Complex Molding Plane
Dateca.1790-1800
Maker
Francis Yeoman
1727 - 1819
OriginAmerica, New York, Delhi
MediumBeech, iron, and steel
DimensionsLength: 9 3/4"; thickness: 1 1/4"
Credit LineGift of Thomas Elliott
Object number2024-337
DescriptionComplex molding plane with flat chamfers that end with a line and turn-out, and a molded shoulder.Label TextFrancis Yeoman was born in Scotland, but was living in New York by 1753. and was described as a carpenter and a skilled cabinetmaker. He spent seven years serving his adopted country as a Serjeant in Lansing's Regiment of the Albany County Militia. Though it is believed Yeoman is the maker of this plane, there is the possibility that his son Francis Jr. (b.1761) could have made it.Several planes by Yeoman were found in a tool chest, which turned up in the mid-Hudson Valley, NY, along with planes marked by other early New York makers like Thomas Grant and James Stiles.Mark(s)The toe of the plane marked with F.YEOMAN in relief within a serrated rectangle (Elliott, AWP, p.423). Owner's initials IW in relief within a serrated rectangle also struck into toe.ProvenanceSeptember 2005, purchased by Thomas Elliott (Westbrook, CT); 2024, given to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)
