Vesta cases, also known as match safes, are small boxes that are used to carry matches and keep them safe from the elements. In the early 1800's, it was common to carry matches, since some type of portable fire was needed to light lanterns and stoves. The matches of that day were crude compared to today's standards, and were known to light when making contact with each other, and sometimes even spontaneously. In order to alleviate this potentially hazardous situation, it made good sense to utilize a vesta case or match safe. One of the more interesting features of the vesta case or match safes is that they almost always include some type of rough or ribbed surface, usually on the bottom of the case that is used for striking the matches. This vesta case is the portable pocket vesta which also has a bale (ring) near the hinge so that they can be suspended from a chain. These cases take their name from the virgin Roman goddess of fire, home, hearth and family. Usually Vesta was depicted as the fire in her temple. Only Vestals (her priestesses) were allowed into her temple. Her association with fire made her name the natural choice for British companies that manufactured matches. The hallmarking of sterling silver is based on a combination of marks that makes possible the identification of origin and age. The town mark identifies the Assay Office where the item was verified. The town mark on this piece, three wheat sheaves and a sword identify Chester, in Cheshire, England as the town of creation. The lion passant guardant certifies the silver quality, as between 925 and 1000. The maker's mark, identifying the silversmith presenting the piece to the assay office is W.N. for William Neale. The date letter identifies the year the piece was verified, this case being verified in 1903. William Neale and Sons was a firm was established by William Neale in 1850 in Birmingham. His mark was entered at the Birmingham assay office in April 1862 and in the Chester assay office in September 1882. 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 silver vesta case with a ribbed strike plate at the end, a ring to attach the case to a chain and a cover that can be pushed up to open. W.N/ lion symbol/ Three Sheaves of Wheat and Sword/ C/ [hallmarks] A01169/silver, silversmith, burke museum, england, fire, vesta, william neale

The raised dots texture of this bottle clearly distinguishes the bottle as a poison. Poison bottles were often brown.Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This bottle has an aesthetic element in that the shapes, colour and texture are visually appealing. They reflect the type of glassware used for poisonous contents that was in circulation in the first half of the 20th century. A brown glass bottle with angled sides and raised dimples on two sides. One side has "NOT TO BE TAKEN". It has a screw thread.On base -M On side NOT TO BE TAKENbottle container poison

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This bottle has an aesthetic element in that the shapesis visually appealing. It reflects the type of glassware that was in circulation in the first half of the 20th century. A narrow clear glass bottle with a short neck and a moulded rim.5 3bottle container

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This bottle reflecs the type of glassware that was in circulation in the 1920's.A heavy, thick, clear glass round bottle with a short neck which has a moulded rim for a cork stopper. It is very solid. There are some bubbles in the glass.Mbottle container

These folders contain letters written to the Slab Hut either requesting information or making comments. There are copies of the replies.The Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) is an Orbost icon. This slab hut was built in 1872 as a family dwelling on a site about 3 km upstream from the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers about 40 kms from Orbost on the Yalmy Rd. No nails were used in the construction; it was all wired together. After a period in storage the slab hut was opened in its present location in Orbost as the Information Centre in 1987.Two manila folders containing correspondence to/from Orbost Visitor Information Centre. The letters are tied together with string/ribbon. Most are information requests with copies of the replies.correspondence-orbost-visitor-information-centre tourism

This book was written by Dr J. J. C. Bradfield, (John Job Crew), 1867-1943. Dr JJC Bradfield was a visionary Australian engineer who worked with enormous energy and vision to build the infrastructure which he foresaw that Sydney would need as it grew. As early as 1903 Bradfield was making the case for the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in his presidential address as President of the Sydney University Engineering Society. Bradfield’s proposal — at that stage for a cantilever bridge between Dawes Point and Milsons Point — won the committee’s support and they recommended it be accepted. However, the First World War put a stop to these plans. While a bill to authorise the project passed the lower house of the NSW parliament in 1916, it failed to pass the upper house, on the grounds that funds should not be diverted from the war effort. With the war over, in 1922 the Sydney Harbour Bridge Act was passed by the NSW Parliament. The Sydney Harbour Bridge was officially opened in 1932 after Museum and St James railway stations were built. This book was written from the story broadcast by Dr. J.J.C. Bradfield. This item is a useful reference tool.A staple soft cover 16 pp booklet with a buff coloured cover. It has a sketch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge behind the title "The Bridge" in dark brown print. It contains information and photographs of the history and construction of Sydney Harbour Bridge.sydney-harbour-bridge bradfield-dr-j-j-c

Peck’s meat spreads were introduced in England in 1891. Thirteen years later, the British-based Harry Peck & Co. began exporting its products to Australia. By 1938, Peck’s set up in Australia and began making canned meat and fish products.This is an example of a food container used in the mid 20th century.A small clear moulded glass jar. It has a check pattern at the top and bottom with a smooth band in the middle. It has a wide opening tapering to the bottom. It is lipped for a rubber seal. It was used for Pecks paste.on base - PECKS with some indecipherable numberscontainer peck's-paste jar

This calling card / visiting card belonged to Jean Munro, the daughter of Donald Munro who was an Orbost Shire Councillor for 20 years. Donald Munro, with his brother, Archie carried on a boot-making business in one of the rooms of a three-storeyed barn at Lochiel. The Munros were musically inclined and through them a band was formed in 1889. Donald Munro was involved in many of the town's activities. (More in Mary Gilbert's Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District). Jean Munro was for many years a librarian and was involved in the Presbyterian Church in Orbost. She died in 1934.In the early 20th century when formal introductions were a normal expectation of good manners , the exchange of calling cards was a social custom that was essential in developing friendships. This item reflects a time of when courtesy was an important aspect of society. A small white rectangular calling card / visting card with "Miss Munro" printed on the front.on front - "Miss Munro"munro-orbost calling-card-jean-munro

During the Great Depression from 1929 to 1932, rabbit trapping was a means of survival for many people. Rabbits provided meat and pelts which were sold for making felt hats such as the Akubra. Rabbit populations are controlled in the 21st century by poisoning, destroying or 'ripping' burrows (warrens), biological control with rabbit haemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis, and by shooting. Rabbit-proof fences also prevent the spread of rabbits into some areas. (ref. Powerhouse Museum) Steel-jawed rabbit traps were widely used in urban and rural Australia from 1880 to 1980. This trap is symbolic of the battle that Australians have waged against burgeoning rabbit populations for over a century. Rabbits cause enormous damage to Australian soils and biodiversity. The introduction of rabbits to this country was an environmental disaster.Two iron rabbit traps. Each consists of a pair of jaws held closed by spring tension and a triggering mechanism. When the trap is triggered the jaws close over the top of the bridge, plate and tongue mechanism that is designed to trigger the trap. A chain is attached by a hook on the bent end of the trap's spring with a long steel spike looped over the last link of the other end of the chain. The trap is designed so that the metal jaws snap shut against each other when the trap is activated by the application of weight to the pressure plate. In use, traps are set with open jaws, buried lightly just below the surface of the earth. When an animal steps on the pressure plate, the jagged teeth of the jaws snap around the animal's leg, usually breaking bone and sinew. Thus the animal is immobilised.rabbits rural trapping

In the beginning of the19th century, the main mode of transportation was the horse and carriage. Even after the advent of the railway, remote areas still relied on the horse for local transport.Until Australian coachbuilders began making buggies from the 1860s, most were made in America Buggies with four wheels were light but comfortable. Many had hoods to keep the sun and rain off passengers. They were generally owned by doctors, ‘squatters’ and business people. Some had small turn-out seats at the back for children. Lamps are placed at different places on the carriage sides: 1 lamp on each side placed close to box seatThese lanterns are examples of lighting devices used in the time of horse and carriage transport.Two kerosene lanterns - buggy lamps.They are rectangular in shape and have a chimney on top. Both have carrying handles.There are 3 glass windows having two clear white lights and one small red round light on the back. The ceramic burner is made by Barton's.On ceramic wick holder - B in the middle of BARTONS B Underneath is TRADE MARK lighting kerosene-lights buggy-lamps transport lanterns

This is a pictorial record of horse-drawn transport in East Gippsland in the late 19th - early 20th century. It depicts the difficulties of transport in the under-developed forests of East Gippsland.A very faded photograph of horses and coach making their way through a bush track obstructed by fallen trees.on front - " Old Coaching Days" on back - ' A. Coulton"transport-horse-drawn

There is no information with this item. John Tynan's Victoria Agricultural Implement Factory began making ploughs in 1857. His company is also believed to be the first to have produced drilling tools suitable for use in basalt quartz-load gold mining. Tynan was the first person to manufacture swing ploughs. His ploughs won numerous prizes, including the first gold medal ever given in Victoria for a colonially made plough.This is a photograph of an early farming tool.A black / white photograph on a discoloured cream coloured card. It is of a shiny new plough on a carpet with walls and drapes in the background.on cutting arm - Tynan Bros Prize Ploughphotograph-plough-tynan

This is a photograph of Councillor Donald Munro who represented Central Riding on the Orbost Shire Council. Donald Munro, with his brother, Archie carried on a boot-making business in one of the rooms of a three-storeyed barn at Lochiel. The Munros were musically inclined and through them a band was formed in 1889. Donald Munro was involved in many of the town's activities. (More in Mary Gilbert's Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District).This item is associated with the Orbost Shire Council. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. It is also associated with the Munro family who were early Orbost settlers.A black / white head and shoulders portrait photograph of a bearded man in a suit.on back - "Cr D. Munro, Central Riding 1897 - 1929"munro-donald

A mortise axe is a specialist axe designed for hewing sills and notches in joints. The axe has a long, narrow head, making it easier to work on large logs. The shape enables the user to hew a long way down into the notch, where otherwise a chisel would be used. This tool has one blade, which may be pushed, swung or struck with a mallet. Others, have two, one of which is used for separating the fibres, and the other for levering out the waste.This is an example of a common woodworking tool used by the early settlers in the Orbost district.A long wooden handled axe used to cut mortises in posts for post and rail fences. The blade is made of iron and is quite long.axe mortise-axe fencing timber farm-tool

The Speedweve is a tiny darning loom advertised as ‘Lancashire’s smallest loom’. It was manufactured by E & A Chesstok Ltd of Rusholme, Manchester in 1947/48. It is basically a little loom for mending socks and holes in clothing. - This item was a common household item used a time when people still felt it worth the effort to darn socks.A metal Speedweve - a small darning tool.The slide at the top pushes back and forth making the 10 copper hooks rotate one way then the other. There would have been a wooden disc for keeping the fabric flat. top - SPEEDWEVEdomestic weaving loom

During the Great Depression from 1929 to 1932, rabbit trapping was a means of survival for many people. Rabbits provided meat and pelts which were sold for making felt hats such as the Akubra. Rabbit populations are controlled in the 21st century by poisoning, destroying or 'ripping' burrows (warrens), biological control with rabbit haemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis, and by shooting. Rabbit-proof fences also prevent the spread of rabbits into some areas. (ref. Powerhouse Museum) This trap was used in the Orbost district. Steel-jawed rabbit traps were widely used in urban and rural Australia from 1880 to 1980. This trap is symbolic of the battle that Australians have waged against burgeoning rabbit populations for over a century. Rabbits cause enormous damage to Australian soils and biodiversity. The introduction of rabbits to this country was an environmental disaster.A rusted iron rabbit trap which consists of a pair of jaws held closed by spring tension and a triggering mechanism. When the trap is triggered the jaws close over the top of the bridge, plate and tongue mechanism that is designed to trigger the trap. A chain is attached by a hook on the bent end of the trap's spring with a long steel spike looped over the last link of the other end of the chain. The trap is designed so that the metal jaws snap shut against each other when the trap is activated by the application of weight to the pressure plate. In use, traps are set with open jaws, buried lightly just below the surface of the earth. When an animal steps on the pressure plate, the jagged teeth of the jaws snap around the animal's leg, usually breaking bone and sinew. Thus the animal is immobilised. rabbit-trap rural

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This bottle has an aesthetic element in that the shape and colour are visually appealing. It reflects the type of glassware that was in circulation in the first 20th century. A brown glass bottle which has a screw thread on the top of the neck.On the base - M684bottle container glassware

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This bottle has an aesthetic element in that the shapes and colourare visually appealing. The item reflects the type of glassware that was in circulation in the 20th century.A rectangular brown glass bottle with a screw thread at top of neck.On the base -J 826bottle container brown-glass

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This item reflects the type of glassware that was in circulation in the first half of the 20th century.A small clear glass bottle which is a flat rectangular shape. The top has a lip.bottle glass container

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This bottle has an aesthetic element in that the shapes is visually appealing. It reflects the type of glassware that was in circulation in the first half of the 20th century. A small round clear glass bottle which has a mould seam from the rim to the base. The neck is lipped.bottle glass container

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This bottle have an aesthetic element in that the shapes is visually appealing. It reflects the type of glassware that was in circulation in the first half of the 20th century. A small clear glass bottle with a threaded neck. It has a mould seam from the rim to the base.On the base - 049 F1020bottle glass container

Donor was grand-daughter of Jonathon Cameron of Genoa. Mother was Jane Elizabeth.Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This bottles have an aesthetic element in that the shape is unusual and visually appealing. It reflect the type of glassware that was as a beverage container in the early 20th century. Small clear oval lemonade bottle. One flat side. A torpedo bottlebottle

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. These bottles have an aesthetic element in that the shapes , colours and textures are visually appealing. They reflect the type of glassware that was used for food containers in the early 20th century. Moulded baby food bottle. Squat and round with green glass stopper. Moulded writing on front. The thick glass has a slight blue-green tinge to it.Bottom -M4 Front- Mellin's Infants' Food, LOndonbottle glass food -container

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This bottle has an aesthetic element in that the shape , colour and texture are visually appealing. It reflects the type of glassware that was in circulation at that time in history. Small blue hexagonal sided bottle with cork. Not to be takenglass bottle container

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This bottle has an aesthetic element in that the shape and texturesare visually appealing. This item reflects the type of food container glassware that was in circulation in the first half of the 20th century. Salad oil bottle. Narrow with grooved sides.glass bottle container food-container

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This bottle has an aesthetic element in that the shape isvisually appealing It reflects the type of glassware that was in circulation in the first half of the 2oth century.Cook & Sons clear glass bottle with cork.glass bottle container

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This bottle has an aesthetic element in that the shapesis visually appealing. This item reflects the type of glassware that was in circulation in the first half of the 20th century. Tall clear square-shaped glass bottle with small pouring lip. glass bottle container

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This bottle has an aesthetic element in that the shape is visually appealing. It reflects the type of glassware that was in circulation in the first half 20th century.Square bottle with glass stopper and cork.glass bottle container

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. These bottles have an aesthetic element in that the shapes are visually appealing. They reflect the type of glassware that was in circulation in the first half of the 20th century.Two very small clear glass vial bottles with flat rims. Possibly had cork stoppers.glass bottle vial

Inspected by Joanna Freslov, archaeologist 2.6.2008. Ground-edged axes first appeared in south-eastern Australia about 4,000 years ago and were used either with handles or hand-held. Stone tools were used for a variety of purposes, in ways similar to those of steel knives, axes, hammers and chisels. Ground-edge tools are made from fracture-resistant stone, such as basalt. This is able to withstand repeated impact making it suitable for use in objects such as stone axes. The stone was quarried, and then roughly shaped into a tool blank with blows from a hammerstone. The edges were then sharpened and refined by grinding the tool against a coarse, gritty rock. The necessary tools and equipment for hunting, fishing and warfare were one of the very few items that Aboriginals carried with them from place to place. Most were used for a multiplicity of purposes. Because many were made from raw natural materials, such as wood, generally only partial remains are found today. This item is an example of a stone tool used by the early Indigenous people of Eastern australia.A handmade stone Aboriginal axe head.axe-head aboriginal tool stone-artefact