This article is from the Woodworking FAQ Collection 1, by multiple authors.
The standard pattern of bench plane that we all take for granted
was invented by a man named Leonard Bailey. Bailey invented
three major parts of this design: the moveable frog (the wedge
shaped iron support on which the plane blade rests), the lever
cap iron securing system, and the depth adjustment wheel and yoke
system. Later the improvement of the lateral adjustment lever
was added. The Stanley company saw the potential success of
Bailey's design and bought the patents from him. To honor the
dude of whom they quickly tired (there were several patent
lawsuits between them), they cast and engraved his name all over
their planes for some years. This is why many of the Stanley
planes have "Bailey" cast into them. The earliest ones also have
it engraved in the chip breaker and adjustment wheel as well.
 
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