Joseph Henry Abbott founded the business in 1853 with a store that supplied everyday essential items to those seeking their fortune on the goldfields. The timing and choice of store ensured that he would become a prominent part of the Bendigo business scene. Abbott's next venture was to establish the New Times Boot Market & Factory in Pall Mall, Sandhurst. In 1867, his wife took over running the shop which was located next to the Bendigo Arcade near Williamson Street. In 1876, the leather business of T Baulderstone was purchased, and operations were further expanded later by the acquisition of the Edinburgh Tannery at Sheepwash Creek, and The Edinburgh Leather & Grindery warehouse in Bull Street, Sandhurst. In 1889, Joseph Abbott passed all interests in the business to his son, who shared the same name, in partnership with an adopted son, Richard Hartley Smith Abbott. The business continued trading under the name J H Abbott & Co.Price List from Gair's Melbourne Canvas Goods Manufacturers 36 Pages: All types of canvas bags and buckets; saddle bags; tents and flys; grass catchers; umbrellas; dust covers; blinds, curtains and awnings; wagon and lorry covers; tennis nets; capenters' aprons; hoses; hammocks; swings; chairs; quoits; sleeping bags; pennants; flags; etc.history, bendigo, abbott collection, gair's melbourne canvas manufacturers

A timber plane , or jack plane (or fore plane) is a carpenters or cabinet makers tool that is used for dressing timber down to the correct size in preparation for truing and/or edge jointing.A significant tool from the mid to late 19th century that is still in use today. It gives context of how furniture and other finishes were created on timber by the use of cutting edged hand tools. Tools that were themselves handmade shows the craftsmanship of the era but also highlights craftsmanship needed to produce a even finish.Carpenters Plane also referred to a Joiner or Jack Plane. Long rectangular shaped timber block with carved timber grip handle, timber block support and blade. Square shaped opening Infront of block and blade, tapers to a small slot to the bottom to allow for the timber shaving to fall through. The initials KB are written on the side of the itemcapenter, wood work, construction, box plane, cabinet maker