The artefact is a short cross-section of part of a functional part of a brass fitting that suspended a gas lamp, providing structural support, and internally, supplying the gas for its ignition. It combines elegant design with the elements required for safe and efficient delivery of gas. It was recovered from the LOCH ARD shipwreck site. There are similar artefacts in the Flagstaff Hill collection. The LOCH ARD left Gravesend (London) on 2 March 1878, bound for Melbourne, with a crew of 37, 17 passengers, and a diverse and valuable cargo of manufactured goods, luxury items, and refined metal. Some of the cargo was intended for Melbourne’s first International Exhibition to be held in 1880. At 3 am, 1 June 1878, the ship was wrecked against the high limestone cliffs of Mutton Bird Island on Victoria’s south west coast near Port Campbell. Only two people survived the disaster — Tom Pearce, a male crew member, and Eva Carmichael, a female passenger. The cargo proved too difficult to salvage in the vessel’s exposed condition and was largely written off. The manifest of goods in the LOCH ARD’s holds included “Fittings gas (4 cases)”. The gas lighting of streets, public buildings, and the dwellings of wealthier private citizens, was already well advanced in the cities and major towns of the Australian colonies. In 1841 Sydney was the first to be gas lit with 23 street lamps, 106 hotel lamps, and 200 private residences connected to the Darlinghurst “gasometer” by an underground network of metal pipes. “The dim days of oil and tallow are gone by!” pronounced one newspaper, flushed with civic pride. The 1850s Gold Rush promoted a similar attitude of confidence and affluence in the Colony of Victoria. In 1855 Melbourne was connected to its own system of subterranean gas pipes despite the same high rates of 25 shillings per 1000 cubic feet being charged, (reduced to 15 shillings in 1865 with cheaper sources of coal). By1858 Kyneton had its own gasworks to light the town (fuelled by eucalyptus leaves) and Geelong followed suit in 1860. Had the LOCH ARD reached its intended destination in 1878, it is probable that the 4 cases of brass gas light fittings on board would have found a ready market.The gas fitting is significant for its association with the LOCH ARD shipwreck, which is of State significance and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register S417. The fitting is an example of a late 19th-century plumbing and light fitting.A pressed brass gas light fitting, recovered from the wreck of the LOCH ARD. The elegant and functional fitting extends from an ornate 8cm diameter ceiling flange, and comprises two short lengths of fluted column pipe with a brass joiner that are severed (cut off) at the end. Within this decorative outer layer of 3cm diameter is a full length brass tube liner, which is in turn protecting a narrow 0.75cm copper gas pipe that also runs full length. The artefact is generally unrestored with reddish/cream sandstone concretion, but is in good condition.warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck artefact, maritime museum, gas lamps, gas lighting, gas works, brass fittings, gas pipes, loch ard, 1878 shipwreck, victorian affluence, colonial gas lighting

This artefact is a functional, non-decorative fitting that essentially transports gas from a wall attachment to a lamp. It is a brass and copper gas lamp fitting, designed to direct and control the flow of gas from a flanged wall fitting to an exit nozzle that was lit. It was raised from the LOCH ARD shipwreck site by Flagstaff Hill divers in 1972. Related pieces can be found in the Maritime Village collection. The LOCH ARD left Gravesend (London) on 2 March 1878, bound for Melbourne, with a crew of 37, 17 passengers, and a diverse and valuable cargo of manufactured goods, luxury items, and refined metal; some of which was to be on show at Melbourne’s first International Exhibition in 1880. At 3 am, 1 June 1878, the ship was wrecked against the high limestone cliffs of Mutton Bird Island on Victoria’s southwest coast near Port Campbell. Only two people survived the disaster — Tom Pearce, a male crew member, and Eva Carmichael, a female passenger. The cargo proved too difficult to salvage in the vessel’s exposed condition and was largely written off. The manifest of goods in the LOCH ARD’s holds included “Fittings gas (4 cases)”. The gas lighting of streets, public buildings, and the dwellings of wealthier private citizens were already well-advanced in the cities and major towns of the Australian colonies. In 1841 Sydney was the first to be gas-lit with 23 street lamps, 106 hotel lamps, and 200 private residences connected to the Darlinghurst “gasometer” by an underground network of metal pipes. “The dim days of oil and tallow are gone by!” pronounced one newspaper, flushed with civic pride. The 1850s Gold Rush promoted a similar attitude of confidence and affluence in the Colony of Victoria. In 1855 Melbourne was connected to its system of subterranean gas pipes despite the same high rates of 25 shillings per 1000 cubic feet being charged, (reduced to 15 shillings in 1865 with cheaper sources of coal). By1858 Kyneton had its gasworks to light the town (fuelled by eucalyptus leaves) and Geelong followed suit in 1860. Had the LOCH ARD reached its intended destination in 1878, the four cases of brass gas light fittings on board would probably have found a ready market.The LOCH ARD shipwreck is of State significance — Victorian Heritage Register S417. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from LOCH ARD is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S417). The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the LOCH ARD. The LOCH ARD collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The LOCH ARD 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 LOCH ARD, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. This pipe is a gas lamp fitting. This extensively corroded fitting is made of brass and copper alloy. It comprises a 31 cm copper pipe of 1.5cm diameter which is connected to a 6.5cm diameter wall flange (via a flow tap and an adjustable swivel valve) at one end, and to a screw-in square coupling with a nozzle or gas jet at the other end. The copper pipe is dented and corroded and has three holes. The brass attachments are a more robust cast metal but the adjustable mechanisms are concreted into immobility by ocean sediment. No discernible maker’s marks. In unrestored but fair condition. The pipe with the fitting was recovered from the wreck of the LOCH ARD.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, gas lamps, gas lighting, gas works, brass fittings, gas pipes, loch ard, 1878 shipwreck, victorian affluence, colonial gas lighting

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 20th May, 1938 between G. Earl Snr. (seller) and Mrs. M.A. Speechley (buyer) for land situate No.144 Victoria Street, Ironbark, being the land described in right to occupy residence area No. 4785, together with 4-roomed weatherboard dwelling, brick and concrete kitchen and all sundry. Also copper and stand, electric light fittings, wire doors and window screens. Price 210 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 2nd March, 1939 between H.A. Wilkinson (seller) and Mrs. C.M. Stevens (buyer) for land situate No. 1 Carolin Street, Bendigo being part of Crown allotment 217 section H being land described in certificate of volume 6129 folio 1225728, together with 4-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Also gas stove and all wire window screens. Price 650 pounds. Vendor's copy.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 2nd March, 1939 between H.A. Wilkinson (seller) and Mrs. C.M. Stevens (buyer) for land situate No. 1 Carolin Street, Bendigo being part of Crown allotment 217 section H being land described in certificate of volume 6129 folio 1225728, together with 4-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Also gas stove and all wire window screens. Price 650 pounds. Office copy.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 7th March, 1939 between J.A. Robertson (seller) and A.E. Simms (buyer) for land situate Prowse Road, Bendigo, at present occupied by Mrs. Harbour as tenant, being the land described in right to occupy residence area No. 190. Also all the vendor's right, title and interest to the land as fenced adjoining the above mentioned property, together with 5-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Price 250 pounds. Attached copy of application to register a Lienorganization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 8th March, 1940 between Mrs. G.J. Wilkinson (seller) and R. and A.M.B. Seeber (buyers) for land situate Panton Street, Golden Square, being Crown allotment 1 section 6A land described in certificate of title volume 3571 folio 750198, together with 5-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Price 350 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private sale dated 10th April, 1940 between W.V.O. Earl (seller) and C.M.F. Skilbeck (buyer) for land situate No.148 Booth Street, Bendigo, being the land described in right to occupy residence area No.4501. Also all the vendor's right, title and interest in that piece of land adjoining the above mentioned land described in permissive occupancy title no. W.52845, together with 5-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Also bath, copper and troughs. Price 175 pounds. Attached 5 receipt issued by Department of Lands and Survey plus 2 receipt from City of Bendigo for rates. Vendor's copy.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private sale dated 10th April, 1940 between W.V.O. Earl (seller) and C.M.F. Skilbeck (buyer) for land situate No.148 Booth Street, Bendigo, being the land described in right to occupy residence area No.4501. Also all the vendor's right, title and interest in that piece of land adjoining the above mentioned land described in permissive occupancy title no. W.52845, together with 5-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Also bath, copper and troughs. Price 175 pounds. Attached Insurance cover issued by The United Insurance Company Ltd for above property. Office copy.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 23rd July, 1940 between Mrs. I. Cattran (seller) and Miss V. Sanders (buyer) for land situate No.78 Olinda Street, Bendigo being part of Crown allotment 3 section77C land described in certificate of title volume 4701 folio 940052, together with 4-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Price 272 pounds and 10 shillings.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 13th March, 1941 between Mrs. H.C. Dixon (seller) and W.C. Smith (buyer) for land situate No. 467 Backhaus Street, corner Sheridan Street, Long Gully being land described in right to occupy residence area No. 7368, together with 5-roomed weatherboard and brick dwelling and all sundry. Also ''Liverpool'' gas stove, wire doors and window screens, electric light globes and shades, but no fancy shades. Price 415 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 27th March, 1941 between J. Whitley (seller) and Mrs. L.A. Schleiger (buyer) for land situate 243 Queen Street, Bendigo being land described in right to occupy residence area right No. 7313, together with 4-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Price 250 pounds. Office copy. Attached copy of insurance cover issued by the United Insurance Company Ltd for above said property.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 27th March, 1941 between J. Whitley (seller) and Mrs. L.A. Schleiger (buyer) for land situate 243 Queen Street, Bendigo being land described in right to occupy residence area right No. 7313, together with 4-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Price 250 pounds. Vendor's copy.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 24th April, 1941 between A.B.P. Pattison (seller) and G.H. Sharpe (buyer) for land situate No. 19 Hayes Street, Bendigo, being land described in right to occupy residence area No. 7157, together with 6-roomed weatherboard and brick dwelling and all sundry. Price 190 pounds. Attached receipt signed by Mr. Pattison acknowledging payment.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 11th June, 1941 between Mr. A.C. Beaton (seller) and P.J. Stewart (buyer) for land situate Hill Street Kangaroo Flat, together with 5-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Also all electric light fittings and window blinds. Price 320 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 30th June, 1941 between Mrs. S. Bramley (seller) and Mrs. A.E. Simmons (buyer) for land situate Dillon Street, Long Gully, at present unoccupied being Crown allotment 497 section K described in certificate of title volume 3999 folio 799707. Also all the vendor's right title and interest in and to all that piece of land adjoining the above being land described in right to occupy residence area right No. 387, together with 5-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Price 250 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 5th July, 1941 between B. Hocking (seller) and Mrs. I.F. Stephenson (buyer) for land situate 25 Reginald Street, Bendigo being Crown allotment 7 section 104C land described in certificate of title volume 2684 folio 536778, together with 5-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Also all electric globes and shades, all wire doors and screens and ''Main'' gas stove connected in place of present gas stove. Price 400 pounds. This is the office copy, attached: copy of insurance policy and city of Bendigo rates notice and receipts of paymentsorganization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 5th July, 1941 between B. Hocking (seller) and Mrs. I.F. Stephenson (buyer) for land situate 25 Reginald Street, Bendigo being Crown allotment 7 section 104C land described in certificate of title volume 2684 folio 536778, together with 5-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Also all electric globes and shades, all wire doors and screens and ''Main'' gas stove connected in place of present gas stove. Price 400 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 11th November, 1941 between H. Muir (seller) and C.E. Stokes & Mrs. J. Stokes (buyers) for land situate No. 718 High Street, Golden Square, together with 4-roomed weatherboard and rough cast dwelling and all sundry. Also all vendor's right title and interest in and to the adjoining land with a frontage to High street, and as fenced across the rear of the residence area land. Price 400 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 23rd December, 1941 between L. Lazzari and Mrs. E. Lazzari (sellers) and Mrs. M.A. Smith (buyer) for land situate No. 18 Burn Street, Golden Square being Crown allotment 8a section 46B land described in Crown grant volume 2325 folio 464944, together with 5-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Price 340 poundsorganization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 19th October, 1942 between D.R. Hay (seller) and H.A. Stirton (buyer) for land situate corner Creek and Hamann Streets, Bendigo, having a frontage of 85 links to Hamann Street by a depth of 134 links to Creek Street and adjoining allotments 6 and 4, and described in right to occupy residence area title No. 5429, together with 4-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Price 270 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 30th May, 1944 between W.S. & A. Frost (sellers) and Mrs. T. M. Swale (buyer) for land situate No. 212 Queen Street, Bendigo being Crown allotment 2 section 139C described in certificate of title volume 4557 folio 911246, together with 5-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Price 385 pounds. Also attached 6 receipt 2 issued by George Rasmussen, 2 by Langley & Son, 1 by J.S. Barker plus 1 Unknown for various materials.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 13th September, 1929 between F. Vincent (seller) and J. Taylor (buyer) for land situate Upper Road, California Gully being Crown allotment 292 section M at California Gully, Borough of Eaglehawk described in certificate of title volume 2959 folio 591717, together with 6-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Price 210 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 13th September, 1929 between F. Vincent (seller) and J. Taylor (buyer) for land situate Upper Road, California Gully being Crown allotment 292 section M at California Gully, Borough of Eaglehawk described in certificate of title volume 2959 folio 591717, together with 6-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Price 210 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 15th October, 1929 between R.A. Wilkinson (seller) and E.L. Thomas for freehold land situate 18 McClure Street, Ironbark being Crown allotment 497 section K described in Crown grant volume 2471 folio 494141, together with 5-roomed stone, wood and brick dwelling and all sundry. Price 270 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 8th November, 1929 between A. Jacka (seller) and W. V. Tope (buyer) for land situate corner McKenzie and Wade Streets, Golden Square described in certificate of registration as residence area no. ? Together with 5-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry, also gas stove, wood stove. Electric light fittings, bath, hand basin, copper and troughs. Price 620 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 8th November, 1929 between A. Jacka (seller) and W. V. Tope (buyer) for land situate corner McKenzie and Wade Streets, Golden Square described in certificate of registration as residence area no. ? Together with 5-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry, also gas stove, wood stove. Electric light fittings, bath, hand basin, copper and troughs. Price 620 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 23rd June, 1930 between R. Rigby (seller) and T. Trahair (buyer) for land situate 62 Ophir Street, Golden Square described in certificate of registration as residence area No. 31146, together with weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Price 342 pounds 10 shillings.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 7th January, 1931 between A.E. Leech executrix of the will of E.J. Cronin deceased (seller) and M. Taylor (buyer) for land situate in Maple Street, Bendigo being the land described in certificate of registration as residence area No. 31152, together with 6-roomed weatherboard and brick dwelling and all sundry, also wood fire stove and built in copper. Price 220 poundsorganization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 8th February, 1932 between C. N. Vane (seller) and W.C. Thomas (buyer) for land situate corner Cobden and Brougham Streets, Bendigo being part of Crown allotment 6 section 64C described in certificate of title volume 2927 folio 585303 and at present occupied by tenant, together with 5-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Price 375 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate