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The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Yellow Wattle Bird, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Yellow Wattlebird is Australia's largest Honey-eater. This species is only found in Tasmania and is also known as the Tasmanian Wattlebird. The birds are active, noisy and conspicuous especially when the birds congregate in flocks. It lays two or three pinkish white eggs with light brown speckles. This particular Wattlebird specimen has been mounted in an accurate but stylised fashion by the taxidermist. When calling, this bird throws its head backwards to such an extent that the feathers on its crown may actually touch those on the bird's back. It then suddenly jerks its head forwards while releasing the call. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Yellow Wattlebird's has a distinct yellow belly and yellow-orange wattles on the sides of the head. The wattlebird's chest is white streaked with brown. The head, back and wings are brown. This specimen stands upon a wooden mount and has an identification tag tied around its leg.Swing-tag: 58a. / Wattled - Honeyeater / See catalogue page 18taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, bird, yellow wattlebird, tasmanian wattlebird, anthochaera paradoxa, australian birds, wattlebird -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Coin, Queen Elizabeth 11 Silver Jubilee
This is a British coin to the value of 25 newpence. It is a commemorative coin to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's ascension to the throne of England.This coin has no local provenance but is of interest as a British commemorative coin of 1977.Circular silver coin with a reeded edge The obverse depicts a raised profile figure of Queen Elizabeth 11 mounted side saddle on a horse and text. (It is reminiscent of the Queen at the Trooping of the Colour.) The reverse features a crown , an eagle with outstretched wings on a dais, decorative leaves and berries. QUEEN ELIZABETH. 11 DG REG FD . 1977queen elizabeth 11 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Badge - BADGE, RAAFA ASSOCIATE
Part of flight Lieutenant Ian A. 'Joe' Lyons MBE Collection. See Catalogue No. 5374P for his service record.Gold coloured metal lapel badge with metal pin and fastener on the back. The face of the badge features wings over red, white and blue concentric enamelled rings. Badge is topped with a King's Crown. Across the bottom is a light blue enamelled banner with gold lettering.On light blue banner: 'RAAF ASSOCIATE'. Engraved on the back: 'R A 185'.badge, raaf, accessory, ian a. 'joe' lyons -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Plan - Ship Plan / Mould, n.d
Wooden pattern for mould for boat fittings. Solid cylinder in two halves joined by wooden dowels. Smaller diameter cylinder attached to either end of larger cylinder. Triangular shaped 'wings' on sides of large cylinder. Painted green, inner flat sides unpainted. -
Australian Gliding Museum
Machine - Glider – Sailplane, 1957
The Alexander Schleicher K4 was designed in the mid 1950s by Rudolf Kaiser as a club training glider and several hundred were built. The Australian Gliding Museum’s K4, VH-IKK, serial number 55, was built in 1957 and purchased by the RAF Air Training Corp. U.K. After some years it was sold to a New Zealand Gliding Club and in 1990 with over 4800 hours, number of launches unknown, it was purchased by the Brisbane Valley Soaring Club and in 1994 was transferred to the Far North Queensland Soaring Centre who operated it from the Mareeba airfield. On 9 January 2000 it was donated to Vintage Gliders Australia by Kevin Sedgman at a presentation ceremony with Alan Patching receiving the glider during the Rally at Lake Keepit. It has been flown regularly at vintage glider rallies and on several occasions at Museum open days. However, it has subsequently been grounded on account of potential structural defects. VH-IKK is one of two K4s in Australia, the other being VH-XJP which is believed to be in storage in Queensland in a damaged condition. When restored, this exhibit will be representative example of the AS-K4 glider-sailplane type.Tandem two seat high wing strutted glider consisting of wood with plywood and fabric wings, tailplane / elevators, fin / rudder, and tubular steel framed, fabric covered fuselage. Prior to restoration work, the glider was finished in a white, green and yellow paint scheme. “Vintage Gliders Australia” name in white lettering on fuselage sides and registration VH-IKK in black lettering on rudderaustralian gliding, glider, sailplane, alexander schleicher, k4, kaiser, raf air training corp, brisbane valley soaring club, far north queensland soaring centre, vintage gliders australia, sedgman, patching -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Slide - PETER ELLIS COLLECTION: SLIDE, May 1970 - Jan 1972
Coloured slide transparency. Image is of a male standing dressed in costume. He is wearing a white robe with wings attached to his back and he is holding an object. On the lower edge of the white border the words Fancy Dress Party Ken Lindrea have been handwritten.Kodachrome Transparencyslide, bendigo, bendigo institute of technology -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Textile - GRAYDON COLLECTION: RAAF FABRIC PURSE, 1870-1890
Textiles. Mauve coloured silk fabric purse with fold over top in V-shape with scalloped edge. On front of folded over section RAAF wings and letters. R.A.A.F. painted in fabric paint - gold, blue and white. Zig zag stripes on front corners.textiles, domestic, raaf fabric purse -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Victory Medal
This object relates to Herbert Swain GREENING. He was born on 1/01/1891 in Ballarat, VIC. Herbert Swain served in the AIF (3292) enlisting on, 13/07/1915 in Ballarat, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 5 BATTALION as a Army Non-Commissioned Private (PTE) on 15/02/1918. Herbert Swain GREENING was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Mrs. M. Greening - Mother. Herbert Greening was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.Gold coloured circular medallion attached via a ring to a ribbon of indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red stripes blended with undefined edges; yellow stitching defines the border. Medallion features a figure in robes with wings. Reverse features text inside a wreath.On front: “WMM” On reverse: “THE GREAT/ WAR FOR/ CIVILISATION/ 1914 - 1919/ .........”medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Nethercourt Private Hospital, Union Road Surrey Hills in late 1930s
In 1935 Mrs Eliza tank transferred her private hospital 'Nethercourt' from Wilson Street to 219-223 Union Road. She has operated it at the Wilson Street address from 1916. The Union Road building had originally been Surrey College, a boarding school for boys built in 1889 by Rev Dr Darling. It was not the success hoped for. In 1905 it briefly became Milverton College for girls, after which it was used as a nursing home or small private hospital. By the 1960s it was known as 'Norwich Hospital' and later still 'St Jude's'. It closed as a hospital in 1983. The land at the front facing Union Road was sub-divided off and the building became a private home fronting Barton Street. As a private residence it was rendered and painted.Black and white photo of a double-storey brick building with a tower. There is a veranda between the tower and one of the wings of the building. This is enclosed at the upper level. On one side there is an external set of stairs and an out building. The building is approached by a circular driveway. There are mature bushes in front of the building.On copy photo in lead pencil: "? No & if missing"; "This is a copy"; "595"nethercourt hospital, milverton college, matron eliza tank, norwich private hospital, rev darling, st judes private hospital, hospitals, surrey college -
Australian Gliding Museum
Machine - Glider – Sailplane
Prior to World War II an international competition was held for design of a standard sailplane for use in Olympic competition in 1940 in Finland. The design chosen was the “Meise” from DFS in Germany and its designer Hans Jacob. The 1940 Olympics were cancelled due to the outbreak of war and post war international gliding competition has been organized as World Championships, not as an Olympic event. After the war the Meise was manufactured by firms in Europe and a few were built by amateurs from plans. In 1945, a United Kingdom firm, Chilton Aircraft Limited, revised the plans for the DFS Meise Olympia keeping its aerodynamic shape and prepared new technical drawings for the production of the Chilton Olympia. It engaged Elliotts of Newbury (a firm with aircraft production experience during the war) to built a set of wings for its prototype. The wings were made by Elliotts but it apparently refused to let Chiltons have the jigs required to build more wings. The matter was resolved by Chiltons transferring its production rights and equipment to Elliotts. Elliotts produced several batches of Olympias (the “EON Olympia”) – probably about 150 in total from 1947 including Marks 1, 2 and 3 versions (featuring some structural changes and design improvements). The Australian Gliding Museum’s Olympia is a Mark 2 (actually 2B according to the logbook) which can be distinguished by the built in main wheel and blown Perspex canopy. It was designated as serial number EON/O/34 by Elliotts. It was damaged badly at Bristol, UK, in 1949. The wreckage was acquired by a Melbourne based syndicate including Dave Darbyshire, and imported into Australia. Additional damage occurred in shipping due to the need to shorten the wings to fit them into a crate. The syndicate rebuilt the glider and re-launched it in 1956 (registration number VH-GHR). It was flown by the syndicate and several gliding clubs in Victoria and South Australia until about 1972. A potentially airworthy example of a now rare sailplane of historical importanceSingle seat wooden sailplane, partly restored.australian gliding, glider, sailplane, dfs, hans jacob, meise, olympics, eon olympia, chilton aircraft, elliotts of newbury, dave darbyshire, great eastern gliding club, barossa valley gliding club, murray bridge gliding club -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Buttons and Badge, Insignia
These buttons and lapel wings were issued either by the English Royal Australian Air Force or the Royal Australian Air Force and probably date from pre-World War Two. The Royal Australian Air Force is the aerial section of the Australian Defence Force and was established in 1921. It succeeded the formation of the Australian Flying Corps in 1912. These badges are of interest as early mementoes of the Air Force.1 Two metal badges with raised image of eagle in full flight with a crown above it.They are shank buttons with a connecting link. The eagle is yellow metal with split pin at the rear..1 Buttons J R Gaunt Ltd London.english royal australian air force, australian defence force -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Clothing - GERMAN HERITAGE SOCIETY COLLECTION: SILK SCARF
Item 19. Cream silk scarf. Material sewn double. One end has an embroidered airman's wings in cream and light blue, In the centre of the wings is a red, white and blue bull's eye and over the bull's eye is a brown kangaroo. Below the bull's eye is a pale yellow boomerang shaped area with 'Fighter 81 Wing' embroidered in it. Underneath it all is embroidered 'Hofu - Japan 1946'. At the other end are some embroidered flowers and leaves. The leaves are pale grey and cream and the flowers are three shades of pink. One pink flower has a cream edge and one flower is cream. The flowers have red centres.bendigo, clubs, bendigo heritage, german heritage society collection - silk scarf, fighter 81 wing, hofu japan -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Photographs, 11/1946
Part of a collection of photographs donated by Julie Barnet. Photographs taken by Julie's In-laws on their honeymoon in November 1946. Some of the photographs showing handling of the birds is no longer acceptable by the public. Collection of Mutton Bird eggs ceased many years ago.229-22. Black & White photograph of the Suspension Bridge taken from Newhaven. Boats on foreshore in foreground. 229-23. Black & White photograph of the Suspension Bridge taken from Newhaven with boats on the water. 229-24. Black & White photograph of four people in a boat on the foreshore (May, Dot, Roy & Pat). Suspension Bridge in the background. 229-25. Black & White photograph of a Mutton Bird's (Shearwater) egg. 229-26. Black & White photograph of a Mutton Bird (Shearwater) with outstretched wings held by Ken West. 229-27. Black & White photograph of Ken West holding a Mutton Bird (Shearwater) with outstretched wings at The Nobbies. 229-28. Black & White photograph of Bert West holding a Mutton Bird (Shearwater) with outstretched wings. 229-29. Black & White photograph of Seal Rocks, Phillip Island. 229-30. Black & White photograph of Seal Rocks, Phillip Island. 229-31. Black & White photograph of Seal Rocks, Phillip Island.phillip island suspension bridge, suspension bridge, wildlife - birds, wildlife - mutton birds, wildlife - shearwaters, mutton birds, shearwaters, seal rocks, seal rocks phillip island, ken west, bert west, julie barnett -
Bendigo Military Museum
Headwear - CAP, PEAKED WW2, C.WW2
Peaked cap worn by “Vivian Donald BULLEN". He first enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 11.3.1942 age 22 years 8 months No VX75447, during his time he rose to Acting Cpl, attached to No 4 Chemical Warfare Coy RAE and A.A.O.C in Bendigo, he was hospitalised with a Peptic Ulcer, discharged from the Army on 3.9.1943 to join the RAAF. Enlisted in the RAAF on 4.9.1943 No 431933 as a Aircraftsman, after initial training he was posted to “Air Gunnery School” on 4.2.1944, embarked for England 28.4.1944, went through 3 training units in Bomber Command, posted to 466 Sqd Driffield 19.1.1945. He rose through the ranks from Aircraftsman - LAC - Sgt - Flt Sgt - Fly Officer by 7.10.1945. He flew 13 sorties and was eligible for the France & Germany Star. Embarked for Australia 29.6.1945, discharged from RAAF 9.10.1945. Cap - peaked, navy blue cotton twill, black leather hat band with brass button keepers. RAAF badge in gold and red crown above eagle wings and laurel wreath. Inside cap, leather sweatband and cotton lining. Makers label imprint on sweatband.Sweatband - makers label imprint "Sam Brown Leather". headwear, uniform, ww2, raaf, vivian donald bullen -
Bendigo Military Museum
Badge - BADGE, AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION
Part of flight Lieutenant Ian A. 'Joe' Lyons MBE Collection. See Catalogue No. 5374P for his service record.Gold coloured metal lapel badge with pin and press clip fastener on the back. The face of the badge features wings over red, white and blue concentric enamelled circles. Badge is topped with a King's Crown. Across the bottom is a light blue enamelled banner with gold lettering.On light blue banner: 'AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION'badge, air force association, accessory, ian a. 'joe' lyons -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH RAAF, FRAMED, C. WW2
Robert Charles Roberts No 3200 RAAF. Enlisted 17.1.1938, Rose to the rank of T/Sgt LAC 1.11.1939, transfer to Aircrew 26.11.1940, commissioned 29.7.1941, embarked for Canada 15.9.1941 then UK, posted to 455 Sqd (UK) 24.2.1942. Reported missing 10.4.1942 then presumed dead 11.4.1942.Coloured photo, cream background., head & shoulders portrait of Robert Charles ROBERTS in RAAF uniform. Peaked cap, white shirt & tie, Air Force wings badge on L breast. Brown wooden frame with gold trim, glass front, fawn cardboard backing.In black texta on back: Lyn Harrisonphotographs, raaf, framed -
Bendigo Military Museum
Souvenir - MODEL PORT AEROPLANE, LESNICH FAMILY WINES, Post 1960’s
This Airaus A port bottle shaped like an FIII. Khaki & fawn camouflage colouring on top, black nose tip & black under body & wings. .1) Limited edition No 1003 port bottle is the model of body. .2) Detachable nosecone - reveals bottle top & cork.model making - planes, ornaments - glass -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Accessory - 3 X HAT PINS
3 x hat Pins / Large 25mm hat pin with round wooden black ball on end / 12.5 mm hat pin with ball and tear drop shaped pearls plus three gold wire wings /18mm hat pin with white ball on end.costume accessories, hat accessories -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Booklet, VC/NVA Mine Indicators, 1967
Standard issue item as used by Australian servicemen during the conflict in Vietnam.Discoloured small booklet written in English and Vietnamese. Black writing with diagrams. Front cover top left has an image of a shield with a sword in the centre. At the bottom right is a star wings on Anchor, US military issue. Booklet describes signs used to indicate mines in areas.mine clearing, us military command, fielding marcus -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Medal, National Defence
Gold coloured Medal with Eagle standing on a feathyer with wings at it's side Attached to a red ribbon with white, blue and yellow stripes. Bar ribbon in same colours x two. One in material and the other in metal. Enclosed in blue case Reverse of Medal Shield and laurel leavesBlue hard case "United States of Americamedal, united states of america -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Medal - BENDIGO EASTER FAIR MEDAL 1924, 1924
Bendigo Easter Fair medal 1924, blue enamelled circle worded Bendigo Easter Fair around gold Bendigo coat of arms on red enamel topped with gold wings and a red enamelled Maltese cross, suspended from a blue pin bar reading Bendigo 1924.Stokes & Sons Melbevent, easter fair, bendigo easter fair -
Darebin Art Collection
Sculpture, Helen Bodycomb, Chris Rak & Enver Camdal, Westgarth precinct public art, 1998
Installed in the Westgarth Shopping Strip, the artworks include aerial, street level and inlaid pieces. The aerial installations consist of eight pairs of steel dragonfly wings. The street level series feature ten sculptural pieces of welded steel depicting enlarged body/skeletal parts of fauna that are indigenous to the area. The inlaid artworks are a series of stainless steel mosaic in the pavement.Five pairs of steel dragonfly wings mounted on eight painted PTC power poles. Ten sculptures of welded steel depicting enlarged body / skeletal parts of fauna that are indigenous to the area. These also function as bicycle racks. A series of stainless steel, ceramic and glass mosaic inlays. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Badge - BADGE, RETURNED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE - POST 1953, Commonwealth Government, Post 1953
This badge was first issued in 1953 and is identical to a Second World War badge. Part of the Cooper Collection.Bronze 'Returned from Active Service' badge featuring the Tri-Services emblems (Anchor, Wings and Rising Sun) surmounted with a Queen's crown with a boomerang underneath. Text 'RETURNED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE' on boomerang. Two lugs on reverse. A.442442 stamped on back along with makers mark.Stamped on reverse 'A442442'. Embossed on reverse: 'ISSUED BY THE CWLTH GOVT, AMOR, SYDNEY'.cooper collection, badge, returned from active service. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Badge - SERVICE BADGES, 1) 1948, .2) 1940 .3) post 1940
.1) Is classed a a General Service Badge type 2. .2) Is classed as a General Service Badge type 1. Types 2 was introduced in 1946. Both badges are basically for Volunteered for active service but were retained permanently or temporarily in Australia for home service..1) Badge, metal, brass coloured, crown at top, centre has wings, rising sun and anchor. Two small scrolls have "Service Australia". Rear has 2 lugs and pin, stamped with issue no. .2) badge, brass, circular wreath with plaque shape centre, At top is a crown centre of the plaque is a large "V" under in a scroll is "volunteer". Rear has 2 lugs and pins, stamped no badge. .3) badge, brass with depiction of rising sun, wings and anchor at top is a crown, under is a scroll with "Aust Legion of". At bottom is a boomerang with "Ex Servicemen and Women". Rear has 2 lugs and pins. Badge is stamped with a number. .1) "Issued by commonwealth government A 120025". .2) "Issued by commonwealth government A 6132". .3) "V 19105".badges, service -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - BADGE, c1939-1945
Refers to the Service of :- NORMAN CHARLES STEVENS V59636 - VX123648. Initially in CMF NR V59636. Enlisted in AIF VX 123648 9 March 1943 aged 35. Discharged 28 June 1946. Unit - Catering Corps - Rank Private. This is a copper badge - Tri-Service, Australia. It's motif has an anchor, part of a Rising Sun Badge and spread bird wings. At the top centre is a Royal Crown. At the bottom in a stylised boomerang shaped banner are the words "Returned from Active Service". On the rear are two loops for mounting of badge.On the rear is stamped 309475. "Issued by the Commonwealth Govt". ww2, active service, badge -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - WES HARRY COLLECTION: BENDIGO HOSPITAL, SCHOOL OF MINES, Circa 1885
Two Sepia toned photographs mounted on card., (a) Front shot of the Bendigo Hospital circa 1885, Left and right Gabled wings and centre section have arched windows, gardens in foreground and four women and two men standing in front., (b) The School of Mines and Industries in McRae Street.buildings, hospital, bendigo hospital, bendigo hospital, scholl of mines and industries -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Memorabilia - Memorial plate
Metal Plate with blue background. Red writing. Vietnam 1967-1972 over top. Middle Yellow. Laurel leaves with grey wings. Banner in white with red writing USA RAN Shield in yellow, blue, red 135. EMU in red on white banner. White with red writingGET THE BLOODY JOB DONEmetal plate, usa ran -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Medal, For Military Merit
Gold coloured Medal with American Eagle standing over three arrows, and wings outstretched. Green and white stripe ribbon attached with pin on reverse : two bars in green with white stripes All enclosed in blue vinyl/leather hard case On reverse of Medal "Awarded for Military Merit"Box navy with gold embossed design left hand side and United States of America in goldmedal -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Decorative object - Peacock, Minton Majolica life-size model, Paul Comolera, artist, Designed: c. 1873; Made: c. 1875
This majestic peacock embodies technical achievement, skill and ingenuity of artisans during the 19th century. It is now known as the 'Loch Ard Peacock' and was designed and modelled in 1873 by Paul Comolera (1818-1897), and fired in one piece at the Minton factory at Stoke-on-Trent in the United Kingdom in 1875. The peacock has been portrayed in symbolic motifs and has figured heavily in folktales and fables since antiquity, and many cultures around the world see it as a symbol of beauty, rebirth and power. Wealthy Victorians, loved majolica, and the large peacock would have been the ultimate home accessory, as a conservatory ornament – combining their desire for nature, the exotic and vibrant colours. The peacock model was listed in catalogues by Minton & Co. for a retail price of 35 guineas or sold as a pair for 90 guineas. Minton & Co. was founded in 1793 by Thomas Minton (1765–1836) and became famous pottery and porcelain manufacturers. Comolera was a French artist and sculptor, renowned for dramatic naturalistic forms, and life-size renditions of birds and animals that won him admiration in public and artistic circles. He was employed by Minton & Co. from 1873 to 1880, and the life-sized peacock became his best known work. Comolera, kept a live peacock loaned from the nearby Duke of Sutherland's Trentham Hall Estate in his studio, to create a life-size model of fine buff earthenware model, which was then hand painted in brilliantly coloured green and blue glazes to mimic the peafowl’s dazzling plumage. There are no surviving production records, but according to documents in the Minton Archive, nine peacocks were made by Comolera. However, today some historians now believe that twelve were fired at the Minton factory, research is still on-going. These peacocks were so admired that the Minton & Co. used them as exhibition showpieces at International Exhibitions in London, Paris, and the United States of America, assuring the company had a worldwide reputation. So, when Melbourne hosted an International Exposition in 1880, Minton & Co. sent out ceramics, tiles and in particular, this peacock was intended to be part of their exhibit in the British Court in the Exhibition Building, built in the Carlton Gardens. The early dispatch date (1878) indicates that the company may have intended to exhibit their wares including the peacock at the 1879 Sydney International Exhibition, but the company did not take up this option. The ship that Minton & Co. used to bring the peacock and their other wares to the Australian colonies was the ill-fated Loch Ard, which sunk after striking Mutton Bird Island near Port Campbell, Victoria in calm foggy weather in June 1878 on the final leg on the ships journey to Melbourne. The loss of 52 lives made it one of Victoria’s worst shipwrecks. Therefore, this peacock never made it to the grand exposition in Melbourne, as Minton & Co. had planned. Charles McGillivray dragged this peacock, still in its original packing case onto the beach in the gorge just two days after the Loch Ard went down. The peacock was rescued unscathed apart from a chip on its beak (only repaired in 1988). After a disagreement with Melbourne Customs Officer, Joseph Daish, McGillivray stopped his salvage operations, leaving the peacock on the beach. The second salvagers were James Miller and Thomas Keys. Miller was a member of the firm Howarth, Miller and Matthews, Geelong, who had brought the salvage rights to the Loch Ard wreck on 10 June. When Miller and Keys arrived at the wreck site, a storm had washed many of the salvaged goods including this peacock back into the sea. The two men found the peacock in its case ‘bobbing along in the water’, and pulled it back to the beach. To ensure the peacock wasn't washed out to sea again, Miller and Keys hauled the packing case containing the peacock up the gorge's cliff face to the top, ready to be transported. In an interview in 1928, Keys claimed that at the time of the rescue the head had broken from the body. This account was proven to be true in 1988, following the birds display in Brisbane. This peacock began its life in Australia, not in grandeur of an International Exhibition as intended, but in the hallway of a simple domestic house in Geelong. It appears Minton &Co. did not attempt to buy this peacock back. Florence Miller, daughter of James Miller (Loch Ard salvage rights holder), later remarked that the only item of real value rescued from the wreck had been the peacock and that this had been kept by her father in the family home for many years, and became a treasured family possession. As such, this 'Loch Ard peacock' was almost forgotten and mistaken with other Minton peacocks around the world. Florence tried to sell the peacock due to financial difficulties in the 1930s but was unsuccessful. While attempting to sell the peacock, it was displayed in the window of the Argus newspaper office on Collins Street, and at the National Museum on 1st June 1935, the date of the 57th anniversary of the Loch Ard wreck. As a result, the peacock again attracted public attention with books, newspaper and magazine articles being published telling the story of its survival from a shipwreck. After Miller's death, the peacock remained in an antique dealer's shop in Melbourne for many years until it was bought at auction by Frank Ridley-Lee, in the 1940s, who displayed the bird at his home in Ivanhoe/Heidelberg. The peacock remained in the hands of the Ridley-Lee, until it was offered for sale in 1975 as part of Mrs Ridley-Lee's estate. In 1975, an advertisement in Melbourne newspaper, the Age announced the sale by auction of the art collection of the Ridley-Lee estate that included this peacock. The peacock was not sold at this time, as the reserve price of $4500 was not met. This news was passed on to the board of the newly created Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Urgent efforts were made to raise the necessary funds through fundraising by the Warrnambool City Council and public donations. The Fletcher Jones Company and the Victorian Government contributed half of the of the cost. On 9 September 1975, the peacock was purchased by Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and it found a new home at the maritime museum. Since, it has only left Warrnambool twice. Firstly, in 1980 at the centenary celebrations of the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, and secondly, in 1988, the peacock was given pride of place at the entrance to the Victorian Pavilion at the Brisbane World Expo, acknowledging that this Minton majolica peacock is the most significant shipwreck object in Australia. The Minton majolica peacock is considered of historical social and aesthetic significance to Victoria and is one of only a few 'objects' registered on the Victorian Heritage Register (H 2132), as it is a most notable and rare object associated with the Minton factory of the 1870s and works by the celebrated sculptor Paul Comolera along with the wreck of the Loch Ard on the Victorian coastline. This Minton peacock is historically significant for its rarity; it was one of only 9-12 known to exist. The shipwreck of the Loch Ard is also of significance for Victoria and is registered on the Victorian Heritage Register Ref (S 417). Flagstaff Hill has a varied collection of artefacts from Loch Ard and its collection is significant for being one of the largest accumulation of artefacts from this notable Victorian shipwreck. The collections object is to also give us a snapshot into history so we can interpret the story of this tragic event. The collection is also archaeologically significant as it represents aspects of Victoria's shipping history that allows us to interpret Victoria's early social and historical themes. The collection is historically significant is that it is associated, unfortunately with the worst and best-known shipwreck in Victoria's history. The peacock, resplendent in polychrome glaze, stands perched on a rocky plinth decorated with vines, leaves, flowers, blackberries and wild mushrooms. The peacock’s breast is cobalt blue; the wings and legs are in naturalistic colours. The tail is a mass of feathers coloured in green, ochre blue and brown — a fantastic display of artistry and Minton expertise. Inscribed at the base :P Comolera, and a Minton & Co. design number: 2045.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, loch ard, loch ard gorge, peacock, paul comolera, victorian heritage register, minton peacock, minton & co., stoke upon trent, bird figures, mintons, ceramics, international expositions, majolica, naturalistic, staffordshire -
Australian Gliding Museum
Machine - Glider – Sailplane, 1949
The Hutter H17 is a small single seat glider with a wing span of 9.69 metres, designed in 1934 by Wolfgang Hutter, for flying in the Austrian Alps. Construction of the museum’s example, “Sweetwings” (now registered as VH-GQM), commenced in Perth in 1949. It is one of two Hutter H17 gliders built in Western Australia by N.J. Wynne and A.G. Milligan at the time – the other “Fleetwings” (formerly VH-HDQ and since re-registered as VH-GXV) is located at Millicent, South Australia. Ownership transferred to G.R. Reichelt of Tocumwal New South Wales and later to D.B. Hunt of Thornbury in Melbourne and later Mt Isa, Queensland. It was acquired by Bill Riley of Tocumwal who donated it to the Museum. The glider was last flown on 25 October 1979 at Tocumwal. This exhibit is an example of a 1930s small wood and fabric glider that was designed in Austria for hill soaring. It is a simple design that became a popular choice for home building in the post war years in Australia when gliding as a sport was in recovery. Some examples are still flying.Small single seat glider. Fuselage and wing struts are painted yellow. Wings, rudder and tailplane / elevator are primed with pink dope. It has an open cockpit with small clear Perspex wind screen. Instruments include airspeed indicator and altimeter tucked neatly under front edge of the cockpit rim.australian gliding, glider, sailplane, hutter, sweetwings, fleetwings, reichelt, riley, wynne, milligan