Showing 1236 items
matching metal box
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Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Medical - Portable Inhaler
... writing stapled on. Box contains 2 metal clamps, a light metal... piece of paper with red writing stapled on. Box contains 2 metal ...The inhaler can be used in hospitals in the labour ward for the patient to absorb trichloroethylene. The inhaler can be mounted on the bracket which can be secured to the leg of a labour bed. The inhaler contains a wick which absorbs trichloroethylene and will function for several hours.This inhaler was used in the Tawonga District Hospital.Wooden box with corners strengthened with steel plate and lid on 2 hinges. Lid has 3 rectangular lengths of wood attached to enhance packing and a yellow piece of paper with red writing stapled on. Box contains 2 metal clamps, a light metal stand/bracket with screw and holder and a hard black plastic mask. In the other side: 2 sheets including Instructions, a small paper bag with spare washers, a light brown extendable hose with metal attachment at one end and a light brown oval rubber bladder with a hole at one end to fit over the hose. Light metal Inhaler - 3 cylinders of different diameters attached to a plate. Red markings / writing and plate incl. serial no. Yellow paper on lid explains "...packing box is supplied free with the Tecota mark 6 Inhaler..." Mask: Cyprene Ltd / Keighley /Made in England Instructions / for the preparation of / Tecota / Mark 6 / Trichloroethylene B.P. / Inhaler Bladder: A Cig Product / 4 litre / Made in England to Inhaler: Cyprane Ltd. / Max Min / Pat No 646680 / Patents Pending / Tecota Mark 6 / Charge with / Trichloroethylene B.P. / Cyprane Ltd. / Serial No. / Keighley / Yorks.medical. hospital. inhaler. trichloroethylene. childbirth.tawonga district hospital -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Camera Box Brownie, 4/8/1925
... This item is a Campfire Box Brownie. Model "F...) (stamped "BROWNIE") on the top side of the box, fastened by a metal ...This item represents a period in time when there was the start by manufacturing industry for targeting the medium to lower socio and economic strata of the purchasing public. It was the beginning of cheaper mass produced items for the non professional (photographer in this instance) recreational minded public. The availability of low cost items was required by an ever increasing population hungering for the "do it yourself" amateur.This camera was owned by Margaret (Peg) Shefford nee Turner, who retired to Mount Beauty in the mid 1980s. The camera was purchased in 1920 and used up to the 1940's when her her daughter, Midge Clooney used it. When the Shefford family emigrated from England to Australia (1953), it was used to take photos of the ship voyage.This item is a Campfire Box Brownie. Model "F". It is a black vinyl covered tin box shell. It has a short leather hand strap (110mm) (stamped "BROWNIE") on the top side of the box, fastened by a metal stud at each end. There are two clasps holding the front and rear sides. Viewer (photo frame number) and lens (apertures) are on opposite sides.Stamped within a circular section on the back section is "No 2 BROWNIE" underneath,"MODEL F" in smaller letters "MADE IN CANADA BY CANADIAN KODAK Co., Limited, TORONTO, ONT". a smaller circle within has "USE KODAK FILM No_ 120"portable camera, photography, hobby, low cost camera -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Camera Case for Box Brownie, Circa mid to late 1900s
When this leather case was made it was the only material available that not only looked fashionable but also was able to absorb any small knocks or scratches which may happen to the mobile but still delicate camera. Digitalisation of photographic equipment for non professional use brought with it a reduction in camera size (pocket), increased portability and the dispensing of thick leather cases. With the increase of camera functions on mobile telephones, the need by tourists and the general public for a dedicated camera is rapidly diminishing. The protective leather wrapping for expensive, professional goods, especially electronics is very rare and foam padded aluminium bags and containers are the preferred mode for travel.This particular leather case has travelled to and from England via an ocean cruise by a now retired couple living in the Kiewa Valley. It is significant to this region because it underlines the slow transition from a purely farming, grazing, mining and tourist region to an area opening up to a specific socio-economical structure for retirees. This social and demographic shift by retirees will produce a greater need for changes in facilities required by an increasing aged population. Though it may take more time for cities and larger towns to come to grips with a growing aged population, rural areas(because these will define more clearly any imbalance of population) present the first demonstrative change to Australia, and world wide, a population based phenomenon.This item is a brown coloured leather camera case (Box Brownie Six-20) with an adjustable strap and associated buckle. The leather has been moulded to the shape of the camera and is slightly tapered as a closing flap fastened at the front with a lockable clasp. The end of the leather flap has a metal(tin) with a semi circular ring formed to allow it to be held as part of the clasp. Pressed into the underbelly of the semicircular closing mechanism is"PAT. APPLIED FOR" and underneath this"MADE IN ENGLAND" camera, case photography, hobby, personal equipment -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Tools, Name Stamp, Late 19th century/early 20th century
This is the stamp used by Ernest Phillips to mark his tools and his products. It was used both on wood and metal surfaces. Ernest Brighton Phillips (1875-1924) was born in Warrnambool and was apprenticed as a cabinet maker at the Warrnambool Box Works. By the 1890s he had established a furniture shop at the corner of Liebig and Koroit Streets and by the beginning of the 20th century he had the largest furniture warehouse and factory in Victoria outside of Melbourne. His products were sold all over Australia. He and his family lived at ‘Heatherlie’ in Koroit Street and today this site is occupied by the flats complex for senior citizens called ‘Heatherlie’. This stamp is of interest because it belonged to Ernest Phillips, a prominent Warrnambool businessman (late 1800s to the early 1900s.) It is also of interest as an example of an early name stamp. This is a small piece of metal with a rounded flange top and a wider flattened end. The end is serrated and cut to hold the letters, ‘E. Phillips’. Some white paint has been splashed on the end section.‘E.Phillips’ (letters reversed for stamping purposes)ernest phillips, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Instruments, Slide Rule, C1955
A slide rule is an instrument which is used to carry out mathematical calculations. William Oughtred is credited with its invention in 1621, however many others including Isaac Newton have made improvements or modifications over the years. From 1625 to 1800 there were approximately 40 different styles brought forward. with the following 100 years sees over 250 designs created.There have been different versions and modifications to suit scientific, mathematical and engineering requirements. It is interesting to note that many of the buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries have been designed with the use of slide rules. Their use has declined in the last 25-30 years with the advent of computers and specialist calculators.While not directly linked in any way to the history of Warrnambool, this slide rule would have been a item in use by students doing maths at upper secondary level as well as other applications which would make it a familiar object to many people.Coated bamboo with sliding metal framed glass panel or cursor . The bamboo is in three sections with the middle section movable. It is marked in various graduated measurements mainly in dark blue but with some in green and red.It is inside a dark grey rectangular box with a slide off lid on one end.There is a celluloid panel on the back with a conversion table printed on it. There is an accompanying 67 page manual with a pale green cover with black text. On slide rule:Sun Hemmi Japan No 2664S On box: Sun Hemmi Japan No 2664S warrnambool, hemmi slide rule, bamboo slide rule -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Medal, Campaign Stars & Medals, C 1945
This medal was awarded to Ernest Henry Swan. He served from December 1941 to July 1942 in the Citizen Military Forces and from July 1942 to September 1944 in the Australian Imperial Forces. His reason for discharge was reserved occupation. He held the rank of corporal in 26th Motor regiment. He was born in Colac 19/11/1919 to Ernest Swan and Daisy Johnson. He died 04/08/2009 and is buried at the Warrnambool cemetery. During his life he farmed a soldiers’ settlers block in the Grasmere area, north of Warrnambool.A common item which relates to a local soldier and World War 11.Round white metal medal with bar at top. Australian Coat of arms on front with image of George 6th on the reverse. Flat edge on medal with recipient's name and number engraved. it is housed in small cream card box with a small sheet of paper with summary of conditions of campaign stars and medals. The Australian Service medal 1939-1945. George VI G Br OMN Rex Et Indiae Imp VX88010 E H Swanwarrnambool, ernest henry swan -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Medal, 60th Anniversary of the end of WW11, 2005
This medal was issued to commemorate the end of World War 2 and was issued to eligible living veterans or their widows/widowers.It comes in a black card and fabric lined box. It has been issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs.This medal was awarded to Ernest Henry Swan. He served from December 1941 to July 1942 in the Citizen Military Forces and from July 1942 to September 1944 in the Australian Imperial Forces. His reason for discharge was reserved occupation. He held the rank of corporal in 26th Motor regiment. He was born in Colac 19/11/1919 to Ernest Swan and Daisy Johnson. He died 04/08/2009 and is buried at the Warrnambool cemetery. During his life he farmed a soldiers’ settlers block in the Grasmere area, north of Warrnambool. A common object with over 300000 minted but with a link to a local person and commemorating an event of world importance.Gold metal round medal with Australian coat of Arms on one side and stylised image of outline of Australia on the obverse side. Mounted in black card box.World War 11 Service to Australia. World War 11 60years 1945-2005warrnambool, ernest swan, 60th anniversary medallion ww2 -
Victoria Police Museum
Corkscrew
The corkscrew was discovered in a box with a 1906 newspaper article concerning the Victoria Police Museum and its collection. In it Inspector Cawsey speaks of the corkscrew as being the same given to him by convicted serial killer Frederick Deeming in 1892.Metal corkscrew on turned wooden handle. A small knife is attached in one end of the handle. The corkscrew worm has a cylindrical shape frame attached to the central stem. A small pin is inserted above this, and can be made loose to allow the cylinder to move further up the stem to remove the corkfrederick deeming, inspector cawsey, murders, emily mather -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Box Swinton Collection, Mid 20th century
This box comes from the Swinton collection and belonged to Alex Swinton. The Swinton family are a pioneering family in Warrnambool with William and Ann Swinton arriving in the town in 1854. Swinton businesses (stores selling furnishings, produce, hardware, clothing, glassware etc.) have been important in Timor Street, Warrnambool since 1865 and are among the oldest family businesses in Australia. Alexander Swinton (1907-1986) was the son of George and Florence Swinton of Merri Crescent Warrnambool. He attended Warrnambool Technical School in the early 1920s. This box is of minor interest as a memento of Alexander Swinton, a prominent member of a prominent Warrnambool family.This is a rectangular-shaped wooden box. It has a rough surface base suggesting that it once was covered in some type of cloth. The top and the sides have a brown varnished surface with a marbled finish. The remains of a metal plaque are in the centre of the top. The inside of the box suggests that it was originally padded to fit a particular object. The lid has two metal hinges and the two catches on the side are metal. Some lettering inside is encased in the outline of a shield and a triangle. Union Case …. Trade Mark H.Coward (or Goward) alexander swinton, warrnambool, history of warrnambool, swinton -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Memorial prize presentation box, Presentation box of the Ringwood Mountain District Sports Association with six small metal plaques for the years 1936-1944, 1936 -1944
Presentation box of the Ringwood Mountain District Sports Association (RMDSA) The badges are for RMDSA Premiers 1936 Rounders RMDSA Football Ringwood East Premiers Section A 1938 RMDSA Premiers Rounders 1940 Ringwood East . Also 1941 Section A Ringwood East and 1944 .Box of fiddleback wood with glass front. Along lower edge and right hand side front six metal badges for sporting achievements of the Ringwood Mountain District Sports Association. Four shield shaped and two rectangular badges. Years 1936 -1944 -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Badge - Badges, Collection of Wattle Day and War Chest Day badges, c. 1918
Each badge made in a different year for Wattle Day fund raising and War Chest day fund raising.Box of 12 badges 10 wattle day League 1 War Chest Day 1 metal shield M on K No. 29811 on back. Various sizes each with fastening pin for lapel All in Plastic box -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Medal, Ringwood Movie Club - trophy in form of metal disc presented to Club in 1978, 1978
Metal disc (diam 8cm) with text handwritten on box: Trophy presented to Ringwood Movie Club for 1st Prize in competition in Japan. Individual Members Portion 1978. A picture of a projector is embossed.Face of disc: ELMO 16mm Projector Model A 1927; Back of disc: ELMO -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Archive box, Box of various miscellaneous metal artefacts to be photographed and catalogued. *** Further details Required
... Box of various miscellaneous metal artefacts to be...Box of various miscellaneous metal artefacts... metal artefacts to be photographed and catalogued. Box ...Box of various miscellaneous metal artefacts to be photographed and catalogued. -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Archive box, Box of various miscellaneous metal artefacts to be photographed and catalogued. *** Further details Required
... Box of various miscellaneous metal artefacts to be...Box of various miscellaneous metal artefacts... metal artefacts to be photographed and catalogued. Box ...Box of various miscellaneous metal artefacts to be photographed and catalogued. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
buttons
Mary and Esme Reynolds were the daughters of Edward Reynolds, a tinsmith, who ran a hardware shop in Orbost until 1905. He was married to Elizabeth Davidson.Box of assorted buttons and beads, assorted colours and sizes. Made of glass, plastic and metal.buttons haberdashery costume-accessories -
Orbost & District Historical Society
sovereign balance
This simple brass see-saw balance was used to test the gold sovereign coin and its half for wear, and to detect counterfeit coinsSovereigns and half sovereigns are no longer in use.A metal sovereign balance with two measuring plates and weight. Counterweighted desktop rocker tests for British gold Sovereigns and Half Sovereigns, both weight and thickness. It has the original green box with label on lid top.Front - sovereign - half - Askey's improved warranted - son -Bush'ssovereign-balance instrument weighing sovereign -
Orbost & District Historical Society
iron, 1867
Charcoal irons followed the use of flat irons when the base was made into a box in which to put charcoal which would keep the iron hotter for a longer time.This item is an example of a domestic appliance in common usage before the advent of electricity.Large black ornate charcoal iron with a chimney on the top. It has an ornate metal hand protector. It has a hollow base into which charcoal is placed. The small hole at the back has a sliding cover that was used to regulate the temperature of the iron. ir0n-charcoal domestic -
The Cyril Kett Optometry Museum
Ophthalmotrope, unknown, (estimated); mid 20th century
... actions of various extra-ocular muscles. Also wooden storage box... actions of various extra-ocular muscles. Also wooden storage box ...This model was used in lectures in the College from the mid 20th century. An ophthalmotrope is a mechanical model constructed to demonstrate the movements of the eyes and the actions of the various muscles which produce them. The first ophthalmotrope was made by Theodore Reute in 1845 and it was he who gave it the name 'ophthalmotrope'. Frans Donders (1818-1889) became interested in eye movements on reading Reute's work, and his subsequent studies were of physiological interest and also provided the basis for principles underlying the correction of squint. Because of the complexity of the actions and counter actions of the eye muscles, ophthalmologists of the 19th century sought a practical solution with the construction of mechanical models. Reute's second model of 1857 was more sophisticated. Its eyeballs contained lenses and the optical system could be moved backwards and forwards to simulate accommodation. Later ophthalmotropes are known by Landolt, Knapp and Snellen.This ophthalmotrope is the one that was used as a teaching aid in the College from the mid 20th century.Brass framed model to illustrate actions of extra-ocular muscles. Two painted wooden globes mounted in brass frame with coloured strings attached to brass weights positioned to show actions of various extra-ocular muscles. Also wooden storage box. Materials: brass, metal, wood, string.optometry, ophthalmology, ophthalmotrope, eye, eye movements, extra ocular muscles, eye muscles, eye teaching -
Orbost & District Historical Society
medications, mid to second half 20th century
These items were available for sale by chemists in Orbost. Chemists who worked in Orbost included Henry Cottman; James Alfred Dubois Williams; Harry Arthur Murray; Miss P.E .Mason (Phyllis Estelle?); Miss Sybil Monica Buzza; Thomas James Frayer; Australia Shaw; James David Torley; John William Zimmer; Dalkeith William Steele; William Thomas Hollingsworth; E.E. Cohen; R.S. Anderson; Frances John Perry Faith Everard Pardew and Charles Anthony Wurf.The practices of early pharmacists are revealed through these glass bottles. The items have a clear association with Orbost. Seven packaged medications / ointments.Inside 3215.1 is a small brown glass jar with a white plastic lid. It is labelled " Zimmer's Cuprese Ointment". The contents are unused and have a use by date label June 95.The box is white with black and white print on bands of blue and green. 3215.2 is a white cardboard box with red and black print. It contains a 60 g unused tube of "Akileine ionisee". 3215.3 is an orange and white cardboard box with black print. It contains a narrow green glass bottle of oil with a black plastic lid and is labelled "OLBAS".3215.4 is a glass jar with a white plastic lid. It is labelled "NAPRASH CREAM". 3215.5 is a small brown glass jar with a white metal screw lid. On the label is "SKIN BALM". 3215.6 is a very rusted round tin with a painted label on the front "French Corn Cure" in gold print. 3215.7 is a rectangular shaped tin with rounded corners. It is light green with a painted label on the lid "SIMPSON"S CAMPHOR ICE".pharmacies-orbost medications chemist skin-remedies -
Orbost & District Historical Society
medications, 1940s - second half 20th century
These items were used or were available for sale by chemists in Orbost. Chemists who worked in Orbost included Henry Cottman; James Alfred Dubois Williams; Harry Arthur Murray; Miss P.E .Mason (Phyllis Estelle?); Miss Sybil Monica Buzza; Thomas James Frayer; Australia Shaw; James David Torley; John William Zimmer; Dalkeith William Steele; William Thomas Hollingsworth; E.E. Cohen; R.S. Anderson; Frances John Perry Faith Everard Pardew and Charles Anthony Wurf. The practices of early pharmacists are revealed through these glass bottles. The items have a clear association with Orbost. Seven containers. Six are cylindrical and one rectangular. 3217.1 and 3217.2 are pale green cylindrical 50 g containers with metal lids labelled "GRANTS ASTHMA POWDER" in red and white print. 3217.3 is a white glass jar with a green metal lid and a paper triangular label with white and navy print label, " REXONA OINTMENT".3217.4 is a small white cylindrical container with a red label with white print on green, "GREEN LABEL PILLS". 3217.5 is a white cylindrical plastic container with blue print, "JANOS JUNIPER CELERY MINERAL SPRINGS SALTS". 3217.6 is an empty narrow cylindrical blue and white container labelled, "DEWITTS PILLS". 3217.7 is a rectangular cardboard box, mottled brown with a white label and gown print,"6 X 2ml AMPOULES ANAEHAEMIN".medications-orbost-pharmacies containers-medications chemist pharmaceuticals -
Orbost & District Historical Society
spray bottle, C 1930's
The glass phial contained liquid ethyl chloride. By directing the nozzle downwards at the skin a stream of liquid squirts out, vaporising on contact.. Ether's unpleasant smell agitated patients. Ethyl chloride's pleasant odour reduced agitation. It was used for controlling pain associated with injections and in minor surgical procedures. This item was used at Orbost Hospital.This item reflects the changes and development in medicine over the last century.A blue cardboard box containing a glass phial with metal lid that forms a spray nozzle. The lid of the box has a white manufacturer's label with blue writing. The phial has a discoloured white label with red writing.Ethyl chloride (pure) 100cc Woolwich for local anaestheticethyl-chloride chemical woolwich-eliott anaesthesia medical health orbost-hospital -
Orbost & District Historical Society
spray bottle, C 1930's
The glass phial contained liquid ethyl chloride. By directing the nozzle downwards at the skin a stream of liquid squirts out, vaporising on contact.. Ether's unpleasant smell agitated patients. Ethyl chloride's pleasant odour reduced agitation. It was used for controlling pain associated with injections and in minor surgical procedures. This item was used at Orbost Hospital. This item reflects the changes and development in medicine over the last century.A blue cardboard box containing a glass phial with metal lid that forms a spray nozzle. The phial has a discoloured white label with red writing.ethyl-chloride chemical woolwich-eliott anaesthesia medical health orbost-hospital -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Lipton's Tea tin, 1900 - 1920
Tea was one of the first goods to be packaged in metal containers. Early import/export companies shipped it in metal-lined wooden crates. Pewter (widely used in England) was used one of the earliest metals used to fashion oriental style tea containers. Tin plated iron was made into tea canisters as early as 1790, often hand painted with places of the tea's origin. This tin has been adapted for use as a money box.In the mid-nineteenth century custom branded tins developed as a tasteful form of advertising. They were often cheap and decorative and found their way into households as gifts, often being kept as ornaments and storage boxes.They have survived well in many homes. A cylindrical metal Lipton's tin. The lid has a slot cut into it. The front panel has "LIPTON'S" above a red drawing of a tea factory and plantation with" TEA" below it. The print is white. There are panels framed in bamboo around the tin."Lipton tea, coffee and cocoa planter: Tea merchant by special appointment to his majesty King George V"tea-caddy lipton's container -
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 -
Cheese World Museum
Telephone
Dovetailed wooden case of walnut colour. Telephone with bakelite mouthpiece attached to the front with four screws and a metal plate keyhole to the left. A bakelite handpiece with a black and white cord attached to the left hand side.The phone box with two bells attached to the top is joined to a backboard. A winder is on the right hand side. "Workings",including magnets, intact inside the box.EB L1 L2 BATT printed on the edge inside the box.uebergang, allansford, furniture domestic, communication, telephones -
Cheese World Museum
Stereoscope, George Rose
Part of the Uebergang Collection (H49). This would have been used by Ray and Joyce Uebergang as children during the 1930s.Wooden frame with two-lense metal viewer. The metal viewer is an oval shape with an etched pattern and suede-covered edge. A removable wood and metal attachment has two wire holders for the stereograph cards. There is a folding spindle-shaped wooden handle attached to the base with a metal fitting. The stereograph is housed in a black cardboard box with 'Rose Stereographs' on the lid. The double-image stereo cards are stored separately.Base: PAT'D APR 20 1897 SEP 20 uebergang, george rose, stereoscope, rose stereographs -
Cheese World Museum
Vacuum recorder, E.M.P. Engineers Ltd, c1960
... Phillips Rurakura Vacuum Recorder in a wooden box with lid... in a wooden box with lid, metal hinges and fastening clip, screw ...Used by first Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory Company Ltd Field Officer, Bruce McLaren, for on-farm testing in the Allansford area to check the amount of suction in milking machines.Phillips Rurakura Vacuum Recorder in a wooden box with lid, metal hinges and fastening clip, screw adjustment and name plate on outside. Inside has a clockwork-operated recorder with pen device to roll of paper.Internal: Trade mark Empel E.M.P. Engineers Ltd PO Box 5125, Hamilton, NZ Aust. Pat. 209 510. NZ Pat. 112 486. External: Empel Phillips Ruakura Type Vacuum recorder, Makers E.M.R. Engineers Ltd. PO Box 5125, Hamilton NZ -
Cheese World Museum
Butter cutter
No known provenance.Gold-coloured metal butter cutter on 4 legs with winding handle, a box for butter and a wheel on a threaded spindle. The metal handle is connected to a geared cog and when turned pushes a metal plate in the butter box which forces the butter through a star-shaped hole and the wire drops to cut the shaped slice of butter to the determined size.BUT AP ATTAbutter manufacture, butter cutters, warrnambool cheese and butter factory company ltd -
Cheese World Museum
Belt joiner
... . Allansford tools belts mechanics Ken Cathie Gem GEM (on box) Heavy ...Used by Ken Cathie in his mechanics workshop.Heavy metal belt-joiner tool painted green with hinged pieces. Inside a brass comb-like piece is attached with three screws. A row of staples is inserted into the comb and a hook slides through to lock in place when repairing a belt. A flat section on the top is hit with a hammer to knit the metal staples together.GEM (on box)allansford, tools, belts, mechanics, ken cathie, gem -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Octant, Mid to late 19th Century
An octant is an astronomical instrument used in measuring the angles of heavenly bodies such as the sun, moon and stars at sea in relation to the horizon. This measurement could then be used to calculate the altitude of the body measured, and then the latitude at sea could also be calculated. The angle of the arms of an octant is 45 degrees, or 1/8 of a circle, which gives the instrument its name. Two men independently developed the octant around 1730: John Hadley (1682–1744), an English mathematician, and Thomas Godfrey (1704–1749), a glazier in Philadelphia. While both have a legitimate and equal claim to the invention, Hadley generally gets the greater share of the credit. This reflects the central role that London and the Royal Society played in the history of scientific instruments in the eighteenth and nineteenth century's. There were also two others who are attributed to having created octanes during this period, Caleb Smith, an English insurance broker with a strong interest in astronomy (in 1734), and Jean-Paul Fouchy, a mathematics professor and astronomer in France (in 1732) In 1767 the first edition of the Nautical Almanac tabulated lunar distances, enabling navigators to find the current time from the angle between the sun and the moon. This angle is sometimes larger than 90°, and thus not possible to measure with an octant. For that reason, Admiral John Campbell, who conducted shipboard experiments with the lunar distance method, suggested a larger instrument and the sextant was developed. From that time onward, the sextant was the instrument that experienced significant development and improvements and was the instrument of choice for naval navigators. The octant continued to be produced well into the 19th century, though it was generally a less accurate and less expensive instrument. The lower price of the octant, including versions without a telescope, made it a practical instrument for ships in the merchant and fishing fleets. One common practice among navigators up to the late nineteenth century was to use both a sextant and an octant. The sextant was used with great care and only for lunar sightings while the octant was used for routine meridional altitude measurements of the sun every day. This protected the very accurate and pricier sextant while using the more affordable octant for general use where it performs well. The invention of the octant was a significant step in providing accuracy of a sailors latitude position at sea and his vessels distance from land when taking sightings of land-based landmarks.Octant with metal handle, three different colored shades are attached, in wooden wedge-shaped box lined with green felt. Key is attached. Two telescope eyepieces are in box. Some parts are missing. Oval ink stamp inside lid of box, scale is graduated to 45 degrees. Ink stamp inside lid of box "SHIPLOVERS SOCIETY OF VICTORIA. LIBRARY"instrument, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, octant, navigation, nautical instrument, navigation instrument, john hadley, sextant, astronomical instrument