The Lockheed P-38 Lightning is an American single seated, piston-engined fighter aircraft that was used during World War II. Trench Art is the name given to objects manufactured by both soldiers and civilians from shell casings, bullets, shrapnel and miscellaneous battlefield debris, and is predominantly associated with World War I (1914 – 18)Brass shell castings in form of P38 Lockheed lightning planeNiltrench art, plane, p38, lightning plane, world war 2

Trench Art is the name given to objects manufactured by both soldiers and civilians from shell casings, bullets, shrapnel and miscellaneous battlefield debris, and is predominantly associated with World War I (1914 – 18). The most common material used for trench art are brass shell casings, which, once decorated, can be utilised as vases. Often items will bear an inscription such as the name of a French village or theatre of war and engraved decoration or embossing. There is no known history in relation to this itemLarge brass shell casing with decorative engraving.Engraved - Les Halles D'Ypres 1914-19 with engraving of building possibly town hall or church . Several symbols, numbers and letters imprinted on base of casing. brass shell casing, trench art, world war one, first world war, wwi, ww1, ypres, flanders, vase

Mac's Shortbread Co dates its history back to a family bakery in Abbotsford opened in the 1860's producing bread for the goldfields. This eventually became McAlpine's Flour. This business was sold in 1960 and the family then purchased a cake shop, leading to building a biscuit factory. (This is thought to have been the Surrey Hills site). The company outgrew this and moved to 5 Tate Drive, Kerang. (Further research required.) Australia adopted metric units of measurement in July 1974, so this object was manufactured after 1974.This tin is material evidence of the small area of industrial activities that once existed in Surrey Hills.A cylindrical tin with a silvered interior and the outside finished in a white enamel paint, on which there is a geometric design incorporating a butterfly.On a label incorporated in the design: "Mac's / MAC'S SHORTBREAD CO. 1 NORFOLK RD./ SURREY HILLS, VIC. AUST. 3127 - 8360333 / BUTTER / SHORTBREAD / INGREDIENTS: WHEAT FLOUR, CHOICE BUTTER, / SUGAR, EVAPORATED MILK, BAKING POWDER / 300 g NET"bakeries, surrey hills, mac's shortbread, norfolk road

This image is one of a series of photographs taken by Melbourne based photographers Stevenson and McNicoll who visited Bacchus Marsh and its nearby districts between September and November 1883. William Marshall opened his new premises in Main Street in June 1869. In the following November he opened a wheelwright shop adjacent to his smithy. Mr T. Carlton was the wheelwright. The Marshall Blacksmith building was located next to the ANA Hall in Main Street. It was demolished in 1910 to make way for a new building known as the Chambers Building. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the blacksmith played an essential role in the functioning of the whole community. Before the industrialisation of manufacturing, all metal objects, including farm implements, building requirements and domestic utensils were made by hand. As mechanisation of industry increased, the smith commonly performed the role of farrier in the times when horse power was pivotal to all aspects of society. Complementing this work, the forge was often allied with a wheelwright's shop. These premises also acted as a meeting place for the men of the town, where news was shared and friendships forged. Small sepia 'carte de viste' style unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the album, 'Photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll'. William Marshall opened his new premises in June 1869, and in the following November opened a wheelwright shop adjacent to his smithy. Mr T. Carlton was the wheelwright. The photograph shows a brick building with two gables and two large doors, indicating that a second workshop has been added to the original building. Parts of a picket fence and two cartwheels lean against the wall. Three men stand at the front, two wearing the distinctive farrier’s apron slit between the knees. The third man is wearing more formal clothing. Two of the men hold the reins of two horses. A picket fence runs along the front of a spare block at the side of the building. The deep gutter is straddled by two crossing points. Printed On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME. On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun. Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE. blacksmiths, shops bacchus marsh vic., william marshall 1839-1914

Specific historical and contextual information pertaining to this object is unknown. There are no hallmarks or documentation to indicate provenance or historical significance. This coin purse appears to have a covering made of mother of pearl. Evidence of interest from over 20,000 years ago mark Aboriginal groups in Australia as some of the first people to value the power and beauty of pearlshell, while evidence of Australian pearlshell being taken across the sea to other countries dates back as early as the 1500s. The 1850s-60s saw the beginnings of the Australian pearling industry. Following the popularisation of plastic for items such as buttons the pearlshell market waned in the mid-twentieth century but was soon after began to re-forge in Australia with a new industry of cultured pearl farms. Most of Australian's pearling industry was initially located in Western Australia and off the Torres Strait Islands. The Australian War Memorial notes on their website that many tokens made from mother of pearl were sent home to loved ones throughout World Wars One and Two from the Middle East, England, the South West Pacific, Australia and elsewhere, but that unfortunately provenance such as the manufacture and sale of many of these items is not recorded.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small rectangular purse with silver edging and half clasp, covered in white and cream coloured shell (mother of pearl?)A01154burke museum, social history, accessories, mother of pearl, nacre, australian industry

The hallmarks on this silver cigarette case indicate that the object was made in Birmingham (anchor hallmark), is Stirling silver (lion hallmark), and was made 1900 (a hallmark) by the Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. (makers mark hallmark). The Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. was established in 1890-1891 at Fenchurch Street, London, forming an alliance with Sheffield cutler R F Mosley in 1900 before later moving to Birmingham. Dates of the exact move to Birmingham differ from site to site.The hallmarks on this object make it significant in the representation of silver wares made by the Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. which, when added to the other pieces of information available about this manufacturer, add to the information and history available. As the Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. was based in England, this is of international significance. The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small rectangular case silver in colour, with gold wash on the inside. The case has a clasp along one edge, a swirling floral design on its top, and two brown elastic straps on the inside.AC [over] MCo / Anchor symbol / Lion symbol / a [Hallmark inside case, lower LHS] Lion symbol / a [Hallmark inside case, upper RHSD]accessories, social history, burke museum, silver

This vice is used to secure an object to allow work to be performed on it. It would have been attached to a workbench.A large metal bench vice. It has two parallel jaws, one fixed and the other movable, threaded in and out by a screw and lever.Dawn 3 1/2bench-vice

This type of recessed base was commonly pronounced on wine, champagne or spirits bottles. Possibly done for bottle strengthening and stability. The push-up recess used to be formed by physically pushing upwards in the centre of the base with a tool while the glass was still hot and pliable.Glass objects generally include a wide range of shapes and colours with bottles and jars used for alcohol. This bottle is an example of a specific type of base used in bottle manufacturing.Tall brown glass bottle with recessed base. This bottle has a "push-up" or "kick-up" base. bottle glass push-up-base kick-up-base punt

The Lehmann toy company exported toys to the USA from 1895 to 1929 and specialized in mechanical, friction transportation and lithographed wind-up tinplate toys. Founded by Ernest Lehmann Co. in Brandenberg, Germany, 1881. In 1951 the fim re-established and is still making friction toys. Some of the most famous include: Autobus, the Dancing Sailor and Icarus. Lehmann distinguished itself early 20th-century by releasing small tin toys which were cheaper than the toys the competition made. End of the 19th century, beginning of th 20th, competitors were producing heavy, cast-iron toys. By the 1920s the Lehmann company had a staff over 800 people and made 80+ different toy designs.How it is significant? (...this item is one of last remaining examples of German toy manufacturing prior to World War One. ) How it is significance to local history? (....this item represents the importance of preserving local history and culture.) German, clockwork, red and white tinplate cart with green and white driver with green pointed hat, being pulled by zebra with red ears and cord tail. 1881/ Lehmann 'Zikra' Marke Pat./USA Appl. / For Jan 1907, Dec 1913 lehmann, toy, beechworth, burke museum, zebra, cart, germany

Separator machine. Hand-crank operated milk separator, Crown Separator Co Pty Ltd. Multi-part separator stand with bowls (2) and attachments including a spanner small cone shaped objects on homemade stand. ."42D022" stamped on 2x separator chutes.Manufacture's plate "MADE IN SWEDEN" , "CROWN SEPARATOR / HEAD OFFICE 547 FLINDERS ST MELBOURNE". ."42D022" stamped on 2x separator chutes. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, milk separator, farm machinery, dairy machinery, dairy industry, crown spearator co, cream

A washboard is a tool designed for hand washing clothing that are soaked in hot soapy water in a wash tub or sink, then squeezed and rubbed against the ridged surface of the washboard to force the cleaning fluid through the cloth to carry away dirt. With the invent of mechanized cleaning of clothing becoming more common by with the use of washing machines by the end of the 20th century the washboard was soon discontinued. The traditional washboard is usually constructed with a rectangular wooden frame in which are mounted a series of ridges or corrugations for the clothing to be rubbed upon. For 19th-century washboards, the ridges were often of wood, sometimes glass and by the 20th century, ridges of metal became common The first "fluted" metal washboard was patented in the United States by Stephen Rust in 1833 and Zinc washboards were predominantly manufactured in the United States from the middle of the 19th century. A significant item for cleaning clothes still in use today in many countries giving a snapshot into the domestic life of a housewife into the 20th century.Washboard wooden frame with a ribbed glass sectionNonewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, washboard, glass ripples, clothes cleaning, washing, laundry

Willow started business in 1887 as a metal working company based in Melbourne Australia, making tinned biscuit and tea canisters. The outbreak of the First World War saw their manufacturing change to making armaments and essential packaging for the war effort. In the early 1920’s, the Willow brand was established. Making tin plated canisters and baking pans with the well-known Willow pattern, imprinted on them. Some other items in production at this time include billies, boilers, basins and Coolgardie safes. In the late 1950’s, the company ventured into plastics production. Stepping away from its very successful tin plating industry of more than 50 years. In 1965, the company name changed to Willow Ware Pty Ltd, to be more closely linked to its Willow brand. Willow Ware is still  in business today. A food safe known as a “Coolgardie” meat storage made by an emerging Australian company no longer in bushiness. This item gives a snapshot into early Australian manufacturing specifically aimed at the Australian market. Safe metal kitchen safe with two shelves, a hinged door and latch and a small swivel wire handle at the top. cream colour . "Made in Australia" "Willow" warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, willow ware, domestic item, coolgardie meat safe, meat safe, food safe, food preservation

In 1867 the Singer Company decided that the demand for their sewing machines in the UK was sufficiently high to open a local factory. Glasgow was selected for its iron-making industries, cheap labour, and possibly because at the time the General Manager of the US Singer Sewing Machine Company was George McKenzie, who was of Scottish descent. The company obtained a lease on land near Queen Street Station and machinery and machine parts were shipped over from the US. Demand for sewing machines outstripped production at the new plant and by 1873 a new larger factory was completed near Bridgeton Cross. By now Singer employed over 2,000 people in Scotland but still, they could not produce enough machines. In 1882 George McKenzie, the soon to become President of the Singer Sewing Machine Company undertook the ground breaking ceremony on 46 acres of farmland at Kilbowie, Clydebank and the largest Singer factory in the world started to be built. Originally two main buildings were constructed. Built above the middle wing of the factory was a huge clock tower with the 'Singer' name displayed for all to see from miles around. Many miles of railway lines were laid throughout the factory to connect the different departments and to aid in the shipping of their goods. Railway lines from the factory connected Glasgow, Dumbarton, and Helensburgh stations. The factory was regarded as the most modern facility in Europe at that time. As different departments in the factory were completed, the workers moved from the old sites to the new one at Kilbowie and the factory was finally finished in 1885. With nearly a million square feet of space and almost 7,000 employees producing on average 13,000 machines a week, making it the largest sewing machine factory in the world. The Clydebank factory was so productive that in 1905 the US Singer Company set up the Singer Manufacturing Company Ltd. as a UK registered company. The invention of the sewing machine had several very significant impacts on the lives of many people. It changed the domestic life of many women as more households began to own sewing machines, women as the ones who traditionally stayed home to do chores including making and repairing clothing, found themselves with more free time. Previously several days a week would be dedicated to sewing clothing for herself and her family, a housewife could now complete her sewing in merely several hours, allowing for more free time to pursue hobbies and attain new skills. Sewing and clothing production, in general, became more industrialized activities, taking place less in the home and more in large factories. Industrial sewing machines, in combination with the cotton gin, the spinning jenny, and the steam engine, made clothing production much easier and much cheaper. Sewing machine, treadle operated, "Branded Premier" 5-7-9-2-0-0-" Serial Number Y6243048 (denotes 1922 year of manufacture) flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, sewing machine, hand operated, dressmaking, textile machinery, portable, premier sewing machine, premier, singer treadle sewing machine

Malleys Ltd was established in about 1890 by Francis Malley (1863-1932). This firm was located in the Sydney suburb of Alexandria, in McEvoy Street. They manufactured items for use in the dairy industry, as well as for hardware related to building and plumbing. Many of the Malley dairy products were sold under the "Sunrise" name. Malley retired in 1912. In 1931 there were branches at Parramatta, Hurstville & North Sydney. An early item made by an Australian manufacturer of dairy equipment in Australia specifically for the local market. The item gives an insight into early Australian manufacturing processes and is a significant part of Australian early social history.Milk Churn or Milk Can, Medium sized galvanised container to hold milk Malleysflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, milk container, malleys ltd, dairy equipment

This pair of spectacles was prescribed and made in Warrnambool by brothers Fred and Geoff Bennet from about 1946 when they established their optometrist business at 192 Liebig Street Warrnambool. The business moved to 152 Liebig Street in 1988, by which time it had already changed hands to become McMahon and Owen Optometrists. Jayson Ward and Mathew Bucks purchased the business in 2012, then changed the name to Warrnambool Eyecare in 2016. They also own and practice at Portland Eyecare.This pair of glasses is significant as an example of locally owned and manufacture red eyewear from the mid 290th century. Spectacles, Pince-nez with oval shaped tinted lenses, metal bridge and rubber nose pads. Hard surfaced blue velvet lined spectacle case. Inscription on case. Made by F.G. & P..G. Bennett in Warrnambool."F.G. & P.G. Bennett Warrnambool"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, pince-nez, glasses, eyewear, seeing aids, vision, optician, f.g. & p.g. bennett warrnambool, eye care, magnifiers, reading glasses, fred and geoff bennett, personal effects

The Mother Hubbard Roller Washboard was the hottest selling door-to-door item in America in the early 1900s. Its patented design featured threaded maple rollers that rolled in opposite directions. The touch could be light because the screw threads did all the work. It carried the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. The first roller washboard was made in Dover Illinois by the Hubbard brothers who ran their large sawmill there in the town where they were born. As the sales began coming in, they moved their plant in 1904 to LaMoille for better shipping facilities. In 1916 the sawmill was moved to Mendota Ill. and in addition to the washboards, the plant specialized in sawing walnut logs and forming them into roughs for gun stocks. All during the 1920s, the Mother Hubbard Washboard factory was a busy place. The boards were not made after 1935 once the electric washing machine became popular. This washboard appears to be a variation on the Hubbard system to get around their patented protection for washboards with rollers, the rollers appear to be made from maple indicating an American Manufacturer. The manufacturer of the subject item is unclear at this time.An unusual washboard with horizontal flutes designed to circumvent the Hubbard Brothers patent for washboards with rollers and vertical flutes. It makes the item rare and possibly made in Australia early 1900s and gives insight into how various companies tried to improve or get around other manufactures patented designs.Wooden washboard with rotating fluted rollers rectangular in shape and has 2 legsNoneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, washing equipment, washboard, hubbard brothers, domestic laundry

A telescope is an optical instrument used to make distant objects appear nearer and larger, this item is small enough and designed to be portable enough to fit into a gentleman's pocket while out walking. This type, size and manufacture of the telescope was designed for general everyday use for bird watching and general observation of subjects while out walking. This item was not for marine use as its focal length is too short and could only observe subjects that were not too far away. Also, its size indicates telescopes of this type are pocket telescopes.This telescope is significant for its probable association with leisure activities of a person in the 19th century for leisure purposes such as bird watching, horse events and ship spotting.Three draw brass hand held telescope, folding.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, telescope, folding telescope, navigational instrument, optical instrument, pocket telescope, leisure, brass telescope, hobby

The subject item at this time cannot be associated with an historical event, person or place, provenance is unknown, item assessed as originally produced as a decorative item fro the home and is believed to have been produced in the early 20th century.A mass produced utilitarian item made for domestic use, there is no history or manufacturing provenance currently available.Badly corroded metal ornament, 3 masted, medieval sailing ship front sail has cross on it, centre sail has shield with a cross and 4 x below. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, ornament, metal ornament, sailing ship ornament, home decoration

Dutton and Wiggs operated a brass and iron foundry known as the Warrnambool Brass and iron Foundry situated in Timor St. Mr Dutton was a mechanical engineer and Mr C Wiggs was an experienced foundry worker. They were innovative in their work and also manufactured a large number of everyday items such as verandah posts, brackets and milk aerators.The significance lies in the fact that the items were manufactured in Warrnambool by a well- established local business. Two solid cast iron rods of cylindrical shape with one flattened edge with name imprinted. Hollowed out section on one end. S. Wiggs W,bool. One has the number 7 and the other 5 cast into the metal. warrnambool, wiggs, dutton & wiggs, window weights

Alex Anderson was a plumber and gasfitter who operated from 178 Fairy Street, Warrnambool, in the early part of the 20th century. They made and repaired water tanks, barrels milk and cream cans, chimneys and cattle troughs.A common item which was manufactured locally.Round copper kettle with lid and handle with folded metal edges. Handle reinforced with copper at top. Spout has a join at top. A. Anderson Maker Warrnambool. warrnambool, alex. anderson, 178 fairy street warrnambool, alex. anderson plumber warrnambool, fairy street, plumber

This portable lamp was manufactured by the Lucas Industries, a company in Birmingham, England that first produced lamps after 1875. It could have domestic use or be attached to cars or bicycles early in the 20th Century to provide light at night. The lighting fluid was oil. This object is an interesting example of lighting for cars and bicycles and in the home in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.This is a brass lantern with a circular glass piece in the middle front, and a top metal mechanism with a handle. Inside the circular opening is a domed jet with holes for lighting the lamp. On the sides there are various mechanisms for turning the light up and down, opening the front glass and opening the bottom to allow filling of the lighting fluid. The item is corroded on the exterior. The top has air vents to permit the vapours to escape. On the side is the maker's name LUCAS No. 722 KING OF THE ROAD JOS. LUCAS LTD. vintage lighting, lucas industries

THis typewriter is a Remington typewriter, model Standard 12 manufactured in 1925. The Remington company of New York, U.S.A., in the 19th century manufactured firearms and later typewriters. In 1873 the company produced the first commercial typewriter and introduced the QWERTY keyboard system. This typewriter has no known local significance and is retained for display purposes.This is a metal typewriter with silver markings and silver rims on the keys. It has a red and black printing tape Remingtoncommercial typewriters, qwerty keyboard system, vintage business machines

This is a pocket spring balance. It would have been used last century in our district by market gardeners, hawkers and other itinerant workers and possibly also used in some small businesses. In households it could also be useful for weighing jam fruit, vegetables etc. Spring balances are still in use today.This item is retained as an example of a spring balance manufactured 80 or more years ago.This is a set of spring balance scales. The spring is fixed at one end with a hook attached to hold an object to be weighed. The top end has a ring to hang the scales up. The spring mechanism is enclosed by a steel cover. The front scale face is made of brass and both this face and the rear spring casing are fastened by three rivets. On the front is a spring-loaded blade which has equally spaced scale markings next to it on one side. This item is much rusted. ‘Hughes Pocket Balance’ ‘Patent’ Scale Markings:- ‘0 to 25’ pocket spring balances, household items of the past., history of warrnambool

This grain scale tester was used to work out the percentage weight of a sack of grain after the grain husk, dust and dirt were removed, thereby allowing for the calculation of the true value of the sack. The parts were attached to the box via the screw on top of the box and the cleaned grain went into the funnel to measure a fixed grain amount, before being released from the bottom of the funnel into the barrel which was then hung on the end of the scale. The weight was then slid down the graduated ruler until the scale balanced. Grain scale testers would have been used in farming in the Western District in the past and similar objects may still be in use. This grain scale tester is retained as a good example of an agricultural item from the past.This is a grain tester scale in a wooden box. .1 The wooden box has two metal hinges and wooden inserts inside with blue felt on the tops of the inserts. The box has a metal plaque on the lid and a round metal hole section for inserting a piece of equipment. .2 This is a metal flask on a stand. Part of it is rusty. .3 This is small metal cylinder with a lid. .4 This is a metal bar with measurements, a hook at the top and a slide or weight fitting on to the bar. .5 This is a small metal screw. ‘Lbs per bushel’ ‘Australian Manufacture by Australasian Scale Co. Ltd., Thomas Street, Sydney N.S.W.’ agricultural instruments, history of warrnambool, grain scale tester

This needle case, probably dating from early in the 20th century, contained knitting needles of various sizes and those needles were probably used in sets of four to knit such items as socks. In the early to mid 20th century many items of clothing and furnishings were hand knitted with the yarn mostly favoured being wool. Today knitting is a hobby taken up by a few and clothes that were once knitted are now bought ready-made. This needle case is of antiquarian interest and is retained for display purposes. This is a cylindrical metal case with a gold-coloured marbled pattern around the case and closed metal ends. One metal end swivels around to reveal four compartments that once contained metal knitting needles. One of these needles remains. The case has printing on both metal ends and on the case body but much of this is now indecipherable. The Crescent Case Best English Knitting Instructions …. antiquarian household objects, history of warrnambool

.3) Hand written on the card, “CUP and SAUCER (HARRODS 1915)/SISTER MARGARET CUMMING/Q.A.N.S (M.I.D)/ GENERALS DRANK FROM THIS CUP AT AFTERNOON TEA WHEN INSPECTING FIELD HOSITALS IN FRANCE/SUE McCASKER”.1) & .2) Glazed white china cup and saucer decorated with violet and green flowers. The flowers are arranged in a garland near the rim of the cup and saucer, further flowers dotted around on both. Identification marks on the bases in the glaze. .3) cardboard piece with a hand written note..1) On base of cup hand written “052” in the glaze. .2) Red ink stamp with the words “MANUFACTURED for/HARRODSBURG/ LTD BROMPTON Rd./S.W.” Within an oak leaf garland “Reg.No. 479676”cup and saucer, harrods

Small straw hand brush with handle bound wit fine wire and two laps of double twine binding around body of brush. Manufacture method clearly different to 'modern' machine made brushes.straw brush, hand brush, small brush, small broom

This typewriter was used in the office of Zilles Printers, McKenzie Street Ballarat. The original Underwood typewriter was invented by German-American Franz Xaver Wagner, who showed it to entrepreneur John Thomas Underwood. Underwood supported Wagner and bought the company, recognizing the importance of the machine. The Underwood Typewriter Company washeadquartered in New York City, New York with manufacturing facilities in Hartford, Connecticut. Underwood produced what is considered the first widely successful, modern typewriter. By 1939, Underwood had produced five million machines.A typewriter in a leather carry case.typewriter, zilles, zilles printers