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

This is a miniature book and container which was known as ‘the Smallest English Dictionary in the World’. It is a copy of a Dr Johnson dictionary. It was intended to be worn as a locket and sold with an accompanying magnifying glass. It was an advertising feature for the Pears Soap company. This item has no local significance but it is a very interesting one, showing the type of novelty adornment popular in the late Victorian era. This is a miniature book with a red leather cover and 384 pages. The name of the book and the name ‘Pears’ are stamped in gilt on the covers. The book is enclosed in a silver-coloured metal container with a thickened glass window in front to view the title of the book. The glass acts as a magnifier. The container has a hinged closing device. It has a ring at the top to attach the item to a chain or belt. The container is much rusted.Front cover of book: ‘Bryce’s English Dictionary’ Back Cover: ‘Pears’ bryce’ english dictionary, warrnambool, dr johnson dictionary

This item would have been owned by a man with some wealth as the silver hallmarks indicate an expensive purchase. Coin containers were used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a means of carrying some cash on the person and the matches holder was also a common item for men to carry.This item has no known local provenance but is useful as an example of social customs of the past and can be used also for display. This is a silver container divided into two sections – the top part with a hinged lid held wax matches and the bottom section has a circular recess for holding silver coins. This bottom section has a hinged lid. The top part has an indented and serrated part for striking the matches. The container is highly decorated in etched patterns with a space to engrave a person’s initials. The top has a ring with a chain for attaching the item to a chain. The container is slightly dented. Seven hallmarkssilver coin container, warrnambool, coin container

These nails came from an old building in Geelong.These nails are of interest in that they are good examples of the type of nails used early in the 20th century. They will be useful for display. These are nine old metal nails. They are rusted and some are bent. They are of varying sizes and have rectangular heads. Two have an indent at the base of the head and they are all flat in shape and taper to a point at the end. nails, warrnambool, geelong

There is no specific information available on this watch and case. The watch was made by the American Watch Company which operated from 1850 to 1957. Small cases were often used to carry a watch in the 19th and early 20th century while a person was travelling, although wooden ones do not seem to have been common. The owner of watch, ‘A.U.’ has not been identified. Until the provenance of this item is established it remains an interesting object from the past and one suitable for display. This is a wooden case embossed on the front with a flower motif. It has a hinged lid with a space hollowed out inside to hold a pocket watch. This area has been lined with felt. The case contains an American silver watch which has a highly decorated cover. The watch face has Roman numerals with a smaller seconds dial. There is a winding mechanism and a ring at the top of the watch for attachment to a chain.On silver watch case: ‘A.U.’ On watch face: A. W. Co., Waltham, Mass. travelling case and watch, american watch company, warrnambool

A letter written from Preston Estate telling of issues regarding conditions of station life. Preston station and Devil’s river are both in the vicinity of Mansfield in North East Victoria A letter which is typical of the time and as such has social and historical significance and interest.Blue paper hand written in black pen. Written front and back of paper. The signature is in a different hand.Signed Frederick Griffin preston estate, bostock, warrnambool

This coin was minted in the time of Queen Victoria whose young image appears on the coin. It is a bronze coin mainly composed of copper with traces of tin and zinc. From 1825 English coins were minted in countries of the Empire where they were used as currency. In 1862 pennies would have been one of the more common denominations in circulation.A common item which relates to the 19th century with historical and social significance.Round copper coloured coin with head of young woman on the obverse and the image of Brittania on the reverse. There is text around the edge of both the obverse and reverse.The rim is flat.On the obverse is 1853 with Victoria Dei Gratia. Reverse has Brittannia REG FID. DEFwarrnambool, english penny, 1853 penny

This walking stick or club is of a heavy quality and could be classified as an Irish shillelagh, although it lacks the heavy curved knob at the top that characterizes the shillelagh. It does not seem typical of the walking sticks used in Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries although it appears to date from those times. It may have come from an overseas country.This walking stick has no known local provenance but it is an interesting item and is kept as a curio from the past.This is a piece of black wood (blackthorn?) shaped from a gnarled and knotted piece of wood to make a rough, curved shape. The shaft is rounded at the top and tapering to a smaller round shape at the bottom. The top has a brass-coloured metal band.walking sticks, household items, warrnambool

This piece of music was composed by Joseph Summers (1839-1917). The date of the composition is between 1863 and 1866. The brother of Charles Summers, the sculptor, Joseph Summers was born in England and came to Australia in 1865. He was an organist and composer, an Inspector of Music in schools and in charge of music examinations conducted through Trinity College, London. In 1897 he moved to Perth. The signature of ‘Miss Jessie Webster’ presents a problem as no information has been found on this person. This is a most significant item because of the date, 1866, and the name, ‘Jessie Webster’. But it is not known if the music has any local provenance. The item also has social significance as an example of the type of music played in mid-Victorian drawing rooms. This is a piece of music of four printed pages of musical notation. The cover of this music is missing. The paper is white with black printing and all the pages are much mottled and stained. The edges of the pages are ragged and torn. There is some pencil scribble on the first page. A name and a date are written in black ink on the first page. ‘Miys (Miss) Jessie Webster, November 13th 1866’jessie webster, joseph summers, warrnambool

The book has back and front covers in brown leather which features heavily raised embossing . The raised sections contain Biblical and other religious images and intricate patterns. The spine has gold lettering. The front cover is slightly scuffed and is detached from the spine. It has been bound with string and paste. The pages, some of which are torn, contain text and black and white and colour plates. It is not only a Bible as it includes the history of other religions.non-fictionBible and History of religions family bible, family bible 1900, warrnambool

A book of 1015 pages . The dark blue cloth cover has embossed patterns on the front cover with gold edging and gold printing on the spine. There is slight staining on the front cover. The pages contain printed text, and coloured and black and white photographs.non-fictionAdvice and recipes on home cookingcookery books, 1930's cookery book, warrnambool

This is a book of 844 pages. The cover is made of dark blue patterned material with gold printing on the front and spine. The pages contain articles, stories, sketches and black and white and coloured illustrations. The cover is damaged, particularly on the spine. Some of the pages are partly detached.fictionSunday religious readings containing fiction and non fiction.the sunday at home, religious readings, warrnambool

This is a book of 428 pages. The cover has brown composite material with a leather spine and corners. The spine has gold lettering and gold ridged lines. The corners are somewhat tattered. The title page and some other pages are torn. The pages contain printed text, black and white diagrams and sketches and colour illustrations.non-fictionEncyclopedia of Technical Education.Two volumes with technical information on a wide range of subjects. technical education, technical school text book, warrnambool

This plane, used for shaving or shaping materials such as wood, is a Stanley No 78 model. The Stanley Tool Works was a business originally established in U.S.A. in the 1840s. In 1937 Stanley Tool Works set up in Sheffield, England. In 2010 the company merged with Black and Decker and still operates today. Planes are still used today in woodworking.This item has no known local significance but is retained as an example of a tradesman’s tool from the past. This is a metal tool with a solid base, a large handle, one screw and two wing nuts. It is somewhat greasy. ‘Stanley No. 78’ ‘Patent D. 6-7-10’tradesmen’s tools, warrnambool, wood plane

This barrel was probably used to hold ice but minus its insert could have been a biscuit barrel. In the days before refrigerators were common household items the barrel would have been a useful portable ice carrier for use in a hotel bar or at a table. The plaque on the side of the barrel suggests that the barrel could have been awarded as a trophy or prize in a sporting competition. This item has no known local provenance but is retained as an example of a household item from times past.This is a wooden barrel with silver-coloured metal bands on the top and bottom of the barrel, a metal handle and a detachable metal lid. A metal plaque is attached to the side of the barrel with metal pins. The inside of the barrel has a ceramic insert with a metal rim. The metal bands are much oxidized. ‘E.PN.Svintage household items, biscuit barrel, warrnambool

This collar holder would have been used in the early to mid 20th century in the days when men's shirts often had detachable collars so that the collars could be changed each day and the shirt part would not have to be washed so frequently. The metal crest on the holder with a crown on top suggests that the wearer of the detachable collars could have held a Government office or been a member of one of the Defence Forces. This collar holder has no known local provenance but is kept as a memento of the days (80 to 100 years ago and more) when men wore shirts with detachable collars. This is a rectangular-shaped leather object which has been folded over once to form a wallet with an extra piece at the end to close over the wallet. The top piece closing device has two metal press studs. The insides of the wallet are lined with buff-coloured material hemmed with cotton stitching with two extra pieces folding over to hold the collars. The wallet contains one white collar with one collar stud. On the front of the wallet is gold-coloured printing and attached is a metal badge or crest. 'Soft Collars'men's vintage clothing, warrnambool, collar

This medal was issued in 1919 to members of the Armed Forces to celebrate the victory of the Allies in World War One. Australian Armed Forces members were issued with the medal produced in Great Britain. The medal was issued to Private A.E.Snell. Albert Edward Snell enlisted in World War One from Nullawarre. He was listed as aged 21, single and a labourer. He was at first in the 8th Battalion (7 Reinforcement Group) and embarked on the Wandilla in 1915 and later transferred to the 14th Battalion. He was wounded in action and returned to Australia in1917.This medal is of considerable significance, firstly as an example of the medal issued after World War One to Australian Armed Forces members and secondly because it was issued to Private A.E. Snell, a resident of Nullawarre, about 32 kilometres from Warrnambool.This is a circular brass medal with a laurel wreath and an inscription on the reverse side. The obverse side features a winged figure of victory with her left arm extended and holding a palm branch in her right hand. There is a metal ring at the top .There is text around the rim.THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILISATION 1914-1919 2419 PTE. A.S.SNELL 8 BN A.I.F.victory medal, private a.e.snell, warrnambool

This badge appears to have been made in World War Two and may be an example of trench art made by a soldier serving overseas. The piece labelled ‘Australia’ may have come from another badge belonging to that soldier. This badge has no known local connection but is of interest as a memento of World War Two. Semi circular stylised badge with background forming the letters AIF. Australia is on a slightly rounded bar in the front of the letters. Hole in upper left corner.AIF as background. Australia printed on banner at the front.warrnambool, aif warrnambool, aif badge

This ink well could have been used in a household or a business office. It would have been an attractive addition to a desk or office and served in a practical way to enclose the ink needed for writing purposes. Today the ink well has been replaced by firstly the use of fountain pens and later, after 1950, the widespread use of ballpoint pens. Although it has no known local provenance this item is retained as an interesting example of an ornamental ink well from100 years ago. This is a brown rectangular-shaped metal stand elevated from the floor by four jutting side pieces. There are two upright semi-circular side metal pieces acting as protective shields. The base of the metal stand has an open fretwork pattern with a circular hole in the middle. This contains a china ink well. It is enclosed by a hinged metal lid. The protective uprights and the metal stand also have ornamental fretwork with patterns of fronds and flowers. The ink well is a little chipped.‘Rd. No. 44197’writing aids 20th century, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

In the early 20th century there were many small machines and instruments developed to use as home cures. These included massage and vibratory instruments and those taking advantage of the growing use of electric currents in the treatment of nervous and mental health issues. This machine was used to produce a electric current to use on the human body to alleviate ailments that included nervous conditions, neuralgia, lumbago, back ache, muscle soreness and even toothache. Developments in allied health treatment saw the waning of the popularity of these kinds of medical aids by the mid 20th century.This machine is of great interest as an example of the items used by people in the late 19th and early 20th century as home cures for all sorts of ailments that afflicted people at the time.This is rectangular wooden box with a lid connected with metal hinges. The inside of the lid has a paper insert with printed material on it. The box has a metal mechanism inside and this includes a metal magnet, a pulley with a rubber belt and two round metal drums covered in dark blue felt. On the outside of the box is a metal handle that is connected to the mechanism inside. There is a metal closing catch on the outside of the box. There are also two wires on the outside of the box with one of these connected to the inside mechanism. The wires have hollow brass cylinders attached to the ends. The box is heavily stained and scuffed.‘Magneto Electric Machine for Nervous & Other Diseases’allied health in early 20th century, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

This ink well could have been for household use but was more likely to have been used in an office or business. No information has been found on the name on the base – A.R. McLachlan. Ink wells began to be less used when fountain pens came into general use in the 1940s and went out of use completely when ballpoint pens became the popular writing instrument in the 1950s. This ink well is of interest as an example of the ink wells used early in the 20th century. It was probably used in an office or business building. This is a metal container with a circular base and an upright circular tube in which is inset a china ink well. The ink well is covered with a hinged metal lid and there are four round holes around the lid area. Both the lid and the base are etched with circular ridges. ‘A.R.McLachlan 1920’ office equipment, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

This is a shaving mug which, together with shaving cream, hot water, a shaver with a razor blade and a razor strop, were the items used by men to shave faces and/or beards. Today these items have been replaced by the use of an electric razor or a plastic holder containing a razor blade. This item is retained as an attractive example of the mugs used by men for shaving purposes up to the 1950s and 60s. This is a white china shaving mug with a circular base, a handle, a wide-lipped opening and a top bowl with three drainage holes at the bottom. The sides of the mug have coloured painted flowers. On the base of the mug is an article from a newspaper regarding the disappearance of the shaving mug from general use (pasted on) and some handwriting, part of which is indecipherable. The handle and the rims of the mug have originally been gilt-edged. ‘Shaving Mug’ ‘This is quite an antique – used by all the 3 R….’ men’s accessories, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

This comb appears to be made of some sort of bone so would date from early in the 20th century. It has fairly coarse teeth and was probably used by a woman with long thick hair. The provenance of this item is unknown but it is of interest as an example of a woman’s hair comb from times past.This is a yellow bone hair comb with 37 tapering teeth.women’s accessories, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

Bullock teams and bullockies were common sights in Australia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Bullock teams were used for the transport of heavy goods such as wool, wheat, timber, sugar cane, farm equipment, building supplies etc. and their presence and that of their colourful bullock drivers in the countryside have become part of Australia bush folklore. Bullocks were often favoured over horses as they could pull heavy loads over rough surfaces and were less expensive to maintain. As the bullock teams frequently varied in size (up to 40 bullocks have been recorded in the one team) the whip was always a very long one. This item is of considerable significance as a memento of the days (19th century and early 20th century) when bullock teams were the common form of transport for heavy goods. As in other parts of Australia, bullock teams were a feature of the area around Warrnambool and created much interest when they arrived in the smaller towns. This is a wooden stick, slightly tapered to the top, with a leather binding at the top with a small knob. Attached to the top of the stick is a whip made of plaited leather. The leather is brown and stained and slightly worn. At the end of the whip is a strip of plain leather with a knot at the end. bullocks and bullockies in the western district, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

Nails such as these were used for building purposes, probably in the construction of house and shed roofs. The jar has no significance, being a discarded household item used to contain the nails. The nails have no known local provenance but are of interest as they date back over 100 years and are retained to show the type of nails used in the past.This is a glass jar with a ridged base and a metal screw top lid. There is etched printing on one side of the jar. The jar contains many old metal nails, possibly handmade. They are mostly rectangular in shape with flattened heads. There is also at least one metal screw in the jar‘AGEE Mason Jar’antiquarian building materials, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

This padlock is a heavy duty item but it is ornate enough to have been used on a large front door or other room in a household or business. The padlock is locked and there is no accompanying key. Today padlocks may still be made of metal but they are considerably more lightweight. This item is retained as an interesting example of a padlock used in the past.This is a metal padlock made in a shield shape with a raised ornamental piece of brass patterning surrounding the key mechanism. The padlock is very rusted.antiquarian household items, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

This temperature gauge would have been used in the past to take the temperature of water in a pot or bath. Water temperature gauges are still in use today. Although this item has no known local provenance it is retained as an example of a household item of the past – a water temperature gauge. This is a glass temperature gauge set into a metal holder with markings on each side of the thermometer. The holder has a metal clip at the top for hanging the object on a wall or cupboard. The holder is much rusted.‘Cold, Cool, Temp, Tepid, Warm, Hot’ ‘351’ bath thermometers, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

Stencils were used to mark produce before it went to markets and/or in transit. Produce such as bales of wool, dairy and fresh produce were so marked and the account credited to the relevant producer. The origins and provenance of the stencils is not known at this time.These stencils have no known provenance but have interpretive interest and significance..1 Oval metal stencil with the number 373 cut out of the metal and with WTC engraved above it. Circular hole in the metal on the left side. .2 Circular metal with 549 cut out of metal and S of W engraved above. One large circle and two smaller circles also cut out of the metal. .3 Oval metal stencil with the numbers 199 cut out of metal and TCW engraved above it. Circular hole has been cut out on the left..1 WTC Old catalogue number on rear 437 .2 S of W Old catalogue number on rear 442 .3 TCW. Old catalogue number on rear.433warrnambool, metal stencils, farm stencils

This shaving strop is typical of those used in barbers shops. It was used to sharpen the edge of a straight blade razor.This item is of social and historical interest and belonged mainly to the era prior to the invention of safety blades and electric razors.Light brown double leather strop with black leather handle at one end and metal hook at the other end. There is text on both ends of the strap and the handle.On handle Super 99."Sharpen" on strap section with carborundum at the other end. On the reverse: genuine horse hide Finish . shaving strop, barber's strop, warrnambool