Historical information

This tool is one of a collection of tools that are believed to have belonged to the Warrnambool carpenter and businessman, Henry Phillips. English-born Henry Phillips (1821-1896) came to Australia with his wife Elizabeth in 1849. They lived for some time in Port Fairy and came to Warrnambool where Henry formed a partnership with Christopher Beattie to establish the undertaking firm of Beattie and Phillips. This business continued after the deaths of the two founders and lasted until the year 2000. In Warrnambool Henry Phillips was involved with the management of the Mechanics Institute.

Significance

This tool is of interest, firstly because it is a good example of a vintage tool and secondly because it is a memento of the Warrnambool carpenter and businessman, Henry Phillips.

Physical description

This is a small hand drill with a metal piece containing a composite material handle at one end (for one hand) and a metal piece at the other end for the insertion of a drill. Attached to the main metal piece is a circular piece of metal with spokes and a wooden turning handle (for the other hand). The handle is attached to the circular spool by a metal screw.