Showing 1365 items
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Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Bung, cask Sheldrick's Brewery, 19th century
This cask bung came from the brewery of Sheldrick and Co. The New Brewery (Warrnambool), founded by Walter Sheldrick and Thomas Price as partners in a company, was situated at the corner of Timor and Fairy Streets. It was known as Sheldrick and Co. and operated from 1868 to 1922 with John McGee and Company running the business after 1894. In 1922 the business was sold to Ballarat, Melbourne Co-operative and Carlton and United Breweries. The casks, used for wine and spirits, were in 1892 cleaned by steam and a lifting device was used to transport the casks from the cellars to the delivery wagons. This is a most significant item as one with a clear provenance and used in the brewery business of Sheldrick and Co., a major industry in Warrnambool in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is an example of the equipment use in the brewery business more than a 100 years ago. This is circular cask bung or stopper with the outer shell made of brass and the stopper insert made of cork. There is a screw thread on the metal. Both the brass and the cork are slightly worn.Inscribed on the metal:‘Sheldrick & Co. Warrnambool’sheldrick and co., sheldrick’s brewery -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Domestic object - Pocket watch, key
This watch key is inscribed with the name of ‘T. Ferguson’, a watchmaker and jeweller from Warrnambool. He may have been the maker of the key or the distributor. No information has been found on ‘T. Ferguson’ but he may have been related to William Ferguson, a well-known Warrnambool watchmaker, jeweller and oculist in the early 1900s. William Ferguson was a Warrnambool Councillor and Mayor. His shop was in Timor Street.This watch key is of minor interest as one with some provenance. It is of Warrnambool origin. It also has some social significance as an example of the type of pocket watch and key used in the early 20th century. This is a small watch key with a metal mechanism for winding a pocket watch, a circular metal section, gilded over, with the name of the watchmaker and a small top section with a ring for hanging the item on a chain etc. On one side of the circular section: ‘T.Ferguson, Warnambool’(sic) On the reverse side: ‘Watch Maker & Jeweller’ ferguson, watchmaker and jeweller, t.ferguson, watchmaker, jeweller, oculist, warrnambool, william ferguson -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Administrative record - Ledger, Early 20th century
This ledger is unused but has been produced to be used as a financial ledger for an Australian business probably in the early 20th Century. This item has no known local provenance but is retained as a very fine example of a vintage business ledger. It will be useful for display.This book has a cover of wood which in turn is covered with brown suede and burgundy leather .There is an inset of the burgundy leather with gold printing and border in the centre of the front cover. The labels on the spine have been worn away. Insides of the covers are pages mottled with a burgundy pattern. The pages have black printing and are ruled with pink lines. The edges of the pages form a marbled pattern. 28,001 to 30,000warrnambool, ledger -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Geological specimen - Pumice
Pending further research and information nothing is known about this piece of pumice.This piece of pumice has no known local provenance but is retained for display purposes.This grey irregular shaped piece of pumice is pitted and has traces of a white substance.Nilpumice -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Bat, Cricket bat, 1870s
This bat was awarded to Thomas William Southcombe in 1876 for the best batting average during the 1875-6 season at Warrnambool Cricket Club. Thomas William Southcombe was the son of Thomas and Mary Southcombe of Port Fairy. With his parents, Thomas and Mary, he arrived in Port Fairy in 1854. Thomas Senior was a carpenter who established several businesses in Port Fairy and served on the local Council for many years as a Councillor and Mayor. Thomas Junior appears to have migrated to U.S.A. and died there in 1904. The cricket bat was manufactured by the British firm of James Lillywhite, Frowd & Co. James Lillywhite was an English cricketer whose uncle had originally established the sports store and manufacturing business which lasted under various names until the 21st century. A cricketer named Lillywhite played in Warrnambool in 1874 with an All England Team under the captaincy of W.G.Grace. It is not known whether this was James Lillywhite or another member of the Liilywhite family as several of them played first class cricket.. The impression of the signature of W.H.Ponsford on the bat is an intriguing one. W.H. (Bill) Ponsford was a famous Australian cricketer who retired in the late 1930s. The Southcombe cricket bat was given by Mary Southcombe (Thomas’ sister) to the old Warrnambool Museum in 1923 and it is surmised that Bill Ponsford visited Warrnambool in 1957 (tthis appears to be the date under the signature imprint) and was shown the bat. It is then surmised that he rested a piece of paper or an album page on the bat while he signed his name and the impression of the signature has come through onto the bat. The old Museum closed in the 1960s and the bat was then passed on to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society from the Warrnambool City Council collection of items from the Museum. This bat is of considerable importance because of its provenance and its connection with the Warrnambool Cricket Club, the Southcombe family of Port Fairy, the Lillywhite manufacturers, the old Warrnambool Museum and Bill Ponsford. It is also a good example of the type of cricket bat used in Australia in the 1870s. This is a wooden cricket bat (light colour wood, presumably willow) with a handle covered in oiled thread. It has an etched inscription on one side of the bat and the names of the manufacturer and distributor on the other side. There is also a faint impression of another signature. The blade of the bat is slightly curved. ‘W.C.C. Season 1875-6 Presented to T.W. Southcombe, for Best Batting Average’ ‘James Lillywhite Frowd & Co., Manufacturers, Borough, England’ ‘Made for George Marsh, Melbourne’ ‘W.H.Ponsford, -/1/1957’ warrnambool cricket club, thomas william southcombe, w.h.ponsford, warrnambool’s old museum -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document, Postcard embroidered, 1918
Embroidered cards such as this one were made by the French (usually women) for use as post cards for World War One soldiers to send home as greeting cards. The gift card with the embroidered card may not have been originally with it. The embroidered card has the date of October 1918, just one month before the official end of the war in November 1918. The name of the person who wrote ‘Somewhere in France’ on the back of the card is not listed but the handwriting appears to be similar to that on another card in our collection which is from R. Kerr from Kerr Street in Warrnambool. No information has been found on this soldier named Kerr. This embroidered card is of considerable significance as a very attractive memento of World War One and one, presumably, with local provenance. .1 The embroidered card is a World War One post card. The embroidery is on silk mounted on a white card. The embroidery is in yellow, blue, red, white and green colours and features a trail of flowers, a rising sun, six national flags, the words ‘Happy Christmas’ and other ornamentation. The embroidery is in two sections with a lift up section that could hold another card or note. The handwriting on the back has been written in pencil. The post card section has not been franked or posted. The card has marks at the edges where it has been attached to a surface with pins. The card is a little stained. .2 This is a small gift card with a coloured image of a girl with a basket of flowers.Embroidered card - ‘Happy Christmas’ ‘Somewhere in France 8/10/18’ Small gift card – ‘A Christmas Wish’ world war one and warrnambool, warrnambool historical society -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Household item, The Army and Navy Needle Case, c.1928
This is a needle book containing needles. It appears that the Army and Navy Needle books were not issued to soldiers or sailors but were made for home use in the Western World - Europe, America and presumably Australia. They were made mainly in Germany and some were made in Japan but were not sold in wartime. They were sold before and after World War Two and often featured images of well-known ships of the day. This folder has images of the Europa and the Bremen, two ships made in Germany which belonged to the Norddeutscher Lloyd Line (N.D.L.) and which were launched in the late 1920s. They were the two most advanced high speed steam turbine ocean liners of their day. The Bremen was gutted by fire in 1941. The Europa was captured by the Allies in 1945 and used as a troopship, then it went to France where it was became an ocean liner named Liberte. It was scrapped in 1963. The newspaper cutting tells of a presentation by the Warrnambool Woollen Mill to Private Les Lawlor on his embarking for overseas service. It is not known to which war the cutting refers and no reference can be found to Private Les Lawlor. No connection between the two items (needle book and cutting) has been established but they have always been together in our collection. The needle book is of social significance but has no known local provenance. The cutting contains information suitable for our files.1 This is a piece of thickened paper folded in two to make a folder containing four packets of needles. The folder is green with two images of ships on the back and the front. The images are multi-coloured and have an ornamental edging. The needles of different sizes are contained in black paper folded four times to enclose the needles (13 still in the folded paper – all rusty). It appears one needle packet may be missing. .2 This is a cutting from a newspaper regarding a soldier leaving for overseas military service. There is no date.‘The Army and Navy Needle Book’ ‘Made in Germany’ ‘Silver Steel’‘Superior Quality Royal Drilldeyd Sharps 1 Made in Germany’ ‘Superior Quality Royal Drilldeyd Sharps 1/5 Made in Germany’ ‘Superior Quality Royal Drilldeyd Sharps 5 Made in Germany’ ‘Superior Quality Royal Drilldeyd Sharps 6 Made in Germany’ needle books, ship bremen, ship europa, private les lawlor, warrnambool woollen mill -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Artefact, Courting chain, 19th century
A courting chain was carved by a man and given to the girl he was courting. This was a common European practice in the past, with Welsh courting chains surviving from the 17th century, though the practice may have gone back even further than that. The chain indicated that man was a capable artisan and was occupying his hands in a healthy way, particularly when the lady was present. The many types of loops and chains carved all had symbolic meanings. The cage with the wooden balls inside was said to indicate the desire of the man for children and the number he would like. The symbolism of the arm and hand with the two digits touching is not known. This courting chain has no known local provenance but it is an interesting object as an example of the customs of the past. It will be useful for displays. This is a wooden carved courting chain. One end is in the shape of an arm and hand with the thumb and first finger touching at the tips. Then there are three chains linked to the arm with a peg inserted into another loop at the end. Next, joined to this, is another loop attached to a wooden cage which has two wooden balls inside. The chain is finished with a carved turret structure at the end. courting chains, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Artefact, Citrus Juicer - glass & metal. Williams, Late 19th century
This is an early model of a hand-held juice extractor. It is a household item that is probably over 100 years old.This juice extractor has no known local provenance but it is an interesting item and useful for display. This juice extractor has a brass ring with a handle. Sitting in the ring is a heavy glass container with a concave base and a ridge inner base moulded in a shape to fit a whole or a half of a lemon or orange or other fruit or vegetable. The rim of the glass has two pieces broken off. Attached to the brass base is a metal scoop-shaped dish with a handle. The handle pushes up and down into the glass container to put pressure on the object in the glass container to extract the juice. The scoop section has the maker’s name on the front. ‘Williams’ history of warrnambool, social history, hand held juicer -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Artefact, Black board compass, c. 1950
This compass would have been used in a school or other educational institution for drawing a circle or part circle on a blackboard or whiteboard. A compass similar to this has been used in schools for many decades and may still be used. This school blackboard compass has no known local provenance but was a common classroom item and will be useful for display.This is a wooden blackboard compass with two wooden prongs hinged at the top end with three metal screws. The other end of one prong has a pointed nail protruding for fixing to a blackboard or whiteboard and the end of the other prong has a metal part around the tip of the prong with a metal screw for adjustment and a hollow part to insert chalk or other large writing medium. The maker’s name and an outline of a map of Australia are engraved into the top part of one of the prongs. ‘Rulex’ education in the western district, history of warrnambool, blackboard compass -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Ink wells, 2 Ink Wells - clear glass, 1920s
These inkwells would have been used in a household or business during the first half of the 20th century. By the 1950s fountain pens were in common use and, by the 1960s, ballpoint pens were used, making the use of ink obsolete in most situations. These inkwells have no known local provenance but are of interest as examples of a common household item over 100 years ago. These are two inkwells made of glass with black bakelite tops. One of the tops is broken on the side. The bases of the inkwells have an embedded star-shaped pattern with eight points. ‘Velos product’ household items, inkwells, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Believers Daily, 1848
This book belonged to Emily Gascoigne Stratford. She married Barnard Mathews in Victoria in 1856 and the births of seven children are recorded in Victoria. Carshalton (the home of the aunt who gave the book?) is a town in Surrey, England. So far no connection has been found between the Mathews family and Warrnambool.This book has no known local provenance but it is of interest for its antiquarian value. This is a hard cover book of 381 pages. It has a brown cover with embossed ornamentation and gold lettering on the spine. The front cover is partly detached from the binding and the pages are gilt-edged. There is a black and white illustration on the second page. The cover is very faded and stained and there is some staining throughout the pages. The inscription is handwritten in black ink. ‘Mifs Emily Gazoigne Stratford, From her Aunt, F.S. Stratford, Carshalton, Augst. 1850’. emily gascoigne stratford, emily mathews, warrnambool history, believers daily -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Glasses, Opera glasses - Theatre binoculars, Early to mid 20th century
Opera glasses such as these would have been used in the 20th century by theatre and concert-goers who had the means to purchase what would have been a luxury item. Such a set could still be used today. These opera glasses have no known local provenance and will be useful for display. These are opera glasses in a kidney-shaped black leather case. The case has a light brown leather handle and a metal clasp. The case inside is lined with red silk material and the inside lid and upper part of the case inside have a gold rim. The case is much crumpled and worn. The glasses are made of brass with iridescent inlays with ornamental gold edging. The mechanism for altering the focus of the glasses is still in good working order. social history, warrnambool history, opera glasses, theatre glasses -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Bottle, Perfume bottle, 19th century
This scent bottle would have been attached to a belt or handbag and would have belonged to a woman of some means. It would have been in use when the owner was outside or travelling and used to combat the unsavoury smells of a farm or industrial area. This item is of interest as an object used by women more than a hundred years ago. It has no known local provenance and will be useful for display This is an egg-shaped perfume bottle made of opaque glass (opaline?). It has an inner lining and cotton wool inside the lid of the top. The top is brass with a brass hinge. Attached to the lid is a brass chain and circular ring to attach the bottle to a chatelaine belt or handbag. The chain was once attached to the bottle in two places but one section has been broken.social history, warrnambool history, scent bottles, milk glass scent bottles, antique scent bottles -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Munitions, Cartridge reloader
This cartridge re-loader is most likely for loading 12 gauge shotgun shells. It is not known if it was for private or military use. This cartridge re-loader has been in the collection of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society for many years but it has no known local provenance. It is an interesting relic from times past. This is a brass cartridge re-loader. It has a rectangular brass base with four brass columns supporting a rectangular top with a hollow middle. The columns of the casing are affixed with metal screws. Inside this protective casing are two cartridge-shaped brass pillars, one with a metal spike at the end and one with a small opening at the top. Both of these pillars are fixed to the base of the protective casing. Over-arching these two objects is a brass lever hinged at the end. This has a wooden handle The arm of the lever has a small protusion on the bottom which pushes into the opening of one of the pillars. It also has a small indentation which fits into the spike of the other pillar. ‘12’ history of warrnambool, cartridge re-loader -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Trophy, Tea and Coffee Set (Cycle Trophy), Early 20th century
The Warrnambool to Melbourne/ Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycle Race is an annual event which is nationally known and attracts today international cyclists and riders from around Australia. In 1912 the ladies of Warrnambool under the direction of Mrs Younger, the Lady Mayoress, arranged to have this tea and coffee service engraved with the town crest and the relevant details so that it could be presented to the winner of the 1912 Warrnambool to Melbourne Cycle Race. But the race was not run because of a dispute between the League of Wheelmen and the race sponsor. The trophy was kept for the following year but again the race was not held. Then again in 1914 the race was cancelled because of the outbreak of World War One. So it was decided to raffle the trophy to recoup the costs. The raffle was won by Mrs Herriot and eventually the trophy ended up in Queensland with a daughter of the winner. In 197… the trophy was donated to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society. This is one of the most attractive and interesting items in our collection. It is well provenanced and is of great importance in: 1. the history of the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycle Race. This race, of prime importance in Warrnambool’s sporting calendar and history, is the second oldest one race cycle race in the world and one of the longest one day cycle events in the world. 2. demonstrating the way the women of Warrnambool in 1912 banded together to support a premier event in the Warrnambool’s annual sporting calendar.1 Silver-soldered oval tray with fluted inside edge (has inscription) .2 Silver-soldered oval-shaped coffee pot with handle and spout .3 Silver-soldered oval-shaped tea pot with hinged lid .4 Silver-soldered bowl-shaped sugar basin with two handles and concave-shaped lid and ridged on sides .5 Silver-soldered milk jug with lid and concave-shaped handle The five items are engraved with the Town of Warrnambool crest and all have the maker’s marks on the base of the item. Tray: ‘1912 1st Prize Warrnambool to Melbourne Bicycle Race Presented by the Ladies of Warrnambool’ Base of items: ‘F HP. W. & M. 53515A, Walker and Hall, Sheffield England, Warranted Hard & Silver Soldered’. warrnambool to melbourne cycle race, melbourne to warrnambool/ -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Lamp, Ruby glass kerosene lamp, Early 20th century
There is no known history attached to this item. Lamps such as this one were common household items in the 19th century and the first three decades of the 20th century until electrical lighting became common in most households. This item has no known local provenance but it is useful for display as an item that was common in households in the past. This item has a cast iron base in a pyramidal shape with the four sides having identical scrolls and star shapes. A piece of brass attaches the base to a violet-coloured bowl. The bowl contains a white wick. The brass wick holder has an external knob for regulating the light intensity. There is more brass between the bowl and the mantle which is made of plain glass. On the base of the lamp: ‘Rd. No. 207869’ history of warrnambool, social history, ruby glass kerosene lamp -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Lamp, Spirit Lamp, Early 20th century
This lamp has no known history. Lamps such as this one were for indoor use and were essential items in households in the 19th century and the first three decades of the 20th century until electric lighting became common in most households. This item has no known local provenance and will be useful for display as an example of a common household item of the past.This is a lamp with a glass base which is fluted and mostly coloured green. The bowl is clear glass with a concave raised pattern on the base of the bowl. The bowl contains a discoloured white wick. The lighting mechanism is brass with an external knob for controlling the use of the wick. The lamp mantle is bulbous-shaped. social history, history of warrnambool, kerosene lamp -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Mao, Borough of Warrnambool, County of Villiers, 1873
This is an early map of the Borough of Warrnambool (1872/3) showing the central town area of Warrnambool and the surrounding district. Reserves, public buildings and some businesses are marked. The map was photolithographed by John Noone, a Melbourne artist and photographer who claimed in 1858 to have the oldest-existing photographic studio in Melbourne. Photolithography was a process first developed in Melbourne. For several years Noone was the official photographer for the Victorian Crown Lands Office and for the Victorian Public Library and Museum. The map has the stamp of the seller of the map – Charles Hider, the well-known stationer and bookseller in Timor Street, Warrnambool. The owner of the map, Henry George Marfell, (1883-1962) was the son of John and Mary Ann Marfell. The Marfells were well-known in Warrnambool as grain merchants and managers of the Warrnambool Co-Operative Milling Company. It is surmised from the writing on the Marfell label that this map was at some stage given by Henry Marfell to the old Warrnambool MuseumThis map of early Warrnambool is of considerable significance, firstly because its original state and early date (1873) make it of antiquarian and historical interest. Also the connection with the names, Charles Hider and Henry Marfell and the old Museum gives it added provenance and interest.This is a wax paper map mounted on cloth. At the top it is attached by nails to a piece of wood and at the top it has a cloth ring for hanging the map. The map is in black shadings on a yellow background. The map is badly creased and coming away from the cloth at the edges and at other various points. There is some red or pink marking or staining on the township area of the map (originally the sold lands on this map were coloured in brown and the reserves, buildings, etc in pink). On the left hand corner there is a piece of paper glued on with some handwriting in ink (Marfell). There is also the stamp of the seller of the map – Charles Hider, stationer and bookseller, of Timor Street Warrnambool‘Early Map of W’bool, H.G. Marfell’ history of warrnambool, charles hider, henry marfell -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, The History of Warrnambool by Richard Osburne, 1887
Richard Osburne (1825-1895) came to Warrnambool in 1847, a pioneer resident in the new settlement. In 1851, with John Wilkinson, he founded Warrnambool’s first newspaper, the Warrnambool Examiner, and issued it weekly for some months until he left the town for the goldfields. Returning in 1853 he resumed publication of the Examiner and continued it, intermittently in its last few years, until 1880. He was acknowledged in his day as the Father of the Warrnambool Press and was a dominant figure in Warrnambool’s early history. In 1882 he went to live in Melbourne, returning to publish his ‘History of Warrnambool’ in 1887.This book is highly significant as it is an original copy of one of the most important books written on Warrnambool’s history by one of Warrnambool’s most important early settlers (published 1887). Original copies are extremely rare now. The book was given to D.B. Sellars by his first cousin, John Murray, who was Warrnambool’s Parliamentary representative for over 30 years and Premier of Victoria from 1909 to 1912. John Murray’s signature is in the book and this is an important addition. The provenance therefore is of the highest significance. No details are available on the recipient of the book or the donor of the book to the Historical Society. This is an original copy of Richard Osburne’s book on the history of Warrnambool from 1847 to 1886. It is a hard cover buff-coloured book of 284 pages with additional Melbourne and Warrnambool advertisements at the book. There is one fold-up insert (four of the original missing) There are a Preface and Notes from the Author ('To the public in general’ and ‘To my personal friends in the Warrnambool district’)Inside front cover: Mr D.B. Sellars from John Murray (in pencil – Premier of Victoria 1909-1912, 1st cousin of D.B.Sellars, Uncle David) Donated to the Historical Society of Warrnambool in memory of Miss Clemintine MacDonald of Maffra, who died April 1979, aged 91 years. Given by Mrs M.Allen (niece) 72 Grange Road, Sandringham, 3191, 22-7-80 john murray, richard osburne, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Badge - City of Warrnambool Rowing Club
The Warrnambool Rowing Club was formed in the 1880s when there was a renewed interest in rowing and many young men were taking up competitive rowing. The Warrnambool Rowing Club used the new boatsheds erected in 1885 by Fanny Nelson near the mouth of the Hopkins River where the Hopkins Hotel was operating (Simpson Street). This badge belonged to a member (number 333) in the 20th century but the name of the owner is unknown.This badge is of interest but has no provenance so is useful for display purposes onlyThis is a small metal badge enamelled in blue and silver. It has a loop at the top for attachment to a chain or pin and a hole at the bottom – another attachment device. The back is gold-sprayed. Front: City of Warrnambool Rowing Club, W.C.C. logo , ‘By These We Flourish’ Back: Not Transferable, 333, Taiwan warrnambool rowing club, warrnambool, fanny nelson -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Brass Plate, Chamber of Commerce 1933, 1933
This plaque has been attached to a Warrnambool installation in 1933. It is not known to which site this refers but it may have been the Warrnambool Information Pavilion which was erected outside the old Warrnambool City Council Chambers. There have been many Warrnambool Chambers of Commerce over the years. These were established by Warrnambool businessmen and women to promote the interests of the town/city and to encourage the development of local industry and the tourism trade. This plaque is of great local interest but unfortunately does not have a clear provenance.This is a small brass plaque. The plaque has four holes at each corner for attachment to a building or other object. ‘Erected by the Chamber of Commerce, Warrnambool, 1933’warrnambool chamber of commerce, warrnambool city council chambers, plaque -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Buttons, Scottish Buttons, Early 20th century
No specific information is available on these buttons. As they have an emblem of the Scotch thistle they may come from Scotland. They would be used on a jacket, mostly for males, with the larger buttons used on the front of the jacket and the smaller ones on the sleeves. These buttons have no known provenance and are suitable for display only. These are fifteen metal buttons. They are diamond-shaped with five larger ones and ten smaller ones. They all have an etching of a Scotch thistle on them and a ring at the back for attachment to clothing. Etching of Scotch thistleetching of scotch thistle, buttons with scotch thistle emblem, buttons, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Button Protector, Button Cleaning, Early 20th century
This is a protector used to cover the shirts or jackets of military or other uniforms that had brass buttons. The horseshoe shape enabled the button to be isolated from the rest of the top and made it easier to clean and polish without getting the jacket soiled. It would have been a common item in military or militia or band member families in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They may even be still used today for regimental uniforms. This item has no known local provenance but is of interest as an example of a cleaning object in days gone by. This is a brass button protector in the shape of a horseshoe with straight sides and rounded tips. It is slightly misshapen. It has an advertisement for Brasso metal polish etched into the brass. ‘Use Brasso Metal Polish’button cleaner/protector, brass, warrnambool, military -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Container, Cylinder of matches, Mid 20th century
No particular information is available on this item but as the matches were made at a Commonwealth Government factory they probably date from World War Two (1939-45). At this time many essential items that would be of particular use for the war effort were produced by Government factories to ensure a regular supply and to regulate the use within the community. This item has no known local provenance but is of some historical interest as an example of matches produced mid 20th century. Matches at that time were much more important as a lighting mechanism and a common household item. This is round cardboard box in two sections with a circular cardboard lid (slightly bent). The box has a striped black and cream pattern on it. The box has 21 waxed matches with blue or white tips.‘The Commonwealth Match Works, Melbourne, Waterproof’commonwealth match works, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Knife, Knife and sheaf
Information on the history of this knife and sheaf is not known. They were popular items for boys and young men to carry, especially when working in the bush or fishing. They are still in use today. These items have no known provenance and are useful for display only This is a belt knife, much rusted with a curved blade and a brown metal handle, silver-coloured at the top and end and brown-coloured with red and black bands near the end. The handle has a metal screw at the tip. The knife is in a leather sheaf or holder which is curved to suit the shape of the knife. It has stitching on the curved section with metal studs, two slots to enable the sheaf to be attached to a belt and a circular leather strop with a metal stud to hold the knife in place. The leather is rubbed. The belt may not originally have been for this knife.belt knife and sheaf, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Paint set, Artist's paints, Late 19th century
These items are a collection of paints etc for those artists wanting to produce lustroleum and crystoleum works of art in the late 19th century and early 20th century. These works of art using lustroleum and crystoleum which were mainly metallic paints, were produced on a variety of surfaces, including glass, wood, tapestry, china and ivory. These items have no known provenance but it is known that lustroleum and crystoleum painting were popular pastimes with women in Warrnambool in the late 19th century. There are several records of women advertising classes in lustroleum and crystoleum painting in the 1880s and 90s in Warrnambool. One was these was Annie Newcombe, an art teacher who offered classes at her studio in Timor Street in 1884.This is a metal tin with a metal catch and a hinged lid. The tin contains 10 items - four glass bottles of Lustroleum, one glass bottle of gold paint, one glass bottle of purple metallic paint, one tube of green paint, one china bowl with a lip for pouring, one dish to hold paint with a broken base and one small dish for holding paint. There is also a sheet of paper containing information on the Crystoleum Company of London advertising that they supplied photographs, price list for classes, silk frames and crystal glasses. On bottles: ‘Lustroleum Registered’ ; ‘H. Bessemer, Gold Paint’, ‘Purple’, On tube: ‘Winsor & Newton, Chrome Green, Vert Anglais, London England’ crystoleum and lustroleum painting, warrnambool, paint set, artist's paints -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Purse Shell, Late 19th/early 20th century
Shell purses became popular in late Victorian times and were made to go into a pocket or a larger purse. Many were made from freshwater molluscs. This item has no known local provenance but is of interest as an example of a personal item used in late Victorian times and will be useful for display This is an oval-shaped purse with the outer case made from a shell which is opalescent with brown and cream mottled markings. The clasp is gold-coloured metal with an ornate catch and attachments. Inside there are three compartments made of blue cloth trimmed with cream paper. It is damaged on the top near the metal hinge. shell purse, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Container, China cherry toothpaste, c. 1898
This is the lid of a Cherry Tooth Paste container made by John Gosnell & Co. London. This company had its origins in the 17th century with John Gosnell joining the company in 1814. It made perfume, soap, brushes and combs and other personal household items. By 1898 the firm was based in London and known for its Cherry Tooth Paste. The practice of brushing the teeth for hygienic reasons began in the 18th century and became more popular in the 19th century. This item has no known local provenance but is interesting as an example of an early 20th century household product and is useful for display.This is a white china container lid, cracked and mended in places and chipped in other places. The container had Cherry Tooth Paste in it. The top of the lid is brown and yellow with brown and yellow printing. There is an image of the head of a young Grecian girl on the lid. ‘Cherry Tooth Paste, Patronized by the Queen, For beautifying and preserving the teeth & gums, prepared by John Gosnell & Co. Ltd., London’cherry tooth paste, john gosnell & co., warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Watch, Silver, one hand
The initials on this watch are not clear but, even so, no information is available on the original owner, whether the initials are ‘J.T.F.’ or not. The makers, Hunt and Roskell, were a firm of manufacturing and retailing jewellers and silversmiths in England in the 19th century (founded 1843 and taken over by J.W. Benson in 1889 and continuing to trade as Hunt and Roskell Limited until 1965). This watch is suitable for display material only unless some provenance can be establishedThis is a silver watch with an outer casing covering the dial but showing the time in a smaller circular frame. The figures are Roman numerals on the dial and on the outer casing. The second hand is missing and the hour hand is bent. The dial has an inset showing the seconds. The face has black markings on a white background. There is a large ring at the top of the case for attachment to a chain. Back of watch case: ‘J.T.F.’ (?) Inside case: ‘69188’ Back of watch: ‘Examined by Hunt & Roskell, 156 New Bond Street, London’ hunt & roskell, silver watch, warrnambool