Jack Plane Heritage Lamp #149
A lamp with a story 160 years in the making.
This extraordinary Edison table lamp has been handcrafted by JB at Shades at Grays from a genuine antique carpenter's jack plane — a piece of American tool-making history that has travelled a long way to find its place in a New Zealand home.
The plane combines components from two celebrated New York tool makers: the Auburn Tool Company and the Owasco Tool Company. The Auburn brand — complete with the company name and its distinctive thistle logo — is still clearly visible on the original steel cutting blade. The Owasco Tool Co. stamp is pressed into the toe of the wooden block, identifying them as the maker of the base.
This plane can be accurately dated to between 1864 and 1893 — the years Auburn Tool Company operated independently before merging with the Ohio Tool Company, after which their planes were branded Ohio, not Auburn. Auburn Tool Company was established in Auburn, New York in 1864, producing clamps, wood planes, and rulers. Notably, for a period their products were manufactured using Auburn State Prison labour.
The Owasco Tool Company was active in New York from 1875 to 1893, making this a remarkably datable and historically significant object.
This is a 41cm Jack Plane with a half ‘tote’ (handle). The name ‘jack plane’ dates to at least the 17th century, used to describe tools for rough work — and like the phrase ‘jack of all trades’, the name Jack has long been associated with versatility and hard graft.
It is not known exactly when this plane arrived in New Zealand, but it has been carefully cleaned, lightly sanded, and hand-finished with natural beeswax to preserve its character. Every mark and blemish from years of working life has been retained — a record of the hands that used it.
The vintage Edison bulb, with its multiple glowing filaments, completes the piece — casting a warm, amber light that feels entirely at home alongside a tool of this age and provenance.
A lamp for those who appreciate that the best objects carry history with them.
- Origin: Auburn Tool Company & Owasco Tool Company, New York, USA (1864–1893)
- Type: 41cm Jack Plane with half tote
- Finish: Cleaned, lightly sanded, hand-finished with natural beeswax
- Bulb: Vintage Edison bulb, E27 screw fit (included)
- Fittings: Long lead with in-line switch
- Base: Felt pad to protect surfaces
- Dimensions: Height with bulb 20cm | Width 8cm | Length 41cm
- Weight: 2.8kg
- Handcrafted by JB at Shades at Grays, New Zealand
- One of a kind — independently tagged and tested
The E27 40W screw fit Edison bulb has a lamp life of approximately 1,500 hours. Replacements are widely available in New Zealand. Maximum recommended bulb: 40W.
Delivery
Delivery charges will be calculated at check-out. We offer a free click and collect service from Plimmerton, Wellington and Greytown, Wairarapa.
Deliveries to Australia may be subject to customs regulations regarding the importation of timber and are the responsibility of the purchaser.
Thank you for supporting a small NZ business.