Case marked with Portable Oxygen Set MK1A Ref No 6D/266 AM Ref No. 6D/265

Refers to the service of William David Patterson No. 3795952. N.S. Vietnam War. 1 A.R.U. 2-4-70 - 20-5-70. 8 R.A.R. 21-5-70 - 12- 11-70. 6 PL B Coy then HQ B Coy.Military Issue kit bag. Two carry handles made from cotton webbing. Long metal zip. Printed on one side are two large brown rectangles. 1. Top rectangle painted in orange paint is 3795952. Pte W. D. Patterson. 2. The bottom triangle is painted brown as well. On that is painted numbers 1473 in red paint. Under that are 3 trapezoid shapes - green, red, yellow. Under these is a red Kangaroo with apparent letters A.M.F.vietnam war, 1962-1972, army kit

Used for cleaning of military small arms.Used by Australain Military Forces F88 Styer Rifle Small arms cleaning kit in a olive green pouch. The pouch has a flap opening secured with three metal press studs and two internal compartments secured with Velco strips. On the front is a nylon webbing loop with a metal slide clip. The kit contains 18 items, with two multitools, a two ended green toothbrush (large and small brushes), a four piece metal rod sections which screw together to form a barrel pull through with two eyelet (long and short) flannel and two wire brush attachments. The kit also contains a black small ended long brush, and a yellow ended large brush. Two 5.56 dummy rounds are included. Also included are a small green plastic container, and a small plastic slotted top with three holes. A red painted knurled metal top attachment with a screw thread, central vent hole and slotted top for an F88 rifle is also included. On the front is a nylon webbing loop with a metal slide clip for belt attachment.8465-00-781-9564 on the ouside of the pouch. F88 stamped on red metal tool top. HP 223 5.56 stamped on the base of the dummy rounds. Arrow marked on the green plastic slotted top. S,A.F. Marked on base of small plastic container. f88, small arms, cleaning kit, australian military, styer rifle

FALLS CREEK ROPE TOWS Toni St Elmo brought back plans for a Hamilton rope tow from New Zealand. He had a rope tow built in the summer of 1950-51 and it went into operation the following winter. Skiers were charged 10/- per day to use it. Skiers held onto the rope with a locking device called a ‘nutcracker” attached to a webbing belt. This tow, known as the Nissen Tow, continued to operate until 1960. Bob Hymans installed a shorter portable rope tow for his guests at Skyline from 1954. Other tows included the Village Tow and the Nursery Tow. Eventually most of the tows were taken over by Alpine Developments. From 1960 onwards they were gradually replaced by T-bars and then later on by chairlifts. This belt is from the original rope tow used between 1951 and 1960 in the Falls Creek ski lifts. These items are significant because were part of the earliest rope tows constructed at Falls Creek.A canvas waist belt with leg hoops and metal joining and hook used to attach skier to the rope tow. The wheel is also a damaged component of the Rope Tow.falls creek, nissen alpine club, rope tows, toni st elmo

A pair of United States Army drab canvas gaiters, worn with shoes or boots by US servicemen. The gaiters are laced with nine hooks and ten eyelets on the outer side of each, and fastened to the shoe by a webbing strap and metal buckle. History / Summary US Army drab gaiters of type M-1938, Dismounted, Protective, Stock No. 72-L-62027 – 72-L-62048, were issued in four sizes from R1 –R4, and worn extensively during the Second World War. Also identified as leggings.

Items in the collection re Craig Triffett. Refer Cat No 5997.5. for his service details.This is a soldiers back pack with additions. It has the Australian Army Disruptive Pattern, Camouflage markings. it has an upper and lower internal components. On the upper external corners are two fixed pouches. Additions to the back pack are two large ammo pouches and a large water bottle (plastic) and it's carrier. The system uses plastic snap lock catches. The pack has extra bands of 55mm wide webbing, to mount extra items. Loose ends of straps have been rolled up and held with black pvc tape to suit the user.At top, bodyside, is phrase " Hol846".aust army, military backpack

An example of a British pattern steel battle helmet painted dark Khaki, complete with camouflage netting, chin strap and inner support liner. This is an Australian Army type MK111 steel helmet, standard issue for Australian infantry personnel during WW11 operations. The inside of the helmet is padded with a protective, dense rubber liner and has an adjustable cotton webbing chin strap. Australian manufacture, dated 1942, similar to the British "Brodie" pattern steel helmet originally introduced during WW1. The rim of the helmet is stamped '1942' and is marked number '7'.

Ribbons - Reserve Force Decoration, National Medal.1. Shirt, Jungle Green. Two breast pockets, brown buttons. Two ribbons above left pocket. Metal RACT Badges on epaulettes. Cloth rank badge W.O.2 on arms. 2. Trousers, Jungle Green. Two rear pockets. A pocket on each leg, pocket flaps held shut with two brown buttons. Trousers have belt loops. 3. Lanyard - blue and red. 4. Beret - dark blue with RACT Badge. Liner has been removed. 5. Belt, webbing black with rolled brass fittings. Belt has “3795353 L.R. HUFER, 3182723” written on it.passchendaele barracks trust, aust army, uniforms, ract

British military saddle as used in WW1. The saddles were designed to have interchangeable parts, making them easy to repair.Military steel arch brown leather saddle. Tree is made of wood with thick blue felt pads and leather attachments. Neither is original. Various brass rings located on the saddle for attaching sundry equipment. Brown leather strap with silver coloured metal buckle attached to the rear right hand side of the tree. No stirrups, stirrup leathers or girth attached. The leather seat covers the frame of the saddle between the front and rear arches and is connected to them by khaki webbing and leather laces. Leather sweat flaps on each side. Leather straps and brass buckles on the front of each pad.Stamped on the front of the seat: '1916, 13'. Stamped on each sweat flap: '1916, 13'.military equipment, saddle, horse equipment, transport

.7) Back row, Len STEVENS, Len TRIPP, Charles WOODWARD - ? 1st row, Les WARREN - ? Leonard Jordan TRIPP VX25096 2/24 BATT A.I.F K.I.A Alamein 24/10/42 Refer Cat No 205P for Len Tripps full service details..1) Photo, B&W on steel frame, photo surrounded by yellow edging, photo has plastic covering. Photo re L.J. TRIPP. .2) - .4) Photos, sepia colour, potrait re L.J. TRIPP. .5) Photo, B&W, shows group of 8 soldiers in Tin Hats and webbing. .6) Photo, B&W, shows group of 7 soldiers standing by a large rock. .7) Postcard photo, B&W, shows group of 6 soldiers outside a tent. .8) Postcard, cartoon B&W, with central inset photo of L.J. TRIPP..2) - .4) "Seymour 14.9.40" .7) "Merry Xmas & Happy New Year"photography-photographs, documents - postcards, military history

Metal box with hinged lid containing Morse code equipment – batteries, bell, transmission key. Remains of webbing carry straps on back (see photo). This item has been modified from the original design. The item has a battery box located behind the Morse key but the original battery has been replaced by two rectangular 1.5 V batteries which were placed in the shelf below the Morse key. That shelf was initially intended to store the audio telephone hand piece which is no longer with the device. Hence, the final use of the item was as a Morse key only.Stencilled on outside lid (see photo): TELE SET D M (3 or 4 other indecipherable faint letters/numbers; likely "D. MK V." with star) YA. 6371 Inside (on movable frame, for holding hand piece): PRESS KEY WHEN FINISHED Stamped into metal lid of battery box (behind Morse key): PX SERIAL NO. (no actual serial no. stamped on lid)

Rectangular olive green metal case. Stored within the case is a round olive green metal lamp. The lamp is attached to the metal case by a two wire copper flex cord. Stored within the case are 3 short metal rods with a spiral thread on one end which screw together to form a stand for the lamp. The interior of the case is divided into 2 sections and is accessed via 2 lids which are hinged on the internal divide, one lid is larger than the other. Mounted to the inside of the larger lid is a Morse key pad. Attached to case is a canvas webbing strap with brass buckles.Mounted on the larger of the lids, is a rectangular brass identification plate with the inscription " LAMP SIGNALLING DAYLIGHT SHORT RANGE CASE MK II, PMG MELB 1942 " and stamped 1176 5. Mounted on the lamp is is an oval brass identification plate with the inscription "LAMP SIGNALLING DAYLIGHT SHORT RANG PROJECTOR MK 11 STROMBERG CARLSON 1942" with stamped serial number 26634. D (up arrow) D is marked on one side of the case.

United States Army standard issue infantry heavyweight webbing waist belt as worn in World War 1. This is an example of a 'trophy' belt, complete with a souvenir collection of metal insignia, badges and buttons which are attached to the belt. The belt has brass fittings however the original buckle is missing. There are a total of 83 various allied military insignia, badges and uniform buttons from the World War 1 era, 56 metal insignia and badges and 27 metal buttons which are mostly of Australian, New Zealand, Canadian or British origin. Belt manufactured by M W & S Limited of England in 1915.The reverse side of the belt is stamped "M W & S LTD., 1915" and has an "L" stamp and the Defence Department "/|\". The belt reverse also has the following name in black handwriting "A Paxino 9781 2211". Note A Paxino was associated with Frankston RSL Sub Branch for many years.

This book was carried in France and possibly Gallipoli by Sig. H. C. Roussac and the insert "d/0291" was of a Chaplain who obviously had a profound affect on the ownerDemonstrates the religious convictions of some soldiers in WWIBlack leather bound bible with the first page removed by a clean cut. The bible the name of Signaller H. C. Roussac. 25th Battalion A.I.F. and the date Sept 11th 1917. There is a further inscription "Carried through Action "Battle of Ypres" Sept 20th 26th Oct 4th, 9th and 12th consecutively- Wounded Oct. 12th 17- signed H. C. Roussac. There is also what may be an autograph Pt. ? Frogg Masfr??? The bible also contained a lithograph, probably cut from a paper of Chaplain-Captain F. H. King in Egypt The book is contained in a hand stitched khaki webbing case secured by a metal ?uniform button Signaller H. C. Roussac. 25th Battalion A.I.F. and the date Sept 11th 1917. There is a further inscription "Carried through Action "Battle of Ypres" Sept 20th 26th Oct 4th, 9th and 12th consecutively- Wounded Oct. 12th 17- signed H. C. Roussac. There is also what may be an autograph Pt. ? Frogg Masfr???new testament, bible, rev. f. h. king, roussac, ypres, the age, egypt

Wooden tripod mount for lamp, signalling daylight, short range, MK II. The legs are shaped to a point at the bottom and shaped to form a circle when closed. Each leg has a metal fitting attached by metal screws at the top, which supports a circular metal collar fitting for the mounting of the lamp. A khaki coloured stiched canvas webbing with brass buckles is attached at one end to the metal fitting at the top of one leg. The other end has a circular sleeve for using to keep the wooden tripos mount legs closed for storage. One leg has a small brass ring mounted at the top. A metal hook is mounted under the lamp mounting collar.STAND LAMP OR HELIO A MK IItripod, helio, lamp, daylight

"W.J. BERTUCH" for service details Refer Cat No. 1664.2.1. Shirt - Khaki colour cotton/polyester long sleeve with shoulder epaulettes and brown plastic buttons. Two front pockets with button down flaps. Gold colour metal badge "AUSTRALIA" - on right epaulette. Manufacturers white cotton fabric label inside back below collar and bottom of shirt. 2. Trousers - khaki colour wool/polyester fabric. Service dress style with fob pocket, two side pockets, one back pocket with concealed button down flap. Brown plastic buttons and metal fly zip. 3. Belt - light brown colour nylon webbing, service dress style with black colour metal slide buckle. Manufacturers information on labels in black ink print. 1. Top - "CLASS - 8405/ 66-017-2261/ REGIMENTAL NO./ NAME". Handwritten black ink pen "VS38". Bottom "MACHINE WASHABLE/ DO NOT BOIL/ DRIP DRY/ WARM IRON/ SALCO/ VICTORIA/ 1966. Handwritten black ink pen "VS38". 2. Rt side label 'REGIMENTAL NO./ NAME". Left side label "Dry Clean only/ Repress on original crease/ use damp cloth or medium/ TO HOT STEAM IRON/ Mending patch attached." Handwritten - black ink pen "VS38". 3. Black ink stamp - "CGCF D^D 1957? 0108/ 5499". uniform, army, service dress, wj bertuch

Refers to the service of "WO2 Tommy PATTISON". Refer Cat No 5342.4.1. These trousers are of Aust Cam colour. It has a pocket on each leg. The pocket is held shut with 2 buttons. It has a handkerchief pocket on each hip. It has adjustable tabs for waist size. It has belt loops of similar material. It has double thickness on the knee area. At the ankle end of legs is a hem with an elastic draw cord. The fly is held shut with five buttons. 2. These trousers are of Aust Cam colour. It has a pocket on each leg. The pocket is held shut with 2 buttons. It has a handkerchief pocket on each hip. It has adjustable tabs for waist size. It has belt loops of similar material. It has double thickness on the knee area. At the ankle end of legs is a hem with an elastic draw cord. The fly is held shut with five buttons. To adjust the waist size a small webbing belt and steel buckle have been employed. uniforms, aust army, wo2 tommy pattison.

1. Portrait, full length of a soldier standing at ease. He is holding a single rifle with bayonet fixed. He has a peaked cap and the 3"webbing belt on. he is standing in a yard of some sort. Corrugated iron shed in back ground. 2. Portrait, full length of a soldier. Standing legs apart. He is holding a riding crop. he has a leather covered watch. He has one chevron on his left forearm above that are crossed flags. He is wearing a leather bandolier. He has a peaked cap. 3. Group portrait of Australian soldiers on a ship. 13 men - bare headed and slouch hats and 3 peak caps. In the bottom foreground is a small monkey. 4. Group portrait of soldier patients and nurses. 11 men and 4 nurses. The three in front are seated.1. xx 2. On rear - To Dear Auntie from Walter McGillivray. 3. On rear - Thomas Robert Jones 6 Bn 1914, 5 Re-inforcements. No. 1982 23 years Tom Jones and mates. 4. On rear - Edwin W Jones 3511 46 Bn "Snap of some of the ward taken in the garden. I am on the very end, taken the first day I was allowed out of bed," On front is a card and name Ned.passchendaele barracks trust, photographs, ww1

The inclusion of 2 Turkish buttons and the possibility of the belt itself being Turkish seems to indicate that the belt was obtained at Gallipoli. As some of the other badges and buttons are not of Australian origin, the indication is that they were traded during the owner's service.This item is significant in that it has original badges and buttons from uniforms of WWI. The person to whom this belt belonged obviously served at Gallipoli and returned from active service. brass button bearing the insignia of artillery, 2 brass buttons bearing a crescent and star, 1 bearing the outline of Australia with a crown above, 1 plain copper button and 1 brass button bearing the picture of a hand grenade.Belt: Webbing, 2 metal buckles with 2 leather ends and tongues and a leather pocket stitched 7.5 cm from the tongue end. 29 cm from the buckle end there is what is possibly a leather canteen hook, 2 cm wide, 17 cm long, with a copper escutcheon which hooks over a brass knob . Three stripes, top and bottom stripes blue, middle stripe khaki. Pinned to the buckle end of the belt are 5 copper badges: INF / RGA / / 4 / LH and a small crown and 3 brass badges TYNESIDE / 4 / SCOTTISH. On the tongue end are 2 brass buttons embossed with crowns, 1 world war one, anzac, ww1, gallipoli, badges, buttons, uniform belt, turkish uniform, turkish, british badges, tyneside scottish

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

For Service History Refer Cat No. 7877.6.1. Jacket - dark blue colour wool/polyester fabric. Mess Dress style winter collar and long lapels, shoulder epaulettes with Sqn Leader Rank slides - crown and wings. Three rank stripes and "AUSTRALIA" in gold metal and fabric. Gold colour plastic buttons with shank and metal pins. Raised emblem, crown and wings - RAAF. Lining dark blue polyester fabric. White cotton manufacturers label. 2. Trousers - dark blue colour wool/polyester fabric. Fob pocket, two inset side pockets and one back inset pocket. Nylon and metal zipper fly with metal hook closer. Dark blue polyester fabric lining to waistband and pockets. Manufacturers label. 3. Belt - black colour polyester/cotton webbing with metal slide buckle. 4. Cummerbund - dark blue colour elastic fabric, broad sash with hook and loop (Velcro) tape to adjust length. Manufacturers label.Manufacturers information - black ink print. 1. "TRANS TAILORING/ CANBERRA/ EST. 1994/ JOB NO./ RANK/ NAME/ 70% WOOL 30% POLY/ DRY CLEAN ONLY/ REPRESS WITH DAMP CLOTH/ DO NOT SITO SET." 2. "R76/ADA/ 66-2009/ NSN: 8405 66 146 6560/ SIZE: 100S /WAIST: 100 SEAT: 115/ SERVICE NO:/ NAME:/ LAUNDRY INSTRUCTIONS/ 70% WOOL 30% POLYESTER/ DRY CLEAN ONLY/ REPRESS WITH DAMP CLOTH/ WARM IRON/ DO NOT SIRO SET. 4. "ADI/^ /VIC 1992/ 8440.66.035.3818/ SIZE 38" Handwritten black ink pen. 1. "4573/ SQNLDR/ WRIGHT" 2. S. WRIGHT.uniform, raaf, mess dress, winter, s. wright

Rain cape, also used as a groundsheet, issued Australian servicemen. Purchased for the donor from an "Army Surplus" store and re-purposed for camps as a Scout in the late 1960s. The MK VII Groundsheet (Rain Cape / Poncho) was introduced in October 1917 during WW1. They were made from dyed cotton, proofed with a rubber compound, "well vulcanized" on one side. Weight 3lb. 8oz;. 78 inches long by 36 inches wide and made by the Victoria Rubber Co. Edinburgh. They were used again during WWII 1939-45 Today the Army uses the hootchie - a sheet of 70D nylon or PU-coated cotton with various press snaps and webbing tape loops attached around the outside which allow it to be used in a variety of configuration. During WWII Australian forces fighting the Japanese in the Islands had an urgent requirement for a decent individual shelter. The rubberized canvas groundsheets and rain capes continued to be used, but these were less than effective in the tropics. Towards the end of the war in the Pacific Australia began issuing its troops a lighter weight version of the groundsheet manufactured from polyurethane-coated cotton – During the Malayan Emergency of the 1950s, Australian troops were issued with hooded ponchos. Unlike the WWII US pattern ponchos which always had a hole in the dead centre of the poncho sheet, the Australian-issue hooded ponchos made an effective shelter – especially when two where clipped together. The problem of course is that the rubberized canvas ponchos were far too heavy for jungle use. 1960s Australian units in Borneo were issued with the first pattern lightweight hootchies. 1 Kg. 1970 the Vietnam War, a second pattern lightweight hootchie was issued made from nylon, but retaining the hardware and loops. This lightweight hootchie weighed a mere 680 grams, still heavy, but suitable for tropical use. Currently the hootchie is made from AUSCAM nylon material . Historic significance; representative of the type believed to have been issued to Australian servicemen in World War II, possibly in World War I.Waterproofed Canvas rain cape, also used as a groundsheet in the Australian Army, press studs to close as a cape, collar to cover neck.NILuniforms, australian army, world war ii, army surplus, scouts australia, bentleigh, moorabbin, world war 1, hooded ponchos, borneo, auscam nylon material, hootchies, malayan emergency, vietnam war, groundsheets

1. Jacket, Khaki wool/polyester fabric. Service Dress style. Gold colour plastic buttons with shank and metal split ring. Buttons have raised emblem - Rising Sun Emblem. Collar, shoulder epaulettes, four front pockets with button down flap. Left sleeve - oval patch Rising Sun Badge, patch crossed Rifles, patch Australian Coat of Arms - Warrant Officer. Right sleeve - patch - Parachute Wings, patch, Australian Coat of Arms - Warrant Officer, 1st Class. Khaki colour polyester fabric lining with white cotton manufacturers label inside left side. 2. Trousers, khaki wool/polyester fabric. Service Dress Style, with fob pocket, two side pockets, one back pocket with button down flap. Plastic buttons, metal zipper fly, Khaki colour polyester fabric waist and pocket lining. White manufacturers label back pocket. 3. Shirt, Khaki colour cotton/polyester fabric, long sleeves, shoulder epaulettes, two front pockets with button down flap. Plastic buttons. White cotton manufacturers label, back, below collar. 4. Necktie - khaki colour wool/polyester fabric with polyester fabric lining tie. Two manufacturers labels - black and white cotton with black ink print. 5. Belt - black webbing with brass buckle and keepers. Emblem on reverse sides of buckle. Manufacturers Information on label - black ink print. 1. ADA/MADE IN CHINA/ OCT 2016/ CC30BK/ ^/ NSN: 8405 66 162 6289/ SIZE 105S/ NAME:/ PM KEYS NO:/ OUTER 60% WOOL/ 40% POLYESTER/ LINING/ 100% POLYESTER/ DRY CLEAN ONLY/ DO NOT WASH/ IRON UNDER DAMP CLOTH/ WARM IRON". 2. As above with NSN: 8405 66 162 6077" 3. 'ADA/100M/ NSN 8405 66 088 7104/ SIZE??/ NAME/ SERVICE NO./65% POLYESTER/ 35% COTTON/ MADE IN AUSTRALIA" 4. "ADA" ADA/ MADE IN CHINA/ MAY 2016/ 60% WOOL/ 40% POLYESTER/ DRY CLEAN ONLY" 5. Etched emblem on buckle "^". uniform, army, service dress

This diary was handwritten by Alfred Broch over the course of four months in 1940. It was kept while Alfred Broch was travelling on the HMT Dunera and then during his detainment in the Hay internment camp.Bound with cotton and handwritten in pencil. Bound with cotton and handwritten in pencil.[selected passage translation from German, further translation available] : “Dunera” 10.VII – 6.IX.1940 First impression very depressing. Fears. Confusion with prisoners of war. Never mind. Corrected. Continuing further bad treatment. Boarding the ship assisted by rifle butts. Robbed as soon as we reached the deck. Impression of a death ship. Complete helplessness. No sleeping facilities. All sleep on the floor, on tables etc. Intended accommodation taken up by luggage cases. (barbed wire). Food good but only spoons. Next day: robbery from the cases. Own people steal. Purloined objects even include toothbrushes and toothpaste. Much to eat. Small convoy with one cruiser. In the same convoy a women’s transport which soon leaves us as it is bound for Canada and we are quite surprised. The English soldiers and officers have another side. While in the danger zone they only had a webbing belt and slippers. In case of torpedoes – expecting certain death. Bad air as all vents are closed. Other Inscriptions: Front page, upper right, underlined: "Alfred Broch" Front page, upper, underlined: "Notitz Buch" Front page, centre, underlined: "Hay 1941" Page 1, upper right: "Mittwoch 10. VII." Page 3, upper right: "10. VII. - 6. IX. 1940 Page 4, centre: "[...] ARANDORA STAR" Page 11, upper, underlined: "Von Liverpool Nach Hay / Mittwoch 10 VII" dunera, wwii, internment, jewish history & people

The early settlers of Victoria depended on horse drawn vehicles to farm, make roads and railways, deliver produce and transport people. Horse harnesses were an important requisite for all drivers and could be found wherever there were working horses. Horse Harnesses have played an essential role in different cultures throughout history. Simple, utilitarian horse harnesses made of leather straps and iron rings were being used in early China before AD 500 as well as ancient Greece and Rome, allowing horses to pull chariots and ploughs. The Greeks and Romans were the first to use a "horse collar" which distributed the weight of the harness evenly across the horse's chest rather than relying on a "throat harness" that could damage a horse's throat or choke them. During the medieval period, European horse harnesses became more elaborate and decorative. Variations of different horse harnesses were also found in Native American and Middle Eastern cultures. Horse Harnesses usually have four basic components which include - 1. Communication - the bridle, bit and reins allows the driver to communicate instructions and commands to the horse, guiding its movement and direction. 2. Draft - the collar, hame straps, hames, traces and chains enables the horse to draw and pull the load efficiently by distributing the weight and transferring the pulling force to the vehicle. 3. Stopping - the breeching band, pole straps and breast strap helps to control or stabilise the horse and vehicle when moving downhill or stopping. 4. Support - the back pad, backband, belly band and back saddle keep the harness in the correct position and proper alignment. This show harness was used by Mr. Andy Bourke when showing his Clydesdales at shows or demonstrations. Although a more modern example with decorative embellishments, it still has many essential components traditionally found in an everyday working horse harness. The original purpose of the "housen" for example, was to run rain or drizzle off the horse's neck when they had to work in wet conditions - it was laid flat for this purpose on the top of the collar. Nowadays it is purely for show and is often used to advertise a business or stud. Horse brasses and fly terrets were fastened to various parts of a horse's harness. In the early days they probably began as amulets to ward off evil and to bring good luck and continued to be used as a festive decoration. The heyday of horse brasses was between the years 1851 and 1900. Horse brasses are fastened to various parts of the harness with many of their designs being symbolic. The ornamentation on this harness (although not authentic horse brasses) are based on the horse brasses that were popular in the 19th century. This horse harness is a significant example of the equipment that was needed wherever heavy horses were being used - particularly in the early years of Victoria's settlement by white settlers. Harnesses such as this example were used with stage coaches, drays, farming equipment, delivery carts and personal transportation.A leather and metal horse harness used when showing a Clydesdale (or other breed of heavy horse). It is made up of a number of components. 1. Decorative leather cart saddle with two large cloth pads underneath (which have a scalloped leather and stud border), a raised leather pommel and a silver and red coloured metal back strap holder across the top. It has two symmetrical sets of ornamentation (silver hearts and circles) in the front and a wide strap or girth (with a maker's stamp reading "R. Mitchell Saddler") and buckle which attaches the saddle to the horse. 2. Pair of steel hames which are gently curved (to fit on a horse collar) and are topped with steel knobs. They have several steel rings and lugs (to hold straps and chains) and a "Made in England Warranted Steel" stamp. 3. Breeching harness which consists of a number of leather straps, chains and metal rings including a wide padded leather strap with a scalloped edge that sits on the back of the horse and a thick leather strap that goes around the hind quarters of a horse which is joined to the back strap with four shorter vertical straps and buckles. These straps feature silver and red patent leather trim and silver heart shaped ornamentation. The strap also features the maker's stamp of "R. Mitchell". 4. Decorative leather bridle with blinkers featuring the same silver and red patent leather trim on the cheek piece, brow band and throatlatch. It has a stainless steel "Liverpool Driving Bit" with a curb chain, a variety of decorative silver ornaments (rosettes, diamonds plus a heart and two circles) on each end of the forehead band, dropper and strap as well as a silver metal bell (sometimes known as a "fly terret" or "swinger") that sits on the headpiece of the bridle. 5. Leather "violin shaped" dropper (or hanger) with two silver rosette shaped ornaments and a stainless steel clip on the top 6. Stainless steel "Liverpool Driving Bit" with a straight mouthpiece which is ribbed on one side. It has three rein spots (spaces) and a curb chain. 7. Leather arch shaped "Housen" covered in black and red patent leather and decorated with silver studs (some spelling out F H) and bordered with a red fringe. It has a leather strap at the back and two leather loops on the front. 8. Leather padded backband (Australian style "Stallion Draught Roller") decorated with two groups of nine metal "horse brasses" or harness ornaments displaying horseshoe, starburst and horse head designs on blue, red and white striped webbing. The backband has three notched straps at each end, a buckle near the centre and the initial B stamped in two places underneath. 9. Bellyband made of leather and red, white and blue striped webbing. It has a set of three buckles at each end (which correspond with the notched straps of the backband). 10. Wide, thick leather strap which has a buckle and notches at each end. It also has the maker's stamp of "R. Mitchell Saddler". 11.One pair of long leather traces - each with a buckle and notched loop at one end, decorated with a small silver diamond shaped harness ornament. 12. Length of stainless steel heavy duty chain with two swivel connectors.Saddle - "R.MITCHELL / SADDLER" Hames - "MADE IN ENGLAND / WARRANTED / STEEL" "MADE IN ENGLAND / WARRANTED / unclear" Breeching Straps - "R. MITCHELL / MAKER / R. MITCHELL MAKER" Housen - "F H" Backband "B / B' Wide leather strap - "R. MITCHELL / SADDLER"flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, harness, horse harness, show harness, clydesdale horses, andy bourke, horse drawn cart, housen, bridle, hames, breeching straps, dropper, bit, liverpool bit, backband, harness ornamentation, bellyband, back saddle, fly terret