Historical information

This tool is one of a collection of tools which are believed to have belonged to Henry Phillips. English-born carpenter, Henry Phillips (1821-1896) came to Australia with his wife Elizabeth in 1849. They lived for some time in Port Fairy before coming to Warrnambool where Henry formed a partnership with Christopher Beattie and established the undertaking firm of Beattie and Phillips in 1865. This firm continued on after the death of the two founders and lasted until the year 2000. In Warrnambool Henry Phillips was involved in the management of the Mechanics’ Institute.

Significance

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

Physical description

This is a hand drill with a composite material handle at one end (for one hand) and a tubular metal piece at the other end for the insertion of a bit or drill. In the middle is a circular turning piece with metal spokes and a metal handle (for the other hand). The circular piece is held together and attached to the main body of the tool with several screws.