Chaplin #20 Block Plane
To the best of my research this a #20. The difference between the #20 and the #30 is the finish. The #20 was japanned and the #30 was nickel plated.
If i had to guess, I would say this originally had the red japan.
And of course http://www.petermcbride.com/chaplin/ is most useful.
This block plane is a pure collector piece. The rack and pinion is worn enough it doesn’t work very well.
This add is from Wm Walters catalog reprint.
(My # CH-082020-1)
