Vesta cases, also known as match safes, are small boxes that are used to carry matches and keep them safe from the elements. In the early 1800's, it was common to carry matches, since some type of portable fire was needed to light lanterns and stoves. The matches of that day were crude compared to today's standards, and were known to light when making contact with each other, and sometimes even spontaneously. In order to alleviate this potentially hazardous situation, it made good sense to utilize a Vesta case or match safe. One of the more interesting features of the vesta case or match safes is that they almost always include some type of rough or ribbed surface, usually on the bottom of the case that is used for striking the matches. This vesta case is a portable pocket vesta. These cases take their name from the virgin Roman goddess of fire, home, hearth and family. Usually Vesta was depicted as the fire in her temple. Only Vestals (her priestesses) were allowed into her temple. Her association with fire made her name the natural choice for British companies that manufactured matches. The hallmarking of sterling silver is based on a combination of marks that makes possible the identification of origin and age. The town mark identifies the Assay Office where the item was verified. The town mark on this piece is an anchor, so it is from Birmingham, England. The lion passant certifies the silver quality, as at least 925. The maker's mark, identifying the silversmith presenting the piece to the assay office is D&LS for David and Lionel Spiers. The date letter identifies the year the piece was verified, this item was verified in 1885. Lionel Spiers was a significant figure in the Jewellery Quarter and in 1906 was chairman of the Jewellers and Silversmiths Association. The item also has NHILL 1928 engraved on the front, this is likely a recent addition to the piece. Nhill is a town in Victoria so it could be that the previous owner lived here or it was gifted in commemoration. The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.Silver vesta case with ribbed strike plate at the end and an etched design. D&LS/ lion symbol/ anchor symbol/ l/ Sovereign head/ [hallmarks] CHH/ NHILL 1928/ [obverse inscription] A01198/burke museum, silver, vesta, fire, silversmiths

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

While the date of when this box was made is unknown, there is an inscription on the lid that indicated that the item was owned by a J. E. Huderric in 1767. A snuffbox is a small decorative box used to store scented tobacco powder and were commonly used by men and women in the 17th and 18th century.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A decorated small black box. It is rectangular and opens up with a lid. The lid is decorated on the outside corners and a centre diamond shape using opal coloured flaked gems.J. E. Huderric 1767/ [inscribed on the lid] A01197/box, drugs, tobacco, 18th century

Vesta cases are small containers used to keep matches dry and prevent them from being ignited. There three types of vesta cases but the most popular design was the pocket vesta which could be hung from a chain and featured a ribbed bottom to strike a match. It is unknown when this vesta case was created but the lettering on the front of the case suggest that it was create in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. Boulogne-sur-Mer is a costal city in Northern France and is known for its maritime and trade history.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small white rectangular box. There are 6 nails both on the top and bottom keeping it closed. There is a small inscription on top in cursive lettering. One end is covered in a material used for crating sparks.Boulogne smer/ A01148/matchbox

Scent bottles are vessels used to store perfume. Humans have used scent bottles throughout history with the oldest scent bottle dating back to 1000 BCE Egypt.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A square brass bottle with a spheric lid featuring a geometric embossed pattern.A01193perfume, scent

The markers hallmarks on this match case have become illegible, however the remaining hallmarks show that the case was made in Birmingham, England in 1901. Match cases are a decorative case that houses a cardboard matchbox.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A silver rectangular match case with an embossed top.[?]/ [?]/ anchor symbol/ lion symbol/ b/ [hallmarks] A01168/matchbox

This detailed example of a match holding Vesta was owned by someone with the initials GBW but is otherwise difficult to identify ownership. Vestas are the historical name for what are now known as matches. They were named for the Roman goddess Vesta whose domain was the hearth and home. The Swan company began production of short matches, mostly useful for lighting pipes and cigarettes due to their deliberately short length. Due to their small size it became convenient to carry these Vestas within a Vesta Case kept somewhere on the person, large enough to contain enough matches for a days use. The cases prevented their contents from becoming damaged and damp while also stopping them from accidentally striking if held loose in a pocket. This example of a Vesta case is particularly ornate.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A decorative silver coloured vesta or match book. It has detailed engraving across the obverse and reverse sides with delicate scrollwork and a monogram set in a circular setting in the centre. The vesta has a hinged top and side loop to allow for attachment.GBW/ A01171/burke museum, vesta case, vesta, matches, silver, social history, luxury

Vestas are the historical name for what are now known as matches. They were named for the Roman goddess Vesta whose domain was the hearth and home. The Swan company began production of short matches, mostly useful for lighting pipes and cigarettes due to their deliberately short length. Due to their small size it became convenient to carry these Vestas within a Vesta Case kept somewhere on the person, large enough to contain enough matches for a days use. The cases prevented their contents from becoming damaged and damp while also stopping them from accidentally striking if held loose in a pocket. This is a simple example of a Vesta Case.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A decorative silver coloured vesta or match book. It has a raised crosshatch pattern in a circular pattern on the obverse side. The vesta has a hinged top and side loop to allow for attachment.A01199/burke museum, vesta case, vesta, matches, silver, social history

The exact creation of this Cigar Cutter is unknown, however the vintage nature and style of this cutter indicate that it was made in the early to mid 20th century. This cutter closely resembles the V-cut style of cigar cutter. These cutters are the most common type of cigar cutters and have been historically widely used. They cut a 'wedge' into the cigar cap rather than removing the whole cap like guillotine cutters do. This type of cut allows the smoker to get a deep cut into the V shaped cigar. Social history objects held in the Burke Museum help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the town's social, artistic and cultural community. This cutter shows significance through it's vintage artistic style and it's ability to show the social habits within Beechworth's history. A small bronze metallic cigar cutter with cigar insert on one side of the object and handle on the other side. A01152beechworth museum, cigar cutter, bronze, burke museum, social history

A propelling pencil is a type of mechanical pencil.The lead is manually pushed down a tube of matching diameter, and is friction-fit. A small rod inside the pencil pushes the lead forward, as needed, usually with a twist an action mechanism.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small propelling pencil that features a stone handle.writing equipment, pencil, mechanical pencil

A propelling pencil is a type of mechanical pencil.The lead is manually pushed down a tube of matching diameter, and is friction-fit. A small rod inside the pencil pushes the lead forward, as needed, usually with a twist an action mechanism.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small silver propelling pencil with a diamond patterned handle.England/ V. S. Lead/mechanical pencil, writing equipment, pencil

First edition copy of James Dawson's book, "Australian Aborigines" (1881). Dawson's book draws on his daughter Isabella's ability to speak the local languages and attempts a balanced description of a culture he considered ill-used and under-appreciated by white settlers. This work remains one of the more valuable insights into the life of First Nations people at the point of first European contact.Title page of James Dawson's book "Australian Aborigines""AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES" BY JAMES DAWSON THE LANGUAGES AND CUSTOMS OF SEVERAL TRIBES OF ABORIGINES IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA BY JAMES DAWSON GEORGE ROBERTSON MELBOURNE, SYDNEY AND ADELAIDE MDCCCXXXIcdhs, cdhsfirstnations, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, isabella dawson

Three Djargurd Wurrung people on Country, pictured in front of Mt Leura, Camperdown c1875. This image also shows early primitive dwellings, Ower's flour mill (built 1868) and surviving native vegetation. Image of three Djargurd Wurrung people seated in front of Mt Leura, Camperdown, taken near corner of Scott and Curdie Streets c1875. On back: Early 1870s, Bought at first land sale Cr Scott & Curdie St, F.H. Grant, 11 Adeney Streetcdhs, djargurdwurrung, wombeetch puyuun, camperdown george, prince charlie, mount leura, mount sugarloaf, mt sugarloaf, ower's mill, cdhsfirstnations

This etching was created of Camperdown c1850s showing a group of First Nations people and early dwellings and native vegetation around Mounts Leura and Sugarloaf. Camperdown was surveyed by Robert Dunbar Scott in 1851. First dwelling constructed by David Fenton in 1853 on site of Commercial Hotel. Etching of early Camperdown scene showing group of First Nations people in the foreground with early buildings, native vegetation and Mount Leura and Mount Sugarloaf in the background. On front: Mt Leura, Camperdowncdhs, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, mount leura, mt leura, mount sugarloaf, mt sugarloaf, cdhsfirstnations

''Renny Hill'', built c1876, was the home of William Andrew Taylor (1849-1927) and Isabella Park Taylor, nee Dawson (1842-1929). Isabella was a friend to First Nations people and together with her father, James Dawson, recorded their languages and customs. William Taylor was a farmer, Councillor and civic leader. In 1883 he gifted the world's oldest statue of Robert Burns to the people of Camperdown.Black and white image of ''Renny Hill'' homestead, Camperdown Renny Hill built 1876? Built for Isabella Park (Dawson) Taylor and William Taylormt sugarloaf, mount sugarloaf, cdhs, renny hill, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, cdhsfirstnations

"'Wuurong'' homestead (originally 'Basin Banks') was built c1867 by Donald McNicol (1812-1903) shepherd, store owner and pastoralist. The property was leased c1870 by James Dawson (1806-1900) Guardian of the Aborigines, pastoralist and environmentalist. James Dawson renamed the property 'Wuurrong'. His daughter, Isabella Park Dawson (1842-1929), recorded the languages and customs of Western Victorian First Nations people and together with her father, published the book "Australian Aborigines" (1881).Black and white photograph of ''Wuurong'' homestead Front: An Early Photograph of "Wuurrong" Built By Donald McNicolcamperdown, cdhs, wuurong, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, cdhsfirstnations

When he died at Camperdown in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) (c1820-1883), was the last member of the Liwura Gundidj clan of the Djargurd Wurrung, still living on Country.Sepia studio photograph of Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) in European dress Back: Camperdown George well known and loved aboriginecdhs, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, wombeetch puyuun, camperdown george, wombeech puyuun, cdhsfirstnations

When he died at Camperdown in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) (c1820-1883), was the last member of the Liwura Gundidj clan of the Djargurd Wurrung, still living on Country.Black and white studio photograph of Wombeetch Puyunn (Camperdown George) in traditional dress wearing a headband, kangaroo tooth necklace and possum skin cloak, holding a boomerang and carved shield Back: WOMBEETCH PUUYUUN, CHIEF, AND LAST OF THE LOCAL TRIBEScdhs, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, cdhsfirstnations

When he died at Camperdown in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyunn, also known as 'Camperdown George', was the last member of the Liwira Gundidj clan of the Djargurd Wurrung, still living on Country.Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) standing naked holding a walking stickBack: Camperdown George, 1874cdhs, wombeetch puyuun, camperdown george, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, cdhsfirstnations

When he died at Camperdown in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun, also known as 'Camperdown George', was the last member of the Liwira Gundidj clan of the Djargurd Wurrung still living on Country.Image of Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) wearing traditional possum skin cloak and holding a walking stick Back: George Camperdowncdhs, wombeetch puyuun, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, camperdown george

When he died at Camperdown in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun, also known as 'Camperdown George', was the last member of the Liwira Gundidj clan of the Djargurd Wurrung, still living on Country.Black and white photograph of Wombeetch Puuyun (Camperdown George)Back: XP 1924 Museum Victoriacdhs, wombeetch puyuun, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, cdhsfirstnations

Prince Charlie was the second last member of the Liwira Gundidj clan, of the Djargurd Wurrung, still living on Country. He died in 1882 at Framlingham Mission just months before his companion Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George).Black and white photograph of Prince Charlie, an Aboriginal manFront top: J. JORDAN, Liebig Street, WARRNAMBOOL; front bottom: Prince Charlie, Camperdowncdhs, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, prince charley, cdhsfirstnations

Isabella Park Taylor, nee Dawson (1842-1929), friend of Western Victorian First Nations people, and student of their languages and customs. Isabella grew up at "Kangatong" (1844-1866) in the company of First Nations people and became fluent in their languages. With her father, James Dawson, she wrote the book "Australian Aborigines" (1881). Black and white photograph taken at "Kangatong", near Hawkesdale showing group of First Nations people in conversation with Isabella Dawson, seated on right with notebook in hand. Standing at left is Kaawirn Kuunawarn (also know as Hissing Swan and King David).James Dawson's daughter, Isabella, learning from the Aborigines on her father's station at "Kangatong" (From the original belonging to Miss M. Turner Shaw of S. Yarra. Copied by A.E. Jackson of Timboon.)cdhs, miss mary turner shaw, kaawirn kuunawarn, hissing swan, cdhsfirstnations

Isabella Park Taylor, nee Dawson (1842-1929), friend of Western Victorian First Nations people, and student of their languages and customs. Isabella grew up at "Kangatong" (1844-1866) in the company of First Nations people and became fluent in their languages. With her father, James Dawson, she wrote the book "Australian Aborigines" (1881).Black and white photograph taken at "Kangatong", near Hawkesdale, of seven Western Victorian First Nations people all seated in conversation with Isabella Dawson, seated at right with notebook and pen in hand.cdhs, cdhsfirstnations

James Dawson (1806-1900), pastoralist, friend to First Nations people, environmentalist, patron of the Arts and author of "Australian Aborigines" (1881). Dawson came from Bonnytoun, near Linlithgow, Scotland and arrived in Melbourne with his wife, Joan Alexander Park, on 2 May 1840. They made their first home in the colony farming in Port Phillip, near Anderson's Creek on the Yarra River, where their daughter, Isabella was born in 1842, then from 1844, moved to 'Kangatong' station on the Moyne River, east of Macarthur. In 1866 the Dawsons left the Port Fairy district and lived in various residences in Melbourne. By 1868 the family had settled in Camperdown at 'Wuurong', on the banks of Lake Bullen Merri. Unlike most people at the time, Dawson and his daughter shared a deep interest in, and respect for First Nations people. In 1876 James Dawson was appointed local Guardian of the Aborigines in the Camperdown district. He was a prolific letter writer and an early advocate for indigenous rights and was dedicated to exposing injustice and the maltreatment of First Nations people. He had befriended Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) who was the last of the local Djargurd Wurrung living on Country when he died in February 1883. In 1885 James Dawson erected the Wombeetch Puyuun Monument at Camperdown Cemetery in his memory. His friend's remains were reburied at the foot of the obelisk and the two dates, 1840-1883, mark the 43 years it took for European settlement to displace the Djargurd Wurrung from the Camperdown District.Sepia photograph of an elderly James Dawson taken in Scotland. Front: T. Rodger St. ANDREWS N.B. Back: THOMAS RODGER Photographer ST. ANDREWS ETABLISHED 1849cdhs, isabella dawson, camperdown cemetery, djargurdwurrung, cdhsfirstnations

In the early days of colonial Australia the governors and the land holders saw advantage in singling out certain First Nations people as leaders and distinguishing them in some way. This chest plate was issued to "King George" of the Koenghegulluk Clan of the Djargurd Wurrung whose Country was near Lake Colongulac. This chest plate is inscribed "King Colungulac" and is held in the Museum Victoria collection. ""King George"" is pictured wearing the chest plate in a photograph of First Nations people at Framlingham Mission in 1867.Colour photograph of brass chest plate inscribed "KING GEORGE COLUNGULAC" Front: "KING GEORGE COLUNGULAC"; Back: XP49214 Museum Victoriabreast plate, cdhs, cdhsfirstnations

When he died in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun was the last member of the Liwura Gundidj clan still living on Country at Camperdown. The Wombeetch Puyuun Monument was erected by his friend and Guardian, James Dawson in 1885, largely at his own expense. At the top is engraved 1840, which marked the beginning of the demise of the local First Nations people. Below are a boomerang, a club, and a message stick. At the bottom is the year 1883 which saw the last of the local First Nations people on Country with the death of Wombeetch Puyuun. On the base are the words: "In memory of the Aborigines of this district. Here lies the body of the chief, Wombeetch Puyuun, and the last of the local tribes". Dr Ken Coghill (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) unveiling plaque in front of the Wombeetch Puyuun Monument in the Camperdown CemeteryBack: Dr Ken Coghill unveiling the plaque in front of the Aboriginal Monument in the Camperdown Cemetery Dec 12th 1983cdhs, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, cdhsfirstnations, first nations people

When he died in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun was the last member of the Liwura Gundidj clan still living on Country at Camperdown. The Wombeetch Puyuun Monument was erected by his friend and Guardian, James Dawson in 1885, largely at his own expense. At the top is engraved 1840, which marked the beginning of the demise of the local First Nations people. Below are a boomerang, a club, and a message stick. At the bottom is the year 1883 which saw the last of the local First Nations people on Country with the death of Wombeetch Puyuun. On the base are the words: "In memory of the Aborigines of this district. Here lies the body of the chief, Wombeetch Puyuun, and the last of the local tribes".Dr Ken Coghill (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) unveiling plaque in front of the Wombeetch Puyuun Monument in the Camperdown CemeteryFront of the obelisk "1840-1883 IN MEMORY OF THE ABORIGINES OF THIS DISTRICT. HERE LIES THE BODY OF THE CHIEF WOMBEETCH PUYUUN AND LAST OF THE LOCAL TRIBES".cdhs, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, cdhsfirstnations, first nations people

When he died in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun was the last member of the Liwura Gundidj clan still living on Country at Camperdown. The Wombeetch Puyuun Monument was erected by his friend and Guardian, James Dawson in 1885, largely at his own expense. At the top is engraved 1840, which marked the beginning of the demise of the local First Nations people. Below are a boomerang, a club, and a message stick. At the bottom is the year 1883 which saw the last of the local First Nations people on Country with the death of Wombeetch Puyuun. On the base are the words: "In memory of the Aborigines of this district. Here lies the body of the chief, Wombeetch Puyuun, and the last of the local tribes".Dr Ken Coghill (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) unveiling plaque in front of the Wombeetch Puyuun Monument in the Camperdown CemeteryBack: Dr Ken Coghill unveiling the plaque in front of the Aboriginal Monument in the Camperdown Cemetery Dec 12th 1983cdhs, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, cdhsfirstnations, first nations people

When he died in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun was the last member of the Liwura Gundidj clan still living on Country at Camperdown. The Wombeetch Puyuun Monument was erected by his friend and Guardian, James Dawson in 1885, largely at his own expense. At the top is engraved 1840, which marked the beginning of the demise of the local First Nations people. Below are a boomerang, a club, and a message stick. At the bottom is the year 1883 which saw the last of the local First Nations people on Country with the death of Wombeetch Puyuun. On the base are the words: "In memory of the Aborigines of this district. Here lies the body of the chief, Wombeetch Puyuun, and the last of the local tribes".Dr Ken Coghill (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) unveiling plaque in front of the Wombeetch Puyuun Monument in the Camperdown CemeteryBack: Dr Ken Coghill unveiling the plaque in front of the Aboriginal Monument in the Camperdown Cemetery Dec 12th 1983cdhs, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, cdhsfirstnations, first nations people