The Stanley No. 19 is a block plane from the Sweetheart era (ca. 1920–1934), named after the characteristic "STANLEY" logo with a heart inside the letter A. It is a standard block plane with a 20° bed angle, designed for one-hand use.
Sweetheart era
Sweetheart refers to Stanley irons bearing a logo with a heart (heart) in the letter A of "STANLEY" — approximately 1920–1934. This logo is the first reliable visual dating without further examination. Planes from this period are considered among the finest Stanley produced — better steel, more careful assembly.
Block plane vs. bench plane
Block planes are one-handed and shorter than bench planes. The iron is bedded bevel up, unlike bench planes (bevel down). The 20° bed of the No. 19 matches the standard No. 9½ — both suitable for with-the-grain work and light chamfering.
Catalogue entry
The No. 19 is not an active tool in the collection — this page serves as catalogue documentation of the model in the context of the Stanley block plane series.