among the most important planes in the Defiance collector universe.

Its single-year production makes it significantly scarcer than the standard 1203.

For collectors pursuing completeness, the 1203C is considered a key acquisition.

Defiance No. 1204

□ Length: 9 inches

□ Iron Width: 2 inches

The No. 1204 is unquestionably the flagship plane of the Defiance line.

It is the model most commonly encountered today and serves as the cornerstone of most collections.

Many surviving examples show evidence of heavy use, reflecting the plane’s popularity among homeowners and tradesmen.

Defiance No. 1204C

□ Length: 9¼ inches

□ Iron Width: 2 inches

□ Corrugated Sole

□ Produced only in 1933

Like the 1203C, the 1204C enjoyed only a brief production run.

Its combination of historical significance and relative scarcity makes it one of the most sought-after Defiance bench planes.

Defiance No. 1205

□ Length: 14 inches

□ Iron Width: 2 inches

The largest standard Defiance bench plane.

As a jack plane, the 1205 was heavily used and often modified throughout its working life.

Finding examples retaining original cutters and handles is increasingly difficult.

Defiance No. 1205C

□ Length: 14 inches

□ Iron Width: 2 inches

□ Corrugated Sole

□ Produced only in 1933

The 1205C completes the corrugated bench plane series.

Many advanced collectors consider obtaining all three corrugated models to be a major collecting milestone.

Integral Frog Series

One of the most fascinating areas of Defiance collecting involves the integral frog planes.

Unlike traditional Bailey-style construction, these planes feature the frog cast as part of the body.

Defiance No. 1213

□ Length: 9 inches

□ Iron Width: 1⅝ inches

□ Integral Frog Construction

The 1213 represents Stanley’s effort to produce a simpler and more economical bench plane.

Examples are encountered less frequently than the 1204.

Defiance No. 1213½

□ Length: 9¼ inches

□ Iron Width: 1¾ inches

□ Integral Frog Construction

The larger companion to the 1213.

Collectors often seek both models as a matched pair.

Defiance No. 1243

□ Length: 8¼ inches

□ Iron Width: 1¾ inches

□ Integral Frog Construction

A compact bench plane that bridges the gap between traditional smoothing planes and utility planes.

Defiance No. 1244

□ Length: 9¼ inches

□ Iron Width: 1 13/16 inches

□ Integral Frog Construction

The 1244 remains one of the more recognizable members of the integral frog family.

Defiance No. 1245

□ Length: 14 inches

□ Iron Width: 2 inches

□ Integral Frog Construction

The largest and most imposing of the integral frog planes.

Often viewed as the companion to the 1205 within the simplified plane series.

Block Plane Checklist

Defiance block planes represent a collecting specialty of their own.

Defiance 205 / 1245 Block Plane

□ Length: 6¼ inches

□ Iron Width: 1 7/16 inches

□ Folded Steel Body

□ Produced approximately 1927–1935

One of the most distinctive Defiance planes ever produced.

Its folded-body construction immediately separates it from the cast-iron designs found elsewhere in the lineup.

Defiance No. 1220

□ Length: 7 inches

□ Iron Width: 1⅝ inches

A straightforward utility block plane that remains popular with collectors.

Defiance No. 1247

□ Length: 6½ inches

□ Iron Width: 1⅝ inches

A commonly collected Defiance block plane.

Defiance No. 1247c

□ Length: 6½ inches

□ Iron Width: 1⅝ inches

□ Cadmium-Coated Finish

The lowercase “c” identifies the cadmium-coated version.

Collectors should take care not to confuse this designation with the corrugated sole models.

Defiance No. 1248

First Version

□ Length: 7 inches

□ Iron Width: 1 5/16 inches

□ Low-Angle Design

□ Produced 1934–1941

This early low-angle design is among the most desirable Defiance block planes.

Second Version

□ Length: 5½ inches

□ Iron Width: 1⅜ inches

□ Produced 1951

The later 1248 differs substantially from the earlier version and should be considered a separate collecting target.

Defiance No. 1248A

□ Length: 6⅝ inches

□ Iron Width: 1¾ inches

□ Produced 1934–1941

The 1248A adds another layer of complexity to the Defiance block plane series and remains an important model for advanced collectors.

Cutter Iron Variations

One of the most overlooked areas of Defiance collecting involves cutter irons.

Collectors should document every example encountered.

Known variations include:

□ Standard DEFIANCE stampings

□ Horizontal logo stampings

□ Multiple trademark arrangements

□ Deep-stamped examples

□ Light-stamped examples

The Sideways-Stamped Defiance Irons

Among the most interesting known variations are irons apparently created from standard Stanley stock.

Collectors occasionally encounter irons where:

• A regular Stanley cutter appears to have been shortened.
• The word “DEFIANCE” is stamped sideways across the cutter.
• Evidence of Stanley manufacturing characteristics remains visible.

These examples provide insight into Stanley’s manufacturing practices and may reflect the company’s use of existing inventory for Defiance production.

Many advanced collectors actively seek these unusual irons.

The Complete Defiance Plane Collection

A collector pursuing every currently documented Defiance plane would seek:

Bench Planes

□ 1203

□ 1203C

□ 1204

□ 1204C

□ 1205

□ 1205C

□ 1213

□ 1213½

□ 1243

□ 1244

□ 1245

Block Planes

□ 1220

□ 205/1245

□ 1247

□ 1247c

□ Early 1248

□ Late 1248

□ 1248A

Research Targets

□ 1202 (unconfirmed)

Preserving a Living History

Unlike many tool lines that have been thoroughly documented, Defiance collecting continues to evolve. New discoveries, previously unknown variations, and surviving catalog material regularly expand our understanding of Stanley’s economy brand.

Every documented plane, photographed cutter iron, surviving box, and catalog page contributes to a growing body of knowledge.

For today’s collectors, preserving that information is every bit as important as preserving the tools themselves.