Historical information

These tools belonged to Henry Phillips (1821-1896). He was a cabinet maker who came to Australia in 1849 and settled in Warrnambool, establishing in association with Christopher Beattie the undertaking firm of Beattie and Phillips in the 1860s. This was a prominent business in Warrnambool for over 100 years with James Beattie taking over from his father.

Significance

These tools are significant because they belonged to Henry Phillips, one of the founders of the important Warrnambool undertaking business of Beattie and Phillips. They are also of interest because they are examples of the type of tools used 150 years ago.

Physical description

These are four chisels, three with wooden handles and the four have steel blades. One chisel has no handle. The blades are a little tarnished. The chisels belonged to Henry Phillips of Warrnambool.

Inscriptions & markings

‘T. Marsden’
‘Moseley Cast Steel’
‘H. Phillips’