Shoehorns have been used for centuries, with early versions crafted from bone, wood, or metal. This design suggests it may be from the late 19th to early 20th century, when metal shoehorns became more common. The curved hook handle could indicate it was designed for use in a retail shoe store, a bootmaker’s shop, or as a household item. Shoehorns were particularly useful for wearing tightly fitted leather shoes or boots, helping preserve their shape and preventing damage. The patina and wear suggest long-term use, possibly in a workshop, household, or professional setting.This is a curved metal shoehorn, used to assist in putting on shoes without damaging the heel or crushing the back of the shoe. The blade is broad and flat, tapering slightly towards the end for ease of insertion into the shoe. The handle curves upward into a hook shape, likely for hanging storage or to provide a better grip when in use. The surface is darkened and aged, with visible patina and signs of wear, indicating significant age and use. Owned by V EMMETT of Natimukshoehorn, bootmaker, shoe maker, household item

The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This photograph is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Edward Herbert Uebergang and Alma Gertrude Schurmann were married on 1 March 1912. . Edward, born in 1883 at Cudgee, was the son of Friedrich Johann Uebergang and Pauline Johanna Hillbrick. Alma Gertrude was born in 1882 at Natimuk.They lived in Horsham where Edward, known as Bert, developed a chaff-cutting business servicing the Wimmera and Riverina areas. Their story is recorded in the Uebergang family history pp.200-208. Source: The Uebergang Families in Australia 1848-1985 Edward was a cousin of Percy Uebergang.Sepia photograph of the Uebergang-Schurmann wedding. The bride is standing. She is wearing a lace shawl overlay gown with elbow length lace sleeves and long white gloves. A three tiered floor length veil falls from a circlet of flowers. The groom is seated and is wearing a three piece suit, a high collared shirt and boots.allansford, cudgee, natimuk, horsham, uebergang, edward, schurmann, alma, marriages

This type of cross-stitch embroidery was a popular decorative craft in the 20th century, often created as a hobby or gift. The delicate details and vibrant colors suggest it was made with care and patience, possibly as a handmade home decoration or a sentimental piece. The pastoral theme, featuring a cat, flowers, and a sunlit patio, is a common motif in traditional embroidery patterns, symbolizing comfort, relaxation, and domestic charm. Handcrafted, tapestry stitch, created by Elaine EMMERSON of Clear Lake and Natimuk.Artwork made by local resident.This is a framed cross-stitch embroidery artwork depicting a charming outdoor scene. The embroidery features a wicker chair, a cat sitting in a flower-filled basket, an open window with green shutters, and an abundance of colorful flowers surrounding the setting. The scene conveys a sense of warmth and tranquillity, with a blue sky and soft pastel tones in the background. The embroidery is housed in an ornate wooden frame, which has an intricate carved border and a decorative beaded inner trim. The frame is in a warm brown tone, complementing the vintage-style design of the embroidery.cross stich, emboridery, emmerson, household item

james hill taxidermy collection moved from kewell to murtoa (house) then to tower.held under scientific licenceyellow bird black eyes - held under scientific licence. murtoa lions club (custodians).murtoa, taxidermy, mutant canary, canary, james hill, natural history, flight, natimuk

These miniature candles were traditionally used on Christmas trees before the widespread adoption of electric fairy lights. They were inserted into small holders with clips or spikes and lit briefly during holiday celebrations. Manufactured by J.C. & J. Field Ltd., a British candle-making company with origins dating back to the 17th century, this product reflects the festive traditions of the early 20th century. The inclusion of a complaint number ("8") and emphasis on British manufacture point to a time when quality control and national production were important selling points, particularly between the wars.A small, rectangular cardboard box containing miniature Christmas tree candles in various colours, including white, cream, pink, and blue. The box lid is printed in black text on a light background, and the interior tray slides out to reveal the candles neatly arranged in rows. The lid reads: CHRISTMAS TREE CANDLES British Made J.C. & J. Field, Ltd., London, S.E. Established 1642, in the Reign of Charles I. In case of any complaint, please quote this Number: 8 The typography and packaging design suggest an early to mid-20th-century date, possibly from the 1920s–1940s. The candles are short and narrow, designed to fit into metal clips or holders on Christmas trees before electric lights became common.CHRISTMAS TREE CANDLES – British Made J.C. & J. Field, Ltd., London, S.E. Established 1642, in the Reign of Charles I Complaint number: 8natimuk, christmas, candles, lights, festive season, field, christmas tree, household item

BHS CollectionSix typewritten letters of reference for John Ellison. One dated July 4th, 1941 from the Presbyterian minister of Natimuk, two from the shire of Arapiles dated 21st August 1941 and October 1941. The last three are from the Education Department. One undated, one dated 4th July 1956 granting John Ellison Trained Primary Teacher's Certificate, the last 20th July 1956. The letters are in an envelope addressed to: The Secretary, Education Department, Public Offices, Treasury Place, Melbourne C.2On the envelope in blue pen: private reports reference C. Bryan letter on granting T.P.T.C.education department, references, teacher certificate

Leather thicknessers like this were commonly used in leatherworking and saddlery to ensure uniform thickness in leather pieces before making belts, harnesses, saddles, or other leather goods. This design suggests it was hand-operated, requiring the user to feed leather through the adjustable gap while controlling the pressure with the lever. These tools were essential in workshops and tanneries, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, before the advent of more mechanized skiving machines. From HODGES Saddlery, Natimuk.This is a vintage manually-operated leather thicknesser, used for skiving or adjusting the thickness of leather pieces. The tool consists of a wooden base with four mounting holes, likely for securing it to a workbench. A horizontal metal bar runs across the top, supported by two vertical posts, and is adjustable via two round-headed screws. The tool also features a curved lever handle on one side, which is used to adjust or apply pressure to the leather being processed. The metal components show signs of oxidation and rust, while the wooden base has a well-worn appearance, suggesting extensive use.leather thicknesser, functional item, tool, farm equipment, harness, horse equipment, saddlery, leather, commercial equipment

This item is likely a homemade or early commercial valve radio receiver, dating from the 1930s to early 1940s, during the golden age of radio. Many Australians built or assembled radios using kits or instructions from publications such as Wireless Weekly. Radios like this were central to home entertainment and news during the interwar and WWII years, especially in rural areas like Natimuk. The exposed construction suggests it may have been a hobbyist’s set or a demonstration model, used for educational purposes or by amateur radio enthusiasts.A partially assembled or open-frame valve (tube) radio chassis, mounted on a rectangular wooden baseboard. The unit features multiple cylindrical components including vacuum tubes, metal canister capacitors, and large tuning coils or condensers. Several wires extend from the board, some frayed or disconnected, indicating the item is no longer operational. The layout is typical of 1930s–1940s home-built or early commercial radios, often powered by batteries or mains with external speakers. Key visible components include: Four vacuum tubes (valves) with metallic tops Two large, rusted cylindrical capacitors or transformers Three tuning condensers (variable capacitors) with exposed fin assemblieswireless, radio, music, news, entertainment

Hat pins were essential women's accessories in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, used to secure large, decorative hats to carefully styled hair. These “Queen” brand pins were marketed as rustless and climate-suitable, highlighting their appeal in Australian conditions. Manufactured in England by William Briggs & Co. Ltd., they were distributed across the British Empire, including rural Australia. This type of display card was used in haberdasheries and general stores, combining functional fashion with affordability. Hat pins were used for decoration and for fastening a woman's hat securely to her hair. They became a popular and important clothing accessory in the late Victorian era and the beginning of the 20th century.A pair of original hat pin display cards, each containing a set of “Queen” brand hat pins, still mounted in their original packaging. The cards are vertically oriented, with printed text in gold and black on a white background with grey stripes. Each card holds multiple long metal hat pins, secured through pre-punched slots. The card text reads: "The Queen Hat Pins" Superior Quality – Rustless – Specially Made for the Australian Climate Manufactured by William Briggs & Co. Ltd. – Made in England Two small, printed prices are visible on the cards: One marked 3½d (three and a half pence) The other marked 4d (four pence) The visible heads of the pins are rounded, with one set showing a light lilac colour, suggesting variation in styles or finishes.The Queen Hat Pins Superior Quality – Rustless – Specially Made for the Australian Climate Made in England Manufacturer: William Briggs & Co. Ltd.fasion, costume, accessory, household item, sabon, queen, briggs, hat pin, natimuk

These leatherworking tools were widely used in the 19th and early 20th centuries by saddlers, cobblers, and leather artisans for making shoes, saddles, belts, and harnesses. The round knife (half-moon knife) was an essential tool for cutting and skiving leather. The hole marker or stitch marker ensured even stitching, improving durability and aesthetics. The clamp tool may have been used for holding pieces of leather together during stitching or gluing. Such tools were indispensable in handcrafted leather goods before industrialized mass production. From HODGES Saddlery at NatimukThe image features three distinct vintage leatherworking tools, each tagged with numbers for identification. Left Tool: Leatherworking or Saddler’s Clamp A small metal clamp with an adjustable screw mechanism, likely used in leather stitching or riveting. The rusted metal body suggests it was used extensively in leather crafting, possibly to hold pieces of leather together while being stitched or to secure a cutting guide. The adjustable components indicate it was a versatile tool. Middle Tool: Leather Round Knife (Half-Moon Knife) A wooden-handled cutting tool with a curved, semi-circular blade, commonly known as a round knife or half-moon knife. This tool is traditionally used by leatherworkers for cutting, skiving, and shaping leather. The blade is rusted, but the tool still retains its distinct shape. The wooden handle is rounded for a firm grip, essential for precise cutting. Right Tool: Leather Hole or Stitch Marker A small metal tool with multiple protruding points, likely used for marking stitch holes or perforating leather before sewing. The sharp points indicate it could have been used to create evenly spaced stitch lines or decorative impressions. This type of tool was commonly used by cobblers, saddlers, and leatherworkers to ensure even and consistent stitching.leather, cutting tools, commercial equipment, saddlery

This item is a magneto wall telephone, common in Australia from the 1890s to the 1930s, particularly in rural homes, post offices, and businesses. The user would turn the side crank to generate a signal to ring the local exchange or another subscriber. The mouthpiece was fixed to the unit, and the receiver would have been held to the ear while speaking. These phones were part of early manual switchboard networks, often serviced by local telephone operators. This example is representative of early communication technology in regional Victoria, possibly used in Natimuk or surrounding areas before the advent of automatic telephone exchanges.A wall-mounted wooden telephone, characteristic of early 20th-century manual telephone systems. The upper section features two prominent metal bells for the ringer, with a receiver hook and a rotary or crank handle on the side for generating signal current. The centre has a mouthpiece (transmitter) fixed in place, and the lower portion contains a hinged writing or message shelf with a key lock, likely housing the internal components or a compartment for note-taking or message slips. The body is made of stained timber with carved decorative elements at the top, including a small finial or crest. The piece exhibits wear consistent with age and use.communication, telephone, exchange, party line

This doll was produced in Germany in the early 20th century, a peak period for high-quality European doll manufacturing. The factory mark and inscription link it to the Heubach Köppelsdorf company, known for exporting dolls to English-speaking markets, including Australia. The finely detailed features and costuming suggest it was intended as a keepsake or display doll, possibly given as a special gift for a child or collected by adults. Dolls like this were common in middle-class households and often became heirlooms, passed down through generations. This doll was a gift to Alma KORBER for her 6th birthday by her grandfather Heinrich Ernst HAUSTORFER (1835-1921). The doll retains her original clothes. It was made by Ernst HEUBACH's porcelain factory in Koppelsdorf, Germany. They made bisque doll heads on kid or composition bodies.A vintage porcelain-headed doll dressed in a cream-coloured, ankle-length, lace overlay dress with long sleeves, and a soft pink bonnet. The doll has painted facial features, including blue eyes, detailed eyebrows, and red lips. The body is made of cloth, with stitched white upper stockings and dark brown felt lower legs. The feet are fitted with miniature black shoes with small metal buckles. Bisque shoulder head, single stroke painted eyebrows, sleep eyes, painted eyelashes, open mouth, jointed kid body, crocheted dress, bonnet and one shoe is missing.The back of the doll's shoulder plate is inscribed: "1904 1/0" "Made in Germany" Includes a horseshoe maker's mark, which is attributed to Heubach Köppelsdorf, a well-known German doll manufacturer These markings suggest the doll was manufactured around 1904, likely for export. Horseshoe mark 1903 - 7/0 Made in Germanykorber, haustorfer, heubach, germany, migration, doll, natimuk, toy, children, household item

Leather satchels were commonly used by messengers, students, and professionals in the early to mid-20th century. The rolled tool pouches were often used by mechanics, tradesmen, or military personnel for carrying small hand tools. The top right item may have been used to store documents, maps, or drawing tools.The image features four leather satchels or tool rolls, each with straps, buckles, and varying degrees of wear. The top left satchel is a dark brown leather bag with two buckled straps for closure, a handle or strap loop on top, and visible stitching along the edges. The top right item is a flat leather wrap with multiple straps, possibly a roll-up document or tool case. The bottom two items are rolled leather tool pouches with buckle closures. One has a small metal plaque or tag affixed to the exterior. One Leather School Satchel Bag belonged to Annamarie LOHE of Natimuk (c1910) school, satchel, bag, education, household item

These cookie cutters were used for shaping dough into decorative biscuits or pastries. The variety of shapes suggests they were used for festive occasions or themed baking (e.g., Christmas, Easter, or storybook themes). The handmade appearance and aged patina indicate they may date from the early to mid-20th century. Vintage cookie cutters are now collectible kitchen tools, often sought after by bakers and antique enthusiasts.The set consists of various metal cookie cutters attached to a worn, aged backing board. The cookie cutters are made of thin, bent metal strips, shaped into figures and objects with small metal braces for reinforcement. The designs include a man and woman in old-fashioned attire, a crescent moon, a hot air balloon, a flower with a bow, a bird, a cat, two rabbits, a chicken, a small cup shape, and a rocking horse. Some cutters have small handles or support strips to help with pressing into dough. The metal has visible oxidation and patina, suggesting age and use over time. Owned by Miss SCHURMANN of Natimuk cutting tools, baking, cooking, kitchen, foot, dough, cookies, buscuits, household item

Leather bound book, gold on edges of pages 867 pages, shield on front is goldNew Testament Psalmsbible, new testament, girdler, gumbleton, deaconate

Likely worn by women in the late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1890-1920). Such boots were a common fashion staple during this period, offering ankle support, durability, and modesty. Used for everyday wear, walking, and possibly riding. Could have belonged to a working-class woman or someone engaged in an active profession, as the signs of heavy use suggest practicality over fashion.Antique Women's Lace-up Boots. A pair of black leather lace-up boots with a high ankle cut characteristic of early 20th-century women's footwear. The boots have a rounded toe cap with decorative stitching and a sturdy, medium-height heel. The front lace-up closure extends from the toe cap to the top of the boot, with metal eyelets guiding the laces. The tongue and upper sections appear to be made of cloth or a softer material, which has suffered significant wear and tear. The inner lining is deteriorating, revealing padding or horsehair stuffing in some areas. Scuffs and creases on the leather surface, particularly around the toe cap and heel, indicate heavy use. The soles are stitched rather than glued, a construction technique common in high-quality leather footwear of the period. Owned by Miss SCHURMANN of Natimukboots, shoes, schurmann, clothing, household item

The tin and iron kettles reflect pioneer and homestead life, where durability was key. The ornate porcelain teapot represents Victorian or Edwardian elegance, common in high-society tea rituals. The woven ceramic teapot may have been imported from Asia, showing the influence of international trade on household items.This collection includes six antique teapots and kettles of different materials, shapes, and designs, reflecting various historical periods and cultural influences. Top Left – Enamelware Coffee Pot/Kettle: Cylindrical blue speckled enamelware pot with a long, curved spout. Black enamel handle and fitted lid with a knob. Likely a camping-style or farmhouse coffee pot, commonly used in the early 20th century. Top Middle – Porcelain Teapot with Ornate Design: White ceramic teapot with richly decorated blue and red floral motifs. Gold accents along the lid and spout. Small curved spout and graceful looped handle. Resembles Victorian or Edwardian-era tea ware, possibly British or European origin. Top Right – Black Metal Kettle: Heavy iron or tin kettle with a square, boxy shape. Simple round lid with a white knob. Sturdy handle and straight spout suggest it was designed for practical, everyday use, possibly from the 19th or early 20th century. From Mrs SCHURMANN of Natimuk. Bottom Left – Large Tin or Metal Kettle: Rounded body with a wide spout and broad, arching handle. Likely made of tin or aluminium, with signs of wear and rust. Used for boiling water over an open fire, common in rural households or railway camps. Bottom Middle – Woven Ceramic Teapot: Small, delicate ceramic teapot with a woven basket-like texture. Blue floral decorations on a cream-colored base. Bamboo-style handle and spout, suggesting Asian influence, possibly Chinese or Japanese. Bottom Right – Brown Glazed Teapot: Traditional round-bodied teapot with a rich brown glaze. Simple curved spout and arched handle. Resembles British or Australian stoneware teapots, popular from the 19th century through mid-20th century.tea, coffee, pot, jug, household item

House hold items,