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Orbost & District Historical Society
music box, 1830-1840
Music boxes have been around at least since the end of the 18th century. The finest artisans in Europe created them and brought music into family homes when there were really no other types of music entertainment for homes. Music boxes performed the popular music of their day; songs from the opera, traditional songs, and hymns.The Nicole Freres were regarded as the best maker of cylinder music boxes during the mid 1800s. This is a fine example of a 19th century music box.Small wooden music box operated by winding a key which moves a studded cylinder against a comb of tuned teeth. A green paper label has been tacked to the underside of the lid. Cylinder music box, made by Nicole Freres, Geneva, Switzerland, c.1830-1840 Music box with an outside key wind . The cylinder length is 20cm and it plays 4 different airs. single comb, 112 teeth with exposed control levers. on label underneath the lid is "Music de Geneve" and the names of the tunes and the number 5929music-box musical-instrument nicole-freres -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Ceremonial object - Ushabti of Taweret-Khaiti, Circa 1292 BC
Ushabti are tiny anthropoid (human-shaped) figures placed in the tombs of wealthy Egyptians. They were intended to do the work of the deceased in the afterlife. This purpose is implied through their name, which may have derived from the Egyptian word “to answer”. The Burke Museum in Beechworth is home to a particular ancient Egyptian Ushabti figure. This artefact was donated to the Museum in 1875. No details about how it left Egypt, arrived in Australia, and where it was located before this donation are known. The Nineteenth Century, when this artefact was donated, was a period when many museums acquired items of ancient Egyptian heritage. Many of these items were procured in less than desirable circumstances, having often been looted from ancient tombs and sold to tourists without documentation as to their original location and/or accompanying grave goods. These artefacts were also divested through partage (the trading of artefacts for funds); however, the latter is unlikely to have been the case for this artefact. Since the Ushabti was donated by an unknown donor, it is likely to have been in a private collection rather than an institution. Ushabti can be dated using iconographic analysis which is non-invasive and provides a comprehensive study of the artefact. The later period of the 18th Dynasty marked the beginning of an increase in both the inclusion of Ushabti as essential funerary items and the creation of Ushabti with tools. From this period, they are no longer depicted without tools. Depictions of tools including gardening hoes are frequently depicted grasped in the Ushabti’s hands whilst items like the seed-bag are depicted hanging on the back rather than in an alternative position. This Ushabti figure grasps a gardening hoe and a mattock and a small seed bag surrounded by a yoke bearing water jars are depicted on the upper back of the Ushabti. These features are essential in helping narrow this dating to the late 18th and before the early 20th Dynasty. The position of this seed bag also provides dating information. In the early 18th Dynasty this bag was consistently drawn on the front of the figurine; however, by the reign of Seti I, this feature moved to the back. Thus, since the seed bag is located on the back of this Ushabti, it cannot date to the early 18th Dynasty. By the 19th Dynasty, Ushabti’s were increasingly made from either faience or terracotta. The availability of these materials in Egypt resulted in the increase of Ushabti production with tombs containing many more figurines than previously seen. The Ushabti held by the Burke collections is made from terracotta. Terracotta was rarely used for Ushabti before and during the early 18th Dynasty with only the odd appearance until the late 18th Dynasty and becoming common through that period until the late Third Intermediate Period. Whilst the face has been damaged, there is no evidence for the Ushabti having been provided with an Osirian false beard. This omission rules out a dating of later than the 25th Dynasty when beards became prominent. The inscriptions also date the Ushabti to the New Kingdom. This is because of the use of sḥḏ (“to illuminate”) with Wsjr (“Osiris”) which only occurs in these periods. Therefore, considering all these elements, the Ushabti can be confidently be dated to between the late 18th to early 19th dynasty.Artefacts like this Ushabti are no longer exclusively representative of their origins in burial assemblages and significance in the mythology of the Egyptian afterlife but are also significant for the accumulated histories they have gained through travel. The movement of this artefact from Egypt to Australia allows insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century, and in particular, the reception of ancient Egyptian artefacts in small rural museums. The procurement of Egyptian artefacts was a social trend around the late 1800s to early 1900s. Egyptian artefacts were considered curiosities and recognised for their ability to attract public attention to museums. They were also utilised in Australian museums, like the Burke Museum, to connect the collection to one of the oldest civilisations known to man and since Australia was considered a “young” country by European settlers, this was vital and derived from an interest in Darwin’s “Origin of the Species” 1859. Furthermore, there was a culture of collecting in the 1800s amongst the affluent in English society which led to the appearance of many Egyptian artefacts in private collections. The acquisition of this Ushabti figure is not certain, but it was likely donated from a private collection rather than an institution. This particular artefact is significant as an example of a high-quality Ushabti representative of those produced during the late 18th or early 19th century. It provides insight into the individualism of an Ushabti and the mythology of ancient Egypt. It also provides an example of the types of items required in the tomb assemblages of this period and reinforces the importance of ensuring the successful afterlife of the deceased through art. This Ushabti belonged to a woman named Taweret-Khaiti, Chantress of Amun, in the late 18th Dynasty or early 19th Dynasty (c.1292 BC) of the Egyptian New Kingdom. It likely comes from an undetermined tomb in the locality of Thebes. This figure is made from Nile silt clay (a polyester terracotta; clay sourced from the banks of the Nile River) which was a popular material for Ushabti construction in the early 19th Dynasty. It is in a fair state of preservation (with the exception of a break through the centre) and originally made to a high quality. The face has been damaged but the eyes and eyebrows are clearly marked with black ink and the sclera painted white. The Ushabti is painted a light brown/yellow colour and features a vertical line of inscription down the lower front. The Ushabti wears a large wig and and a schematic collar. The arms are painted light brown and depicted crossed with bracelets around the wrists. It grasps a hoe and mattock. A yellow seed-basket is depicted on the Ushabti’s back. These features represent the likelihood that this particular Ushabti was intended to complete farm work for the deceased in the next life. There would have been additional Ushabti of similar design within the tomb who worked under the supervision of a foreman Ushabti. The foreman Ushabti would be depicted dressed in the clothing of the living. The inscriptions are painted freehand in black ink and written in a vertical column from the base of the collar to the foot pedestal on the front of the Ushabti. The owner of the Ushabti could elect to have the figures inscribed with their name, the Ushabti spell and any other details they deemed necessary. In the case of this example, the Ushabti is inscribed with the owner’s details and is an abbreviated version of the standard Ushabti formula. This formula ensured that the Ushabti would complete the desired task in the afterlife when called upon by the deceased. Ushabti which were not inscribed would represent their intended purpose through design; however, this Ushabti, like most made in the late 18th Dynasty, conveys its purpose both through both design and inscription. The inscription is as follows: sHD wsir nbt pr Smayt imn tA-wr(t)-xai(ti) mAa xrw which translates to: "The illuminated one, the Osiris (the deceased), the mistress of the household, Chantress of Amun, Taweret-Khaiti, true of voice (justified)"ancient egypt -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Postcard
The photograph is of the Powder Magazine and gorge in Beechworth. The Magazine was built for six hundred and ninety-seven pounds in 1859 by "T Dawson and company." However, the walls were constructed later in 1860 by "Atchison and Lumsden," a different building firm. The Beechworth Magazine was one of many made by the government for the storage of gunpowder. However, the building eventually stopped being used as the mining decreased in the area, finally becoming unsused with the invention of nitro-glycerine compounds. The magazine was created to hold large quantities of gunpowder and much of its design was to hinder the prospective of damage. These safety features included double arched foundations and an arched inner roof, which would move a possible explosion upwards. Also, a process of lighting conductors, ventilation and heavy granite walls were incorporated in the designThe photograph shows historic significance due to its association with the mining era in Beechworth in the late 1800s. The photo shows the Powder Magazine after construction in 1960, most likely when it was storing gunpowder during a signifiant time period for the region.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on cardObverse: No 2 POWDER MAGAZINE BEECHWORTH. BUILT OF LOCAL GRANITE IN 1859-60. Reverse: KODAK / POST CARD / CORRESPONDANCE. ADDRESS ONLYbeechworth, powder magazine, gunpowder, mining, beechworth powder magazine, explosives, atchison and lumsden, t dawson and company, gorge, granite, granite building, 1860 -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
Element of Ashton's Circus c.1870s showing crew staff, wagons and a circus tent in the background, and a man seated in the foreground with four small dogs standing on their hind legs (poodles?). This photo details the noteworthy entertainment, specifically Ashton's Circus or now known 'Circus Joseph Ashton', that would travel to Beechworth and be enjoyed by its citizens in the late 1800s. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperReverse: 3718 / Ashton Circus / About 1870beechworth, burke museum, circus, ashton's circus, travelling circus, entertainment album, circus joseph ashton -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
A large black and white photograph of 9 ladies dressed in long garms with tea cups and saucers, some standing and some sitting in a house garden and onto verandah. A central figure is pouring tea from a silver pot on a table with a lace table cloth. This image depicts the way in which female residents in Beechworth in the late 1800s would enjoy their time through garden tea parties, providing insight to their ways of entertainment. Black and white rectangular reproduced photograph printed on matte photographic paper Reverse: BMM 8785 / 1997 2600/ PH 79 beechworth, tea party, burke museum, garden party, garden, verandah, cups and saucers -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, Before 1918
Depicted is James Ashton (also known as Jim Ashton), a circus proprietor, crouched beside a seated small girl (or a lady with dwarfism). The two are dressed in formal attire, James is wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and together with the girl holding a small bouquet of flowers.James Ashton was the son of James Henry Ashton. James Henry Ashton founded Ashton Circus in the early 1800s, well before Federation. For over 160 years Ashton Circus has travelled to both regional towns and big cities, bringing joy to the people of Australia. Generations of the Ashtons crossed desserts and flooded rivers, drove over snow-covered mountains, fended off bushrangers, and even ventured where there were no roads to reach the communities that have loved and inspired our family of performers for over a century. People came from all around to enjoy Ashton Circus. In the 1800s, Ned Kelly watched our show on a number of occasions and even enjoyed tea with the performers after the show. The Ashton Family has grown and changed over eight generations since James Henry Ashton started his circus. Our family continues this great tradition, proud that we still bring affordable family entertainment to our fellow Australians. Today, the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th generations of the Ashton family are still on tour, operating three individual circuses throughout Australia- each of having grown from the same roots.Black and white oval reproduced photograph printed on rectangular paper mounted on cardboardObverse: Jim Ashton was the first generation in Aus-/ tralia. His father came out in the 1840's and/ established a circus that toured the country. (printed)/ Reverse: 1997.2560 (in pencil)/ about 1860 (in blue pen)/ A02560 (in pencil)/entertainment album, burke museum, beechworth, circus, ashton circus, james ashton, jim ashton -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Craft - Ship Model, Port Jackson Schooner
This ship model is of a Colonial Port Jackson schooner, originally designed by the British Admiralty in 1803 as a response to the request of New South Wales' Governor Arthur Phillip. The drafts for the original plans are in Greenwich, UK, in the National Maritime Museum. The model is a Ledition edition, number 2 of 5, modelled by Bill Leonard. The model is rigged and decked in the manner of David McGregor. The flag on model of Port Jackson schooner is that of the British White Ensign which was used as the flag design of the Royal Australian Navy from 1911 - 1967. In 1785 the First Fleet arrived in the new British colony of Port Jackson (now Sydney Harbour) in New South Wales and Arthur Phillip was appointed as the first Governor. The following year Governor Phillip asked the English Royal Navy to provide drafts and materials for two ships for use in the Port Jackson colony for exploring and surveying rivers. The vessels needed a shallow draught and to be made from local cedar timber. He asked for the frames of the schooners to be provided along with shipwrights to assemble them. Many years later, in 1803, Governor Phillip’s request was fulfilled but he had already resigned from his post. The drafts titled ‘Schooner for Port Jackson’ were despatched by the Royal Navy from England to Australia. The original draft is still in the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, UK. Meanwhile, the NSW Government had already built various other ships before 1803. In 1797 His Majesty’s Dockyard was opened at Port Jackson for building larger vessels. The Royal Navy’s 1803 design of a ‘Schooner for Port Jackson’ has been recognised on the obverse of Australia’s twenty dollar banknote since 1994. A sketch of the schooner is beside the portrait of Mrs Mary Reibey, who arrived as a convict and rose to become a respected and successful owner of a cargo shipping business. Her fleet included the Mercury, a schooner similar to the 1803 design for the Port Jackson schooner. Although the 1803 plans for a ‘Schooner for Port Jackson’ are commonly believed to be used for the first ship built in Australia, no records have been found of any ships being built according to these plans. However, it can be claimed that the plans were the ‘first Royal Navy plans made for a ship for use at Port Jackson, and to be built at Port Jackson, in Australia’. William (Bill) Leonard passed away on March 1st 1995.This ship model is significant for its representation of an early Australian colonial schooner. The 1803 Royal Navy’s plans for the colonial ‘Schooner for Port Jackson, were for the first ship specifically designed by the Royal Navy to be built and used in Port Jackson, for use in exploration and surveying of Australian ports and rivers. The plans are associated with Australia’s colonial settlement in the late 1700s. This ship model is significant for its association with the emblems of Australia’s history on the twenty dollar banknote. The colonial Port Jackson schooner is considered significant to Australian history, and represented on the 1994 twenty dollar banknote and its new version being rolled out in October 2019.Ship model of a colonial Port Jackson Schooner. Two-masted sailing ship displaying the flag named The British White Ensign. Mode of light coloured stained timberl is mounted on brass legs inside a glass case with timber frame and base. Metal engraved plaque states that the model is as designed by The Admiralty in 1803. Model is a number 2 of 5 in a limited edition, made by Bill Leonard.Engraved on metal plaque "PORT JACKSON SCHOONER / As Designed By The Admiralty. 1803"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, ship model port jackson schooner, sailing ship, limited edition model, model maker bill leonard, david mcgregor design, maritime trade, maritime vessel, colonial port jackson schooner, pacific island trade in early 1800s, sydney cove, governor arthur phillip, governor philip gidley king, a schooner for port jackson, national maritime museum greenwich, australian $20 banknote -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, The Holy Bible, 1924
This Bible belonged to Meryl Swinton, a member of the Swinton family well-known in Warrnambool. William and Ann Swinton came to Warrnambool in 1854 and established a store in Timor Street and several branches of their business in other local towns. The Swinton family still has commercial interests in Timor Street. This Bible is of interest as it belonged to Meryl Swinton, a member of the Swinton family, prominent in business and community circles in Warrnambool since the mid 1800s. This is a hard cover book of 1016 pages. It has a brown leather cover with lettering embossed on the front cover and with gold lettering on the spine. The spine has become partly detached and has been mended in the past with adhesive tape, traces of which still remain on the spine and on the first and back pages. The cover is a little scuffed and stained. The inscriptions are handwritten in black ink. ‘Meryl Swinton 1925’ ‘Swinton 74’ swinton family, warrnambool, meryl swinton, history of warrnambool -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Safe Coolgardie, circa early 1900s
The harsh summer temperatures and the isolated rural environment(of the 1890's) provided the inventor of the "Coolgardie safe" (Arthur Patrick McCormick) with an idea to cool perishable foods by using water soaked "hessian" cloth to provide the "coolant" for the evaporation process to cool the inside temperature of the "safe". Items such as meat,cream/milk/butter and cool "drinks" are a few perishables that need cool environments , especially in isolated "ice free" locations. Cities during this time period had large "ice works" which delivered block ice to all areas that required a form of refrigeration. These ice blocks where held in early refrigerators to keep perishables cool to cold. This "Coolardie" safe was the next best thing for isolated rural households and travellers/campers/stockmen to provide a cooler environment for foodstuff affected by heat. Ice filled "esky" coolers and ice boxes are a modern day off shoot to the original Coogardie safe however they still rely on ice or frozen coolant bricks for cooling.This "Coogardie" safe is very significant to the Kiewa Valley and the Bogong High Plains because it represents not only the initiative thinking of the early settlers and communities but also the "primitive" solution to an everyday (1800s to 1930s) problem (before gas and electric run refrigerators) of keeping "perishables" at a low temperature and thereby prolonging their "shelf" life. This was before electricity and gas was available to the inhabitants of the Kiewa Valley and Bogong High Plains. Another cooling method for food was to have "water tight" containers dipped into the very cold streams running from the "cooler" alpine mountains and the Bogong High Plains. This however could not be carried out in all situations eg. fast flowing currents and locations away from streams. This "Coolgardie safe" is made from a medium grade steel enclosure and its appearance is of a perforated box with a wire handle and one side (long side) being a hinged "door" with a clasp securing "lock". There are air holes grouped into a small "boxed" pattern. Each "box" is divided by a crossed pattern, dividing the "holed" sections(4) into a diamond configuration of 49 small holes each. There are four sides (long) which have the perforations except for the base which does not. The base has an indentation with a loose "catch" tray to catch water spills. When in use the "box" is covered with a water "soaked" cloth. The wet cloth is used as "coolant" ie. fibers in the cloth hold the water droplets seep out evaporating the area and thereby (in mass) cooling the air inside the container.domestic refrigeration cabinets, coolgardie "safe", insect and vermin proof food containers, electric and gas free cold storage containers -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
17 labels, J Fletcher, Early 20th century
In 1888 it was reported in "Victoria and its Metropolis" that John Fletcher carried on the business of a manufacturer of aerated waters, cordials, hop bitters, etc. in Warrnambool, and traded throughout the Western District. The establishment was started by a Mr. J. Davis with whom Mr. Fletcher was connected from its commencement, and whom he succeeded in 1885. His business continued until 1930. The Warrnambool and District Historical Society has a collection of bottles used by John Fletcher to contain his products. These labels are significant as John Fletcher was a most successful manufacturer of cordials and aerated waters in Warrnambool in the late 1800s and early 1900s .1 Buff coloured rectangular card label with black text. 2 Rectangular label with curved top adhered to a piece of white paper. It is coloured red, blue black and gold and features two standards and text. .3 Rectangular label with curved top adhered to the reverse of .2. It is coloured red and green and features a sketch of Punch carrying a bowl of a steaming substance and text .4 Rectangular label with curved top adhered to a piece of white paper. It is coloured red, apricot, dark and light blue, gold and black. It features the linked initials JF, two standards a trade mark and text .5 Rectangular label with curved top adhered to the reverse of .4 It is coloured red, blue, green, black and gold. It features two standards and text. .6 Identical to .3 but not adhered to paper .7,.8, .9 .10 White rectangular labels with red text. .9 has a damaged corner. .10 is adhered to a piece of white paper. .11,.12,.13,.14,.15..16 Red rectangular labels with black text and a coat of arms. .13 is adhered to a piece of pink card, .17 Blue rectangular label with text and a coat of arms .1 FROM J. FLETCHER, WARRNAMBOOL Manufacturer of Aerated Waters, Soda, Lithia and Tonic Waters, Lemonade, Ginger Ale, Hop beer, Hop Bitters, Sarsaparilla and all Cordials .2 SUPERIOR CONCENTATED COMPOUND EXTRACT OF SARSAPARILLA PREPARED FROM THE BEST RED ROOT OF JAMAICA SARSAPARILLA J. FLETCHER,WARRNAMBOOL .3 HOT CHILLIE PUNCH J. FLETCHER WARRNAMBOOL Approximately 26 Oz. .4 UNION TRADE MARK JOHN FLETCHER WARRNAMBOOL HOP BITTERS EXTRACTED FROM THE FLOWER .5 J FLETCHER WARRNAMBOOL SUPERIOR GREEN COLOURED WITH BURNT SUGAR GINGER CORDIAL .6 Identical to .3 .7,.8,.9,.10 ASK FOR XXX HOP A1 BEER J FLETCHER WARRNAMBOOL .11,.12,.13.14,.15.16 SODA WATER J Fletcher .17 LITHIA WATER J FLETCHER WARRNAMBOOL john fletcher, warnambool, cordials -
Port of Echuca
Black and white photograph, Approx.1980
Details of P. S. Queen: construction: composite 16 h.p. Registered tonnage: gross 128, net 92. Dimensions:L.103.3 ft B.18.5ft. D 5.7ft. Port and date of registry:Adelaide, 1880, no.43, 154. Built at Goolwa, S.A., 1865!. Owner: Chas Oliver. Lengthened in 1872. Details of barge Bourke. Construction:wood. Tonnage: 124. Dimensions:L 108.5 ft X B 20.5 ft X D 8.0 ft. Port and date of registry:Adelaide, 1898, no. 74, 771. built at: Miland, S. A. 1876. Owner: A. L. Land seer. Information from "The register of Australian & N. Z. Shipping 1898. This photograph has historical and social significance being typical of transport on the rivers systems of Australia in the late 1800s. Paddlesteamers carried supples to settlers and then carried their produce such as Wool and other produce down the rivers to markets or to be transferred by rail to the major ports such as Melbourne or Adelaide. Black and white photograph of P. S. Queen with the barge Bourke rigged to its side. Photographed in a gorge where boats appear to be moored. Photograph taken from the bow of the Queen with 3 people visible on the port side of the boat and there appear to be sacks stacked on the front of the boat. The barge Bourke has a tent structured tarp over it. Copy of an original photograph (date unknown)Inscription in pencil on reverse:Queen. On the photograph can be seen "Queen" on the bow and partically on the wheelhouse. The barge has "Bourke" visible on its bow.p. s. queen, bourke barge, paddle steamers -
Port of Echuca
Photograph (sepia), approx 1850's
Sepia photograph of Hopwood's Punt, showing the gangway extended to river bank. There are 5 workmen, dressed in work clothes and boots, at the front of the punt and 2 gentlemen, dressed in coats and umbrellas. Stock, produce (possibly wool bales) and people are on board. There are 3 horses hitched to a wagon and behind there looks like a large consignment of wool bales. There appears to be women at the side of the punt (1 with an umbrella up). At the side of the punt there appears to be a passenger landing. There is also a small row boat tied to the side of the punt. Wagons, barge and possibly other punts are in the background. There was a painting of this scene by J. C. Armytage around 1857.This is a very good example of the cargo, people, produce and animals, that were using the punt to cross the Murray river in the late 1800s. The difference between workers and gentry can be seen as well as the modes of transport at this time.Sepia photograph of Hopwood's Punt, showing the gangway extended to river bank. Stock, produce (possibly wool bales) and people are on board. Wagons, barge and possibly other punts are in the background. Mounted on buff cardboard printed with red lines and letters.On the front at the top, above the red boarder "Royal", at the bottom below the red boarder "Hopwood's Punt, Echuca". On the reverse, "W. B. Payne, Darling St., Echuca"murray river, echuca, hopwood's punt, j. c. armytage (painter) -
Port of Echuca
Functional object - Paddlesteamer, P.S. Adelaide, 1866
Built in 1866 in Echuca, the PS Adelaide is the oldest wooden hulled paddle steamer still operating as a passenger vessel in the world. Engines made in Melbourne by Fulton and Shaw. JG Grassie was the original owner who was looking for a wool carrying boat as a commercial venture with the arrival of the rail at the Port of Echuca making the future look bright. Seutonius and Charles Officer of Murray Downs Station joined Grassie in financing the venture and they used the boat for 6 years before David Blair and partners (Echuca sawmillers) bought the Adelaide in July of 1872 and she began her long working life as a logging boat providing a shuttle service between the forests around Barmah and the mill, usually towing up to 3 or 4 barges. The paddle boxes were rebuilt from round to a square configuration in approximately 1924 by Charles Felshaw, local Echuca shipwright. The Adelaide had unusual strength for her size. Her career ended in the mid 1950s where she lay idle tied up near the mill at Echuca wharf. For a short time she was sold to Mildura but fortunately the Apex Club raised funds to buy her back to be a reminder of the riverboat days at the Port. She was lifted out for safekeeping into Hopwood Gardens where she remained on show for nearly 25 years. After restoration by Port shipwright Keven Hutchinson OAM, she returned to the waters of the Murray River on Sunday March 4th 1984 at 5.20pm. After further restoration, in 1985 the Prince and Princess of Wales re-commissioned PS ADELAIDE in a ceremony on their tour of the region. The world's oldest wooden hulled paddle steamer still operating as a passenger vessel today built in Echuca in 1866. It is often considered the flagship of the operational fleet of the Port of Echuca given its age and known provenance to Echuca. The Adelaide is an iconic symbol of the riverboat timber and cargo trade that worked on the Murray River from the mid 1800s. Remarkably, PS ADELAIDE still operates with its original Fulton and Shaw engines.Composite hull, side wheeler with two single cylinder steam engines, producing a total of 36hp. Currently cream and burgundy moored at the Echuca Wharf. 49 passenger capacity.P.S. Adelaide signage on wheelhouse and port and starboard bow.p.s. adelaide, paddle steamers, echuca boat builders, charles felshaw -
J. Ward Museum Complex
Book - Religious Text, The Traveller’s Guide from Death to Life - Editor: Mrs. Stephen Menzies
Religious text used in Victoria's mental institutionsA good example of the texts relating to Protestant Missions in the late 1800s18.5 cm x 25 cm. 160 pages. Hardcover [publisher’s original navy blue pebbled-finished cloth]. Gilt-stamped device with title and black tooled borders on front board. Blind border tooling to rear board. Fair condition with some significant signs of external wear. Faded and torn cloth at spine. Binding relatively firm and solid. Sharp cornered interior clean and with some aging. Tricoloured Bookplate carrying “Sin, Subsitution, Salvation” and similiarly themed quotes. bible, biblical commentary, protestantism, religious literature -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Leisure object - Boudoir Doll, c. early 1900s
The donor was given this doll about 50 years ago by her grandfather (in the late 1960s). He used to be a handyman at a high rise building in St Kilda, Melbourne. He had been doing some work for one of the old ladies and she gave him the doll to give to his granddaughter, who collected dolls. The doll has spent a few years at the Nagambie museum until it closed down and returned to the donor The origins or age of the doll are unknown. Originally it was thought to be a Fashion Doll dating from around the 1880s but the painted face together with the bisque legs and gold painted shoes are similar to those found on Boudoir Dolls (also known as Bed Dolls, Sofa Dolls, Flapper Dolls and French Dolls) of the early 20th century. Fashion dolls were sent from fashion houses to advertise the latest styles, fabrics, trims, hairstyles and accessories. Dressmakers would show these dolls to their customers. Ladies would then place their order and the dressmakers would make the dress to their size. The dressmakers would learn the construction techniques from examining the dolls. Boudoir Dolls dolls usually had no maker's marks and were primarily used as bedroom decorations for ladies rather than as children's toys. This doll appears to date at about the early part of the 20th century, but the petticoats are much older - possibly from a child's christening gown. At the time that the donor received the doll, it had a coloured lace over-gown that was badly torn so her mother removed it to replace with more lace but this never eventuated. The pink silk dress also appears to have been remodelled into a 19th century style with gathered sleeves and a gathered skirt. This fashion or boudoir doll is significant for being a rare example of a doll made in the late 19th or early 20th centuries. The doll is wearing clothing representing the fashion for young girls in that era. The doll is also significant as an item possibly used by fashion houses and dressmakers to advertise the latest fashions in clothing, trims, accessories and hairstyles. A doll such as this may have been found in a Victorian dressmaker's premises for use as a pattern and technique template and for a display to customers. It may also have been used as a decorative item in a lady's bedroom.Female boudoir doll with silk face and body, and porcelain lower arms and legs. She has plaited blonde silk hair. Her painted face has brown eyes and her shoes are painted gold. The doll is dressed in a long pink puffed-sleeve dress with a gathered waist and a ruffle at the hem. A pink ribbon around her waist is tied at the back. There are small silver balls hand-stitched around the neckline. She has a white, hand-embroidered lace petticoat and bloomers.warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, doll, boudoir doll, female doll, dressmaker's doll, display doll, late 1800s doll, fashion doll, antique doll, 19th century doll, children's fashion, girl's fashion, late 1800s children's fashion, early 20th century doll, composite doll, french doll -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Print - Maritme, Colonial Clipper Schomberg, 1992
This framed print of the famous clipper ship “Schomberg” is associated with Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the wreck of the “Schomberg”. The original was painted in 1992 by maritime artist Philip J. Gray. This limited edition print is number 9/1000. ABOUTH THE SUBJECT – “Schomberg” The Schomberg was a luxury ship built in 1855 to bring immigrants from the UK to Australia in superior comfort. The voyage could take three months or longer but Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes thought that he could sail the Schomberg from Liverpool to Melbourne in a record time of 60 days. On October 6th 1855 the Schomberg left Liverpool on its maiden voyage. She carried 430 passengers plus 3000 tons cargo including rail lines for Geelong and iron for a bridge in Melbourne. After 78 days at sea, on December 27th, Schomberg ran aground near Peterborough, Victoria. All on board were rescued the next day by the passing steamer SS Queen. Gray is well known for his depiction of maritime history. His meticulous attention to detail shows the enormity of the immigrant clipper with its huge billowing sails compared to the tiny figures at work on the deck. The busy crew can be seen attending to the rigging, as can a group of sailors working on the bow under supervision. He identifies the company logo of the Black Ball Ship Line by the flapping white flag with its black circle. Divers from Flagstaff Hill including Peter Ronald (former director) salvaged artefacts and personal effects from the wreck, to be preserved and displayed. Amongst these is the famous Schomberg Diamond ring. ABOUT THE ARTIST – Philip James Gray “Philip is one of Australia’s leading maritime artists and his meticulous research and social commentary paintings of ships, such as, the Loch Ard and Schomberg form an important part of Warrnambool’s Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum.” [ref. Dr Marion Manifold, Artist and Art Historian, 2014] Philip James Gray was born in London but has lived most of his life in Australia. He graduated from a London school of art as an illustrator, specialising in technical and scientific illustration as well as other commercial and applied art. He was also a student for a time of Fyffe Christie - British figurative artist, mural painter and humanitarian – who had a great influence on his career. Philip has always worked as a professional artist and illustrator. Many publications on maritime history have featured his work. His paintings have been released and sold all over the world as limited edition prints. The State Library of Victoria’s ‘Latrobe Collection’ holds two of his paintings. His street painting of ‘The Ashes Contest’ decorates the brick wall of Old Bakery Laneway in Sunbury and a Sunbury café owner commissioned him to paint the ‘Sunbury Pop Festival’ as a remembrance of local history. [ref. Sunbury Leader, Nov 15 2013] Philip has been an active member of the Sunbury Art Society in Victoria for several years, serving on the committee for some of that time and being involved in exhibitions. He enjoys helping new artists and sharing his skills and experience. The subject of the sailing ship “Schomberg” is significant for is connection with the 1800s vessel “Schomberg” and the historic role the ship, and other similar ships, played to transport migrants and goods into Australia. The print is significant as it is a limited edition of an Australian maritime artist. Print in gilt timber frame. "The Colonial Clipper Schomberg" by Australian maritime artist Philip J Gray, 1992. Signed and numbered, Limited Edition print 9/1000. Depicts clipper ship “Schomberg”, in full sail at sea with land in background. Backing of frame has illegible adhesive label and pencilled text. Stamp In pencil “FLAGSTAFF HILL” and “FLAGSTAFF C”. Illegible text on adhesive label. Signature [Philip J Gray] Stamped as a limited edition of SCHOMBERG Handwritten edition "9/1000"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, sailing ships, schomberg, clipper ship, colonial clipper, limited edition print, 9/1000, philip j gray, marine artist -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph - Mr Henry Giles, International Art Company, Circa 1880
The pair of photographs of Mr Henry and Mrs Mary Jane Giles was made by the International Art Company, the price was 30 shillings and the choice of frame was Rosewood. It is part of the Giles Collection, which also includes a photograph of the couple's daughter Christina Giles, who died in 1899 aged seven years. There are many 19th century items of furniture, linen and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by, Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with Warrnambool and the Giles Family history. Items donated by the family have come to be known as the “Giles Collection”. Many items in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage were donated by Vera and Aurelin Giles and mostly came from the home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton) who married in 1880 and whose photos are on display in the parlour. Henry was born at Tower Hill in 1858, and was a labourer on the construction of the Warrnambool Breakwater before leaving in 1895 for around seven years to build bridges in NSW. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook and she attended Mailor’s Flat State School and where she eventually was to become a student teacher. After which she became a governess at “Injemiara” where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, had once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family consisted of six, some of the children were born at Mailor’s Flat and later some children at Wangoom. They lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, and this is where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940.This photograph is locally significant due to its association with a local pioneering family. The Giles family collection is of social significance at a local level, because it not only illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill during it’s establishment. But the Giles collection also gives us today a snapshot into what domestic life was like in early colonial times prior to Federation. The photograph itself is of added significance as we can see the faces of the family whose lives the collection represents . This photograph is a portrait mounted in an oval rosewood frame, one of a pair. This photograph is Henry Giles, dressed formally and showing a moustache and side-burns. The couple in the pair of photographs is Mr and Mrs Giles of Woodford, Victoria. The photographic studio was the International Art Company. It is part of the Giles Collection.Inscription on back of frame "International Art Company 30/-" "Rosewood"warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, photograph late 1800s, oval wooden frame, portrait, mrs mary jane giles of woodford victoria, giles collection, henry giles, tower hill, cooramook, warrnambool breakwater, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century personal effects, mary giles, christine giles -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Literary work - Religious Book, C. & J. Revington, Annotations on the Epistles, Volume 1, 1824 (Second Edition)
An epistle from the Greek (epistolē, meaning "letter") is a writing directed or sent to a person or group of people, usually an elegant and formal didactic letter. The epistle genre of letter-writing was common in ancient Egypt as part of the scribal schools writing curriculum. The letters in the New Testament from Apostles to Christians are usually referred to as epistles. Those traditionally attributed to Paul are known as Pauline epistles and the others as catholic or "general" epistles. The subject volume is titled "Annotations on the Apocalypse" and was intended as a sequel to those originally written by Mr. Elsley on the Gospels and of Mr. Prebendary Slade on the Epistles, and thus aimed to complete a series of comments on the whole of the New Testament, for the use of students in prophetical scrip this book, "Annotations on the Apocalypse was intended as a sequel to those of Mr. Elsley on the Gospels and of Mr. Prebendary Slade on the Epistles", by John Chappel Woodhouse, is a second edition of the book originally published before 1824. These pair of books were part of Tom Wicking's collection and represent the type of literature published and read in the early 1800s and up to the present day for the religious instruction of priests. Spine has “Slades Annotations on the Epistles, Vol I”. Covers have green and cream diagonal tartan with brown binding decorated with gold. Annotations on the Epistles, being a continuation of Mr. Elsley’s Annotations and Principally Designed for the use of Candidates for the Holy Orders, by the Rev. James Slade, M.A., vicar of Bolton, and Prebendary of Chester; late Fellow and Tutor of Emmanuel College, Cambridge; and Examining Chaplain to the Lord Bishop of Chester. In two volumes, Vol. I, second edition. Printed in 1824 for C. & J. Rivington, St Paul’s church-yard, and Waterloo-place, Pall Mall, London . The pair of books is part of the Tom Wicking Collection.Marked inside cover "J. Lewis Glenview to Mrs MacLean S. Broadwater" Marked (illegible) "Maclean "Roger" Poet Diary (misspelt dairy)"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, annotations on the epistles vol 2, rev. james slade, c. & j. revington, religious book, mrs maclean, j lewis of glenview, tom wicking collection -
Greensborough Historical Society
Book, Ancestors of Eric Alexander Whatmough, 31/08/1917o
Lists 5 generations of ancestors from Eric Alexander WhatmoughA significant family history with links to Greensborough district in the 1800s, particularly in the 2nd to 5th generations.62 pages, b&w photographs. A4 printout of "Ancestors of Eric Alexander Whatmough" Clear plastic front cover and black card back cover.Some annotations of persons living in Greensboroughwhatmough family, eric alexander whatmough -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Watson's Eltham Hotel, Maria Street, Eltham, c.1900
Christoher Watson's Eltham Hotel, cnr Maria Street (Main Road) and Pitt Street, Eltham. Christopher Watson in centre (bareheaded). Reproduced on p60 of 'Pioneers & Painters' The hotel was constructed in the 1850s immediately following the discovery of gold in Victoria. The original founder, a Mr Warren. engaged a builder named Wallace, to erect the hotel, and being unable to finance it, the story goes, handed it over to Mr Wallace, who finished the job, and received the first licence. The building was constructed of hard basaltic blue stone, quarried in the Eltham district, and partly of bricks made at Eltham. At that time the town owned not only an hotel, but a flour mill, a brewery, a brickworks, and other important industries. The hotel was carried on for the benefit of the first owners for over 30 years and was then purchased by Mr Chris Watson. The hotel was in the early days a well-known resting place for the gold diggers during the gold rush at Woods' Point. A new hotel was erected on the same site by Mr H. Watson in 1925.Early photo of Eltham Hotel which has been on site in various forms since mid 1800sSepia photograph mounted on cardInscribed on back: "Property of Mr Albert Watson, 53 Yarra St, Heidelberg. Christopher Watson (bare headed) Given to Marion Huggett December 1977 c.1900 son of Watson Snr behind cart"christopher watson, eltham, eltham hotel, main road, maria street, pioneers and painters, pitt street, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, watson's hotel -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Woodworking Tool - Jack Plane
Very Old. Until the end of the 19th century the bodies of jack planes were predominantly wooden, typically made out of beech (wood). Wooden planes were largely superseded by iron-bodied planes.Used by carpenters and cabinet makers in the Kiewa Valley from the late 1800s and the early 1900s.A Jack Plane is a general purpose woodworking bench plane, used for dressing timber down to size in preparation for truing and/or edge jointing. It is usually the first plane used on rough stock, but for rougher work it can be preceded by the scrub plane. German Pattern Jack Plane. The smallest - 1.5 inches. Ref. Page 21 - Tools for all Trades Catalogue 1930s?"The Burgham Tools Company / Solingen Germany"woodworking tool, jack plane, plane -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Woodworking Tool - Wooden Spokeshave
A spokeshave was made with a wooden (usually beech wood) body and metal cutting blade. With industrialisation metal bodies displaced wood in mass-produced tools. The name 'spokeshave' reflects the early use of the tool by wheelwrights.Used by carpenters and/or cabinet makers and/or wheelwrights in the Kiewa Valley in the 1800s and 1900s. The tool consists of a blade fixed into the body of the tool, which has a handle for each hand. It is a shaping and smoothing tool eg. curves and rounding and used after cutting with chisels or saws. Ref. Pg 28 Tools for all Trades Cataloguewoodworking tool, spokeshave tool -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Hat Pin
Historically this item could be a valuable antique worn originally by a wealthy upper class woman. The fine hand painted pictures with gold boarders and porcelain body suggests the item was bought either in Europe or Britain and brought into Australia in the late 19 th to early 20 th century by a wealthy landed gentryThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1800s to mid 1900s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsHead of pin is six sided, domed top made of porcelain. Two sides have hand painted pictures of grapes, two sides with flower arrangement , two sides detailing cypress tree tips of branch, top has flowers and leaves with hidden small birdshat pin, porcelain hat accessory, millinery clothing -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Plug Tobacco, Circa 1900s
This item (tobacco plug, as it was referred to) was used as a smokeless digestion of nicotine from the tobacco leaf. It was harvested by the tobacco growers before tailor made cigarettes became available. It was mainly regarded as more of a male item as it required to expectorate unwanted mouth juices. Ladies rarely used chewing tobacco. Most hotels and drinking rooms (men only in this era) had special spittoons to catch the waste.This item was used at a time when it was socially acceptable to chew tobacco (1800s to early 1900s). The associated health problems (lung and other related cancers including emphysema) eventually became the social and political incentive to curb the tobacco industry in the Kiewa Valley. Harvesting tobacco also had extreme risks such as "Green Tobacco " sickness. In Victoria the economical viability of the tobacco industry was extinguished in 2006. The tobacco drying sheds are still standing in the Kiewa Valley and in nearby regions. This item was also used by miners underground retrieving gold.This work environment was strictly a non smoke one.Square (small corner cut off) of compressed tobacco leaves, brown in colour and dried. Known at the time of use as a Plug.tobacco, chewing, plug, nicotine, smokeless, rural industry -
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 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, Stanley,Paul & Company, The Lady's Realm, November 1910 - April 1911
The Lady's Realm was a illustrated monthly women's magazine published in London in the 19th century, initially edited by W. H. Wilkins. It also published 36 volumes between 1896 and 1914. The Lady's Realm was a British women's magazine published from 1896 until 1914, possibly until 1915. It primarily targeted upper-class readers as well as an aspirational middle-class audience, featuring photographs, poems, fiction, and columns by popular authors such as Marie Corelli, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Jack London, and H.G. Wells. (Wikipedia) Founded in 1833, the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts is the longest running School of Arts (also known as a "Mechanics' Institute") and the oldest continuous lending library in Australia. These magazines reflect women's interests in the early 20th century. Women’s magazines developed rapidly through the 1800s, reflecting both marketing developments and social changes. As the century progressed, publications aimed at women changed from the middle-class drawing-room journals of the 1830s and 1840s to the cheaper, chattier, more domestic magazines of the 1880s and 1890s. This item oi an example of a publication aimed at a particular social class.A thick hard back book with a dark blue and red fabric cover. It contains short stories by various authors. "SYDNEY MECHANICS SCHOOL OF ARTS 225 PITT STREET" on front cover.literature-lady's-realm short-stories -
Orbost & District Historical Society
books, William Clowes and Sons Limited, Family Herald Supplements, 1897
The family Herald Supplements were advertised as "the favourite ladies' magazine, a pioneer of penny novels with one complete novel in each issue" It was issued every Monday and cost one penny. These are Volumes LX1; XX11; LX; L11 and L11. The Family Herald was a weekly domestic magazine from 1843 - 1949. Launched by George Biggs in 1842, it was re-established in May 1843 with James Elishama Smith and mechanised printing.Women’s magazines increased in popularity throughout the 1800s as printing technology advanced and consumerism grew. In the latter half of the 1880s and 1890s, magazine publication and circulation became less expensive and more accessible.These volumes are typical of the popular magazines designed especially for women. A set of five volumes of "The Family Herald Supplements". All have olive green covers with black print ornate borders.magazine journal family-herald-supplement -
Orbost & District Historical Society
theodolite, first half 20th century
Theodolites have been used to measure horizontal and vertical angles by surveyors since the 1500s. A theodolite is a precision instrument for measuring angles in the horizontal and vertical planes. Theodolites are used mainly for surveying applications, and have been adapted for specialized purposes in fields like meteorology and rocket launch technology. Theodolites, such as this one, were instrumental to early surveyors, and would have played a significant part in their everyday work. The plumb bob was used to set the instrument exactly over a fixed survey marker.This theodolite was made by Troughton and Simms, who were significant scientific instrument makers of the 19th century and early 20th century. In 1782 John Troughton purchased Benjamin Cole's shop in Fleet Street, London enabling him to sell his own signed products. His instrument making business supported several dynasties of Troughtons before becoming Troughton and Simms and later still Cooke Troughton & Simms. This firm was one of the most well respected firms of instrument makers of the 1800s. A grey metal theodolite - probably made of brass. It has movable parts and there is a weight ( a plumb bob) attached with string.Cooke Troughton & Simms Yorke England V012318 Supplied by A. E. Parsons Melbournetheodolite scientific-instruments surveying -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Weapon - Cannon, mid to late 19th century
The history of the Thunderchild gun is not known. It was presumably manufactured in Torquay in the second half of the 19th century. Such guns were often attached to a ship’s rail through the holes in the swivel base, as in the base of this gun. The guns fired grapeshot and were originally used on ships to repel boarders. They were also used to launch whaling harpoons and were sometimes employed for signalling. The relatively late date makes the latter application most likely. This Thunderchild gun is complete with ramrod and wad remover. It is in good working order and easily assembled. It is used locally for special ceremonies and for Whaleboat Races as a starting gun. (Guns and Cannon, South Wester Victoria, May 2008, ref W/F/03) The small bore cannon is part of a collection of nineteenth century Flagstaff Hill Guns and Cannon, which is classified as being a high level of significance, on State, National and World The nineteenth century artillery pieces are a very rare and representative collection of artillery of this era. The artillery pieces, individually and as a collection, are highly significant for historical, scientific and aesthetic reasons at the state, national and world levels. The artillery pieces are excellent examples of nineteenth century artillery designed for the shore defence of western Victoria in the mid to late 1800s. The collection demonstrates the system of nineteenth century Imperial Defence implemented by Britain and of the recycling of obsolete technology to the colonies by Britain. The collection represents the methods of artillery technology, its advancement and its modifications in order to remain active. It also illustrates the transference of defence technology from Britain to Australia and demonstrates the level of reliance Australia had on British defence equipment. The artillery pieces form prominent elements in their landscapes and, together with the batteries and sites in which they are located, create a strong visual link to the region’s defence history. Importantly the artillery pieces, individually and as a collection, represent a very rare and intact group of nineteenth century artillery. Very few examples of nineteenth century artillery have survived worldwide, the largest collections being sited in Canada. The collection is a rare collection of artillery which demonstrates the advancements made in artillery technology during the nineteenth century, and is one of the largest collections of nineteenth century artillery in Australia. Further, the collection is extremely intact, with most pieces retaining original carriages and many located within their original emplacement. This collection of artillery, with their carriages and in their locations, are of exceptional national significance as they represent the largest intact collection of artillery within a single defensive network, outside of major colonial ports. The collection of nineteenth century carriages and slides are in themselves an extremely rare and important collection, however their significance is enhanced by their placements within batteries and with guns. (Conservation Management Plan for Victorian Guns and Cannon, South Western Victoria, May 2008) Cannon; small 1pdr cast iron, smooth bore muzzle loading swivel gun, painted glass black. 19th century cannon has polished wood handle, two detachable metal stirrups and metal swivel base with cuff, attached to block of wood by four bolts. Accessories are a wood tamper and wood ramrod. Name on gun is Thunder-Child, Torquay, Vic. There are Maker’s Marks on the gun and base, and a number on the cannon.. Marks; Barrel "Thunder/ Child". Base cuff " THUNDER / -CHILD / TORQUAY / VIC ", Trunnion "2825/H"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, cannon, torquay, thunder child cannon, thunderchild cannon, signal cannon, muzzle loading cannon, ordinance, munitions -
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