Showing 996 items
matching hand painted
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Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Leisure object - Doll, c. 1920
Displayed at History House.Hand-made fabric doll made from brown velvet (head, torso, arms and feet) and yellow velvet (legs and lower torso-overalls). Glass eyes, brown. Painted eye-brows, eyelashes (black), and lips, nostrils (red and white). Appears to be human hair sewn into head. Body stuffed with wadding, head with a firmer material that crunches.toy, doll, childhood -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Functional object - Clockface, 1860
Portland Free Library clockLarge clock face with polished wooden rim mounted onto masonite backboard and stand. Numbers in Roman numerals and large hand (the hour-hand has a spade end). Diameter: 59.5cm x Depth: 3cm Identifying number 787.1Front: F.H. Row / 1860 / Portland (black paint) Back: (no inscriptions visible) -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Leisure object - Board Game and spinners, n.d
a) Green felt game board called 'TOTE'. Divided into 9 squares, nos. 1 - 8 and TOTE, painted in yellow. b) Bakelite spinners for use with a) Flat base, rounded top with 2 display holes, one showing odds, the other , horse number. Lever on right hand side, which spins the dialstoys, games, leisure -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Photograph - Photograph - J.J. Couch, c. 1925
Hand-tinted black and white photograph of a man in a suit. He has dark hair parted on his right and a dark moustache. His suite is black and he is wearing a white shirt with short pointed collar and a black bow tie. Portrait is of head and upper body. Framed in a oval frame, mounted on a curved board mount, behind curved (convex) glass. Frame is wood and decorative plaster moulding in gold paint.Front: (no inscriptions) Back: J.J. Crouch (pencil, centre) 10/1/25 (pencil, centre). -
Halls Gap & Grampians Historical Society
Postcard - Coloured
... A postcard which has been embellished with painted... has been embellished with painted colouring (done by hand ...A postcard which has been embellished with painted colouring (done by hand). The native flowers are Grevillea Dimorpha.A postcard of red native flowers & green foliage in a gilt vase. The colour of the postcard has been painted onto this original."Grevillea Dimorpha" and "NJS" written in blue pen on back. "Post Card; Correspondence; Address Only; Kodak; Ausralia" printed on back.natural history, flora -
Yendon History Group
School photograph framed, Harvey Photo, 1971 (exact)
Black and white photograph of Yendon State School pupils and teacher holding the Fisken Shield. The white painted wooden frame is chipped and the mount is water stained on left hand side. Photo is take by Harvey Photo in 1971. Names of pupils and teacher under phootgraph.YENDON PRIMARY SCHOOL / WINNERS OF FISKEN CUP ASSOCIATION 1971 / Harvey Photo / Names of pupils and teacher F.C. Parnellchildren, yendon state school, yendon public school, fisken cup association, fisken shield, harvey photo, teacher fc parnell -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Sharpener Saw Raker/Jointer, early 1900s
This raker/jointer/guage set is a sharpening tool for cross cut logging saws. The logging saws used in the early 1900's for the clearing of forests required constant sharpening of their "cutting teeth". The logging of forested areas during these times was very much a "hands on" method of either one or two men by the use of saw or hand axe. Chain saws, chain and ball(clearing) and bulldozing methods came in the mid 1900's.This particular saw sharpening method was used by surveyors laying down boundaries for the S.E.C. Victoria Hydro Electricity Scheme (1920's). This item was given to a local Kiewa Valley lad who accompanied the initial surveyors. The lad was responsible for the tendering and feeding of the surveyors "pack horses". Surveys during this period and in the dense mountainous terrain of the Victorian Alps was both exhausting and hazardous. Overnight accommodation at various log cabins was not always possible and swag/tent alternative was the "fall back" This raker/jointer saw sharpener was made in the USA (DISSTON) from cast and flat iron. The main body has been painted in orange. It has three adjustment screws on the top horizontal bar and one bolt on(adjusting) leveling platform on the bottom. The small size and weight of this saw sharpener was ideal for the travelling/mobile logger or surveyor(as in this case). The main frame resembles two towers connected by two horizontal bars and the top of the towers has a horizontal bar with adjustment screws. See KVHS 0090 (B) for setting stake wedge adjusting the rake and cutting angle and KVHS 0090 (C) for a small spanner (for adjustments).On one inner supports is stamped "DISSTON" and on the other "U.S.A."hand tool, saw, sharpening method, tree felling. -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Frame - Photograph
This photograph frame with its decorative floral and Greek patterned boarder was typical of the early 1900's when photography was in the hands of the professional artist. It was in a period before the "instant" photo and required a dark room and processing liquids for development. It was therefor in a time when photographs were "shot" only at important events be they family or public occasions.This photograph frame holds and protects, part of a very significant occasion, the 90th birthday photograph of the matriarch of one of the founding families within the Kiewa Valley. The frame therefore has historical significance.This gold painted aluminium photograph frame has a glass (broken) pane within a formed inlay and two swivel clip toggles. These are installed to allow the photograph to be securely positioned within the correct alignment of the the frame.The metal front plate has seven rivets holding the cloth covered cardboard back frame to the metal front cover. The front part of the frame has sculptured wild flowers and is boarded with a Greek "key" pattern. Half way on the back panel is a rectangular swiveled stabiliser flap. See also KVHS 0093.photograph frame early 1900's, the roper family -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Doll Porcelain, circa 1920
This doll was a highly treasured toy for a girl. The amount of wear and tear given to this doll indicates the great attachment to and comfort that its owner had with it. This doll could have been on a farm or cattle property in the Kiewa Valley rather than in the town.Due to the lack of social activities in the valley during the period, self amusement at home and limited interaction outside of the valley would have been this dolls prime role for its owner. The time between the two World Wars was one of recession and limited funds outside that required for survival. This is clearly demonstrated by the painted face and home made repairs to the body and limbs Porcelain/ceramic doll with painted face features. Half ceramic arms and legs. One leg missing.one arm loose Stitched dress with lace bodice hand made Body padded with cloth and fine wood shavings filler. Scarf lace weavedoll, porcelain, toy, lace, girls' play -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Scales Balance Pocket, Circa 1900
Historically this item would have been used by gold miners, rabbit shooters, mobile "Rag and Bone" traders and other mobile(in caravans and/or horse drawn cart) traders of various small goods and haberdashery. Although marked as not to be used as trade, the isolation and sometimes difficult terrain rules out using larger and more delicate scales. In the early 1900s rough roads and severe weather conditions forced traders to be more flexible in trading with weights and measures. The "close enough is good enough" doctrine was the Australian outback rule of thumb. The significance of this item in the Kiewa Valley during this period demonstrates the slower acceptance of accurate trading measure using the country side principle "my hand shake is my bond". In the Kiewa Valley small quantity commercial undertakings e.g. gold mining, fur pelts and rabbit meat trade did not require bulk weight type scales. Commerce in rural production e.g. fruit and vegetables involved more farmers and their staff in a barter and/or "in kind" payments. This was more so in the depression years 1929 to late 1930s. Self sufficiency was to a large extent more attainable in this region than in the city/ large country town environment. The Australian "fair go" ethical approach to life and commerce was very much ingrained in those living in country regions, like Kiewa Valley as is demonstrated by the not so accurate hand balance, spring loaded scales. Portable Pocket Balance with front plate made from brass. Spring mechanism enclosed by black painted medium gauge steel cover( three quarters cylindrical). Front scale face and rear spring casing fastened by three rivets. Spring loaded marker blade is located in the centre of the front plate. See item KVHS 0224 for a similar scales.Front plate marked: at top "Not legal for use in trade", below this in larger print "Pocket Balance", under and to the right in smaller print "lbs" under this graded marks, first marked with a Zero, then every second mark in ascending order up to 25. At the bottom of the front plate is marked "Made in Germany"antique pocket balance, scales, mobile weights, vintage appliances -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Eltham Produce Store, Main Road, c.1960
Operated by John McLean and Son Situated just south from opposite Arthur Street, opposite the Eltham Village Shopping Centre. In 1974 the site was the location of the B.P Garage and opposite was the Woolworths Arcade. The Produce Store sold hay and grain. To the right was Garnet Burges' second hand scrap metal and bottles, then the blacksmith shop, which was later taken over by Garnet with second hand furniture and next door to that was Ray Staff's grocery store. The brick building has signage to promote Tanox Paint and Permoglaze products. This building was demolished by 1963 for the BP Evergreen Service Station. Photo taken at same time as Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection No. 785 which is a view from near Arthur Street and Main Road intersection.Colour photograph copy of original photoshops, main road, eltham, eltham produce store, tanox paint, permaglaze, produce station, john mclean and son, garnet burges -
Burrinja Cultural Centre
Aboriginal painting - Paddy Jampin Jaminji, Paddy Jaminji, The Hills of Bedford Station, pre 1995
In around 1924 a band of Gija people crossed fences onto their traditional land near Bedford Downs Station in the East Kimberley 2000 km northeast of Perth and killed nine head of cattle. This act precipitated one of the massacres to become known as the 'killing times'. Paddy Quilty, the station owner of Bedford Downs had his men collect wagon loads of firewood which was distributed around the camp. He then invited everyone to assemble for their rations. The food, laced with strychnine, was handed out. As the Gija people fell down dying in agony, they were shot. The firewood was used to burn the bodies. One boy escaped to the the story. Paddy Jamin Jaminji (c.1922-1997) painted The Hills of Bedford Downs Station as part of a series of painting about the Killing Times. It depicts the story and sites of the massacre. At least twelve killing sites are recorded within a radius of 150 km of Turkey Creek, WA. The painting was possibly discarded due to its damage in one corner and later collected from an old shelter at Warmun on a field trip by collector Neil McLeod in 1995.Large painting on board of symbolic landscape. Brown, yellow, cream and white. Framed.bedford downs station, massacre, killing, gija, paddy quilty, turkey creek, warmun -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Farming Equipment Branding Iron, Circa 1840
Armyne, George and Lemuel Bolden were original landholders of large parts of land in the Western district. Portions of it extended from Pirron Yallock in the East to almost as far as Portland. The head station was at Grasmere. They were noted breeders of shorthorn cattle in fact they were some of the first men to bring the breed to Victoria and thus helped to pioneer the Australian Shorthorn breeding Industry. This branding iron was found at Lyall Park, originally 640 acres selected by William Lyall at Cooramook. It is believed to be a branding iron dating from when the land was occupied by the Bolden Brothers. The Bolden Brothers were the first to erect considerable lengths of fencing in the Warrnambool area. If this item is an authentic Bolden piece of property then it is the oldest artefact from the time of white settlement that is held by the Warrnambool and district Historical society. The item itself while a common farming implement and which was found on a farm originally owned by the Bolden Brothers is a link with the earliest part of Warrnambool’s history.Short, round wooden handle with metal brand in the shape of the letter T with two thirds circle attached to vertical part of T. Daub of paint at end of handle . T 5Paper label attached with green tape with 931 in texta and hand written on back,” branding iron reputed to have been used by Bolden Bros Grasmere c 1840. warrnambool, bolden brothers, armyne bolden, george bolden, lemuel bolden, branding iron, shorthorn cattle -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Eltham Produce Store, ca 1960
Two vehicles including a Holden FC Special Sedan and ca 1958 Ford 100 truck are parked outside the Eltham Produce Store, Main Road, Eltham near Arthur Street. The brick building has signage to promote Tanox Paint and Permoglaze products. It also sold hay and grain. Operated by John McLean and Son. Situated just south from opposite Arthur Street, opposite the Eltham Village Shopping Centre. To the right was Garnet Burgess' second hand scrap metal and bottles, then the blacksmith shop, which was later taken over by Garnet with second hand furniture and next door to that was Ray Staff's grocery store. The store was demolished by 1963 for the BP Evergreen Service Station. See also: Cross Ref 00161 (print) and 01831-15 (negative duplicate) and SEPP_0785, See 00161, 01831-15, 01895-21This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image. Copy of original photograph.sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, eltham produce store, main road, tanox paint, permoglaze, holden fc special sedan, ford 100 truck -
Orbost & District Historical Society
lining board, 1899
These items are from the Heyfield estate in 1899 from the pine lining of the old Orbost School residence which was opposite the school on the corner of Tennyson Street. The Orbost State School opened on 19th of March 1886 .The school had first operated temporarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond. The first head teacher was HT Campbell Mackay. However he remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second HT, John Rowe, served until 1908. On 30th of June 1887, a portable room was provided; it being brought to the area by schooner. The school then had accommodation for 30 pupils; the teacher's welfare was considered because quarters of two rooms were attached.This item is part of the history of education in Orbost.Two pieces of pine wood lining boards with newspaper glued on to a blue painted background. 715.1 is the larger if the two pieces. On the larger piece is a tattered label with a hand-written description of the history of the board. The smaller piece has a nail on each side at the top with a piece of string tied to each ( for hanging). orbost-school education-orbost -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Shelves, early to first half 20th century
This item is an example the skill and craftmanship of early settler families who of necessity were self-reliant.Bamboo shelves (3 shelves + top) with brown vinyl padded top. Insides are wallpapered with an embossed paper of cream flowers on dark brown background. Wooden sides are covered with same wallpaper which has been painted over tan . There seems to have been a door originally attached as there are two hinges, top and bottom, on right hand side. There are 4 legs angled outwards with stays - all made of bamboo. Back and shelves appear to be slatted timber. Sometimes called a "whatnot".furniture-shelves-handmade -
Orbost & District Historical Society
doll
Won in 1920 at a raffle for the Mechanics Hall, Orbost.A celluloid kewpie doll with painted eyebrows and eyes and smile, wearing a tulle land ribbon skirt/dress. The doll's joints are held together with elastic. Its hands and feet are not naturalistic and its legs are moulded together. Overall, it does not have a naturalistic appearance.doll kewpie-doll celluloid-doll -
Orbost & District Historical Society
hand drill, Mid 20th century
... is painted red. hand drill ...This item is an example of a domestic woodworking tool commonly used before the widespread use of power tools.A hand drill with three wooden handles. The main gear is painted red.On right handle - Made in China with some Chinese lettering.tool hand-drill -
Orbost & District Historical Society
hand drill
... wooden handles. The red wheel is painted metal. hand drill ...The invention of a hand drill is credited to Arthur James Arnot and William Blanch Brain of Melbourne, Australia who patented the electric drill in 1889. In 1895, the first portable handheld drill was created by brothers Wilhem & Carl Fein of Stuttgart, Germany. Hand-powered devices have been used for millennia. However, during the last quarter of the 19th century a radically improved generation of tools appeared. These tools took advantage of modern mass production machinery and processes (like interchangeable parts) and an increased availability in superior material (metal instead of wood). One of the outcomes included an array of new drilling machines. These human-powered tools were a vast improvement over earlier tools.This item is an example of a commonly used domestic tool - pre power tools.A Stanley hand drill with two wooden handles. The red wheel is painted metal. On red wheel - STANLEY ENGLANDwoodwork tool hand-drill -
Orbost & District Historical Society
framed photograph
This is a photograph of Annabella McKenzie who trained at The Royal Melbourne in the 1890's. The Royal Melbourne Hospital was the first hospital in Victoria – established in 1848 to serve the young and thriving community of Melbourne. Prior to the transfer of nursing education to the university sector, nurses were trained in a course of instruction in hospital nursing schools that awarded a certificate in general nursing. These courses were generally for a three-year period, and nurses were paid employees of the parent hospital. Annabella Mckenzie Fisher was born into the Mckenzie family and married into the Fisher family. She married Fisher James Fisher, a Lochend farmer.The Fisher family was a very early Orbost farming family.A hand-coloured photograph in an oval shaped wooden frame. It is of a woman in a nurse's uniform of a dark coloured dress with a white bib apron and black belt. The cuffs of the long sleeved dress are white. She is wearing a white cap. The oval frame is painted gold and is decorated on each side with flowers in relief.On back in pencil - Anna Bella McKenziehealth nursing fisher_annabella-mckenzie royal-melbourne-hospital -
Orbost & District Historical Society
lantern, World Light MFY LTD, 1920's-1940's
This lantern could have been used for railway lighting. Railway lighting illuminated not only stations but also yards, engines, rolling stock, signals, signal-boxes and crossings. There were a number of different types of lamps used for a variety of railway purposes. This is a hand-held light.Railway lamps of this kind were significant railway items in their period of use as essential tools to the safe-working operations of the railway. Used domestically these lanterns were common in the period before the widespread connection of electricity. A painted red metal "hurricane" lamp which has a glass shade. This is a portable oil lantern which has an oil tank on the bottom that forms the base of the lamp. The tank has a door for filling and it also houses the wick and knob that increases or decreases the length of the wick.On base : No. 707 Globe Brand (globe of world) World Light MFY LTDlantern lighting hurricane-lamp -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Mantle Clock, "circa 1910"
Founded in1903 when William E.Sessions and some of his family took over E.N.Welch Co. in Forestville. E.N.Welch Manufacturing Company used a local foundry to produce their castings. The foundry owner's son,William E.Sessions, took an interest in horology and ,along with other Sessions family members, bought controlling interest in the E.N.Welch Company., which was a joint stock corporation formed July 6th 1864 to succeed an older private firm who made clocks under the name of E.N.Welch. Elisha N. Welch (1809-1887),had been making clocks at a factory on East Main Street Forestville Conneticut after taking over J.C.Browns bankrupt business around 1856.Under William Sessions management the firm produced all components of their clocks including movements,cases,dials,artworks and castings.In 1930 the company expanded to produce electric clocks,timers for radios,televisions and other devices as well as their traditional brass mechanicial movements.In 1956 Sessions was absorbed by another company while retaining the name and in 1969 the business went into liquidation.Clock is made of black wood with Corinthian style columns,three set on each front corner. These are black metal, and show remains of gilt paint on top of columns.On the base of the clock is carved decoration with similar carvings on each of the four corners of square around clock face.Dial is cream with Roman numerals. the hands are set in gilt centre piece.Below the 12 is the name WELCH.The glass dial cover is edged in gilt. It is spring wound and has settings-day/night,1/2 hour strike(hour on gong -1/2 0n bell), Cathederal Gong, turn back hands. THE SESSIONS CLOCK COMPANY. Successors to the E.N.WELCH MANUFACTURING COMPANY.Forestville.Conneticut.United States of America.mantle clock, the sessions clock company, forestville conneticut united states of america -
Cheese World Museum
Plate, 1985 (exact)
This plate was painted for Ray and Joyce Uebergang by Helen McNaughton in 1985. The McNaughton family were sharefarmers on Tooram Park during this period. It was given to Cheese World Museum as part of the collection belonging to the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation.This plate provides an image of Tooram Park at a given period.Bone china plate with a hand painting of "Tooram Park" homestead and cheese factory, Allansford. The roof of the house is red, the walls are green and there is a picket fence in front of the house. The cheese factory is cream. H.McNaughton, 1985 - on the back of the plate 'TOORAM PARK'/ALLANSFORDtooram, tooram park, h mcnaughton, uebergang, allansford, china plates, china painting -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Painting - Vessel, C.K.M. (artist), S.S. Warrnambool, 1883
This oil painting is in a handmade, carved frame, dates back to the period of the old Warrnambool Museum and Art Gallery. The two-masted, sail-and-steam-powered ship has the sails and bow shape of a tall clipper ship plus the extra power of steam. It dates to the transition between the clipper ships with their billowing sails and the steam-powered ships, which happened in the late 19th to early 20th century. The flag flown from the stern is that of the British Merchant Navy that traded around the world to transport cargo, and later passengers, from one destination to another. The painting was originally catalogued as the "S.S. Warrnambool" although it has a different design. It was also attributed to the ship portrait painter, the renowned C.K.M. - Charles Keith Miller - but differs from his style. Further research is being carried out at this time. In 1966, between the closure of the old Warrnambool Museum and Art Gallery and the distribution of the painting to Flagstaff Hill, this painting was repaired by David Heysen, son of the German-born artist Hans Heysen OBE. David was born in Hahndorf (called Ambleside for a short period of time), South Australia, married Lyly Refshauge from Melbourne, and they raised a family on their property in Kalangadoo, near Penola, in South Australia.The painting's frame is an example of handmade carving and joinery created in the late 19th century. The artist has depicted the image of a historical sail-and-steam ship of the type in which cargo was traded across the world, including to and from Australia. Vessels such as this also brought migrants to Australia.Painting, oil on board, in hand carved wooden frame with floral and geometric pattern, inner border painted gold. Image of a two-masted sail and steam ship, sails raised, black funnel emitting smoke. Hull is black with white horizontal stripe and white trim around sides of deck. Three lifeboats are visible. Bow is ‘clipper shape’ with what appears to be a figurehead. A red ensign flag flies at the stern and a blue and red flag is attached to the mainmast. The frame has been assembled using Mortice and Tenon joints, one of which is exposed on the back, lower right corner. Chandelier chain has been attached for hanging. There is no visible signature, date or title on the front of the painting. The back board has empty holes spaced around the edge and is held in place by staples. The visible surface has remnants of adhesive from two rectangular attachment s. There are two small white stickers attached, one with a hand written inscription. There are pencil and pen inscriptions. The painting is protected by cardboard with inscriptions in marking pen.On back board, written in the style used by the Warrnambool Museum and Art Gallery: - On white sticker, in pen “A-P31/1-74” - Pencil “A27/1883 / Artist CKM 1883 / Title SS Warrnambool / oil on board” Written in pen by the repairer - “Repaired & re-drilled – cleaned etc. / David Heysen 11/66” Written by Flagstaff Hill’s Cataloguer - Pencil “3031” On cardboard wrapper, in marking pen: - “S.S. Warrnambool / by / C.K.M. 1883” - “A-P/31/1-74” - “3031”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, s s warrnambool, charles keith miller, charles miller, steam and sail ship, british merchant navy, slipper shaped bow, 19th century sea trade, warrnambool museum and art gallery, old warrnambool art gallery, hand carved picture frame, mortice and tennon picture frame, migrants, c.k.m. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Musical, Autoharp, circa 1900
The autoharp is a portable, stringed musical instrument. It is a member of the zither family but differs from the traditional zither in that chords can be easily played. The buttons on the chord bars of the autoharp can be pressed onto the strings to make different sounds. The labels on the autoharp denote the chords and the notes that the strings play. The instrument is played with the box resting on a flat surface such as a tabletop, with the left hand moving the chord buttons and the right hand strumming the strings, usually with a pick or plectrum . The autoharp was invented around the mid-1880s. There are models now available that have variations in the numbers of strings the instrument has, and differences in the sounds of the chords. Typically the autoharp has 36 strings.This autoharp is an example of musical instruments played at social gatherings and concerts in the late 1800s and early to mid 1900s. It was easily carried by the player. It is usually held in the crook of the left arm with the narrow end resting on the should and the left hand supporting the wider end, the hand pressing on the chord buttons. The right hand strums in a similar way to a playing a guitar, usually holding a soft pick or plectrum.Autoharp, painted dark brown with red rose flower decals. The portable stringed musical instrument is a member of the zither family. The autoharp is shaped like a hollow box with one corner cut off. Strings of various lengths are attached with equal spacing, parallel to the long edge of the box. A slotted board rests over the top of the strings at one end, and buttons on the slots can be pressed onto the felt-padded bars below them to produce chords. There are labels on the upper and lower boards that denote chords and musical notes.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, musical instrument, stringed instrument, harp, auto harp, zither, portable -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Barometer, 1867
Langlands Company History: Langlands foundry was Melbourne's first foundry and iron shipbuilder established in 1842, only 8 years after the founding of the Victorian colony by two Scottish immigrants, Robert Langlands and Thomas Fulton, who had formed a partnership before emigrating (1813–1859). The business was known as the 'Langlands Foundry Co'. Henry Langlands (1794-1863), left Scotland in 1846 with his wife Christian, née Thoms, and five surviving children to join his brother Robert. By the time he arrived in early January of 1847 the partnership of Robert Langlands and Fulton had dissolved as Fulton had gone off to establish his own works. It was at this time that the two brothers took over ownership of Langlands foundry. Several years later Robert retired and Henry became sole the proprietor. The foundry was originally located on Flinders Lane between King and Spencer streets. Their sole machine tool, when they commenced as a business, was a small slide rest lathe turned by foot. In about 1865 they moved to the south side of the Yarra River, to the Yarra bank near the Spencer Street Bridge and then in about 1886 they moved to Grant Street, South Melbourne. The works employed as many as 350 workers manufacturing a wide range of marine, mining, civil engineering, railway and general manufacturing components including engines and boilers. The foundry prospered despite high wages and the lack of raw materials. It became known for high-quality products that competed successfully with any imported articles. By the time Henry retired, the foundry was one of the largest employers in Victoria and was responsible for casting the first bell and lamp-posts in the colony. The business was carried on by his sons after Henry's death. The company was responsible for fabricating the boiler for the first railway locomotive to operate in Australia, built-in 1854 by Robertson, Martin & Smith for the Melbourne and Hobson's Bay Railway Company. Also in the 1860s, they commenced manufacture of cast iron pipes for the Board of Works, which was then laying the first reticulated water supply system in Melbourne. Langlands was well known for its gold mining equipment, being the first company in Victoria to take up the manufacture of mining machinery, and it played an important role in equipping Victoria's and Australia's first mineral boom in the 1850s and 1860s. Langlands Foundry was an incubator for several engineers including Herbert Austin (1866–1941) who worked as a fitter at Langlands and went on to work on the Wolesely Shearing machine. He also founded the Austin Motor Company in 1905. Around the 1890s Langlands Foundry Co. declined and was bought up by the Austral Otis Co. in about 1893. History for Grimoldi: John Baptist Grimoldi was born in London UK. His Father was Domeneck Grimoldi, who was born in Amsterdam with an Italian Father and Dutch mother. Domeneck was also a scientific instrument maker. John B Grimoldi had served his apprenticeship to his older brother Henry Grimoldi in Brooke Street, Holburn, London and had emigrated from England to Australia to start his own meteorological and scientific instrument makers business at 81 Queens St Melbourne. He operated his business in 1862 until 1883 when it was brought by William Samuel and Charles Frederick, also well known scientific instrument makers who had emigrated to Melbourne in 1875. John Grimoldi became successful and made a number of high quality measuring instruments for the Meteorological Observatory in Melbourne. The barometer was installed at Warrnambool's old jetty and then the Breakwater as part of the Victorian Government's insistence that barometers be placed at all major Victorian ports. This coastal barometer is representative of barometers that were installed through this government scheme that began in 1866. The collecting of meteorological data was an important aspect of the Melbourne Observatory's work from its inception. Just as astronomy had an important practical role to play in navigation, timekeeping and surveying, so the meteorological service provided up to date weather information and forecasts that were essential for shipping and agriculture. As a result, instruments made by the early instrument makers of Australia was of significant importance to the development and safe trading of companies operating during the Victorian colonies early days. The provenance of this artefact is well documented and demonstrates, in particular, the importance of the barometer to the local fishermen and mariners of Warrnambool. This barometer is historically significant for its association with Langlands’ Foundry which pioneered technology in the developing colony by establishing the first ironworks in Melbourne founded in 1842. Also, it is significant for its connection to John B Grimoldi who made the barometer and thermometer housed in the cast iron case. Grimoldi, a successful meteorological and scientific instrument maker, arrived in the colony from England and established his business in 1862 becoming an instrument maker to the Melbourne Observatory. Additional significance is its completeness and for its rarity, as it is believed to be one of only two extant barometers of this type and in 1986 it was moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village as part of its museum collection. Coast Barometer No. 8 is a tall, red painted cast iron pillar containing a vertical combined barometer and thermometer. Half way down in the cast iron framed glass door is a keyhole. Inside is a wooden case containing a mercury barometer at the top with a thermometer attached underneath, each with a separate glass window and a silver coloured metal backing plate. Just below the barometer, on the right-hand side, is a brass disc with a hole for a gauge key in the centre. The barometer has a silvered tin backing plate with a scale, in inches, of "27 to 31" on the right side and includes a Vernier with finer markings, which is set by turning the gauge key. The thermometer has a silvered tin backing plate with a scale on the left side of "30 to 140". Each of the scales has markings showing the units between the numbers.Inscription at the top front of the pillar reads "COAST BAROMETER" Inscribed on the bottom of the pillar is "No 8". and "LANGLANDS BROS & CO ENGINEERS MELBOURNE " The barometer backing plate is inscribed "COAST BAROMETER NO. 8, VICTORIA" and printed on the left of the scale, has "J GRIMOLDI" on the top and left of the scale, inscribed "Maker, MELBOURNE". There is an inscription on the bottom right-hand side of the thermometer scale, just above the 30 mark "FREEZING" Etched into the timber inside the case are the Roman numerals "VIII" (the number 8)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, warrnambool breakwater, coast barometer, coastal barometer, barometer, weather warning, ports and harbours, fishery barometer, sea coast barometer, austral otis co, coast barometer no. 8, henry grimoldi, henry langlands, john baptist grimoldi, langlands foundry co, meteorological instrument maker, robert langlands, scientific instrument maker, thermometer, thomas fulton -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Clock, c. 1860s
The clock was either made or sold by T. Gaunt & Co. of Melbourne, a manufacturer, importer and retailer of a wide variety of goods including jewellery, clocks and watches, navigational and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas Gaunt photograph was included in an album of security identity portraits of members of the Victorian Court, Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888. Thomas Gaunt History: Thomas Gaunt established Melbourne's leading watchmaking, optical and jewellery business during the second half of the 19th century. Gaunt arrived in Melbourne in 1852, and by 1858 had established his own business at 14 Little Bourke Street. Around 1869 he moved to new premises in Bourke Street on the corner of Royal Arcade, Gaunt's shop quickly became a Melbourne institution. Gaunt proudly advertised that he was 'The only watch manufacturer in the Australian colonies'. While many watches and clocks may have had Gaunt's name on the dial, few would have been made locally. Gaunt did make some watches for exhibitions, and perhaps a few expensive watches for wealthy individuals. Gaunt's received a telegraph signal from Melbourne Observatory each day to correct his main clock and used this signal to rate and repair ship's chronometers and good quality watches. His main horological manufacturing was directed at turret clocks for town halls, churches and post offices. These tended to be specific commissions requiring individualised design and construction. He made the clock for the Melbourne Post Office lobby, to a design by Government Astronomer Robert Ellery, and won an award at the 1880-81 Melbourne International Exhibition for his turret clock for the Emerald Hill Town Hall. He became well known for his installation of a chronograph at Flemington Racecourse in 1876, which showed the time for the race, accurate to a quarter of a second. The firm also installed the clockwork and figures for Gog and Magog in the Royal Arcade. Thomas Gaunt also developed a department that focused on scientific instrumentation, making thermometers and barometers (from imported glass tubes), telescopes, surveying instruments and microscopes. Another department specialised in electroplating for trophies, awards and silverware, and the firm manufactured large amounts of ecclesiastical gold ware and silverware, for the church including St Patrick's Cathedral. There are no records that disclose the number of employees in the firm, but it was large enough for Gaunt to hold an annual picnic for the watchmakers and apprentices at Mordialloc from 1876; two years previously they had successfully lobbied Gaunt to win the eight hour day. Gaunt's workforce was reportedly very stable, with many workers remaining in the business for 15 to 30 years. Gaunt's wife Jane died on September 1894, aged 64. They had one son and six daughters, but only three daughters survived to adulthood. Two became nuns at the Abbotsford Convent and one daughter, Cecelia Mary Gaunt (died 28 July 1941), married William Stanislaus Spillane on 22 September 1886 and had a large family. Gaunt died at his home in Coburg, Victoria, leaving an estate valued at ₤41,453. The business continued as T. Gaunt & Co. after his death. Post Office and Clock History: Warrnambool’s Post Office has been in existence since 1857, when it was originally situated on the corner of Timor and Gilles Street. In March 1864 the Warrnambool Borough Council purchased this clock from Henry Walsh Jnr. for the sum of £25, “to be put up in front of the Post Office”. Henry Walsh Jnr was the eldest son of Melbourne’s Henry Walsh, maker and retailer of clocks, watches, thermometers and jewellery. In 1854 Henry Walsh Jnr. began business in Warrnambool as a watchmaker and jeweller later becoming a Councillor with now a local street named after him. The Post Office was extensively remodelled in 1875-76. Early photographs of this building show that the clock was installed on the northern outside wall, Timor Street, under the arches and between the 2 centre windows, where it could be seen by passers-by. Although spring loaded clocks date back to the 15th century, and fob and pocket watches evolving from these date to the 17th century, personal pocket watches were only affordable to the very fortunate. Public clocks such as this Post Office clock provided opportunity for all to know the time, and for those in possession of a personal watch to check and set their own timepieces to the correct time. During post office reservations during the 1970s the clock was removed and was eventually donated to the Flagstaff Collection. The Clock’s maker Thomas Gaunt, is historically significant and was an established and well renowned scientific instrument and clock maker in Melbourne during the 1860s. He was at that time the only watchmaker in the Australian colonies. In the 1870’s and 1880’s he won many awards for his clocks and was responsible for sending time signals to other clocks in the city and rural areas, enabling many businesses and organisations to accurate set their clocks each day. Warrnambool Borough Council purchased this clock from Henry Walsh Jnr. for the sum of £25 and the clock used to stand in front of the Warrnambool post office to allow ordinary citizens to set their time pieces as they walked by. The item is not only important because it was made by a significant early colonial clock maker and retailed by a locally known clock maker and jeweler but also that it was installed in the Warrnambool Post Office a significantly historical building in it's own right. Built in 1857 and regarded as one of the oldest postal facilities in Australia, with a listing on the National Heritage Database, (ID 15656). This 1864 hall clock originates from the Warrnambool Post Office. The clock glass is hinged to the top of the clock face and has a catch at the bottom. The metal rim of the glass is painted black. The clock face is metal, painted white, with black Roman numerals and markings for minutes and five minutes. The tip of the small hour hand is shaped like a leaf. "T. GAUNT / MELBOURNE" is printed in black on the clock face. The winding key hole is just below the centre of the clock face. The key winds a fusee chain mechanism, attached to the brass mainspring barrel that powers the pendulum with an 8-day movement. The speed of the clock can be adjusted by changing the position of the weight on the pendulum, lengthening or shortening the swing; raising the pendulum shortens its swing and speeds up the clock. The metal fusee mechanism has an inscription on it. The rectangular wooden casing is with a convex curve at the bottom that has a hinged door with a swivel latch. The original stained surface has been painted over with a matte black. There are two other doors that also allow access to the clock’s workings. The case fits over the pendulum and workings at the rear and attaches to the clock by inserting four wooden pegs into holes in the sides of the case then into the back of the clock. A flat metal plate has been secured by five screws onto the top of the case and a hole has been cut into it for the purpose of hanging up the clock. There is a nail inside the case, possibly used for a place to the key."T. GAUNT MELBOURNE" is printed on the clock face. “6 1 3” embossed on the back of the fusee mechanism behind the clock. warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, shipwrecked artefact, clock, warrnambool post office, fusee, henry walsh jnr, thomas gaunt, t gaunt & co, post office clock -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Doll's arm, Bisque dolls were being made from the 1860’s
This doll’s arm was part of the cargo from the Fiji and was part of the articles salvaged from the wreck. The three-masted iron barque Fiji had been built in Belfast, Ireland, in 1875 by Harland and Wolfe for a Liverpool based shipping company. The ship departed Hamburg on 22nd May 1891 bound for Melbourne, under the command of Captain William Vickers with a crew of 25. The ship’s manifest shows that she was loaded with a cargo of 260 cases of dynamite, pig iron, steel goods, spirits (whisky, schnapps, gin, brandy), sailcloth, tobacco, coiled fencing wire, concrete, 400 German pianos (Sweet Hapsburg), concertinas and other musical instruments, artists supplies including brushes, porcelain, furniture, china, and general cargo including candles. There were also toys in anticipation for Christmas, including wooden rocking horses, miniature ships, dolls with china limbs and rubber balls. On September 5th, one hundred days out from Hamburg in squally and boisterous south west winds the Cape Otway light was sighted on a bearing differing from Captain Vickers’ calculation of his position. At about 2:30am, Sunday 6th September 1891 land was reported 4-5 miles off the port bow. The captain tried to put the ship on the other tack, but she would not respond. He then tried to turn her the other way but just as the manoeuvre was being completed the Fiji struck rock only 300 yards (274 metres) from shore. The place is known as Wreck Bay, Moonlight Head. Blue lights were burned and rockets fired whilst an effort was made to lower boats but all capsized or swamped and smashed to pieces. Two of the younger crewmen volunteered to swim for the shore, taking a line. One, a Russian named Daniel Carkland, drowned after he was swept away when the line broke. The other, 17 year old able seaman Julius Gebauhr, a German, reached shore safely on his second attempt but without the line, which he had cut lose with his sheath-knife when it become tangled in kelp. He rested on the beach a while then climbed the steep cliffs in search of help. At about 10am on the Sunday morning a party of land selectors - including F. J. Stansmore, Leslie Dickson (or Dixon) and Mott - found Gebauhr. They were near Ryans Den, on their travels on horseback from Princetown towards Moonlight Head, and about 5km from the wreck. Gebauhr was lying in the scrub in a poor state, bleeding and dressed only in singlet, socks and a belt with his sheath-knife, ready for all emergencies. At first they were concerned about his wild and shaggy looking state and what seemed to be gibberish speech, taking him to be an escaped lunatic. They were reassured after he threw his knife away and realised that he was speaking half-English, half-German. They gave him food and brandy and some clothing and were then able to gain information about the wreck. Some of the men took him to Rivernook, a nearby guest house owned by John Evans, where he was cared for. Stansmore and Dickson rode off to try and summon help. Others went down to the site of the wreck. Messages for rescuing the rest of the crew were sent both to Port Campbell for the rocket rescue crew and to Warrnambool for the lifeboat. The S.S. Casino sailed from Portland towards the scene. After travelling the 25 miles to the scene, half of the Port Campbell rocket crew and equipment arrived and set up the rocket tripod on the beach below the cliffs. By this time the crew of the Fiji had been clinging to the jib-boom for almost 15 hours, calling frantically for help. Mr Tregear from the Rocket Crew fired the line. The light line broke and the rocket was carried away. A second line was successfully fired across the ship and made fast. The anxious sailors then attempted to come ashore along the line but, with as many as five at a time, the line sagged considerably and some were washed off. Others, nearly exhausted, had to then make their way through masses of seaweed and were often smothered by waves. Only 14 of the 24 who had remained on the ship made it to shore. Many onlookers on the beach took it in turns to go into the surf and drag half-drowned seamen to safety. These rescuers included Bill (William James) Robe, Edwin Vinge, Hugh Cameron, Fenelon Mott, Arthur Wilkinson and Peter Carmody. (Peter Carmody was also involved in the rescue of men from the Newfield.) Arthur Wilkinson, a 29 year old land selector, swam out to the aid of one of the ship’s crewmen, a carpenter named John Plunken. Plunken was attempting to swim from the Fiji to the shore. Two or three times both men almost reached the shore but were washed back to the wreck. A line was thrown to them and they were both hauled aboard. It was thought that Wilkinson struck his head on the anchor before s they were brought up. He remained unconscious. The carpenter survived this ordeal but Wilkinson later died and his body was washed up the next day. It was 26 year old Bill Robe who hauled out the last man, the captain, who had become tangled in the kelp. The wreck of the Fiji was smashed apart within 20 minutes of the captain being brought ashore, and it settled in about 6m of water. Of the 26 men on the Fiji, 11 in total lost their lives. The remains of 7 bodies were washed onto the beach and their coffins were made from timbers from the wrecked Fiji. They were buried on the cliff top above the wreck. The survivors were warmed by fires on the beach then taken to Rivernook and cared for over the next few days. Funds were raised by local communities soon after the wreck in aid of the sufferers of the Fiji disaster. Captain Vickers was severely reprimanded for his mishandling of the ship. His Masters Certificate was suspended for 12 months. At the time there was also a great deal of public criticism at the slow and disorganised rescue attempt to save those on board. The important canvas ‘breech buoy’ or ‘bucket chair’ and the heavy line from the Rocket Rescue was in the half of the rocket outfit that didn’t make it in time for the rescue: they had been delayed at the Gellibrand River ferry. Communications to Warrnambool were down so the call for help didn’t get through on time and the two or three boats that had been notified of the wreck failed to reach it in time. Much looting occurred of the cargo that washed up on the shore, with nearly every visitor leaving the beach with bulky pockets. One looter was caught with a small load of red and white rubber balls, which were duly confiscated and he was ‘detained’ for 14 days. Essence of peppermint mysteriously turned up in many settlers homes. Sailcloth was salvaged and used for horse rugs and tent flies. Soon after the wreck “Fiji tobacco” was being advertised around Victoria. A Customs officer, trying to prevent some of the looting, was assaulted by looters and thrown over a steep cliff. He managed to cling to a bush lower down until rescued. In 1894 some coiled fencing wire was salvaged from the wreck. Hundreds of coils are still strewn over the site of the wreck, encrusted and solidified. The hull is broken but the vessel’s iron ribs can be seen along with some of the cargo of concrete and pig iron. Captain Vickers presented Bill Robe with his silver-cased pocket watch, the only possession that he still had, as a token for having saved his life and the lives of some of the crew. (The pocket watch came with 2 winding keys, one to wind it and one to change the hands.) Years later Bill passed the watch to his brother-in-law Gib (Gilbert) Hulands as payment of a debt and it has been passed down the family to Gilbert Hulands’ grandson, John Hulands. Seaman Julius Gebauhr later gave his knife, in its hand crafted leather sheath, to F. J. Stansmore for caring for him when he came ashore. The knife handle had a personal inscription on it. A marble headstone on the 200m high cliffs overlooking Wreck Beach, west of Moonlight Head, paying tribute to the men who lost their lives when Fiji ran aground. The scene of the wreck is marked by the anchor from the Fiji, erected by Warrnambool skin divers in 1967. Amongst the artefacts salvaged from the Fiji are bisque (or china) toys, (including miniature animals, limbs from small bisque dolls), rubber balls, a slate pencil, a glass bottle, sample of rope from the distress rocket and a candlestick holder. These items are now part of the Fiji collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, along with Captain Vickers’ pocket watch and Julius Gebauhr’s sheath knife. Flagstaff Hill’s Fiji collection is of historical significance at a State level because of its association with the wreck Fiji, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S259. The Fiji is archaeologically significant as the wreck of a typical 19th century international sailing ship with cargo. It is educationally and recreationally significant as one of Victoria's most spectacular historic shipwreck dive sites with structural features and remains of the cargo evident. It also represents aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The Fiji collection meets the following criteria for assessment: Criterion A: Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion B: Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history Criterion C: Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history. Doll’s arm salvaged from the wreck of the Fiji. This moulded arm, made of bisque (sometimes described as china or porcelain) is for a small doll. Its hand has the fingers touching each other with the thumb tucked into the palm. The white coloured arm is finished with glazed paint. The arm is discoloured in places with a tan colour. The arm is solid rather than jointed and goes from hand to upper arm. There is a groove around the top of the arm, which would enable the arm to be attached to the cloth body of a doll.1891, china, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwrecked artefact, flagstaff hill maritime village, shipwreck coast, warrnambool, porcelain, doll, moonlight head, wreck bay, cargo, bisque, toys, doll's arm, doll's limb -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Chair, Harnisch & Co, 1876-1918
The design of this pair (RN 758 & 759) is based on Thonet’s No. 18 chair, which was originally produced in 1876 by Thonet, and is still one of the best-selling designs for café and restaurant owners. It is elegant, sophisticated and durable. The label notes the design as “AUS MASSIV GEBOGENEM HOLZE vorm” which translates to “solid curved sandals shape”, a good description for the back of the chair. The chairs have marks, paper labels and symbols on them that show that the maker was Harnisch & Co., Neuschler (also called Banská Bystrica) Furniture Factory in Neuschol (Beszterczebanya), Hungary, privileged makers for the Imperial and Royal Austrian-Hungarian Empire 1867 – 1918. Bentwood chairs are made by a process of wetting wood in water, bending it into curved shapes, then allowing it to dry so that the shape becomes permanent. This process originated by Michael Thonet, who had been given the right to bend wood into desired curves by the Austrian Courts in 1842. In 1856 he was granted a 13 year patent to manufacture chairs and table legs of bent wood treated by steam or boiling water. In 1859 his company Gebruder Thonet produced his original design. Thonet’s early designs also featured hand carved or laminated wooden seats. His Model No. 14 produced in the 1850’s, was his most popular design. After Michael’s death in 1871 the family went on designing and producing chairs. The No. 18 chair was produced in 1876, one of a group of chars with back inserts consisting of curves and loops of bentwood. These bentwood chairs are believed to be associated with the either the original Warrnambool Town Hall or the Toc H Group in Warrnambool. The Warrnambool Town Hall played a significant role in the both the local government and the social events of local and district areas. It was a place for Council meetings, community events and entertainment, theatrical and musical.Chair, bentwood, 'French Bistro Chair' with a floral pattern carved in seat. Backrest has inverted U shape inside that extends to the seat. Supports on either side of backrest's base join to back of seat. Legs have a wooded bracing ring. Marks are embossed into rim under seat. Paper label, cream with black print, on rim; Right side of label has the symbol of Heraldic Shield. Text on label. Made by NEUSOHLER FABRIK FUR MOBEL, AUS MASSIV GEBOGENEM HOLZE, vorm. HARNISCH & Co, NEUSOHL (BESZTERCaZEBANYA) UNGARN ' Hand written under seat "T H" in black paint, "T H " in white chalk.Marks; pressed into rim under seat is "3", and "Crown [over] (N)", Paper label, cream with black print, on rim; Left side has Mark “N inside circle under crown”. Right side has symbol of Heraldic Shield. Text on label “Trade – K.u.K.- Mark / NEUSOHLER FABRIK FUR MOBEL/ AUS MASSIV GEBOGENEM HOLZE, vorm. HARNISCH&Co / NEUSOHL (BESZTERCaZEBANYA) UNGARN ' Hand written under seat "T H" in black paint, "T H " in white chalk. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, bentwood chair, café chair, restaurant chair, thonet design chair, neusohler fabrik fur nobel, k.u.k. approved manufacturer, hungry, harnisch & co, k.u.k., public hall chair, toc h -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Chair, Harnisch & Co, 1876-1918
The design of this pair (RN 758 & 759) is based on Thonet’s No. 18 chair, which was originally produced in 1876 by Thonet, and is still one of the best-selling designs for café and restaurant owners. It is elegant, sophisticated and durable. The label notes the design as “AUS MASSIV GEBOGENEM HOLZE vorm” which translates to “solid curved sandals shape”, a good description for the back of the chair. The chairs have marks, paper labels and symbols on them that show that the maker was Harnisch & Co., Neuschler (also called Banská Bystrica) Furniture Factory in Neuschol (Beszterczebanya), Hungary, privileged makers for the Imperial and Royal Austrian-Hungarian Empire 1867 – 1918. Bentwood chairs are made by a process of wetting wood in water, bending it into curved shapes, then allowing it to dry so that the shape becomes permanent. This process originated by Michael Thonet, who had been given the right to bend wood into desired curves by the Austrian Courts in 1842. In 1856 he was granted a 13 year patent to manufacture chairs and table legs of bent wood treated by steam or boiling water. In 1859 his company Gebruder Thonet produced his original design. Thonet’s early designs also featured hand carved or laminated wooden seats. His Model No. 14 produced in the 1850’s, was his most popular design. After Michael’s death in 1871 the family went on designing and producing chairs. The No. 18 chair was produced in 1876, one of a group of chars with back inserts consisting of curves and loops of bentwood. The popularity of the Bentwood chair, even now, is due to its versatility and timeless quality. Its style, whether varnished or painted, suits any room in the house. The lightweight chairs are also popular for café and restaurant seating, as well as for public gatherings. They can be easily moved around and grouped in a variety of ways to suit any occasion.Chair, bentwood, 'French Bistro Chair' with pattern carved in seat. Backrest has inverted U shape inside that extends to the seat. Supports on eitherside of backrest's base join to back of seat. Legs have a wooded bracing ring. Marks; pressed into rim under seat. Paper label, cream with black print, on rim. Right side of label has symbol of Heraldic Shield. Text on label. Made by Harnisch & Co.Marks; pressed into rim under seat is "3" and "4", and "Crown [over] N", Paper label, cream with black print, on rim; Left side has Mark “N inside circle under crown”. Right side has symbol of Heraldic Shield. Text on label “Trade – K.u.K.- Mark / NEUSOHLER FABRIK FUR MOBEL/ AUS MASSIV GEBOGENEM HOLZE, vorm. HARNISCH & Co / NEUSOHL (BESZTERCaZEBANYA) UNGARN ' Hand written under seat "T H" in black paint, "T H " in white chalk. flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, bentwood chair, café chair, restaurant chair, meeting hall chair, thonet design chair, harnisch & co, k.u.k., neusohler fabrik fur nobel, approved manufacturer, neusohl (besztercazebanya) ungarn