Large Hollow Plane
Dateca.1770-1790
Maker
Ebenezer Morgan
1756 - 1831
MediumBeech, birch, iron, and steel
DimensionsLength: 10 1/8"; thickness; 1 11/16"
Credit LineGift of Thomas Elliott
Object number2024-302
DescriptionLarge hollow plane with wide flat chamfers that end with a turn-out, a molded shoulder, and a birch wedge. Body has significant insect damage.Label TextEbenezer Morgan was a Groton, Connecticut cabinetmaker who left his bench for extensive serve in the Revolutionary War, amounting to about five years of campaigning.In 1775, Morgan enlisted in the company of the 1st. Connecticut Regiment commanded by Capt. Abel Spicer, another local cabinetmaker and planemaker. Under Spicer, Morgan may have participated in the Battle of Bunker Hill, and likely the Siege of Boston
Sometime in 1776 he left for the10th Continental Infantry, and served with them through the year. Next, Morgan served in the 1st. Rhode Island Regiment of the Continental Army, from April 1777 through April of 1780. Reaching the rank of Serjeant, Ebenezer Morgan served his country for about five years of campaigning.
This plane bears the later owner's markings of a "T. Healy," as does another plane by Morgan in the collection (2024-303). Since both exhibit similar insect damage, it is likely they spent a very long time together.
Morgan died in 1831, leaving behind a "chest old tools....$2.50," plus a desk & bookcase, a bureau, and a table, all of mahogany. As of 1974, one of his descendants still owned a plane bearing his mark and a secretary.Mark(s)The toe of the plane marked with E:MORGAN in relief within a serrated rectangle (Elliott, AWP, p.259, imprint A). Toe also struck with a later owner's name T HEALY, incuse (see 2024-303).ProvenanceFebruary 1995, purchased by Thomas Elliott (Westbrook, CT); 2024, given to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)
