Vintage Stanley No. 47 Marking Gauge, Made in USA Woodworking Layout Tool
Viridian Eclection
The Piece
A Stanley No. 47 marking gauge in hardwood and steel, made in the United States.
It has a sliding fence, a ruled beam and a steel marking pin, and it was built to do one thing exceptionally well: lay down clean, consistent lines before the cut is made. The ruler marks are still visible on the beam.
The wood has warmed with age and the surfaces carry honest wear. It is stamped Stanley, No. 47 and Made in U.S.A.
It still feels purposeful in the hand, with the unmistakable look of a tool made to be used rather than admired from a distance.
History & Provenance
The Stanley Rule and Level Company was one of the most important names in American toolmaking, producing the measuring, layout and woodworking tools that became staples in shops across the country. The No. 47 marking gauge sits squarely in that tradition of practical design.
Gauges like this were essential to cabinetmakers, carpenters and woodworkers. The adjustable fence slides along the beam to set the distance from the edge of a board, and the steel pin scribes a repeatable line parallel to it, for joinery, trimming and general layout work. It is a simple tool, but the kind of simple that survives for generations because it works.
The dating rests on the stamp and the maker's own production history rather than a dated mark. Stamped Stanley No. 47 Made in U.S.A., the example carries the quiet authority of mid twentieth century American toolmaking, when even the most basic shop tools were made with durability in mind.
Product Details
| Era | Mid twentieth century |
| Maker | Stanley |
| Model | No. 47 |
| Origin | Made in U.S.A. |
| Form | Woodworking marking gauge and layout tool with sliding fence, ruled beam and steel marking pin |
| Materials | Hardwood and steel |
| Marks | Stanley, No. 47, Made in U.S.A. |
| Condition | Vintage wear and patina consistent with workshop use. Ruler markings visible. Steel marking pin present |
| Dimensions | To be confirmed |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
The gauge has the right balance of utility and character. It works as a practical addition to a woodworking bench, and it holds its own as an object, with strong form, warm aged wood and real workshop history.
It appeals to both sides of the vintage tool world: the collector who values original markings and maker identity, and the craftsman who still appreciates a simple, well made hand tool.
On a bench, a shelf or a desk it reads as what it is, a piece of working equipment that earned its place and kept it.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
