Victorian, lignum vitae, shipwright’s plane sold by Oakden & Sharpe, Grimsby

This heavy plane was found in a garden shed in Cleethorpes along with other tools of the shipwright trade. They had all been there for many decades.

It’s just possible to read the words “Oakden & Sharpe Grimsby” on the back of the plane. (The yellow dots highlight the outlines of the letters.)

The business of Arthur Henry Oakden and William Charles Sharpe, in the trades or businesses of ironmongers, plumbers, smiths, and engineers was dissolved by mutual consent on 31st December 1892. Their last business address was 118 Cleethorpe Road.

Another name is stamped into the plane but it’s impossible to read. “A. Mathie______________ Son”