Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis pin has a black plastic tear-drop ball at its head (earth shaped). It has diamond like chiseled profile from a centre band to the apex of both ends. The centre region has a herring bone pattern. Identical to Item KVHS 0287hat pin, female head apparel, clothing accessories

Historically this item could be a valuable antique worn originally by a wealthy upper class woman. The fine hand painted pictures with gold boarders and porcelain body suggests the item was bought either in Europe or Britain and brought into Australia in the late 19 th to early 20 th century by a wealthy landed gentryThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1800s to mid 1900s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsHead of pin is six sided, domed top made of porcelain. Two sides have hand painted pictures of grapes, two sides with flower arrangement , two sides detailing cypress tree tips of branch, top has flowers and leaves with hidden small birdshat pin, porcelain hat accessory, millinery clothing

This photo was most likely taken at the site of the proposed McKay Creek Power Station. Excavation of this site was commenced in 1951 but an access road (a rough, narrow track) was put it in 1948 and widened in 1954. The State Electricity Commission would have milled logs from this area at their mill at Howman's Gap. The timber was used for building of housing and camps and provided a much needed resource as there was a general shortage of this commodity. The power station was relocated underground owing to repeated problems with landslides in the area. Restricted financial resources and the repositioning of the power station retarded construction activities and it was not completed until early 1961. An historical pictorial record of the type of machinery used in the 1950's - logging truck with bogie attached, the bull dozer and winch for hauling logs to the truck and note the lack of protective clothing!Black and white photograph showing a logging truck, bogie and bull dozer with winch for hauling the logs to the truck. Two men are on the truck, a driver on the bull dozer and a large log on the bogie. Hand written on the back of photo "Logging at McKay Creek".logging, mckay creek, timber, machinery

A boudoir cap was popularly worn in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries In its original form, the boudoir cap was worn over undressed hair, It was designed to be worn in the privacy of the boudoir with negligees or nightwear.[andwas often made from lightweightfabrics such as muslin or net and trimmed with silk ribbon and lace. In the 1910s and 1920s, it was used to protect short hairstyles whilst sleeping.This item is an example of a piece of clothing no longer in fashion.Hand crocheted boudoir cap. Light blue thread crochet on top. Fine piece of fabric around centre. Blue and pink border. wire inserted into cap at sides.cap costume-female boudoir-cap handcrafts crochet sleepwear

Pretty and tiny beaded bags and purses were highly decorated to match the dresses of the era. They were small enough to carry makeup compacts, a few coins, and they were fashion accessories more than practical handbags.This item is an example of a clothing accessory used by women in the early 20th century.Fully beaded drawstring bag with designs of flowers. Tassel of beads attached to bottom of bag. Small wooden hooks on the inside to hold black rope drawstring.bag personal-effects money-container beading drawstring-bag

This item is an example of a clothing accessory commonly used by women in the early -mid 20th century.Black lace collar with ornate design and scalloped bottom edge.collar costume accessories lace

This appears to be a "special" petticoat, one that could have been made as part of of a trousseau in preparation for marriage.This item is an example of the skills shown by the women of Orbost in the late 19th to early 20th centuries.A full-length fine cotton petticoat with lace around the neck and bodice and about 50cm of lace at the bottom of the garment. A pale blue ribbon is threaded through the lace. This garment appears to be be hand-made rather than mass-produced.petticoat hand-craft dressmaking womens-clothing

Mrs John Draffin was the wife of a Shire President of Orbost Shire Council. She is reported to have made this lace herself. The design might have been copied from a book of laces.Associated with the wife of an early resident of Orbost who was Shire President. A large white cotton lace collar, roughly rectangular in shape, made from tape lace and with decorative infills. This collar is very pretty and beautifully made. tape-lace lace-collar women's-clothing

This blouse shows excellent workmanship and is very decorative. It is not every-day-wear, but would have been worn for special occasions.This blouse is an example of the needlework skills of women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.A woman's black blouse or top made of shot silk and with panels of black lace. It has long sleeves which are trimmed with lace at the wrist. Down the front of the garment is a pleated panel with the fine pleats travelling cross-ways. Inside are metal stays which preserve the shape and are now rusty. women's-clothing silk-lace

This dress was handed down through the family of Harry Cameron, Orbost. It was likely worn by a member of the family.Associated with the Cameron family, Orbost.A full length black satin dress with long sleeves. It has two rows of 6 buttons across the bodice and lace applique on the shoulders. The neck and sleeves are trimmed with a fine white lace. There are metal stays inside the front of the dress.women's-clothing

This garment was made by Edith (?) Cowell (Mrs Jim Richardson, nee Cowell) and has been donated by her daughter Esma Richardson.This item is an example of the needlework skills of women in the early 20th century.A full length white cotton night-dress with long sleeves. It has lace around the shoulders and across the chest, broderie anglais collar and cuffs. A ribbon is threaded through the lace at the neckline and cuffs. The bodice also has small pleats or pin-tucks at the front and clear buttons. Pinned to the left shoulder is a blue certificate indicating from the Bombala Exhibition Society of 1913.The certificate from the Bombala Exhibition Society indicates that Alice Cowell won first prize in the 1913 show for having made this night-dress.night-dress bombala-exhibition female-clothing

A set of collars, possibly worn during the 1920s-1950s period, wearer unknown. A detachable collar is a shirt collar separate from the shirt, fastened to it by studs. The collar is usually made of a different fabric from the shirt, in which case it is almost always white, and, being unattached to the shirt, can be specially starched to a hard cardboard-like consistency. The popularity of detachable collars and starched collars in general began to fade in the 1920s and 30s as men’s clothes became more comfortable.These items are examples of men's clothing from the first decades of the 20th century when men wore more formal daily attire. A set of four white men's collars of assorted sizes, made from stiffened fabric.Cremorne Collar Company, Melbournemen-collars male-apparel

This cape comes from the estate of James Cameron who was one of the first Snowy River councillors for the Tambo Shire. He selected land at Lochiel in 1892. From 1902-1920 he was the Assembly member for East Gippsland.A black shoulder cape made of crepe silk. It has scalloped edges and is probably hand-made. It fastens with press studs and the hems have been machined.cape silk clothing

This article was handmade by Amelia Frances Selwyn probably in England after she married Lance Mallett in London. Amelia was the mother of Brenda Murray, dedicated community worker and local government councillor. Brenda was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community. Amelia Mallett was an early Croajingalong resident and she and Lance are buried in the Orbost Cemetery.This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in thefirst half of the 20th century.A handmade black lacy bolero. It has beadwork along the edges and fastens with an ornate black clasp.bolero costume-women handcraft clothing

This photograph seems to be associated with an early settler family in the Bete Bolong district. It is also a pictorial record of children's clothing of the late 19th century.Two photographs. 3164.1 is a sepia photograph of a young girl standing beside a little boy who is seated. The photograph is mounted on card. it has been taken inside a studio. the little girl is wearing a long dress with a lace smock. The boy is wearing a suit with short pants. He has a lace collar. 3164.2 is of a small boy standing next to a tree. He is wearing a suit with a waistcoat and a lace collar.on back - :"Evelyn & Jim Sealey neighbours of Richardsons in Bete Bolong"sealey-jim sealey-evelyn clothing-children's

Jean Stirling , born 1901 in Orbost, married Charles Frances Reginald Joyes on 15th July 1922 in Orbost. Jean's father was John Stirling, son of James Stirling and Ann Gray. Her mother was Robina Harvey McNair, Aged 19 James Stirling arrived in Melbourne on January 26, 1842 with his family - parents, three sisters and two brothers. James Stirling moved around a lot to Whittlesea, Ballarat goldfields, Cunninghame, (now Lakes Entrance), then to the Old Station about 36 miles to the east along the coast near the mouth of the Snowy River and for a time settled there with his wife also from Wigton, Scotland, and their family four sons two daughters (James, John, William, George, Margaret and Polly). The first settler to occupy the Marlo township area was James Stirling around the year 1875. He built a bark hut on the bluff that had two rooms, bark walls, earthen floors and a shingle roof. By 1884, this structure had expanded to a 9 roomed accommodation house and in 1886 became the Marlo Hotel when a liquor license was granted. (more information from “Snowy River Mail”, Wednesday, April 13th 1977: MEMORIES OF MARLO by Mrs Elsbeth Conlon (nee Stirling )This photograph is associated with the Stirling family early settlers of Marlo. It is also a pictorial record of styles of wedding dress popular in the 1920s.A black / white studio portrait / photograph of a bridal couple. The bride on the left is wearing a typical 1920s wedding dress. tTe front is short with a hem that is in different length in front than behind. She is wearing a hat in the cloche-style. She is holding a bouquet of flowers and her train is draped to the left. The groom is wearing a three piece morning suit. he has a with a wingtip collar white dress shirt and a cravat tie.on front - hand - written "Jean Stirling's wedding (Marlo) ? Joyce"stirling-jean-wedding melba-&co wedding-clothing-1920s joyes-charles-francis-reginald

Included in the photograph are Mrs P. Nixon and her two children, Mary Gilbert, Margaret Irvine, Mrs A. Hossack, Annie Gilbert. they are watching a football match around 1920.This photograph is associated with Mary Gilbert, a well-known Orbost citizen. It is a pictorial record of a social activity of the first half 20th century. It also shows the clothing and transport of that time.A sepia photograph of some women and children sitting in cars. Two of the women are holding babies. Two older girls in school uniforms are seated in the back of the car on the right.cars-1920 gilbert-mary nixon-mrs p. hossack-mrs a. gilbert-annie irvine-margaret

There is no information with this item.This is a pictorial record of local Orbost people in typical mid 20th century fashion clothing which tended to be more conservative than current fashion..A black / white photograph of three people in - a man on the left in a suit and tie; two women with hats and pearl necklaces.The woman in the middle is wearing a spotted dress and holding a white hat with a handbag over her arm. The other woman, in glasses, is wearing a plain dark dress and a more formal hat.on back - "Jack Irvine, Audrey Cameron, Elsie Norman (nee O'Brien)"irvine-jack cameron-audrey norman-elsie

There is no record of which family is in the photograph. The slips at Corringle was a popular picnic area for Orbost people. Corringle Slips is situated at the mouth of the Snowy River Estuary. The Corringle Slips were built by Samuel Richardson and sons during the time when the Orbost Shipping Company was operating. The Slips were washed away in the 1893 floods and reassembled by Martin Jorgensen who then became a part owner of the Slips. In the late 1890's, Corringle was a thriving rural community. (Information from Discovering Marlo brochure)This is a pictorial record of family life in Orbost in the first half of the 20th century. It portrays a typical Orbost family enjoying a leisure activity. The clothing can be seen as more formal than that worn at a family picnic in the present day,A black / white photograph of a group of people (adults and children) seated around a table set with a tablecloth on which are teacups, bottles of drink and cake. in the front is a bucket and two metal boxes. They are well-dressed with the men and boys wearing jackets and ties and some of the women wearing cloche style hats.on back - "Family at Slips"corringle-slips-marlo picnic-recreation

There is no information with this photograph. The Lavell family has been associated with Orbost from its early settlement.This item is a pictorial record of 1920s society in Orbost depicting the clothing worn in that time. The Lavell family has been associated with Orbost from its early settlement.A black / white photograph of a large group of people, mostly adults, sitting on a large ground sheet in a garden. There are three cars in the background and a large brick house with a verandah. All are wearing hats, the men in jackets and ties.on back - "picnic at Lavells"picnic-orbost lavell recreation

This item was worn by Sarah Archer, born 9.11.1881, and her daughter Irene Jean Maiden, born 1.7.1923, She lived in Orbost all her life having been born at the oOld Orbost Hospital in Nicholson Street. Irene died aged 86. Until well into the 20th century, the corset was an essential element of fashionable dress. Corsets were worn by women (and much earlier by men) to enhance their figures and to hold their stockings in place. Although still sometimes used they were mainly used prior to the making of pantyhose approximately 1960. A corset made of heavy apricot / pink cotton fabric . It has back tape acing through metal eyelets, and slide hooks. It has suspender straps with clips attached to the bottom of the corset. The stays, possibly whalebone, are sewn vertically into the fabric.on label - in red ink - "Liberty Reg'd "6/2815 D" small below waist size 32" exactcostume-women corsetry clothing

this is a photograph taken at the original jetty at Tabbara on the Brodribb River used by Samuel Richardson who established his mill in 1882. There was a constant demand for timber to supply the growing townships of Orbost , Marlo and surrounds. It was at this mill that the original paddle steamer Curlip was built. More information in "Curlip" by May Leatch. Helena Warrem (1871-1962) was a self-taught photographer who became both the local press correspondent and a producer of humorous trompe l'oeil postcard images. Helena Warren was a thirty-two year old settler living on a small mixed farm with her husband, William, at Newmerella, near Orbost in Gippsland, Victoria, when she bought her first camera, an Austral Box quarter-plate. Her family says she was entirely self-taught, like many women photographers who started out with nothing but the instructions on the packets of film and chemicals. In over fifty years practice she graduated from the total novice, who opened all her first mail order plates in bright sunlight and ruined them, to a competent photographer who became both the local press correspondent and an inveterate producer of humorous trompe l’oeil postcard images. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert).This photograph is a pictorial record of a typical family activity in the late 19th - early 20th century in the Orbost area, The clothing and manners are reflective of that time, This photograph also has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,A black / white photograph of a family group seated on a wooden jetty. There is a man on the right with a fishing rod. A man is standing next to woman holding a teapot and cup and saucer. On the left a woman is sitting and holding a baby on her knee. The rest are sitting or kneeling with a picnic cloth spread in front of them. There are bottles, jars, plates and cups on the cloth. on back - "The Warren Family Tabara Jetty"tabbara-jetty warren-family-orbost recreation-picnic

This magazine belonged to Roma Cameron, who was the daughter of Harry Purchase Cameron and Lilian Gladys (nee Harding). Roma married Ronald Richard Smith in 1944 and is the mother of Lorraine (Mrs Peter Coulton) and Margaret Smith. Harry's father, James Cameron, came to Bellagoogan on Majors Creek in 1882. Bellagoogan was on Majors Creek near Orbost and was the site of the first race course. Like many others at the time, the Camerons bred race horses.Harry died in 1964 aged 75. Roma was the youngest of three siblings: Jean (Mrs John Gavin (Jack) Ralston) and James (Jim) (m. Joan Hossack). Women’s magazines during WWII played a “reflecting role,” meaning they cooperated with government agendas while still including topics of readers’ interests Women’s employment rate had skyrocketed during WWII. However, even though the number of women working outside the home grew rapidly most of them were still engaged entirely in homemaking. Therefore women’s magazines centered mostly on the stresses and shortages of wartime. Articles as well as advertisements presented information on “product rationing, tips on keeping the family healthy, guidelines for thrifty shopping and advice on how to look good through it all. This is an example of an English women's magazine published during WW11.It gives practical advice on needlework / knitting and evidences the widespread interest in contemporary fashion. In doing so it shows what were the fashionable, but broadly affordable, women's and children's clothing styles of their day. These magazines also reflect women's interests An English magazine published monthly. It is titled Woman and Home & Good Needlework Magazine, July 1944. On the front cover is a picture of a bride and groom cutting a wedding cake. The groom is dressed in military uniform. the price 9D has been crossed out and 1/- is below it. The magazine contains advertisements, stories, needlework patters and news articles.On front cover handwritten in pen : Miss R. Cameronmagazine-woman-and-home magazines-women's cameron

Christening gowns are traditional outfits made just for baby’s baptism. They are almost always white and can be very ornate, highly decorated garments. Usually, the christening gown is quite long – much longer than the baby being christened, particularly when it is worn by a young or very small baby. Many families keep a “family” christening gown that has been passed down through various family members and is used for the baptism ceremony. This christening robe was probably used by the Cameron family.The christening gown was a late 18th century innovation usually made of white lawn, muslin or net, longer than the baby and fancier than a day gown. The design was a more moderate version of contemporary adult fashion. Most 19th century christening gowns featured lace. All, until the end of the century, had low necklines and short sleeves. This gown reflects the style of christening robes in the early 20th century. A high waisted, short-sleeved long white broderie anglaise christening robe made of fine cotton. It is hand made edged with machine stitched cut work lace. The bodice is pin tucked.christening-robe clothing-childhood

This is a handmade item reflecting the style of baby wear in the early 20th century.A crocheted baby's cap. It is hand made in ecru cotton with a scalloped edge.headwear baby's-clothing bonnet

This T shirt was sold as a souvenir of Orbost in the 1980's -1990's.This item was made for the tourism industry in Orbost.A short sleeved, round-neck white T shirt with a cartoon captioned "Where the hell is..." There is a kangaroo with an echidna and next to a signpost with a koala climbing up the pole and a kookaburra sitting on the top. Beneath this is "Orbost Vic" clothing souvenir tourism

Twin fin surfboard manufactured at Piping Hot Boston Road Torquay. Manufactured from polyurethane foam core and laminated fibreglass with fixed fibreglass fins. Shaped by Mike Patterson. This board is has channels running almost full length on the bottom of the board, the wide point forward of centre, swallow tail with flyer. Custom graphics in red, yellow and green top and bottom; from 1979High performance twin fin designs were pioneered by 4 time Professional World Surfing Champion Mark Richards (Newcastle). In this period 1978 -1981 these surfboards represented the pinnacle of surfboard design progression and high performance. This surfboard also represents Piping Hot which was one of Australia's leading surf 'brands' at that time. Piping Hot was a Torquay based company that produced surfboards,wetsuits and surf clothing. Piping Hot Twin Fin surfboard. Manufactured from polyurethane foam core and laminated fibreglass with fixed fibreglass fins. Full plan shape with channels running almost full length on the bottom of the board, the wide point forward of centre, swallow tail with flyer. Legrope plug fitted. Custom graphics in red, yellow and green top and bottom.20cm x 16cm Black red yellow green Piping Hot logo on deck and bottom 60cm down from nose. Hand written makers mark "Shaped by Mike Patterson Custom" in pencil on blank beside stringer forward of the fins on the bottom. "1459" in pencil on bottom near tail. surfboard, fibreglass, twin fin, piping hot, mike patterson, torquay, channel bottom, fred pyke, rod brooks

The metal button was part of the cargo of the Schomberg vessel. Buttons are used for fastening two pieces of fabric together such as trousers, shirts, dresses and other similar items. ABOUT THE SCHOMBERG (October 6 to December 27, 1855)- When the ship Schomberg was launched in 1855, she was considered the most perfect clipper ship ever to be built. James Baine’s Black Ball Line had commissioned her for their fleet of passenger liners. The Aberdeen builders designed her to sail faster than the clippers designed the three-masted wooden clipper ship to be fast. The timber used for the diagonal planking was British oak with layers of Scottish larch. This luxury emigrant vessel was designed for superior comfort. She had ventilation ducts to provide air to the lower decks and a dining saloon, smoking room, library and bathrooms for the first-class passengers. The master for Schomberg’s maiden voyage was Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes. He drunkenly predicted at her launch that he would make the journey between Liverpool and Melbourne in 60 days. Schomberg departed Liverpool on 6 October 1855 with 430 passengers and 3000 tons of cargo including iron rails and equipment intended the build the Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. The poor winds slowed Schomberg’s sail across the equator. She was 78 days out of Liverpool when she ran aground on a sand spit near Peterborough, Victoria, on 27 December; the sand spit and currents were not marked on Forbes’s map. The ship’s Chief Officer spotted the coastal steamer SS Queen at dawn and sent a signal. The master of the SS Queen approached the stranded vessel and all of Schomberg’s passengers safely disembarked. In 1975, 120 years after the Schomberg was wrecked, divers from Flagstaff Hill found an ornate communion set at the wreck site along with many other artefacts. In 1978 a diamond ring was discovered under the concretion in the lid of the communion set, which is currently on display. Former Director of Flagstaff Hill, Peter Ronald, had salvaged most of the artefacts from the wreck. This button s significant as an example of an item in common use in the mid-19th century and the items carried on ships as cargo. The Schomberg collection as a whole is of historical and archaeological significance at a State level. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the Schomberg is also significant for its association with the Victorian Heritage Registered shipwreck (VHR S 612). The collection is of prime significance because of the relationship between the objects salvaged, as together they help us to interpret the story of the Schomberg. The collection as a whole is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria's maritime history and its potential to interpret social and historical themes. Button; round metal concave button with four holes. There is a decorative border on the edge and around the holes. The button was recovered from the wreck of the Schomberg.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck artefact, schomberg, fastener, button, clothing accessory, clothing fastener, haberdashery

The metal button was part of the cargo of the Schomberg vessel. Buttons are used for fastening two pieces of fabric together such as trousers, shirts, dresses and other similar items. ABOUT THE SCHOMBERG (October 6 to December 27, 1855)- When the ship Schomberg was launched in 1855, she was considered the most perfect clipper ship ever to be built. James Baine’s Black Ball Line had commissioned her for their fleet of passenger liners. The Aberdeen builders designed her to sail faster than the clippers designed the three-masted wooden clipper ship to be fast. The timber used for the diagonal planking was British oak with layers of Scottish larch. This luxury emigrant vessel was designed for superior comfort. She had ventilation ducts to provide air to the lower decks and a dining saloon, smoking room, library and bathrooms for the first-class passengers. The master for Schomberg’s maiden voyage was Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes. He drunkenly predicted at her launch that he would make the journey between Liverpool and Melbourne in 60 days. Schomberg departed Liverpool on 6 October 1855 with 430 passengers and 3000 tons of cargo including iron rails and equipment intended the build the Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. The poor winds slowed Schomberg’s sail across the equator. She was 78 days out of Liverpool when she ran aground on a sand spit near Peterborough, Victoria, on 27 December; the sand spit and currents were not marked on Forbes’s map. The ship’s Chief Officer spotted the coastal steamer SS Queen at dawn and sent a signal. The master of the SS Queen approached the stranded vessel and all of Schomberg’s passengers safely disembarked. In 1975, 120 years after the Schomberg was wrecked, divers from Flagstaff Hill found an ornate communion set at the wreck site along with many other artefacts. In 1978 a diamond ring was discovered under the concretion in the lid of the communion set, which is currently on display. Former Director of Flagstaff Hill, Peter Ronald, had salvaged most of the artefacts from the wreck. This button s significant as an example of an item in common use in the mid-19th century and the items carried on ships as cargo. The Schomberg collection as a whole is of historical and archaeological significance at a State level. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the Schomberg is also significant for its association with the Victorian Heritage Registered shipwreck (VHR S 612). The collection is of prime significance because of the relationship between the objects salvaged, as together they help us to interpret the story of the Schomberg. The collection as a whole is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria's maritime history and its potential to interpret social and historical themes. Button; round metal concave button with four holes. The outer edge and the holes each have a raised rim. The button was recovered from the wreck of the Schomberg.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck artefact, schomberg, fastener, button, clothing accessory, clothing fastener, haberdashery

The metal shoe buckle was part of the cargo of the Schomberg vessel. Buttons are used for fastening two pieces of fabric together such as trousers, shirts, dresses and other similar items. ABOUT THE SCHOMBERG (October 6 to December 27, 1855)- When the ship Schomberg was launched in 1855, she was considered the most perfect clipper ship ever to be built. James Baine’s Black Ball Line had commissioned her for their fleet of passenger liners. The Aberdeen builders designed her to sail faster than the clippers designed the three-masted wooden clipper ship to be fast. The timber used for the diagonal planking was British oak with layers of Scottish larch. This luxury emigrant vessel was designed for superior comfort. She had ventilation ducts to provide air to the lower decks and a dining saloon, smoking room, library and bathrooms for the first-class passengers. The master for Schomberg’s maiden voyage was Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes. He drunkenly predicted at her launch that he would make the journey between Liverpool and Melbourne in 60 days. Schomberg departed Liverpool on 6 October 1855 with 430 passengers and 3000 tons of cargo including iron rails and equipment intended the build the Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. The poor winds slowed Schomberg’s sail across the equator. She was 78 days out of Liverpool when she ran aground on a sand spit near Peterborough, Victoria, on 27 December; the sand spit and currents were not marked on Forbes’s map. The ship’s Chief Officer spotted the coastal steamer SS Queen at dawn and sent a signal. The master of the SS Queen approached the stranded vessel and all of Schomberg’s passengers safely disembarked. In 1975, 120 years after the Schomberg was wrecked, divers from Flagstaff Hill found an ornate communion set at the wreck site along with many other artefacts. In 1978 a diamond ring was discovered under the concretion in the lid of the communion set, which is currently on display. Former Director of Flagstaff Hill, Peter Ronald, had salvaged most of the artefacts from the wreck. This shoe buckle is significant as an example of an item in common use in the mid-19th century and the items carried on ships as cargo. The Schomberg collection as a whole is of historical and archaeological significance at a State level. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the Schomberg is also significant for its association with the Victorian Heritage Registered shipwreck (VHR S 612). The collection is of prime significance because of the relationship between the objects salvaged, as together they help us to interpret the story of the Schomberg. The collection as a whole is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria's maritime history and its potential to interpret social and historical themes. Shoe buckle; two parts comprising a shiny metal rectangular piece and a hook piece. The shoe buckle was recovered from the wreck of the Schomberg.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck artefact, schomberg, fastener, clothing accessory, clothing fastener, shoe accessory, shoe buckle, metal shoe buckle