Description
Hibernia Works 11 1/2″ wooden spokeshave with brass rest. Made in Sheffield, UK by what became Marples. This one is marked Hibernia Works and WM Kent which means it is dated between 1860 when William (a son of the Hibernia / Marples company founder) joined the company and 1883 when he died (thank you Amanda!). Shortly after 1860 it became Marples and Sons, so this spokeshave must be one of the first off for William Kent (so 1860).
Likely to be boxwood body. Blade will need a quick sharpen.
This would have been a collector’s piece, but unfortunately it appears to have been polyurethane gloss varnished.