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The Ed Muirhead Physics Museum
Electro Magnet, between 1881 and 1968
Horace Darwin, youngest surviving son of Charles Darwin, was a founding partner of the Cambridge Scientific Instrument Company in 1881 (http://www.museumoftechnology.com/cic.html).Composite object with three feet supporting two squared cylinders attached to a clamping device and metal block with four current terminals. Cylinders are covered with red leather. Metal block and clamp base appear painted.Engraved on terminal block: 'No 15548 / THE CAMBRIDGE SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT CO LTD. CAMBRIDGE. ENGLAND' Engraved on side of terminal block: 'To be excited from 200 volts circuit / with coils in series. Connect terminals 2 & 3.'cambridge scientific instrument company, electro magnet, electrical equipment, electrical instrumentation -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph - Historical, maritime, Brookes' Photographic Union, Harbour Works, Warrnambool, 1891
This photograph records the making and placing of the concrete blocks for the construction of the Warrnambool Breakwater in the Warrnambool Harbour, completed in 1890. Each block weighed 20 to 30-plus tons. The huge Titan steam powered crane in the photograph played a massive role in the construction. It was able to lift the concrete blocks with its overhanging, counterbalanced arm and roll on its wheels along the rails to the required position. It then lowered the blocks into position on the concrete foundation already laid on the seabed. There are many details in the photograph that help to tell other aspects of Warrnambool's history. It appears that the photograph was once owned by B. Fisher. The photograph is part of the Western Victoria collection produced in 1891 by Brookes' Photographic Union in Victoria. Brookes' Photographic Union was a collaboration of two brothers, Frederick Augustus Brookes and his brother Albert Edward Brookes. Frederick arrived in Victoria in the early 1880's. He and Albert formed the organisation to produce collections of photographs including the districts of Geelong, Gippsland and the Western Victoria.This photograph was taken during the construction of the Warrnambool Breakwater and published the year after it was completed. The project began with the Government of 1874 approving the plan, and was completed in 1890. The image records a snapshot of the construction of the Warrnambool Breakwater, a construction that changed the history of the Port of Warrnambool, Photograph, sepia coloured rectangular shape, mounted between two sheets of cream card. Border of photograph is decorated with pen lines and design in corners. Subject is the Warrnambool Breakwater construction with the Titan steam crane on rail lines, concrete blocks, a windmill and tanks, sheds, and a multi-storey building in the background. Produced by the Brookes' Photographic Union, Western Victoria. Inscriptions are on the reverse, on two stickers, a printed white label and a handwritten name.Stickers: "137" "F.Pn 61/2-74" Label: "WESTERN VICTORIA / BROOKES' PHOTOGRAPHIC UNION / HARBOUR WORKS, / WARRNAMBOOL." "The subject of this picture is the making of concrete blocks for the Breakwater. These blocks weigh from 20 to 30 tons each, and are lifted about by the large piece of machinery seen in the picture." Hand written: "B. Fisher"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, western district, western victoria, brookes' photographic union, frederick brookes, albert brookes, photograph, warrnambool harbour, harbour works, concrete bolcks, breakwater, warrnambool history, breakwater history, 1891, lady bay, port of warrnambool, b. fisher, titan crane, steam crane, concrete blocks -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Flyer - Gun Club Estate, Highett, 1927
The train line from the city to Frankston was electrified in 1922 which intensified the sale in the municipality of Moorabbin, particularly land which was in the vicinity of the railway stations. York Investments Pty Ltd purchased the land in 1927.Example of the progress of the Municipality of MoorabbinAdvertising flyer for auction of real estate sales - plan of building blocks for saleGun Club Estate, Bentleigh 76 housing blocks - York Investments Pty Ltdthomas street, erica avenue, brewer road, grace street, victor road, melbourne gun club, benteligh, real estate -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Core Rock Samples
The core samples in the display cabinet were obtained from the various sites at which drilling into the rock surface was carried out (under the control of design and structural engineers of the SEC Kiewa Hydro Scheme - late 1940's). This function was a precursor to the decision where to locate, in this case, the McKay Creek Power Station. The information gained by structural engineers from the core samples would be used also for the placements of underground tunnels entry and exit points and the overall effective size of the generator plant. This would have included drill and blast techniques (rock characteristics play an import part of explosion control), requirements for support structures and reinforcing cement/steel forms. The use and replenishment of diamond drill bits(the strongest available, see KVHS 0280) was dependent on the "type" of rock found (harder rock required greater numbers of drill bits). Support beams for reinforced ceilings and floors was also a necessity.These rock core samples are very significant in the formulation and placement of the underground Power Stations and their maze of tunnels (in and out) for a successful implementation of the Hydro Scheme. The amount of pre-planning and engineering studies required for such a large scheme must be undertaken to ensure that a "white elephant" was not the result.There are nine columns of rock cores, each 30mm in diameter, set in a wooden display rack. A clear plastic (slide out) protective panel is installed to the front section. Within each column are block details of the depth from which that section was brought from. See KVHS for the appropriate sketch details.Depth levels (retrieved from) are shown for each section on wooden Blocks: 1st Block: "7'10" (seven feet, ten inches), 2nd Block:"9'4" (nine feet, four inches), 3rd Block: "19'3" (nineteen feet, three inches), 4th Block: "24'2" (twenty four feet, two inches), 5th Block: "25'7"( twenty five feet, seven inches) and last block: "30' (thirty feet)"alternate energy supplies, alpine feasibility studies temperature, rainfall, sec, kiewa hydro scheme, electricity -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Functional Object - Printer Photograph Plate Block, Australian Electric Traction Association (AETA), 1969
Photo used in the block is showing No. 21 decorated for the 1969 Begonia Festival. Most likely taken at the tram depot.Demonstrates how printing was undertaken c1969 by the use of printers zinc sheet blocks and the illustration of a decorated Ballarat Tram Printer photograph plate block - wood block with a zinc metal place used for printing in a magazine or block. See Reg Item 3749 for a similar photograph.trams, tramways, decorated trams, begonia festival -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Ship's rigging block, 1891
Rigging block from the 3-masted full-rigged ship Speke wrecked on Phillip Island 22 February 1906.The Speke was the second largest 3-masted full-rigged ship in the world.Double block -
Williamstown High School
1979 new library block
Copy of a black and white photograph of the new library block, mounted on board. Accompanied by a captionCaption reads:The New Library Block. After a long wait the Library was ready for use in 1979.williamstown high school, 1979, library -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Decorative object - Clock, Dome Block
clocks were presented as parting gifts to signify someones time at the unit Dome style clock, plastic workings. Presented by SGT W.P Block 14 Dec 1988. Prestige Quartz plastic cover all round ring on top Diameter 190Presented by SGT W.P Block 14 Dec 19885/6 rvr -
Bendigo Military Museum
Accessory - INK STAMPS, 38th BN, Post WW1
Three x metal ink stamps covered with oiled paper, mounted on wooden blocks, possibly depicting crossed flags, regimental insignia stamp. Regimental insignia stamp: “38th Battalion” on timber block marked red. Back of timber block handwritten in blue ink: .1) Red; .2) Blue & .3) Black.philately - stamps/ink, military history - army, 38th, passchendaele barracks trust -
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)
Printer's block featuring RCOG coat of arms, c. 1977, 1977
This block dates from the period when RACOS was a regional council of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).Printer's block, consisting of lead interface attached to a wood block. Block carries the design of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) coat of arms, including the text "SUPER ARDUA" on scroll below shield. Inscription on back of block reads, "J.BIGGS- OBS & GYNAE".printing, rcog -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Rope Block, Early-to-mid 20th century
A block and tackle is a simple but highly effective lifting device, thought to have been invented by Archimedes. These systems were used extensively for construction in the ancient world, and continue to be used today for a variety of applications, especially at sea, where non-motorized lifting systems are highly useful. A basic block and tackle includes a single fixed pulley or block, and at least one additional pulley, linked with rope, to form a complete set. Depending on the size of the load being lifted, additional sets may be used to further distribute the weight.This wooden two-sheave block is part of a ship's rigging. Its an example of rigging equipment in use from the early-to-mid 20th century and an example of the evolution of rigging equipment since the 17th century.Block; two sheave wooden tackle block with metal rollers and a large metal hook. It has a compliance plate on the side with an inscription. Stamped inside a lozenge; "2 ↑ CS" flagstaff hill museum, flagstaff hill village, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, block & tackle, rope, lifting heavy weights, ship rigging, cargo lifiting, rope block, marine technology, ship equipment, rigging, two sheave block -
Numurkah & District Historical Society
Functional object - The Leader Stamp
Print block from the Numurkah Leader officePrinting block - wooden base with inscription on topThe Leadernumurkah leader, printing, newspaper -
Northern District School of Nursing. Managed by Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - NDSN Hostel/office block
The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Coloured photograph shows view of NDSN Lister House Short Street hostel and new office block; 1966, across to Greater Bendigo.1966 / Short Street Hostel/ New Office Block/ from Faye Stauchndsn, nursing -
Kyneton Museum
Child's Building blocks, Toy blocks, c. 1915-1920
Building block set used by Enid Wall as a young child Building block set of fifteen (15) blocks in original box without lid. Each block has images of domestic and wild animals, alphabet and numbers. Blocks appear to be made from balsa wood or equivalent due to light weight, and images have been adhered. Flowers motif wall paper (very worn) adhered to the sides of the box.blocks, toys, building block, toy block, children toys, learning blocks -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Padlock, c. 1855
This padlock has been salvaged from the wrecked sailing ship SCHOMBERG. It is not known whether the padlock was a part of the ship’s equipment or if it was among personal effects or cargo. At some point in time the padlock has been mounted and sealed in resin, perhaps for both display and preservation purposes. ABOUT THE SCHOMBERG When SCHOMBERG was launched in 1855, she was considered the “Noblest ship that ever floated on water.” SCHOMBERG’s owners, the Black Ball Line, commissioned the ship for their fleet of passenger liners. She was built by Alexander Hall of Aberdeen. Overall she had accommodation for 1000 passengers. SCHOMBERG’s 34 year old master, Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes, (James Nicol Forbes) was born in Aberdeen in 1821 and rose to fame with his record-breaking voyages on the famous Black Ball Line ships; MARCO POLO and LIGHTNING. On this, the SCHOMBERG’s maiden voyage, he was going to break records. SCHOMBERG departed Liverpool 6 October 1855 flying the sign “Sixty Days to Melbourne”. She carried 430 passengers and 3000 tons cargo including iron rails and equipment intended to build the Melbourne to Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. She also carried a cow for fresh milk, pens for fowls and pigs, 90,000 gallons of water for washing and drinking, 17,000 letters and 31,800 newspapers. The ship and cargo was insured for $300,000, a fortune for the time. The winds were poor as she sailed across the equator, slowing SCHOMBERG’s journey considerably. Land was first sighted on Christmas Day, at Cape Bridgewater near Portland, and Captain Forbes followed the coastline towards Melbourne. Forbes was said to be playing cards when called by the Third Mate Henry Keen, who reported land about 3 miles off, Due in large part to the captain's regarding a card game as more important than his ship, it eventually ran aground on a sand spit near Curdie's Inlet (about 56 km west of Cape Otway) on 26 December 1855, 78 days after leaving Liverpool. The sand spit and the currents were not marked on Forbes’s map. The crew from the scouting party advised Forbes to wait until morning before trying to take the passengers to safety in the lifeboats because the rough seas could easily overturn the small vessels. The ship’s Chief Officer spotted SS QUEEN at dawn and signalled the steamer. The master of the SS QUEEN approached the stranded vessel and all of SCHOMBERG’s passengers and crew were able to disembark safely. The SCHOMBERG was lost and with her, Forbes’ reputation. The Black Ball Line’s Melbourne agent sent a steamer to retrieve the passengers’ baggage from the SCHOMBERG. Other steamers helped unload her cargo until the weather changed and prevented the salvage teams from accessing the ship. Later one plunderer found a case of Wellington boots, but alas, all were for the left foot! Local merchants Manifold & Bostock bought the wreck and cargo, but did not attempt to salvage the cargo that was still on board the ship. They eventually sold it on to a Melbourne businessman and two seafarers. In 1864, after two of the men drowned when they tried to reach SCHOMBERG, salvage efforts were abandoned. Parts of the SCHOMBERG were washed ashore on the south island of New Zealand in 1870, nearly 15 years after the wreck. The wreck now lies in 825 metres of water and the shape of the ship can still be seen due to the remaining railway irons, girders and the ship’s frame. A variety of goods and materials can be seen scattered about nearby. Flagstaff Hill holds many items salvaged from the SCHOMBERG including a ciborium (in which a diamond ring was concealed), communion set, ship fittings and equipment, personal effects, a lithograph, tickets, menu and photograph from the SCHOMBERG. This brass padlock is registered as an artefact in the SCHOMBERG collection. The SCHOMBERG collection as a whole is of historical and archaeological significance at a State level, listed on the Victorian Hertage Register VHR S612. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the SCHOMBERG is significant for its association with the Victorian Heritage Registered shipwreck. The collection is primarily significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the SCHOMBERG. The SCHOMBERG collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of an international passenger ship. The shipwreck collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the shipwreck and the ship, which was designed to be fastest and most luxurious of its day. The SCHOMBERG collection meets the following criteria for assessment: Criterion A: Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion B: Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion C: Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural Brass Padlock lying in a wooden block and encased in resin. The wood encasing the padlock has seven man-made holes in it, perhaps used to hand as a display. There was a paper label with an inscription on the top and bottom of the wood immediately surrounding the padlock. the brass has tarnished. Recovered from the wreck of the Schomberg in 1974.Marked on block - "Recovered 1974 'Schomberg'"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, padlock, schomberg shipwreck, brass padlock circa 1855, object salvaged from shipwreck, captain bully forbes, 19th century security hardware, sjouvenir, security, brass padlock -
Minyip & District Historical Society
Print Block, Unknown
Advertising printing block which was used in 'The Minyip Guardian and Sheep Hills Advocate. Office located at 49 Main Street Minyip, Victoria 3392. Stamp on printer's block. Warner's Rust Proof Corsetsprinting block, minyip guardian, minyip -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Rope Block, Mid-20th century
A sailing or rope block has single or multiple pulleys with one or more sheaves enclosed in an assembly between cheeks or chocks. In use, a block is fixed to the end of the line, spar or load to be lifted such as at a transport dock. A rope line is reeved through the sheaves, and through one or more matching blocks at the far end, to make up what's known as a tackle. Generally, the more sheaves in the blocks that make up a tackle, the higher its mechanical advantage. Various types of blocks are used in sailing. Some blocks are used to increase mechanical advantage and others to change the direction of a line. A ratchet block turns freely when a line is pulled in one direction but does not turn in the other direction, although the line may slip past the sheave. This kind of block makes a loaded line easier to hold by hand.This rope block is an example of rope and tackle systems used in maritime settings to lift and move cargo and machinery, often with the help of a crane. It is also used on sailing vessels as part of the rigging, help to raise and lower the ropes and sails.Block; two sheave wooden rope block with ring and becket. It features a Closed Spelter Socket (CSS). Rings are galvanised metal. There is a compliance plate attached with an inscription. It was once owned by a government body, as indicated by the 'up-arrow" symbol.Compliance plate: stamped twice "CS" [Closed Spelter] and "↑"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, lifting equipment, stevedoring, rope block, rigging block, sailing equipment, css, closed spelter socket -
Northern District School of Nursing. Managed by Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - School 21
The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Photo of 22 third year nurses attending 3rd year block in Bendigo Nurses Home gardensSchool 21 3rd year Block February 1956 P.T.S. 1954 BNH (Bendigo Nurses Home)second year mildura nurse e.j. thorpe, standing in front of lister house -
Minyip & District Historical Society
Print block, Unknown
Advertising printing block that was used in "The Minyip Guardian and Sheep Hills Advocate". Office located at 49 Main Street, Minyip. Victoria 3392Stamp on wooden printers blockWarner's Rust-Proof Corsetsminyip, minyip guardian, printing block -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Printer's block
Block (Matrix Press) was used in hot press printingMetal block with City of Nunawading Coat of Arms at centreLabore et Artetrades, printing -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Rope Block, Mid to Late 19th
A sailing block is single or multiple pulleys with one or more sheaves that are enclosed in an assembly between cheeks or chocks. In use, a block is fixed to the end of a line, to a spar, or a surface. A rope line is reeved through the sheaves, and maybe through one or more matching blocks at the far end, to make up what's known as a tackle. The purchase of a tackle refers to its mechanical advantage. In general, the more sheaves in the blocks that make up a tackle, the higher its mechanical advantage. The matter is slightly complicated by the fact that every tackle has a working end where the final run of rope leaves the last sheave. More mechanical advantage can be obtained if this end is attached to the moving load rather than the fixed end of the tackle. Various types of blocks are used in sailing. Some blocks are used to increase mechanical advantage and others are used simply to change the direction of a line. A ratchet block turns freely when a line is pulled in one direction but does not turn the other direction, although the line may slip past the sheave. This kind of block makes a loaded line easier to hold by hand, and is sometimes used on smaller boats for lines like main and jib sheets that are frequently adjusted. A single, large, sail-powered warship in the mid-19th century required more than 1,400 blocks of various kinds and sizes. An item from an old sailing vessel from the late 19th to early 20th century, unfortunately, the item cannot be identified as to what vessel it belonged to. It does however give an insight into a piece of sailing equipment that's design is still in use today on pleasure sailing craft. Wooden closed spelter double rope block with two pully's between sheaves, block has metal frame around outside of the sheaves and 4 metal pins, 2 each side of the frame at top and 2 at bottom, joining the sheaves together. The shaft between the sheaves is also wooden. Remnants of orange and black paint on outside of block. Shafts are chipped, wood has borer holes. (NOTE: Block was rediscovered after relocating objects to new storage area)Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, sailing ship, pulley, block, sheave, ship equipment, rope block, sail rigging -
Orbost & District Historical Society
printer's block, 1920's
This printer's block was used by the Snowy River Mail in the 1920's. This block is an advertisement for Tomlinson and McFarlane Bros, Drapers and General Merchants of Nicholson Street, Orbost.Since 1890 the Snowy River Mail has been the local newspaper of the Orbost district.This local paper has been the means by which readers in Orbost were able to learn about newsworthy events and issues in their local community for over a century.A printer's block from the Snowy River Mail. It is an advertisement for ladies' wear in the 1920's. It is an ad for Tomlinson and McFarlane Bros.of Nicholson Street Orbost and advertises fashionable contour corsets. The plate is nailed onto a block of chipboard.printing newspaper media advertisement tomlinson-and-mcfarlane-bros -
Vision Australia
Education kit - Object, Maths trainer
A hollow wooden box with an 8 pointed hole cut in top. A wooden block fits into the hole. The block is rectangular and one end has a straight bar along one side, the other end has two pointed parts on one side. There are no accompanying instructions.1 square light brown wooden box with block inserted assistive devices, education aids and devices -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Marking Gauge, 1875 to mid-20th century
This mortice marking gauge has an adjustable sliding arm. The gauge is used for scribing two lines on a flat surface such as timber for measuring and cutting. It is a hand-powered tool that would have been used by a tradesperson such as a cabinet maker, woodworker or carpenter. The hand tool shows signs of much use. The ‘W. Maples & Sons, Hibernia’s catalogue of 1867 had a very similar tool, called a Mortice Gauge, column 2, page 15. W. MARPLES & SONS- William Marples Snr. had a business on the Sheffield Moor in 1773/74. In 1821 his son William Jnr. At 12 years old began in his father’s joinery business. 1833 the firm was known as a tool manufacturer. In 1838 Marples called his business Hibernian Works and moved to 67-69 Spring Lane, Sheffield. When he moved to Westfield Terrace in 1856, he called his business Hibernia Works (no ‘n’ on the end). The business remained at this address for 116 years. In about 1859 the firm began using the Lyre (Irish harp) mark. In 1860 or so the two brothers, Edwin and William Marples, became partners and the firm became William Marples and Sons. The firm introduced the single shamrock symbol in 1860-61. The boys’ brother Albert joins the firm in 1863. In 1875 the company registered both the name ‘Hibernia’ and the trade mark symbol of a Triple Shamrock and the use of these trademarks continued for many decades, into the 1940 and the firm, with many changes, was still in business in the early 21st century. About Shamrock and Hibernia, both are related to Ireland and W. Marples named his products the Shamrock brand.The marking gauge is an example of a hand powered woodworking tool used over the past few centuries. Its maker was well known for his good quality tools and his business grew because of his reputation.Mortice marking gauge: wooden staff with block and green, adjustable sliding arm within the staff. The end of the staff has a facility for holding the scribe marker. The block has a hole into which a peg or wedge would be inserted to hold the sliding arm in place. Inscription with maker's name and almost indecipherable mark is stamped onto one side of the block. Made by W Marples & Sons, Sheffield.Stamped into block “W. MARPLES & SONS / HIBERNIA WORKS” above Logo of ‘Trefoil’ image [three, three-leafed clovers on the same stem]flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, hand tool, woodwork, marking gauge, measuring tool, mortice gauge, mortice marking gauge, william marples, w marples & sons, hibernia, shamrock, trifoil, tripple shamrock, carpenter's tool, cabinet maker, woodworking tool, drawing, planning, tool, wooden scribe, vintage, carpenter, marking tool, antique, marking out, joiner -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Colour, Clare Gervasoni, Church Avenue, Hepburn Springs, from Bellinzona, 2004, 28/06/2004
The block of land depicted has been leveled with a huge rock barrier around the corner perimeter.Block of land on the corner of Borsa Crescent and Seventh Street.bellinzona, actea, hepburn springs, church avenue, seventh street, borsa crescent -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Block, Late 19th to early 20th century
A sailing block is single or multiple pulleys with one or more sheaves that are enclosed in an assembly between cheeks or chocks. In use, a block is fixed to the end of a line, to a spar, or a surface. A rope line is reeved through the sheaves, and maybe through one or more matching blocks at the far end, to make up what's known as a tackle. The purchase of a tackle refers to its mechanical advantage. In general, the more sheaves in the blocks that make up a tackle, the higher its mechanical advantage. The matter is slightly complicated by the fact that every tackle has a working end where the final run of rope leaves the last sheave. More mechanical advantage can be obtained if this end is attached to the moving load rather than the fixed end of the tackle. Various types of blocks are used in sailing. Some blocks are used to increase mechanical advantage and others are used simply to change the direction of a line. A ratchet block turns freely when a line is pulled in one direction but does not turn in the other direction, although the line may slip past the sheave. This kind of block makes a loaded line easier to hold by hand and is sometimes used on smaller boats for lines like main and jib sheets that are frequently adjusted. A single, large, sail-powered warship in the mid-19th century required more than 1,400 blocks of various kinds and sizes.A historic item from an old sailing vessel from the late 19th to early 20th century, unfortunately. It represents part of the rigging required to set the sails on a wind-powered vessel.A two sheave wood sailing block with metal hook and becket. One sheave missing. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, block, sailing block, two-sheave block, 2 sheave wood block, marine technology, sailing equipment, rigging, rigging block -
Seaworks Maritime Museum
Window
White paint flecks on top edge of block.Ornate and engraved wooden block with the letters MHT. Stained dark on front and edges.M H Tmelbourne harbour trust (mba) -
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Functional object - Rowlock Block
An adjustable rowlock block designed for use on inflatable craft during WWIIThis adjustable rowlock is a rare artefact from WWII. It was designed to stow away when not in use.Rowlock Block [folding type] used in WW2 inflatable emergency craftrowlocks, seacraft, wwii equipment -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Block, After 1950
A block and tackle is a simple but highly effective lifting device, thought to have been invented by Archimedes. These systems were used extensively for construction in the ancient world, and continue to be used today for various applications, especially at sea, where non-motorized lifting systems are highly useful. A basic block and tackle includes a single fixed pulley or block, and at least one additional pulley, linked with rope, to form a complete set. Depending on the size of the load being lifted, additional sets may be used to further distribute the weight.A mid-twentieth example of a wooden block that shows advances in the design of the marine block compared to late 19th century blocks, with hook and pin and its compliance plate meeting the marine standards of the time.Block, three-sheave rope block, wooden with metal sheaves. Metal ring and connecting tab, painted blue-grey. A brass compliance plate is on one cheek. One one side there are eight nails. flagstaff hill museum, flagstaff hill village, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, block & tackle, rope, lifting heavy weights, ship rigging, cargo lifiting, marine technology, marine block, three sheave block -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Rope Block, After 1950
A block and tackle is a simple but highly effective lifting device, thought to have been invented by Archimedes. These systems were used extensively for construction in the ancient world, and continue to be used today for various applications, especially at sea, where non-motorised lifting systems are highly useful. A basic block and tackle includes a single fixed pulley or block, and at least one additional pulley, linked with rope, to form a complete set. Depending on the size of the load being lifted, additional sets may be used to further distribute the weight.A mid-twentieth example of a wooden block that shows advances in the design of the marine block compared to late 19th century blocks, with hook and pin and its compliance plate meeting the marine standards of the time.Two sheave rope block; two metal sheaves in polished wooden block with a metal inner pin with a ring on top and a bucket on the bottom. Rectangle carved into one cheek with inscriptions on the attached compliance plate with inscriptions. Stamped within a lozenge: "2 ↑ CS"flagstaff hill museum, flagstaff hill village, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, block & tackle, rope, lifting heavy weights, ship rigging, cargo lifiting, two sheave block, compliance plate, marine technology