Historical information

This item is one of several 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 in Port Fairy for some years. In 1865 Henry formed a partnership with Christopher Beattie and established the Warrnambool undertaking business of Beattie and Phillips. This business continued on after the deaths of the founders and lasted until the year 2000. In Warrnambool Henry Phillips was involved in the management of the Mechanics Institute.

Significance

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

Physical description

This is a piece of wood shaped to make two handles at the ends and a middle piece that has a metal blade inserted at the top. The metal blade has two projecting ends that fit through the middle wooden piece. When held upside down this item is used as a planing tool.