A spokeshave was made with a wooden body and metal cutting blade. With industrialization metal bodies displaced wood in mass-produced tools. Spokeshaves can be made from flat-bottom, concave, or convex soles, depending on the type of job to be performed. They can include one or more sharpened notches along which the wooden shaft is pulled in order to shave it down to the proper diameter. Historically, spokeshave blades were made of metal, and the body and handles were wood. Unlike a drawknife, but like a plane, spokeshaves typically have a sole plate that fixes the angle of the blade relative to the surface being worked. By the twentieth-century metal handles and detachable blades had become the most common. A convex, wooden, variant of the spokeshave is called a travisher; at one time mostly used in chairmaking.A tool of the cooper and other woodworking tradesmen that has been in use since the making of barrels and wooden buckets for hundreds of years without much change to the design or how the tool is used.Spokeshave, with two wooden handles on either side. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, coopers tools, spokeshave, barrel making, wood plane, wagon making, joiners tools, carpenter tools

Part of carpenters' tools used on sailing ships from England to AustraliaMetal file with pointed endtrades, carpentry

Part of collection of Carpenters' tools used on sailing ships from England to Australia7 metal centre bits of various sizes for drilling in wood.NA987.1 Arthur NA987.2 Marples and Sons 11/16 NA987.3 Larnshaw BRC Sheffield NA987.4 JOHN WILSON Sheffield NA987.5 1 1/4 NA987.6 W.Marples + Sons NA987.7 R.Sorby Casteeltrades, carpentry

Part of collection of Carpenters' tools used on sailing ship from England to AustraliaSharpening stone which may be natural stone. Set on piece of wood with wooden cover inset inside to contain stone.trades, carpentry

Part of collection of carpenters' tools used on sailing ships from England to AustraliaRound wooden centre with metal tools at each endtrades, carpentry

Part of collection of carpenters' tools used on sailing ships from England to AustraliaRosewood and Brass mortice gaugeDuncan on stocktrades, carpentry

Part of collection of carpenters' tools used on sailing ships from England to AustraliaBeech marking gaugeW B D on wooden beam or stemtrades, carpentry

Part of collection of carpenters' tools used on sailing ships from England to Australia14 shell bits - two different types and in differing sizesThe name Sorby, Mathieson and Ridgway are endorsed on some bits.trades, carpentry

Part of collection of carpenters' tools used on sailing ships from England to Australia8 hand made nails in various sizestrades, carpentry

Part of collection of carpenters' tools used on sailing ships from England to AustraliaMetal file with pointed endtrades, carpentry

Part of collection of carpenters' tools used on sailing ships from England to AustraliaMetal file with pointed endtrades, carpentry

Part of collection of carpenters' tools used on sailing ships from England to AustraliaRasp - type of file with very rough sidestrades, carpentry

Part of collection of carpenter's tools used on sailing ships from England to AustraliaThin round 'rat-tail' file with flat faceted endtrades, carpentry

The tool is used for establishing a horizontal plane, it consists of a small glass tube containing alcohol or similar liquid and an air bubble. The tube is sealed and fixed horizontally in a wooden or metallic block or frame with a smooth lower surface. The glass tube is slightly bowed, and adjustment to the horizontal is indicated by the movement of the bubble. The device is on a level surface when the bubble is in the middle of the glass tube. The level sensitivity is proportional to the radius of the curvature of the glass. The spirit or bubble level consists of a sealed glass tube containing alcohol and an air bubble. It was invented in 1661 and was first used on telescopes and later on surveying instruments, but it did not become a carpenter's tool until the factory-made models were introduced in the mid-19th century. The circular level, in which a bubble floated under a circular glass to indicate the level in all directions, was invented in 1777. But It lacked the sensitivity of the conventional level.A hand tool that has not changed much since its invention in 1661, this tool is used today and although the materials it is made from have changed it's use has not.Spirit level wooden with two windows one of which has a piece of brass sheet metal protecting it.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, hand tool, spirit level, carpenders tool, builders tool, surveyors instrument

The tool is used for establishing a horizontal plane, it consists of a small glass tube containing alcohol or similar liquid and an air bubble. The tube is sealed and fixed horizontally in a wooden or metallic block or frame with a smooth lower surface. The glass tube is slightly bowed, and adjustment to the horizontal is indicated by the movement of the bubble. The device is on a level surface when the bubble is in the middle of the glass tube. The level sensitivity is proportional to the radius of the curvature of the glass. The spirit or bubble level consists of a sealed glass tube containing alcohol and an air bubble. It was invented in 1661 and was first used on telescopes and later on surveying instruments, but it did not become a carpenter's tool until the factory-made models were introduced in the mid-19th century. The circular level, in which a bubble floated under a circular glass to indicate the level in all directions, was invented in 1777. But It lacked the sensitivity of the conventional level.A hand tool that has not changed much since its invention in 1661, this tool is used today and although the materials it is made from have changed it's use has not.Spirit level wooden has 2 glass levels, 1 horizontal & 1 vertical Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Used from the mid 1920s to mark timber so that it could be cut with a saw. It was an essential tool for carpenters.Used by Alan Tyers who worked for the State Electricity Commission of Victoria on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.Carpenter's essential equipment. Used for marking timber so it can be cut with a saw. Wooden screw on the side allows the square wooden block to slide along the length of wood which is almost square at the end but with 2 flat sides and 2 rounded sides. Plated with 2 strips of brass on the square block. Sold for 1/3 in the 1920s. There is a nail through one end. carpenter, cabinet maker, secv, tool, marples, marking gauge

Pittock collection: four carpenter/painter's tools * rusted putty knife, 260mm L x 32 mm W * white painted putty knife, 210 mm L x 25 mm W * red handled spatula, rusted blade, marked A ?eg Steel product, 195 mm L x 25 mm W * steel scraping tool with wooden handle, copper sleeve joint, 150 mm L x 100 mm W Items stored in Pittock coach builder's box, reference 13000.1.

This marking gauge has a round head. It is a hand-powered tool and is used to measure and mark a scribed line onto the surface of the wood for the purpose of cutting or aligning. It would have been used by a tradesperson such as a cabinet maker, wood worker or carpenter. The hand tool shows signs of much use. It appears to be appreciated as a tool due to the initials carved into the side of the block. The marking gauge is an example of a hand powered woodworking tool used over the past few centuriesMarking gauge: wooden staff with half-round block secured by a wedge. there is a metal marker on one end. Inscription "WS" crudely engraved in end of block.Carved "W.S."flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, hand tool, woodwork, marking gauge, w.s., measuring tool

A spokeshave is a tool used to shape and smooth wooden rods and shafts - often for use as wheel spokes, chair legs . Spokeshaves can be made from flat-bottom, concave, or convex soles, depending on the type of job to be performed. Spokeshaves can include one or more sharpened notches along which the wooden shaft is pulled in order to shave it down to the proper diameter. Historically, spokeshave blades were made of metal, whilst the body and handles were wood. An early design consisted of a metal blade with a pair of tangs to which the wooden handles were attached. Like a plane, spokeshaves typically have a sole plate that fixes the angle of the blade relative to the surface being worked. By the twentieth century metal handles and detachable blades had become the most common. Preston Tools was an English tool making company also known as E.P. Tools and Edward Preston Tools. Edward Preston Sr. (1805-1883) was first listed as a plane maker at 77 Lichfield Street in the 1833 Birmingham Directory but it is believed he may have started business there as early as 1825. Around 1850 his son, Edward Preston Jr. (1835-1908) left school to join his father's business and he later started up his own "wood and brass spirit level manufactory" at 97-1/2 Lichfield Street by 1864. By 1866 Edward Jr. had added planes, routers, joiners, coach, gun, cabinet and carpenters tools to his line, and the following year he moved his shop from his father's address and relocated to 26 Newton Street, before moving again to a much larger premises at 22-24 Whittall Street. This later became the office and factory of Edward Preston and Sons, who were forced to liquidate in 1934, due mainly to the Great Depression and mismanagement of the company. The plane making concern was sold to the Sheffield firm of C. & J. Hampton, who had subsequently merged in 1932 with Record Ridgeway Ltd.An ornate steel spokeshave wood plane with an adjustable screw.PRESTONS PATENTwoodwork, tools, spokeshave, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, woodplanes, craftwork, bicycle wheels, furniture, cabinetmaking, cartwheels, wagons, drays, preston edward, preston tools ltd

By the end of the nineteenth century, the firm of Edward Preston & Sons was founded in 1825, becoming one of England's leading makers of hand tools and in many ways a British counterpart to America's "Stanley" for its wide range of quality utilitarian tools at affordable prices. Edward Preston Sr. (1798–1883) was first listed as a plane-maker at 77 Lichfield Street in the Birmingham Directory of 1833, but later listings and advertisements assert that the business was started in 1825. Preston is likewise recorded as a plane-maker living with his family in Lichfield Street in the 1841 census, at which time his younger son Edward was 6 years old. Around 1850, his son Edward left school to join his father's business and is recorded in the 1851 census as a plane-maker at his father's address. He appears to have been quite a talented and resourceful young man, as he had later been able to start up his own "wood and brass spirit level manufacturing business at 97½ Lichfield Street by 1864. By 1866, Edward Jnr had added planes, routers, joiners, coach, gun, cabinet, and carpenters tools to his line, and the following year he moved his shop from his father's address and relocated to 26 Newton Street, before moving again to much larger premises at 22–24 Whittall Street. This location became known as the Whittall Works and later was the office and factory of Edward Preston & Sons, Ltd. In 1889 Edward Preston Jnr and his three sons were brought into the firm and the name was changed to Edward Preston & Sons, becoming Edward Preston & Sons Ltd on incorporation in 1898. Part of the firm's output was a healthy line of malleable and gun-metal planes and patent adjustable iron smoothers, shoulder planes, bull-nose, and block planes - a range that was expanded in later years. The 1901 catalog shows several styles of planes that were unique to the Preston brand, along with the usual styles which had already been set by other makers. The death of Edward Preston Jnr was reported in the Lichfield Mercury of 26 September 1913. "Mr. Preston was decided of an innovative turn of mind," the newspaper wrote, "as many of the machines in use at his works, as well as of the tools produced were the invention of himself and his three sons, who now manage the business." The report noted that at the time of his death, the business was carried on at Whittall Works, Cheston Street, Aston, Birmingham. Falling on hard times, the firm of Edward Preston & Sons was sold to the Birmingham firm of John Rabone & Sons in 1932, and shortly thereafter manufacturing rights to some of the Preston range of planes were sold to the Sheffield firm of C. & J. Hampton, who would later merge with the Record Tool Company. Some of the Preston planes were directly added to the Record line by the Hampton firm, while others were modified or discontinued altogether. Generally, all Preston wooden planes are stamped on the front of the plane, the shape, size, and character type of the stamp indicating the age of the plane. On some metal planes, all the parts were stamped with a number or symbol during manufacture. This number was used to re-assemble the parts following a batch process. Not all Preston tools are trade-marked clearly. Early shoulder, rebate, chariot planes, and chamfer rebates commonly appear without trademarks but may have assembly numbers. The "E P" trade-mark was already in use by 1882. The trade-mark "Preston" also appears on some later tools that were manufactured in Sheffield, England. These are generally smoothing planes and appear modern and very similar in construction to other modern manufacturers' planes.The item gives a snapshot of one of England's premier tool manufacturing companies at a time when significant industrial changes were occurring in manufacturing and business structures in the World that were beginning to affect social changes.Ogee moulding Plane Maker E Preston & Sons sticker with date 1904 -1931flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

By the end of the nineteenth century, the firm of Edward Preston & Sons was founded in 1825, becoming one of England's leading makers of hand tools and in many ways a British counterpart to America's "Stanley" for its wide range of quality utilitarian tools at affordable prices. Edward Preston Sr. (1798–1883) was first listed as a plane-maker at 77 Lichfield Street in the Birmingham Directory of 1833, but later listings and advertisements assert that the business was started in 1825. Preston is likewise recorded as a plane-maker living with his family in Lichfield Street in the 1841 census, at which time his younger son Edward was 6 years old. Around 1850, his son Edward left school to join his father's business and is recorded in the 1851 census as a plane-maker at his father's address. He appears to have been quite a talented and resourceful young man, as he had later been able to start up his own "wood and brass spirit level manufacturing business at 97½ Lichfield Street by 1864. By 1866, Edward Jnr had added planes, routers, joiners, coach, gun, cabinet, and carpenters tools to his line, and the following year he moved his shop from his father's address and relocated to 26 Newton Street, before moving again to much larger premises at 22–24 Whittall Street. This location became known as the Whittall Works and later was the office and factory of Edward Preston & Sons, Ltd. In 1889 Edward Preston Jnr and his three sons were brought into the firm and the name was changed to Edward Preston & Sons, becoming Edward Preston & Sons Ltd on incorporation in 1898. Part of the firm's output was a healthy line of malleable and gun-metal planes and patent adjustable iron smoothers, shoulder planes, bull-nose, and block planes - a range that was expanded in later years. The 1901 catalog shows several styles of planes that were unique to the Preston brand, along with the usual styles which had already been set by other makers. The death of Edward Preston Jnr was reported in the Lichfield Mercury of 26 September 1913. "Mr. Preston was decided of an innovative turn of mind," the newspaper wrote, "as many of the machines in use at his works, as well as of the tools produced were the invention of himself and his three sons, who now manage the business." The report noted that at the time of his death, the business was carried on at Whittall Works, Cheston Street, Aston, Birmingham. Falling on hard times, the firm of Edward Preston & Sons was sold to the Birmingham firm of John Rabone & Sons in 1932, and shortly thereafter manufacturing rights to some of the Preston range of planes were sold to the Sheffield firm of C. & J. Hampton, who would later merge with the Record Tool Company. Some of the Preston planes were directly added to the Record line by the Hampton firm, while others were modified or discontinued altogether. Generally, all Preston wooden planes are stamped on the front of the plane, the shape, size, and character type of the stamp indicating the age of the plane. On some metal planes, all the parts were stamped with a number or symbol during manufacture. This number was used to re-assemble the parts following a batch process. Not all Preston tools are trade-marked clearly. Early shoulder, rebate, chariot planes, and chamfer rebates commonly appear without trademarks but may have assembly numbers. The "E P" trade-mark was already in use by 1882. The trade-mark "Preston" also appears on some later tools that were manufactured in Sheffield, England. These are generally smoothing planes and appear modern and very similar in construction to other modern manufacturers' planes.The item gives a snapshot of one of England's premier tool manufacturing companies at a time when significant industrial changes were occurring in manufacturing and business structures in the World that were beginning to affect social changes.Ogee wood moulding plane Maker E Preston & Sons No 5 (Owner A T Nipe) also has A's stamped on ends and the No 7flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

This mortice marking gauge has an adjustable sliding arm. The gauge is used for scribing two lines on a flat surface such as timber for measuring and cutting. It is a hand-powered tool that would have been used by a tradesperson such as a cabinet maker, woodworker or carpenter. The hand tool shows signs of much use. The ‘W. Maples & Sons, Hibernia’s catalogue of 1867 had a very similar tool, called a Mortice Gauge, column 2, page 15. W. MARPLES & SONS- William Marples Snr. had a business on the Sheffield Moor in 1773/74. In 1821 his son William Jnr. At 12 years old began in his father’s joinery business. 1833 the firm was known as a tool manufacturer. In 1838 Marples called his business Hibernian Works and moved to 67-69 Spring Lane, Sheffield. When he moved to Westfield Terrace in 1856, he called his business Hibernia Works (no ‘n’ on the end). The business remained at this address for 116 years. In about 1859 the firm began using the Lyre (Irish harp) mark. In 1860 or so the two brothers, Edwin and William Marples, became partners and the firm became William Marples and Sons. The firm introduced the single shamrock symbol in 1860-61. The boys’ brother Albert joins the firm in 1863. In 1875 the company registered both the name ‘Hibernia’ and the trade mark symbol of a Triple Shamrock and the use of these trademarks continued for many decades, into the 1940 and the firm, with many changes, was still in business in the early 21st century. About Shamrock and Hibernia, both are related to Ireland and W. Marples named his products the Shamrock brand.The marking gauge is an example of a hand powered woodworking tool used over the past few centuries. Its maker was well known for his good quality tools and his business grew because of his reputation.Mortice marking gauge: wooden staff with block and green, adjustable sliding arm within the staff. The end of the staff has a facility for holding the scribe marker. The block has a hole into which a peg or wedge would be inserted to hold the sliding arm in place. Inscription with maker's name and almost indecipherable mark is stamped onto one side of the block. Made by W Marples & Sons, Sheffield.Stamped into block “W. MARPLES & SONS / HIBERNIA WORKS” above Logo of ‘Trefoil’ image [three, three-leafed clovers on the same stem]flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, hand tool, woodwork, marking gauge, measuring tool, mortice gauge, mortice marking gauge, william marples, w marples & sons, hibernia, shamrock, trifoil, tripple shamrock, carpenter's tool, cabinet maker, woodworking tool, drawing, planning, tool, wooden scribe, vintage, carpenter, marking tool, antique, marking out, joiner

The subject item was made by G. Pearson and Co Ltd. of the Hope Works, Sheffield England. This company was established in 1854. By 1914 the company was manufacturing many differing types of edge tools, joiners' tools, forks and garden tools. Their specialities were hay, manure and coke forks, punches, armourers' tools etc. In 1938 the Company was styled F. G. Pearson and Co (Sheffield) Ltd and they were still making plane and other sharp edged blades as late as 1957, but by the 1970s they had gone out of business.A significant company based in Sheffield England and making tools of all types and exporting same to various countries around the world. This particular item is a vintage joiners screwdriver possibly used by a local Warrnambool carpenter (J Rob).Screw driver wooden handle shaped blade & brass metal ferrule1902 Sheffield marked on blade, F Rob owner Marked on handlewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, joiners tools, screwdriver, carpenters tools, f g pearson sheffield

A moulding plane is a specialised plane used for making the complex shapes found in wooden mouldings that are used to decorate furniture or other wooden object. Traditionally, moulding planes were blocks of wear resistant hardwood, often beech or maple, which were worked to the shape of the intended moulding. The blade, or iron was likewise formed to the intended moulding profile and secured in the body of the plane with a wooden wedge. A traditional cabinetmakers shop might have many, perhaps hundreds, of moulding planes for the full range of work to be performed. Large crown mouldings required planes of six or more inches in width, which demanded great strength to push and often had additional peg handles on the sides, allowing the craftsman's apprentice or other worker to pull the plane ahead of the master who guided it. The subject planes blade is designed to cut a groove and it's blade maker (M Gilmour) is not listed by collectors of vintage planes as a known plane makers of the 19th or 20th century.A vintage tool made by an unknown maker, this item was made commercially for firms and individuals who worked in wood and needed a tool that could produce an ornamental finish to timber. These profiled planes came in various shapes and sizes to achieve the required decorative finish. This item is a significant tool from the mid to late 19th century that today is quite rare and sought after by collectors. It gives us a snapshot of how furniture and other decorative finishes were created on timber by the use of hand tools. Grooving PlaneM Gilmour stamped on bladewarrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, moulding plane, groove plane, joiners tools, hand plane, carpenters tools

A marking gauge, also known as a scratch gauge, and] is used in woodworking and metalworking to mark out lines for cutting or other operations. The purpose of the gauge is to scribe a line parallel to a reference edge or surface. It is used in joinery and sheet metal operations. The gauge consists of a beam, a headstock, and a scribing or marking implement, typically a pin, knife, pen or wheel. The headstock slides along the beam, and is locked in place by various means: a locking screw, cam lever, or a wedge. The marking implement is fixed to one end of the beam.A tool that has been in use since woodworking began for hundreds if not thousands of years without much change to the design or how the tool is used. Its use to scribe a line in various material as a cutting guide and is still in use today by many trades. Wooden marking Gauge, smallNonewarrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, marking gauge, woodworking, carpenters tools, tool

An adze is an ancient and versatile cutting tool similar to an axe but with the cutting edge perpendicular to the handle rather than parallel. Adzes are used for smoothing or carving wood in hand woodworking, and as a hoe for agriculture and horticulture. Two basic forms of an adze are the hand adze (short hoe) a short handled tool swung with one hand and the foot adze (hoe) a long handled tool capable of powerful swings using both hands, the cutting edge usually striking at foot or shin level. Mathieson & Sons Maker: In 1792 John Manners had set up a workshop making woodworking planes at 14 Saracens Lane Glasgow. He also had employed an apprentice Alexander Mathieson (1773-1851). But in the following year at Saracen's Lane, the 1841 census describes Alexander Mathieson as a master plane-maker now at 38 Saracen Lane with his son Thomas Adam working with him as a journeyman plane-maker. Presumably, Alexander must have taken over the premises and business of John Manners. Now that the business had Thomas Adam Mathieson working with his father it gradually grew and became more diversified, and it is recorded at the time by the Post-Office Glasgow Annual Directory that by 1847-1848 Alexander Mathieson was a “plane, brace, bit, auger & edge tool maker” In 1849 the firm of James & William Stewart at 65 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh was taken over and Thomas was put in charge of the business, trading under the name Thomas A. Mathieson & Co. as plane and edge-tool makers. Thomas's company went on to acquire the Edinburgh edge-tool makers “Charles & Hugh McPherson” and took over their premises in Gilmore Street. In the Edinburgh directory of 1856/7, the business is recorded as being Alexander Mathieson & Son, plane and edge-tool makers at 48 Nicolson Street and Paul's Work, Gilmore Street Edinburgh. The 1851 census Alexander is recorded as working as a tool and plane-maker employing eight men. Later that year Alexander died and his son Thomas took over the business. Under the heading of an edge-tool maker in the 1852/3 Post-Office Glasgow Annual Directory the firm is now listed as Alexander Mathieson & Son, with further entries as "turning-lathe and vice manufacturers". By the early 1850s, the business had moved to 24 Saracen Lane. The directory for 1857/8 records that the firm had moved again only a few years later to East Campbell Street, off the Gallowgate area, and that through further diversification was also manufacturing coopers' and tinmen's tools. The ten-yearly censuses report the firm's growth in 1861 stating that Thomas was a tool manufacturer employing 95 men and 30 boys; in 1871 he had 200 men working for him and in 1881 300 men. By 1899 the firm had been incorporated as Alexander Mathieson & Sons Ltd, even though only Alexander's son Thomas appears ever to have joined the firm so the company was still in his fathers' name. In September 1868 Thomas Mathieson put a notice in the newspapers of the Sheffield & Rotherham Independent and the Sheffield Daily Telegraph stating that his firm had used the trade-mark of a crescent and star "for some time" and that "using or imitating the Mark would be proceeded against for infringement". The firm had acquired its interest in the crescent-and-star mark from the heirs of Charles Pickslay, the Sheffield cutler who had registered it with the Cutlers' Company in 1833 and had died in 1852. The year 1868 seems also to be the one in which the name Saracen Tool Works was first adopted; not only does it figure at the foot of the notice in the Sheffield press, it also makes its first appearance in the firm's entry in the Post-Office Glasgow Annual Directory in the 1868/9 edition. As Thomas Mathieson's business grew, so too did his involvement in local public life and philanthropy. One of the representatives of the third ward on the town council of Glasgow, he became a river bailie in 1868, a magistrate in 1870 and a preceptor of Hutcheson's Hospital in 1878. He had a passion for books and was an "ardent Ruskinian". He served on the committee handling the bequest for the setting up of the Mitchell Library in Glasgow. When he died at Coulter Maynes near Biggar in 1899, he left an estate worth £142,764.  The firm of Alexander Mathieson & Sons was one of the leading makers of hand tools in Scotland. Its success went hand in hand with the growth of the shipbuilding industries on the Firth of Clyde in the nineteenth century and the emergence of Glasgow as the "second city of the Empire". It also reflected the firm's skill in responding to an unprecedented demand for quality tools by shipyards, cooperages and other industries, both locally and far and wide.Hand Adze or Cooper's adze No 4 A Mathieson & Sons Glasgowflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, adze mathieson & sons, cooperage tools, woodworking, barrel making, working timber, joiners tools, carpenters tools