This is a car picnic set made by the English firm of G. W. Scott and Sons who were producers of wickerwork crafts, basketry and luxury leather goods. The business was founded in 1661 and ceased operations in 1967. The picnic set belonged to Dr Horace Iles Holmes (1877-1959) who was born and educated in Tasmania and completed a medical degree at Melbourne University. He commenced a practice in Warrnambool in 1906 and was the Honorary Medical Officer at the Warrnambool Hospital and Warrnambool’s Health Officer. His practice was at ‘Ierne’ at the corner of Spence and Kepler Streets. He was an early member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and was prominent in Warrnambool community affairs (Foundation President of Warrnmbool Rotary Club, a member of the local Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, Warrnambool Hospital Committee member, long-term Trustee of the Warrnambool Methodist Church and President of the Lyndoch Hostel for the Aged Committee). Dr Holmes also had agricultural interests and enjoyed fishing, golf and bowls. He also had a motor car and this picnic set would have been used for family picnics. This picnic set is of considerable significance because: 1. It is a good example of the luxury picnic sets owned by more affluent people in the 1930s and 40s. 2. It has important local provenance as it belonged to Horace Holmes, a doctor associated with the professional and community life of Warrnambool for over 50 years. This is a rectangular wooden box with a leather covering. It has metal hinges on the corners of the box and two two metal catches on the side with a leather belt and metal buckle on one of these catches with one leather belt missing on the other side. These leather straps were to attach the picnic box to the running board of the car. There are also two metal catches or locks on the front of the box. Inside the box there is a white lining with a plaited wickerwork insert containing spaces for the following: 1. large china container with a silver top 2. smaller metal container with a silver lid 3. small rectangular metal tin with a silver lid. This container still has some loose tea leaves inside 4. four china cups 5. two circular china dishes for jam and butter 6. four china saucers 7. one glass bottle with a silver top 8. one metal phial, silver-coloured 9. one amber-coloured glass bottle (probably not an original) 10. four nickel silver spoons 11. three metal forks 12. three white enamel plates, blue edged Numbers 10,11 and 12 are held in place by leather straps on the inside of the lid of the box 13. two loose metal straps 14. one metal kettle with a handle with cane strapping, a brass lid, a brass spout with an end chain and a metal inscription 15. The kettle is sitting in a metal tray which has a lighting mechanism to heat the water The picnic set has some rusted metal catches on the exterior of the box and the leather is very stained and torn in places. ‘Remove screw before lighting G.W.S. & S ‘ ‘Coracle brand’ antique luxury picnic set, dr horace holmes, 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

A tool such as this one would have been used by many householders in the past and those using guns in their occupations or hobbies – shooters, farmers, policemen etc. This item is retained as an example of a tool used in the past to re-load shot guns.This is a metal tool, with part of it painted green and containing a brass section. The top part of the tool has a round hollow section open at one end. The tool has a handle at one end (made of composite material) and a wing nut screw in the lower middle section. This enables the tool to be attached to a bench for stability. At the other end is a tapering piece of metal with a sharp end. This mechanism is attached with a screw and is able to be moved so that a section of it touches the open end of the hollow part on the top. vintage tools

Riding crops are used as a controlling mechanism by horse riders – to regulate the speed of the horse etc. This one was owned by J.C. Lumsden was a jockey in Warrnambool. JC Lumsden or John Calder Lumsden lived at 7 Nelson Street Warrnambool with his parents, father also JC Lumsden. John junior was an amateur jockey in 1950's and sixties and was also a distinguished show rider in "flag races"and the like, winning at local shows and the Melbourne Show. He was also a leading race horse trainer at Warrnambool. This item may well have been his fathers. Although we have no record of where this item came from the following information has recently been uncovered. JC Lumsden or John Calder Lumsden lived at 7 Nelson Street Warrnambool with his parents, father also JC Lumsden. John junior was an amateur jockey in 1950's and sixties and was also a distinguished show rider in "flag races"and the like, winning at local shows and the Melbourne Show. He was also a leading race horse trainer at Warrnambool. This item may well have been his fathers. This is a horse riding crop. It has a rounded wooden stick with interwoven material around one section and the remains of a string handle. The end of the stick has a leather tongue or keeper. There is a knob at the top end of the stick with a brass disc inserted with the name of the owner. The riding crop is much worn and stained. ‘J.C.Lumsden’ ‘Merck & Co.’ horse riding, history of warrnambool, john calder lumsden

This instrument is an ear syringe that would have belonged either to a doctor or to a medical clinic or hospital. When it was first donated to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society in 1972 it was described as a throat syringe but this does not appear to be correct. This ear syringe, in our collection for 45 years, is a fine example of a medical instrument in use 100 years ago or more. It will be retained for display purposes and also for its aesthetic appeal.This is a brass ear syringe. It has a barrel with a plunger that is ridged at both ends and a handle with three rings for the user to enclose three fingers and a syringe tip tapering to a point. There is an oval brass plaque attached to the barrel and this contains information on the maker of the instrument and the maker’s crest. ‘Mayer & Meltzer, Makers, London’ ‘ To the University College Hospital’ ‘To the Hospital for Deseases (sic) of the Throat’ ‘To the Hospital for Women’ ‘To the Middlesex Hospital’medical instruments of the past, history of warrnambool

Eltham Shire Council Health Department Inspectors - possibly used for stamping meat Cross Ref: EDHS_01870-13 - Dianne Yans, Health Inspector, undertaking inspections at Safeway Supermarket, 1989Self inking rotating brass roller with "ESC" raised surfaces in four locations at 90 degrees. Roller mounted between two brass arms contacts a felt pad (dampened with ink - red residue evident) covered by pivoting brass cover; with fromed wooden handle Stamped on side of brass support arms M. Lober P/L Melbourne Pat Pend 3198 \ 6eltham shire council, health inspector, shire of eltham, meat stamp

The tack hammer was used by Mrs K D Baird (Joy Coutts CPLC 1936) in the christening of the Minervan IV on the 11th April 1981, Boat Race morning. The christening is mentioned in Ring-a-roo October 1981 p.8The presentation of a christening hammer indicates the honour in which the owner was held by the school and also signifies the value placed by the school in both their rowing fleet and the people associated by name with the individual boats. Solid brass tack hammer with magnetic tips. Varnished wooden handle. Engraved head.Front of head: PRESENTED TO / MRS K D BAIRD / 11TH APRIL / 1981 Head verso: Minervan IV Maker's mark: GWMOUNT / PAT 282222joy-coutts, k-d-baird, ballarat-college, clarendon-presbyterian-ladies-college, minervan-iv, rowing, boats, christening, hammer,

French Gras Bayonet 1879 Length 66cm in Scabbard Width Hilt 10cm Materials Steel Blade and scabbard, handle wood and brassSerial No .41550 on Blade and Scabbard Inscription on Blade Mre d Armes de Etienne aout 1879 (Maufactured at St Etienne August 1879)bayonet gras french

The joystick has been held by the Barber family since the crash in 1945. It had been kept as a momento to the witnessing of the incident involving an aeroplane from the Nhill Air Training School. In recent times the joystick has been mounted on a display base and loaned to the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre to add to the awairness of this event. This is the only remains of this aircraft known to existSection of a wooden aircraft joystick, broken off at the base. Made of turned and polished wood with a turned handle section approx 100mm at the top. Mounted on a wooden display base with two brass retaining rings. Display base has information in text and description artwork of the aircraft. Inscription "MEMORABILIA from R.A.A.F. FLYING SCHOOL / NHILL AERODROME World War II"air crash, joy stick, propodollah, barber, tiger moth, a17 751, keith scholfield, lac john considine

Matching carry box for Astro Compass 98.1Wooden box painted blue grey, hinged lid with brass latches. Mounting brackets inside to stow Astro Compass. Canvass shoulder strap (broken)Delicate Instrument To Be Handled With Great Care, Astro Compass Mk.IIcarry box, storage box, box, astro compass, cramer

140.1 Green wooden carry box with hinged lid and metal latch. 140.2 Metal device with spring loaded handle, rollers and pointer assembly and graduations. Box has brass plate with tension scale for various aircraft types, tool has 76 stamped on the handle.cable tension tool, tool

This is a three part wooden tool with a screw in barrel cleaning brush. 1. End piece turned handle, slightly larger diameter than shaft, it has a brass female screw socket at one end. 2. Wooden rod, at one end is a female brass screw socket and a male screw adaptor. 3. Wooden rod. At the end is a male screw adapter. At the other end is a turned and reduced brass female socket. 4. The cleaning brush with brass male screw adapter.weapon cleaning tool, tool

Metal trunk issued to F.G. Davey for his personal effects which were shipped home to Australia after WW2.Part of the Frederick Gardner Davey DFC collection. Refer Cat No 3536PRectangular metal hinged trunk painted black. A hinged metal handle in on each end and at the back. Each handle is secured with metal rivets. The lid is secured closed with two 'Closebind' catches A brass locking mechanism is located on the front of the body and is accessed through a keyhole. The interior is painted grey with a brown leather seal around the edges of the lid. Various markings in white paint appear on the lid, each end, the back and the front. Paper stickers are glued onto the lid, back and right hand end. Inside the lid is a manufacturers plaque and year of manufacture printed in black.On lid: 'J13/S, F.G. Davey, VIC, R/124, RAAF Central Repository, West Melbourne, Vic'. On front: 'J13/S'. On Left hand end: 'J13?S 90 VIC, P410533, Davey F.G.'. On right hand end: 'J13/S, Vic' plus paper labels 'Geelong' and 'Mr F.G. Davey, Bendigo'. On back: 'J13/S' and paper label 'Not wanted on voyage'. Inside lid; ' 1944'.f.g. davey, personal equipment, military equipment

Victorian Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (VIOSH) Australia is the Asia-Pacific centre for teaching and research in occupational health and safety (OHS) and is known as one of Australia's leaders on the field. VIOSH has a global reputation for its innovative approach within the field of OHS management. VIOSH had its first intake of students in 1979. At that time the Institution was known as the Ballarat College of Advanced Education. In 1990 it became known as Ballarat University College, then in 1994 as University of Ballarat. It was 2014 that it became Federation University. VIOSH Australia students are safety managers, senior advisors and experienced OHS professionals. They come from all over Australia and industry. Students are taught active research and enquiry; rather than textbook learning and a one-size fits all approach. VIOSH accepts people into the Graduate Diploma of Occupational Hazard Management who have no undergraduate degree - on the basis of extensive work experience and knowledge. Instrument used to determine the humidity in a location. Made in England by Brannan. Established in 1913, Brannan are a global manufacturer of thermometers, pressure gauges & associated instrumentation productsBrown leather case with brass clip. Wooden frame with thermometer tubes. Black handle used to swing meter around. Gauge for temperature scale Made in England. Brannanviosh, victorian institute of occupational safety and health, brannan, england, thermometers, pressure gauges, humidity hydrometer

Victorian Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (VIOSH) Australia is the Asia-Pacific centre for teaching and research in occupational health and safety (OHS) and is known as one of Australia's leaders on the field. VIOSH has a global reputation for its innovative approach within the field of OHS management. VIOSH had its first intake of students in 1979. At that time the Institution was known as the Ballarat College of Advanced Education. In 1990 it became known as Ballarat University College, then in 1994 as University of Ballarat. It was 2014 that it became Federation University. VIOSH Australia students are safety managers, senior advisors and experienced OHS professionals. They come from all over Australia and industry. Students are taught active research and enquiry; rather than textbook learning and a one-size fits all approach. VIOSH accepts people into the Graduate Diploma of Occupational Hazard Management who have no undergraduate degree - on the basis of extensive work experience and knowledge. Dust explosions are the result of high concentrations of combustible dust particles rapidly combusting inside an enclosed space. When mixed with oxygen these fine particles can ignite when in contact with a spark, metal ember, cigarette butt or other source.Wooden box with metal edges on top. Chrome handle and indicator buttons for Power, Air, Compression, Spark. Hinged front section that opens to show contents. Electrical Engineering lecturer Graeme Hood remembers Paul Brass demonstrating this unit to show how dangerous a combination of dust and electricity it. The demonstration would take about 1 minute, and would culminate with a loud bang which would make everyone jump. This item was probably last used by Paul Brass.viosh, victorian institute of occupational safety and health, dust explosion, combustible dust particles, enclosed space, spark, ember, cigarette, oxygen

This bottle may have belonged to John (Jack) Henry Teale (NX 53563). Teale was born in Riverstone, New South Wales and enlisted on 20 March 1918 at the age of 18 years and 8 months, joining the 33rd Battalion/1st Infantry Depot Battalion A Company in Liverpool; though interestingly, the stamps on his enlistment certificates predate the date of enlistment. Teale's next of kin is listed as his mother, Rebecca; on both enlistment forms, John's father, George's name is crossed out and replaced by his mother. Both parents are confirmed as being alive in a separate attestation document from 22 February, documenting parental permission for enlisted soldiers under 21 years. John Henry Teale sailed from Sydney to Liverpool via HMAS Osterley (also known as RMS or SS Osterley).This bottle was owned by John Henry Teale, a young enlistee from New South Wales. The service number inscriptions provide great research significance, allowing for research into the service history of the owner. The bottle is representative of the uniform and equipment issued to servicemen of the period, the First World War and when compared with other examples, is in comparatively good condition with the casing mostly intact. Dark blue enamelled metal eliptical-cylindrical shaped bottle with flat top and base, fastened at the top with a cork. Cork has metal handle at top with string attached (now broken where attaches to bottle). Bottle is cased in khaki woollen material, hand sewn in places and detached in others. Bottle is carried via a series of leather straps, one of which passes beneath the bottle and runs up the left and right side, ending in a loop attached to a brass metal circle and held in place with a stud/rivet; this strap carries stamped service number. Two leather straps encircle the bottom horizontally and are fastened with studs. Upper strap has service number stamped. Long leather strap passes through metal circles and each end attaches to canvas strap which sits on the shoulder. Canvas strap carries service number also. Strap is adjustable and has several punched holes through which a buckle can pass.Inscribed on canvas strap in ink: "NX53563". On middle of leather strap: "53563". On leather strap under bottle: "53563". On horizontal leather strap: "53563". john henry teale, jack teale, 1st infantry depot battalion, 33rd battalion, world war i, world war one, first world war, the great war, equipment, uniform

The 1908 pattern was used during WWI, made from woven cotton & water proofed. The kit is used for school groups.Webbing kit complete including 1908 pattern webbing, gas mask haversack, personnel items, rations. Refer attached sheet. .1) Waist belt with brass buckles & keepers. .2) Braces x 2, connects to waist belt & large pack. .3) Bayonet. .4) Bayonet carrier. .5) Bayonet scabbard. .6) Entrenching tool carrier [fits to .5)]. .7) Entrenching tool handle, wood & metal [fits to .6)]. .8) Entrenching tool, metal, combination shovel & pick. .9) Entrenching tool carrier [fits inside .8)]. .10) Cartridge carriers x 2, 1 left hand, 1 right hand. .11) Water bottle, metal, blue colour. .12) Water bottle cover, khaki wool. .13) Water bottle carrier. .14) Pack, large. .15) Great coat, wool, [inside .14)]. .16) Helmet, steel with inside liner & chin strap. .17) Mess tin carrier, replica. .18) Haversack, side pack. .19) Carry all, white cotton, for personnel hygiene items [inside .18)]. .20) Razor, cut throat [inside .19)]. .21) Comb [inside .19)]. .22) Toothbrush [inside .19)]. .23) Shaving brush [inside .19)]. .24) Laces, leather, not original, [inside .19)]. .25) Soap [inside .19)]. .26) Tin bully beef x 2, replicas, [inside .18)]. .27) Tin stew, replica, [inside .18)]. .28) Pair socks, khaki wool, not original, [inside .18)]. .29) Field dressing, WWII issue, [inside .18)]. .30) Towel, brown colour, not original, [inside .18)]. .31) Gas mask carrier bag & straps. (Cowley) .32) Water bottle, metal, blue colour, [inside .31)].Items 1 - 13, there are numerous markings all stamped on from, “A.A.O.D”, “L”, “R”, “S”, “M.E.C.O”, “49th INF”, Years examples, “8.12”, “1.13”, “1911”military history - equipment / army, medicine-first aid, personal effects - containers, toilet requisites - shaving

Circular brass clock, Naval, has hour, minute & second hands. The face is white with 12 hr figures in black, the 24 hr numerals are in white. The glass front has a hinge on the right side. A small brass knob on the left side acts as the handle. The clock is mechanical, wound up from the front.“Smiths Astral, Made in Great Britain”horology - clocks, military history - navy

Vase & Jug made from shells brought home by Gunner Harold Salmon VX32173, enlisted 18.06.1940, discharged 17.09.1945.1 Jug, made from shell casing and silver or chrome plated. Handle is made of rifle cartridges soldered on. .2 Brass casing for "shotgun" type starting system for English Electric engine..1 Stamped on side "Syria", base has "75 DE C ATL 953 18C" .2 On base "Cart Elec Eng Start ME 79/2 87 ME 7/80", stamped in black ink "N010 Mk2"arms-ammunition, metalcraft-brassware, epns, trench art

Item belonged to William David Maher No 68, 8th LH Regt AIF. Refer 532 for main details. .1) Container, brass, round, made from possibly a 3" shell, engraved all around with depictions of small branches, leaves etc. Engraving is "Souvenir from the Great war " - "Made by G. KAMPER Duisberg Germany." .2) Lid, brass, round for .1) Lid is possibly a 3" shell with a small handle centre made from a round possible .303 size.,1) Marz, 1917. ST.G33,HL25 .2) DEZ 1917 ,ST, G,297 ,67,HL31arms - ammunition, brassware, engraving, trench art

547.1 Saw, cross cut, small, metal, folds into circle, holes for handles. 547.2 Bag, plastic, hold fold up saw. 547.3 Tool kit pouch, leather, brown colour, fitted to hold accessories, fold over lid attaches to a brass button. 547.4 File, metal, 3 corner, small. 547.5 Metal item, possibly for sharpening, has 2 grooves, fits handles. 547.6 & .7 Handles, wood with metal ring, fits saw and file etc.547.1 R.I. 1943 ↑33tools, saw kit, equipment, military

Items issued to or brought home from Vietnam by Murray Stanley Metherall. refer 590.2..1) Water bottle carrier, green webbing, US with steel clips. .2) Water bottle, US aluminium, plastic lid and chain, kidney shaped. .3) Steel mug, kidney shaped. Australian, fold out steel handle. .4) Belt, webbing, green Australian. Has brass buckles and adjusters. .5) Pouch pistol style with press stud close, Possibly US. Steel clips on rear..2) "US Mirro 1953" .3) “8465-50-242-7843"equipment, webbing, pouches water

Item belonged to Maxwell Lennox Matheson No 418447 RAAF. Refer Cat No 1959 for his service record.Cleaning kit for a Vickers Machine Gun 1) Leather "wallet" for the kit 2) Brass inspection mirror, with cap, for the use of checking barrels. 3) Oil can tin 4) Oil brush, set into the brass cap of oil can 5) Gauge tension, with flat blade one end and bullet shape other end 6) Screwdriver, flat blade, wooden handle 7) Leather pouch with strap1) Front marked "303 INCH VICKERS" 5) Marked "0 - 20" scale 7) Front marked "D.D 303 VICKERS GUN E.B", rear marked "MADE BY RE BOWDEN & SON LTD. (indistinguishable) ST, NEWTOWN NSW 1942" handcrafts - leatherwork, metalcraft brassware, trades-tools, military history, vickers

This is one of an original pair.Trench Art. Brass shell casing, made into a vase. The top has been flared out, near the top has 3 rolled folds around the diameter. On each side are ornamental handles. Inside is a plastic cylinder to hold water. The surface has been given a roughened appearance going from a bronze colour to black.military history - souvenirs, arms - ordnance, metalcraft- brassware

This has a timber handle, the top is made of a brass 3 sided flat surface.This has "range in yards" marked on all 3 sides. It has a fixed glass attached to the side with an adjustable glass slide for accuracy. This also comes with complete with original wooden box with instuctions.Range Finder Cotton Type MK2, E.R Watts & Son.London No 642 engraved on front.

Brown leather case with leather handle and side leather loops. It has two leather straps attached to a top cover which can be fastened in the closed position by buckles attached to the front. There are three leather loops inside the container for storing the contents. This case carried oil cans for the Vickers .303 inch calibre machine gun.On top cover CANS.303MG M.H.& Co 1945 L D/|\D On the front HARRY DOWN FRANKSTON VICTORIA AUSTRALIA case, leather, harry down, brass fittings, 1945

The spade is a memento of the planting of a tree by the responseible Commonealth Minister to recognise the contribution of ATCV and ATCV volunteers to repair of the Australian environment. At the time ATCV had been operating in Ballarat for six years. ATCV volunteers had planted 192,000 trees from April 1987- March 1988. Senator Richardson was then Minister for the Arts and the Environment in the Hawke ALP Government and on 17 November 1988 he planted a tree using this spade at Sovereign Hill Outdoor Museum (at which ATCV volunteers had planted trees which are (by 2010) fully grown and a significant feature of the site). Peter Hiscock was director of Sovereign Hill as well as President of ATCV and among the most significant leaders of ATCV (now CVA). The spade also symbolises the recovery of ATCV (then a small and struggling community group) from near closure owing to the effects of the 1987 recession. The Cyclone Sylvaspade concept was component project of the Australian Bicentennial celebrations aimed at recognising organisations which had contributed positively to conservation of Australia's environment. The concept was originated and driven by Dr Wilf Crane of the CSIRO Division of Forestry and a highly regarded forester and environmentalist and champion of the cause of rejuvenating Australia's degraded landscape with trees. At the naming of a road after him in Canberra he was described as a: "enthusiast, a man of conviction, action, humility and simplicity". Wilf conceived the project, developed the tree planting spade with Boral Cyclone and the Institute of Foresters of Australia and launched it with the then Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephens at the new Parliament House. Cyclone has been a brand name for a manufacturer of good quality hand tools for over a century. It is likely manufacturing was still done in Australia at the time of manufacture of the Sylvaspade. Much of it has now moved offshore, particuarly to China and Taiwan.This object is historically significant because it is a memento of a significant national event, the 200th anniversary of European settlement and the start of a process of environmental change which has had negative consequences and which demands a commitment to conserving the uniques Australian national environment. It recognised the achievement of ATCV in tree planting over six years. The Cyclone Sylvaspade is a practical memento and having the responsible Commonwealth Minister plant a tree with it was highly symbolic of ATCV's practical commitment to repair of our environment all over Australia. It was also used by the Victorian Premier, Hon John Brumby, to plant a tree at the reopening of the Boral Asphalt plant, Ballarat, in April 2010. The spade is No. 12 of a limited edition. This item is a functional tree planting spade called a "Cyclone Sylvaspade", mounted on a block of wood with a plaque. The handle of the spade is made of grey plastic, the haft is light, stained wood, and the blade is manufactured to resemble silver and has engravings. It was donated by the Boral company and presented to ATCV by the Minister of Arts and the Environment, Senator Graham Richardson after he had planted a tree to mark the occasion at Sovereign Hill Outdoor Museum, BallaratOn the stem of the spade here is a label showing the logo of the Boral company which reads "SYLVASPADE Tree Planting Spade - Made in Australia." On the blade is engraved "Cyclone - NUMBER 0012 - SYLVASPADE - 1788-1988" together with the logo of the Australian Bicentennial Authority. The spade is mounted on a sturdy polished wooden board on which there is a brass-coloured plate bearing the words: "PRESENTED BY SENATOR THE HON GRAHAM RICHARDSON TO AUSTRALIAN TRUST FOR CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT 17TH NOVEMBER 1988 DONATED BY BORAL LIMITED"of, trust, ballarat, memento, australian, australia, environment, conservation, atcv, for, volunteers, cyclone, sylvaspade, senator graham richardson, 1788 1988 australian, bicentennial, boral, spade, sovereign hill, 17th november 1988, 1988, minister for arts and environment, tree planting, institute, foresters, dr, wilf, crane

This type of large, brass tap is typical of the plumbing fittings manufactured in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The tap has encrustations and concretion inside, showing that it had been in the sea for quite some time. The pipe leading to the spout is squashed, nicked and appears to have been sawn or broken off. It could have once been part of the plumbing from a ship, perhaps from one of the boilers used in the kitchen, for bathing or for laundry or cleaning. The name “BEST” on the tap signifies that it could have been made by Robert Best who began his Birmingham brass foundry c. 1840, and even though The information from the donor is that tap was given to her father (1906-1982) who lived in the Warrnambool district. It was likely given by a cray fisherman or diver, who said that the tap came from the Loch Ard shipwreck, wrecked on Mutton Bird Island, east of Port Campbell, Victoria, on 1st June 1878. This could easily be the case but there is no provenance for it. ROBERT BEST, BRASS FOUNDRY Circa 1840 Robert Best founded his brass foundry business and was referred to as a Brass Chandelier of Birmingham”. In 1864 an advertisement in the Journal of Gas Lighting, Water Supply, & Sanitary Improvement announces Best and Hobson, late Robert Best, 100 Charlotte Street Birmingham, manufacturers of Chandeliers, Brass and iron fittings, Steam and Water-cocks etc. gas apparatus of every description, Plumber's brass foundry, with works at Birmingham and Great Bridge, Staffordshire. In 1867 Best & Lloyd was formed, after Best and Hobson went into liquidation, manufacturing at the Cambray Works of Wattville Road, Handsworth. It was a light industrial engineering works and one of the owners was Robert Dudley Best’s father. Robert Dudley Best (1892-1984) later took over the business of Best & Lloyd. The company is still in business at Downing Street, Smethwick, Birmingham. In 1878, brass ship furniture and bell fittings stamped “BEST” was made by William Udal & Co., who advertised as manufacturers of BEST cast and stamped brass foundry goods. This large brass tap is typical of industrial tapware of the mid-late 19th ancenturies 20th century. The location of the tap when found is associated with the Warrnambool district and could have easily been from a shipwreck due to the encrustation found inside the tap. Due to its design and manufacturer, the tap is associated with the mid-late 19th and early 20th-century manufacture of plumbing fittings. Tap, brass, heavy-duty, with butterfly handle. The design and style are typical of the plumbing of the late 1800s. Inscription pressed into the handle, within rectangular border "BEST". Encrustation and concretion are inside the tap spout. “BEST” on one side of the tap handle (Also, a label from the donor attached to the tap “from the wreckage of the LOCH ARD")flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, robert best brass foundry, best and hobson, best & llyod, birmingham brass foundry, brass tap, best brand tap, heavy duty brass tap, industrial brass tap, boiler tap, 19th century plumbing, 19th century tapware, 19th century plumbing fitting, tap with butterfly handle, tap salvaged from shipwreck, brass fittings, steam engine fittings, water-cock fitting