Historical information

This is one of several tools in a collection that is 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. In 1865 Henry formed a partnership with Christopher Beattie to establish 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 tool is retained as an example of a vintage tool and as a memento of the Warrnambool carpenter and businessman, Henry Phillips.

Physical description

This tool has a wooden rectangular-shaped base with curved edges. A portion of the top of the wooden piece has been hollowed out and a wooden piece inserted. Placed behind this wooden piece is a metal blade which protrudes out at the bottom of the main wooden piece to form a planning mechanism. The blade is curved at the end.