This item, always known as a ‘Chinese Puzzle,’ has been in the collection of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society for many years. It is such an oddity that it is probable that it came from the collection of the old Warrnambool Museum which was established in the 1870s-80s and was dismantled in the 1960s. It had many objects of a bizarre nature such as this as many local people while on their travels brought back from many different countries objects deemed to be of unusual interest. This item is of great interest as an oddity from the 19th century and it attracts great attention when it is displayed. This is a spherical-shaped imperial quart thick glass bottle with a cork in the top. It contains a clear liquid filling two-thirds of the bottle. Inside the bottle and filling it to the top of its main section are several pieces of metal of varying shapes. These originally were part of a puzzle, presumably with the object being to unlock the shapes from each other. These have now been connected to each other with what looks like thin wire. The liquid is still reasonably clear. The cork is a little worn at the top. ‘Imperial Quart’chinese puzzle, warrnambool

Slate has been used for hundreds of years as a base for writing and many young students began their schooling using one to practise their writing. They had many advantages among them the fact that they were reusable and errors could be erased and corrected. A small duster or cloth was often attached for cleaning.This slate belonged to Olive Ardlie who was the daughter of Arthur Stanley Ardlie and Ethel Mary Lisburne (nee Ryan). They lived at "Aroona" 19 Princess St Warrnambool and Arthur worked as an accountant in his father's law firm. Olive was their eldest child and she died in 1912 at the age of 6. She was the granddaughter of William Ardlie one of Warrnambool's earliest residents and one of the state's longest serving solicitors . Olive had two sisters one of whom donated this slate. A common object with links to one of Warrnambool's oldest and well known families.Four sided slate with unpainted wooden frame. Hinged in the centre with metal hinges. Inside Olive Ardlie 13.2.1911 is written on the wood at the top of the frame.Olive Ardlie 13.2.1911 is written on the wood at the top of the frame.warrnambool, olive ardlie

This bag could be used for carrying sheet music or similar documents. The item was owned by Gethla Forsyth who graduated as a nurse from the Alfred Hospital Melbourne in 1936. Gethla served in the Australian Nursing Corps in WW2. Gethla was a sister to Gladys who was married to Dr Angus , a long serving doctor in Warrnambool. her family had earlier connections to the district in the 1900's in the Koroit area.A common object but an interesting social connection.Brown leather bag with metal catches and handle. It has a small gusset in each side. Long rectangular in shape."Gethla Forsyth" written inside on right hand side.warrnambool, gethla forsyth, leather music satchel

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

A satchel used by students to carry their requirements to and fro between school and home. Typically it would contain lunch and a homework book generally a small exercise book which would contain the set work for the evening. They were sturdily and simply constructed so as to withstand the daily rigour of the school ground.A common object with which many people would identifyBrown leather satchel with gusset on either side. The surface has crocodile skin profile. Two leather straps with buckles on either side. The back has straps which are fastened with metal studs at the top and laced through slits at the bottom . The strap itself is joined with a buckle. One side has been restitched toward the bottom of the satchel.Four purple "Warrnambool and District Historical Society" stamps on the inside. The remnants of a name which is unreadable. "5620" in red on left hand side. A stamp *** leather and other details which are unreadable.warrnambool, school satchel, boys' leather satchel, school bags

This object was used to light gas burners, lamps, lights etc. The tapers were used to light a burner that was hard to reach. It may also have been used in a church to light candles. This taper and matches holder has no known local significance but is an attractive object and will be useful for display.This is a brass object made in two parts – a rectangular container holding six wax tapers and a squat jar-shaped container for holding matches. The match holder is welded to the taper holder. The tapers are bent or broken in several places. The taper holder has a hinged lid with a brass top. The match holder has an embedded shell-shaped emblem. social history, warrnambool history, metal candle taper

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

This magic lantern or slide projector was used to project glass slides on to a screen The magic lantern was the chief visual entertainment for the public before the introduction of the moving picture and consequent cinema entertainment. This one probably dates from about 1915 but its provenance is not known.This magic lantern is an important and interesting object as it shows us the way people in the early 20th century were entertained. The few people who owned this type of projector would give public showings of slides of people and scenes and sometimes raise money for a charitable cause in this way. This is a glass slide projector or magic lantern with a rectangular metal lantern body partly open at the back. The back has a top section that is attached with a metal hinge and lifts up and outwards. The lantern base also has a side opening with a metal knob for opening and a metal panel with a blue glass inset. Inside the lantern body is the lamp and an electric cord (the illuminant system may have originally been fuelled by paraffin or another oil burner). On top of the lantern body is a smaller rectangular metal box in two sections. This can be removed. The illuminant system is brass and slides out. It has two mechanisms for adjusting the focus and a covering over the lens opening which can be pulled up. There is also a wooden slide holder which can be pulled in and out of the projector. ‘W.B. British Made’ social history, history of warrnambool, glass slide projector

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

These little tins were available for soldiers to buy before embarking to the first world war. As the candles and matches are contained within the tin , it would have been a ideal way to keep both dry. The lid of the tin could also have been useful as a windshield. The tin was donated in memory of Les Lawlor. James Leslie Lawlor was born in Mepunga and lived in Warrnambool and enlisted in October 1916. He was discharged as medically unfit as he had broken his wrist three years previously and the break had failed to heal well. The tin was donated in his memory by his sister Vera Maguire This item with its link to World War 1 soldiers has historical significance to Australians in general but is also a link to a local family. It is a complete object still with the candles and matches. Small rectangular tin box with image of three soldiers and tents in the background. Brown and yellow check pattern on sides and bottom. Small round hole in bottom with metal rim inside the tin , in which a candle would be placed. There are two small candles and a rectangular section in which a box of matches in sitting. Hinged lid.On lid," Camp pocket Candlestick. A soldier's friend. On base " Patented 19/7-15 No 16856." On tape on the bottom of tin, " Would like this to go to the historical society in memory of Les Lawlor, Vera Maguire.warrnambool, james leslie lawlor, vera maguire, camp pocket candlestick, world war 1

This is a mantel clock used probably in the dining room or lounge room of a house. It would have been a common item in a household in the 20th century and was often an heirloom passed down from grandparents. This type of clock is an attractive item and is still regarded as highly desirable today.This clock has no known local significance but is retained as an attractive and historical item and serves as an example of a high quality household object of the past. This is a black wooden clock with a rectangular base with ornamental metal corner pieces and two ornamental gilt metal patterns. The clock has an overhanging rectangular top with two gilt handles on the side. Also on the sides of the lock are two green inset faux columns with two metal ornaments in between. The brass mechanism at the back of the clock has four wheels. The clock face has a glass front, black numbers and metal hands. There is a strip of brass around the outside of the face. There are two key holes on the face. 'Sessions'warrnambool, mantel clock

Metal lapel pin - brass?. Head: Fleur-de-lise shape at top with two black stars. Black horse-shoe shaped reading BS. Box-Used for storage of pin: Cardboard box with a higed lid. Covered with a buff coloured, wookgrain printed paper. Inside lid: Cream Ladle/ E.P.N.S. / Made in APEX Reg. Australia Trade Mark Inside box is a cardboard insert with a slot cut out for resting an object.Pin Face: 'Boy Scouts'-embossed over black enamel.Rear: 'Stokes'scouts, badge, mt beauty, boys club

There were many different musical bands in existence throughout the 20th century in Warrnambool, from Warrnambool City Band to Pipes and Drums as well as trumpet, mouth organ, and military bands. They officiated at many social events and parades and celebrations which were held at the time. The Camperdown Chronicle lists the Dennis King Banjo and Mandolin band as performing at such events around the 1950’s. No information could be found on the owner of this instrument, Sylvia Broomfield.An object which relates to social events in the district.001056.1 Banjo mandolin. Eight stringed instrument with dark wooden frame and pig skin front screwed in with metal surround. It has a red chord shoulder strap. 001056.2 Black leatherette case with tan card lining and two metal clips and metal handle. A small box underneath the neck contains a pick and two plectrums. It contains a sheet of music called melody in F. Case has written in blue pen” Silvia Broomfield Nullawarre North. Dennis Kings Banjo mandolin Groupwarrnambool, dennis king banjo band, sylvia broomfield,

This clock is believed to have come from the Warrnambool Railway Station. The Railway commenced in 1890 and the station was opened in 1897. The clock was made by Wilson Brothers, a prominent manufacturing watch and clock- making business in Timor Street, Warrnambool in the second half of the 19th Century.This item is of considerable significance as an early Railway Clock in Warrnambool. Railway Clocks were important in the 19th century as prominent time pieces for the general community to use to establish the time of day.This is a clock with a circular face behind glass enclosed in a metal frame with wood surrounds The wooden frame is attached to a wooden rectangular box with a curved bottom. The box has a metal clip for attachment to a wall or a board. The metal face is white with black painted Roman numerals, which are damaged, and black printing. Minute markers are indicated. The hands are metal. All the metal is rusted.Wilson Bros Warrnamboolwarrnambool railway station, wilson brothers warrnambool

This portable lamp was manufactured by the Lucas Industries, a company in Birmingham, England that first produced lamps after 1875. It could have domestic use or be attached to cars or bicycles early in the 20th Century to provide light at night. The lighting fluid was oil. This object is an interesting example of lighting for cars and bicycles and in the home in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.This is a brass lantern with a circular glass piece in the middle front, and a top metal mechanism with a handle. Inside the circular opening is a domed jet with holes for lighting the lamp. On the sides there are various mechanisms for turning the light up and down, opening the front glass and opening the bottom to allow filling of the lighting fluid. The item is corroded on the exterior. The top has air vents to permit the vapours to escape. On the side is the maker's name LUCAS No. 722 KING OF THE ROAD JOS. LUCAS LTD. vintage lighting, lucas industries

This is a hurricane lamp, so called because the tall glass dome was designed to protect the flame from excessive draft. These lamps were common in households in the first half of the 20th century ( used for house lighting) and later used for camping and out door activities.This item is retained as an example of type of lighting used in pre electricity times.This is a metal lamp with a glass bowl contained within a metal frame with a handle. There is a mantle inside the bowl. On the metal frame and base are various mechanisms for controlling the flame and a place for filling the container at the bottom with kerosene. The metal is heavily rusted with splotches of paint.vintage lighting, hurricane lamps

This is a vintage lamp of unusual design. It would have been used in the first half of the 20th century for household lighting.Coleman lamps were originally designed by William Coffin Coleman around 1900. They run on a variety of spirit and fuels such as kerosene producing a clear white light. This is an interesting example of an early household lamp, retained for display purposes.This lamp has a brass base supporting a composite material vertical handle. On top of the handle is a circular glass bowl surrounding the metal mechanism. There is white printing etched on the glass. The base has a pumping plunger to enhance the quality of the light. There is a mechanism for filling the base and for lighting. The lighting parts are missing.PAT. NO. 1373184 MADE IN U.S.A. Coleman PYREX BRANDvintage lighting, coleman lamp, warrnambool, kerosene lamp, vintage coleman lamp, warrnambool history

THis typewriter is a Remington typewriter, model Standard 12 manufactured in 1925. The Remington company of New York, U.S.A., in the 19th century manufactured firearms and later typewriters. In 1873 the company produced the first commercial typewriter and introduced the QWERTY keyboard system. This typewriter has no known local significance and is retained for display purposes.This is a metal typewriter with silver markings and silver rims on the keys. It has a red and black printing tape Remingtoncommercial typewriters, qwerty keyboard system, vintage business machines

This dressmaker's model has been made by a New York firm (1971 model) and comes from the Fletcher Jones Factory in Warrnambool. It would have been used for making and displaying ladies' clothing made at the factory. David Fletcher Jones (1895-1977) served in World War One and in the 1920s set up as a travelling hawker selling drapery in Western Victoria. In 1924 he opened a men's wear shop in Warrnambool and manufactured in sute. In 1946 a Fletcher Jones shop opened in melbourne and in 1948 a factory was established in Warrnambool with a new company, Fletcher Jones and Staff begun in 1951. The company initially specialized in men's trousers but later expanded into both men's and women's clothing. It became an Australia-wide company known throughout the country until it ceased in 2011 and the Warrnambool factory buildings were sold.This dressmaker's model is of considerable interest as a memento of the Fletcher Jones and Staff Company, founded in Warrnambool, employing many local people for a great number of years and known throughout Australia for its quality products and pioneering business model as a founder and staff co-operative.This is a dressmaker's model with the body section (bust and torso) having a fabric cover over a wooden core. The top section is bronze-coloured with a silver rim. Beneath the body section is a wire frame and a metal base on castors. The castors are rusty and the fabric is broken in places. Collapsible model 1971 22 WOLF FORM Registered perfect model forms N Y 140 5th Avefletcher jones and staff, fletcher jones factory warrnambool, warrnambool history

This spinning wheel was recovered in pieces from N.S.W. and re-assembled in the 1980s by Les O'Callaghan, a Warrnambool historian and President of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society for many years. The spinning wheel is believed to have belonged to Alice Allan (nee Mullaly) who married William Osborne Allan in 1844. They had three sons. William Allan was a pioneer settler who, in 1839/40, established, with his brothers, a property (Allandale) east of the Hopkins River in the area known today as Allansford. During the 1840s the property was divided with William taking up the Allandale section and his brother John taking the Tooram section. William died in 1860 and Alice continued to manage the property with the assistance of her sons until her death in 1887 when the Allandale estate was sub-divided. A spinning wheel such as this would have been an important item in a pioneer settler's home with the wife needing to spin wool or sometimes flax to produce cloth for clothing and furnishings. This spinning wheel is of considerable significance as it is believed to have belonged to Alice Allan, a pioneer settler in the Warrnambool district. This would make it one of the oldest and most interesting items in our collection.This is a spinning wheel made of metal and wood. The base stand has a foot pedal attached to the wheel and other sections of the spinning mechanism abovealice allan of allandale, william osborne allan of allandale, vintage household items, les o'callaghan warrnambool historian

This is a food cover, most commonly used in homes in the days before refrigeration and plastic containers. It usually contained food, mainly meat, to protect it from flies, heat or draught while allowing the air to circulate around it and it could be hung in sheds, kitchens, cellars etc. This food cover is retained as a memento of domestic objects used in the past and will be useful for display purposes.This is a food cover made of metal with a circular base and decorative sides, finely pierced to create a mesh pattern. It has a fluted and patterned top with a ring handle. It is rusted.vintage kitchen items, warrnambool & district historical society collection

This tub probably dates from the early to mid 20th century and would have been a common item in households in those times. It could have been used for laundry items or for other washing processes in the kitchen. Wash houses in the early to mid 20th century were usually separate buildings or sheds outside of the house.This item is retained for display and discussion purposesThis is an oval- shaped metal tub wider at the top than at the base. It has a ridged top, a strengthening metal band around the base and two metal handles. It is somewhat rusty.vintage household items, warrnambool & district historical society collection

This is the MINJAH telephone exchange testing unit. The exchange was adjacent to the property of MINJAH which is situated near Hawkesdale in Western Victoria. The exchange operated between 1955 and 1985. The testing unit was used for detecting and testing faults in the telephone system. The keys along the front were called "Hospital Keys" and were used to give subscribers a temporary connection in the event of a break down. The telephone exchange was replaced by an automatic exchange.This is a good example of a manual telephone system in Western VictoriaThis is a rectangular polished wooden box with a telephone mechanism on the side connected by a hook. On the front right is a dialling system which has been detached. On the front left is a volt meter. At the front bottom are seventeen switches. In the middle front are twenty keys which can flash up in various colours. There is writing on the side . There is a black metal label with writingAVD HAND SET S314470 c 7060 H/56 LINE & SELECTOR TEST SET HT& Co. Ltd. LIVERPOOL ENGLANDtelephone testing, minjah, manual telephone exchange

This yoke would have been used as a harness for a bullock team . Bullocks were used extensively in the 19th and early 20th centuries for cartage and haulage, particularly for wool in the Western District. This yoke was from the property "Rose Park" in Willatook and used about 1902. The property of "Rose Park" was owned by Stan Baulch who inherited the property in 1919. Up to his death in 1980 he was an active member of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society and had a special interest in the local history of bullock teams and bullockies.This is retained as a memento of early farming practices in the Western District of Victoria.The yoke has a heavy wooden curved piece shaped at both ends with holes along the piece to hold two heavy metal rings which protrude through the wooden section and have pointed ends. The holes also contain two large metal hoops. A short chain is attached bullock team and bullockies, stan baulch, rose park

This is a vintage item from the early 20th century. It could have been used in a house hold context or by farmers in the paddocks, by hikers, family picnickers, campers or by workers in factories. This item has no known provenance and is kept as an interesting vintage domestic object..Deep blue enamel vacuum flask or thermos with a rusted metal handle and a lid which serves as a cup. There are rust patches on the base, sides and cup. The central section is round.vintage domestic item, vintage vacuum flask, vintage thermos

An item of this type would have been used for lighting purposes by householders both within and around the house in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It may have originally been attached to a wall or ledge. This item has no known local provenance but is retained as an example of a lighting mechanism some 100 years ago.This is the main body of a kerosene lamp. It is made of metal and the base and back stand have been painted green. It has a mantle, an oil container and a round reflector plate (which has been originally painted silver). The glass bulb is missing.N (?) 23 Victorvintage lighting, kerosene lamps

This lamp was produced in 1922 as a lighting mechanism for a motor cycle. It is a Lucas lamp, with the trade name 'Chieftain'. The firm of Joseph Lucas Industries was established in 1860 in England, initially making scoops, buckets and plant holders. In 1875 it began making lamps for ships and after 1902 lamps and other components for motorised vehicles. Today, after merging with a North American company, it is a maker of components for both the automotive and the aerospace industries. This item is retained as an example of motor cycle lighting that would have been used locally in the 1920s.This is a metal lamp with a round base, a cylindrical body and a rounded lighting mechanism enclosed in glass. There is a screw lid on top of the oil container, a mechanism for attaching the lamp to the vehicle and two small round glass buttons on either side of the lighting area. The lamp has traces of silver colouring but is very rusty. There is an old card containing some handwriting attached to the lamp.Lucas Chieftain 1922motor cycle lamps, joseph lucas ltd, vintage vehicle parts

This miniature cash tin was produced by Fry's Chocolate Company of England as a promotional giveaway and probably held some chocolate samples. It would then have been used in a household for keeping trinkets or other small items. The Fry's Chocolate Company was established in Bristol, England in the mid 18th century by Joseph Fry and in the mid 19th century it produced the first mass-produced chocolate bar (1866 - Chocolate Cream, 1913 Turkish Delight). The company merged with the Cadbury company in 1919 and the Tasmanian Cadbury factory which opened in 1921 was known as Cadbury-Fry-Pascall. Fry's chocolate bars were very popular in Australia. This item is retained as a memento of Fry's Chocolate Company, the products of which featured in Australian life for many decades. This is a rectangular metal tin painted black and light brown. It has a hinged lid and a metal handle held with clips inserted into slits on the top of the lid. There is printing on the lid and a label on the base.Cash Fry's Chocolatechocolate bars, fry's chocolate, miniature cash tin

This is a vintage item dating from the early 20th century. It is a hand-held lantern that could also have been hung from a ledge or wall. Lanterns of this type were often used by railway employees or ship's crew for signalling. The lighting was probably obtained by a candle as there is no evidence of an oil mechanism.This item is of interest because of its age and its possible use locally over a hundred years ago.This is a metal lantern painted black on the outside and silver-frosted inside. It has a rectangular-shaped body with bevelled glass, a semi-circular metal top and a metal handle. The hinged glass door on the side is missing.vintage lighting, hand-held metal lanterns