Sheet tin, glass and copper carriage lantern with glass front and red bull's-eye back. Mounted on cyclindrical handle. Round framed glass is hinged with copper hood. Painted black.Front: Brandy Bros Co/Manufacturer/422/Elizabeth St/Melbourne (embossed brass plate, wick base)

Used by William Learmonth Esq., Chairman, Portland Municipal Council, to lay the foundation stone for the Portland Town Hall, 21st September 1863Silver Towel, engraved with decoration and inscription. Bone handle. In leather case, lined on the inner base with blue velvet, and inside the lid with cream silk. The leather case has two brass hinges and a small brass clasp.Engraved on face of trowel "PRESENTED / by the / MUNICIPAL COUNCIL / of / PORTLAND/ To / William Learmonth, Esq / their Chairman / on the occasion of his laying / the FOUNDATION STONE of / the / COUNCIL CHAMBER / 21st September, 1863". On reverse - 4 hallmarks, letter "BJ", number "551" and "(indeciperable maker's name) & Co / MELBOURNE"foundation stone, trowel, ceremonial, william learmonth, portland, town hall, municipal council

This box was made for the Royal Dunkeld School in Scotland to participate in a flag exchange with with the Dunkeld State School No 183 in Victoria, Australia in 1910. It was made from the wood of one of three Larch trees planted in Dunkeld Scotland by the 2nd Duke of Athol from seeds which were brought from the Tyrol. The tree was struck by lightning in 1905 and died over the next few years. It was cut down and some of the timber was used to make the box.This box was sent to the Dunkeld State School from the Royal School of Dunkeld, Scotland and part of a state wide flag exchange in Victoria in 1910. Schools were encouraged to contact schools with a similar name. This box contained a Union Jack which was first flown at the Dunkeld, Victoria school on Empire Day 1910. A box made of Australian Ash was sent to Scotland with an Australian flag enclosed.Timber box made from larch wood. Silver shield on the lid and plaque on the front edge of the lid and crossed flags on the front of the box with a portrait of King George 5th and a banner engraved "God Save the King". Handles on the end are brass lions heads with rings through their mouth. Lock keeper is silver in the form of a Maltese Cross.. The lid has bevelled sides and ends and the interior has strengthening bars in the corners and inside the lid is the provenance of the timber.On top a shield with a bird and a thistle and the letters RDS. Below this a bannet with the words Forward with Honour. On the front bevel of the lid a plaque with "Presented to Dunkeld State School Victoria Australia from Dunkeld Royal H.G. School Scotland 24th may 1910. On the front. Banner with God save the King. Crossed flags representing either the Union Jack or the Scottish Saltair and the Australian Flag and a medallion with the head of King George 5th in relief.

This trophy was presented by the Country Women's Association (C.W.A) Kiewa Valley Branch circa 1950's. This was in a period when the C.W.A. was the major women's organisation which had the greatest influence amongst rural women (especially in isolated areas). This was a period when broad based communications were mainly by radio,women orientated magazines and the telephone. The CWA was an organisation that catered exclusively to women's needs. The atmosphere was one of "sisterhood" and covered nearly all the needs of rural based women. This one organisation incorporated knowledge and learning targeting women who physically may be isolated but not mentally. The C.W.A. motto "Honour our God, Loyalty to the throne, Service to the country, Through country women, For country women, By country women."The Kiewa Valley Group of the C.W.A. was a focal point for women in this still relatively isolated rural region to have a place of refuge from the heavy domestic demands that family and business exerted, and the need of a time and space to gain all the mental relaxation and group bonding necessary to balance the sometimes harsh environment that rural life presented.Silver plated chalice trophy has two "block ear" type handles fastened at the top lip and going 40mm vertically down to reconnect with the bowl. The bowl is connected to the dark brown plastic base by a brass (silver plating has worn off) stem (flower vase shaped).the chalice stem is attached to a circular tapered dome 30mm high which is also silver plated. The plastic base has a 35mm high extension rising from the broader circular bottom section and is rectangular in shape except for the quarter circular indent at each corner. The final circular base provides the chalice with the stability to stand on a flat surface. The whole of the base is hollow allowing the stem fastening nut to be viewed. The inscription on the chalice has been carefully and professionally scribed into the metal. "*C W A* KIEWA VALLEY GROUP H & H.I. EXHIBITION-PRIZE FOR MEMBERS. 40 & OVER" mementos, acknowledgement, cwa awards, trophies, rural women's club

This particular lamp was made for the dinner table or "parlour". This was the most effective indoor lighting before electrical lighting was introduced in the 1940's. These table lights would have still been used after this time as emergency lighting during electrical power shortages (outages). These emergency lighting lamps, including candles, were eventually replaced by battery power. The Kiewa Valley was supplied by electricity well before many other rural regions due to the State Electricity Commission constructing the Kiewa Hydro Electricity power turbines (late 1930's to mid 1950's). Petrol and diesel generators were used in other rural regions before state wide electricity was available.The significance of this kerosene lamp to the Kiewa Valley is that it provides the proof that before the Hydro electricity scheme was established in the valley, householder and commerce relied on candle/kerosene power. Although at certain times before battery and solar energy became the night time lighters the sole source of lighting was candle power and kerosene power. The supply of both however was still required by most of the population by supply from city and larger country town suppliers. This nearly fully glass made table lamp(kerosene) has a large glass bowl/basin like kerosene storage unit with a glass circular finger handle (similar to a ordinary cup). Formed single star like patterns (50mm apart) encircle the centre of the bowl. On top of the bowl sits the metal (brass) wick holder with a small wheel protruding out one side for adjusting the wick length(increasing or decreasing the strength(regulating) of the amount of light projected. Four prongs rise from the circular base light fixture holding the windproof and refractive glass "pot belly" shield. lamp table, kerosene lamp, household lighting (non electrical)

Issued to 2nd Battallion Scottish Rifles "Cameronians" for Rifle no 823Steel bayonet, 28 cm blade, 11 cm handle, wood hand grips secured by brass fasteners, fitted for fixing to Lee-Metford rifle 10-97, Wilkinson London, Govt broad arrows, inspectors' stamps, bayonet, edged weapons, lee-metford rifle, wilkinson

Not knownPolished brown wooden box with a metal handle at the top and with a metal chain attached. The chain has a key at its end. Opened box - One side holds two metal rods with a wooden handle and plastic cord. The other side has several knobs (brass?) attached to a fitted piece of wood across the top. Both sides of the box each have a small hole.Engraved in the lid - 'Dr Stohrer / & Sohn / Leipzig'dr stohrer and sohn - leipzig, cased vibrator machine

These reels where used by a local family in catching Murray Cod and trout in the Kiewa Rivers and Murray River. This old Pilot side cast fishing reel was made in the late 20's & early 30's They were used in the mid 1950s. Although the original inhabitants (Aborigine tribe) would have used spears for fishing the use of reels and rods by non indigenous fisher persons are also very effective especially if raised in the valley.These items are significant because they demonstrate the harvesting of fish from valley rivers and streams is one of continuation from the first human habitation of this region. The ability to harvest the natural food source of the valley's rivers and streams has come from earlier survival requirement to one of recreational pleasure. Brass & Wooden Frame Side Casting Fishing Reel. This reel has 2 winding bakelite handles.Pilot, Tag states W. Davies Please return.recreation, river, kiewa, fishing, industry, reel, side, casting, davies

This chisel belonged to Ernest Brighton Phillips, a Warrnambool furniture maker. Ernest Phillips (1875-1924) was born in Warrnambool and was apprenticed as a cabinet maker at the Warrnambool Box Works. In the 1890s he established a furniture store at the corner of Liebig and Koroit Streets and by the 20th century he had the largest furniture warehouse and factory in Victoria outside Melbourne. His products were sold all over Australia. Ernest Phillips and his family lived at ‘Heatherlie’ in Koroit Street. Today this property is the site of the residential complex for senior citizens known as ‘Heatherlie’. This chisel is of interest as it belonged to Ernest Phillips, a prominent businessman in Warrnambool at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The item is also of interest as it is a good example of a woodworking tool that was used 100 years ago. This is a chisel with a wooden handle and a metal blade flattened at the end and attached to the handle by a brass ring. The blade is rusty and the handle has some of the wood gouged out at the top end. The handle has splotches of paint on it. The name of the owner, E. Phillips, is stamped into the wood. ‘E. Phillips’ernest phillips, history of warrnambool, warrnambool

This tool belonged to Ernest Brighton Phillips, a Warrnambool furniture maker. Ernest Phillips (1875-1924) was born in Warrnambool and learnt his carpentry trade at the Warrnambool Box Works. In the late 1890s Phillips established a furniture store at the corner of Liebig and Koroit streets and by the early 20th century he had the largest furniture warehouse and factory in Victoria outside of Melbourne. His products were sold all over Australia. Phillips and his family lived at ‘Heatherlie’ in Koroit Street. Today this property is the site of the residential complex for senior citizens known as ‘Heatherlie’. This tool is of considerable interest as it belonged to Ernest Phillips, a prominent businessman in Warrnambool at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. It is also of interest as a good example of a tool that was in use 100 years ago. This is a small tool with a wooden handle. The top part of the handle that screws in is missing. The tool is attached to the handle by a brass ring and a screw and the tool itself is a thin nail-like piece of metal with a small metal piece at the end in the shape of a star with six points. This end piece gouges out a hole or a pattern in wood or other hard material. The tool belonged to Ernest Phillips and his name is stamped on the handle. Three oblong-shaped metal nails were also with this tool but were not necessarily used with it. ‘E. Phillips’ernest phillips, history of warrnambool

A mahogany engineers' set created prior to 1900. It was used by Allison Osborn Burrows, a chartered engineer, post-1900. Mahogany instrument box with brass hinges, lock, and name plate. No key. Insert tray covered in blue velvet lining pressed into grooves to hold each instrument. Nickle silver instruments. Some items missing their bone handle. Base of box contains ruler, protractors. Lid has hidden compartment behind it, containing Japanese issued currency note from World War II.Owner's label pasted inside lid, reading "A.O. Burrows, Esq. A.M.I. E. Aust., Chartered Engineer (Australia), 9 Kendall Street, Pymble, N.S.W."mahogany engineers set, draftsmen's box, world war 2

This is the tiller from the SS Stormbird which traded for the Orbost Shipping Company (1906-1915) between Marlo and Lakes Entrance. Mr Peter Nixon (Min. for Transport and for the Navy, 1970s) and Mr Arthur McMullen had the wheel and mast which had been recovered from the wreck of the SS Stormbird in New Guinea. Mr Nixon donated this wheel to the Orbost Historical Society in 1969.The S S Stormbird was an auxiliary-ketch which was owned by the Orbost Shipping Company (Henry James was the principal shareholder and manager of this company). It, along with the Coringle and the Wongrabelle were the main steamers owned by this company. These boats also carried sails. The significance of this item lies with its association with the shipping trade which serviced this region prior to the railway coming in 1915/16.A ship's tiller wheel, made of wood and faced with brass. The wood is painted black. It has eight spokes and handles to grip in order to steer a boat/ship. Two of the grips have strong rope or wire rope wrapped around them.ss stormbird orbost-shipping-company ship-fitting

Two hand held fishing reels with string lines. Both made of carved and polished wood with metal handles which is possibly brass. The knob is missing from 398.1.fishing-reels recreation

This item is an example of a lighting device used before electricity and battery power were widespread.A small brass Elfin Reflector Night kerosene lantern with a reflector plate at the back. A handle runs around the middle. It has a small canvas wick. The glass is missing.On top of fuel tank-ELFIN REFLECTOR NIGHT LAMP On back-MADE IN U.S.A. BY EDWARD MILLER & CO USA On wicker winder (left) -E. MILLER -CO.U.S.A.lamp lantern kerosene oil lighting miller-edward

This item is an example of a woodworking tool commonly used before the widespread use of power tools.A saw with a long, tapered narrow serrated blade for cutting small holes such as keyholes. The blade is held by two large head brass screws onto a wooden handle.tool woodworking keyhole-saw

The settlement of Cabbage Tree Creek is located on the Princes Highway, 27 km east of Orbost in East Gippsland. The creek, which flows through undulating forest, takes its name from the patches of Cabbage Fan palms growing along its course. A school commenced classes in 1913, but enrolment was small and at times the school operated part time with several other small schools in the area. The school building served as a hall for the district. About 1946 two sawmills commenced operations at Cabbage Tree Creek, and the Forests Commission ranger was stationed in the area. The increased population allowed the school to have more teachers and make improvements. In 1953, a new prefabricated building was erected on a new site. However, by the 1970s employment in the timber industry was unstable and the population decreased. By 1974 the school again had only one teacher and eventually closed in 1993 to amalgamate with the Orbost primary School in Ruskin Street, Orbost. (Ref. VictorianPlaces)The school bell is a signal that tells a school's students when it is time to go to class in the morning and when it is time to change classes during the day as well as when students are dismissed from school. In most schools today it will be a tone, siren, electronic bell sound, a series of chimes, or music played over an intercom but often still called "the school bell". This item reflects the history of Cabbage Tree Creek as well as the technological changes in the school system.Brass bell with incised double lines on bottom edge and top near handle, featuring descriptive notation on front face. Bell has long wooden handle shaped and incised with four lines at base before brass housing with singular screw holding handle in place. Object is showing signs of wear, with blackened handle and patches of green oxidisation.SCHOOL BELL / SS No 3812 / CABBAGE TREE CREEK / PRIMARY SCHOOL / 1913-1993 / FORMALLY INCORPORATED / INTO / ORBOST / PRIMARY SCHOOL / 1994cabbage tree, east gippsland, cabbage tree creek, cabbage tree creek primary school, orbost primary school, school bells

A tea infuser is a device in which loose, dried tea leaves are placed for steeping or brewing. The tea infuser gained popularity in the first half of the 19th century. This item is an example of a commonly used kitchen utensil not in common use today. It has been superseded by the teabag.A tea infuser spoon which looks like a small covered spoon. It is made from metal (brass?) with small holes. It has a narrow tapered handle.tea-infuser beverages kitchenware

The early settlers of Orbost had to be self sufficient making their own clothes, tableware, bed coverings, furnishings and equipment. Many women were skilled dressmakers and craft workers. This item reflects that time.A small black hand-cranked lockstitch sewing machine. It has a backwards C-shaped body. The wheel and base are decorated with a gold pattern. On the end above the needle assembly is a brass plate The balance wheel has a handle. The pattern on the wheel is a gold border with two gold, red and green stars formed by interwoven triangles. On the cloth plate is stamped "Patent March 1867 Heron Gresham" with some indecipherable marks.sewing-machine needlework

This machine was the first double action (suction and pulsator) milking machine. This method is still in use today. Invented by Alexander Gillies,of Terang. The LKG milking machine is of State significance because it represents a high degree of technical achievement. It demonstrates the innovation developed by a Western District farmer, Alexander Gillies, that enabled dairy farms throughout Victoria to move successfully from hand milking to machine milking, thus contributing to the mechanisation of one of Victoria's major rural industries. Source: Cheese World Museum Significance Assessment, Lesley Alves, December 2009Cone shaped metal pail with a carry handle attached near the top and a tipping handle near the base. Removable top has pulsator mechanism which sealed the pail. Brass cover plateBrass cover plate inscribed Trade Mark LKG. Metal disc inscribed K136.dairy industry, machinery, milking machines, alexander gillies, terang

Diver's Knife, rare first class ca. 1900 (wooden handle) Siebe Gorman diving knife, two edge blade, and a push-in brass scabbard. The leather carrying strap is missing. The blade is imprinted Siebe Gorman & Co The blade is imprinted "Siebe Gorman & Co"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, diver's knive, knife, siebe, gorman

This is a SPRA, or Schermuly’s Pistol Rocket Apparatus. The large firearm type pistol would have been used to throw a line between ships, usually in the event of saving lives. The line throwing pistol consists of a long barrel with handle attached, a pistol grip and trigger, which fires a short blank cartridge. Accessories for the pistol included: flares, 12 gauge adaptor (to shoot 12 gauge flares), a wood plunger, and boxes of faked line. The stamp on the handle, Crown over "NP" is a Birmingham Proof House mark that dates the pistol between 1904 and 1954. However Schermuly's line throwing pistol was invented in the 192s and used on British Naval Ships from 1929. The serial number '22507' is only 806 numbers later than one on sale as a British Military WWII issue SRPA '21701'. This pistol appears to be made 125-1945. The apparatus was used as a life saving device for crew and passengers on vessels in distress that were only a few hundred metres from shore, often eliminating the need to launch a boat and risk lives to go out to the vessel in dangerous conditions. It could also be used from ship to ship rescue. The pistol would launch a line from shore to the vessel. The line would be attached to the vessel, then shore crew would send out equipment, including a breeches buoy, in which the stranded people could be pulled to shore. It has saved many lives at sea. The cartridge is loaded into the breech of the pistol and the rocket is inserted into the muzzle. On pulling the trigger, the gases generated by the fired cartridge eject the rocket on its correct line of flight, and at the same time, burst through the waterproof disc and ignite the propellant mixture, which carries the rocket and line on the remainder of the flight. The rocket consists of a weldless steel case filled with propellant mixture sealed in by a waterproof disc. Fixed to the rocket case is a direction bridle, to the end of which a short length of flexible steel wire is attached, this in turn being connected to the end of the line to be thrown. A complete rocket set, or line throwing kit. would include a wood carrying case, two coils of faked line in separate compartments, three rockets and a can of six cartridges. William Schermuly (1857 – 1929) - Founder of the Schermuly business. In 1897 he invented a trough-fired, line throwing apparatus. In 1920 he and his third son, Alfred James Schermuly, invented the pistol rocket apparatus and promoted this overseas during the 1920s. The system was approved by the British Navy in 1929 through an Act of Parliament, which made it compulsory for ships over 500 tons to carry this equipment. The company, Schermuly Pistol Rocket Apparatus Ltd., grew quickly during and after World War II but business eased off during the 1970s before it eventually closed in the 1990s. Saving lives in Warrnambool – The coastline of South West Victoria is the site of over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. Victoria’s Government responded to the need for lifesaving equipment and, in 1858, the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for the lifeboat stations. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built for it on the Tramway Jetty, followed by a rocket house in 1864 to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater (constructed from 1874-1890), and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifesaving and rescue crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to rehearse and maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. In July 1873 a brass bell was erected at Flagstaff Hill specifically to call the rescue crew upon news of a shipwreck. Some crew members became local heroes but all served an important role. Rocket apparatus was used as recently as the 1950s. This line-throwing pistol is part of he Rocket Launching Equipment used to perform life-saving rescue at sea from the 1920s. It is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.Pistol, line-throwing, SPRA (Schermuly's Pistol Rocket Apparatus). This line throwing pistol has a wooden pistol grip, brass trigger mechanism, and a long, wide, steel barrel with Bakelite handle attached to the top. Inscriptions are stamped onto the pistol.Stamped on handle: "5" and "[symbol of a Crown] above NP" , "22507", "[within oval] SPRA" Stamped on barrel: "L22507".gun, pistol, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, line throwing, line throwing pistol, spra, schermuly's pistol rocket apparatus, sea rescue, pyrotechnicks, marine technology, schermuly pistol rocket apparatus ltd., william schermuly, alfred schermuly, pistol line thrower, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, maritime village, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, rocket crew, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket equipment, rescue boat, lifeboat, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, life saving rescue crew, lifesaving rescue crew, rocket apparatus, rocket rescue method, shore to ship, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, line throwing mortar, rocket rescue apparatus, line thrower, lifeboat warrnambool, rocket machine, rocket head, rocket launcher, rocket line, beach rescue set, rocket set, schermuly, line-firing pistol, line throwing gun, pistol rocket apparatus, line throwing cartridge, line-throwing rocket, firearm, life saving, lsrc

This MEZON brand button accordion was made specifically for Lyons, Musical Instrument Importer, 207 Bourke Street Melbourne, as can be seen on the embossed lettering on the top of the accordion. The hand inscribed nameplate indicates that the owner was T H Betts. On August 19th, 1903, Michael Edward Lyons applied to the Trade Mark’s Office of Sydney for registration of “The Invented word “MEZON” to be applied to musical instruments. In 1908 he was advertising himself as sole agents for MEZON accordions. He had been at that address for 15 years (since 1893) and was moving to larger premises at 256 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Still at this address in 1925, Lyons advertises MEZON accordions as “The ideal Xmas present, Maker your friends happy, This Xmas let the Present be a MEZON”. There was a choice of three styles: The Organ, The Wonder and The Grand Organ. They came with a Fibre Case with Lock and Key and a Leather Handle. The promise was “They Give Satisfaction”. They were obtainable at all stores or from Sole Distributors in Australia. In 1927 the MEZON was sold by Albert & Sons in Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland as well as by Lyons in Melbourne. The favoured German accordion brands were Monarch and Sterling, which were made by the International Accordion Company in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany. The company was founded in 1871 by Ernest Deines and made a variety of musical instruments. The company closed business in 1834. The International Accordion Company’s accordion range made the International brand and others such as MEZON, Globe, and Dienst. Australia imported the MEZON brand. American companies imported a range of the popular German branded accordions until World War II, when they were no longer available. In general, accordions produced after the war were not as high a quality and not loud enough to be heard over the electronic guitars and the drum kit of the bands. This accordion represents the type of musical instruments used in the late 19h and early 20th century, locally and Australia wide. In colonial Australia musical instruments like this one were imported from Germany as well as other countries. At that time, German made instruments represented good quality. This accordion is significant for being especially imported into Australia by a Melbourne retailer. Music was a part of family and social life, associated with dances, song and general fun.Button accordion with case. Accordion with steel reeds, three bass valves and ten treble valves. It is coloured black with very dark green trim, decorative silver metal reinforcing on main corners, gold reinforcing on corners of the bellows and delicate printed, gold printed patterned trims. Hand support for buttons is made of fabric. Folds of the bellows are light coloured with fine dark pattern. It has a nameplate on the front. Black wooden case has red lining, two brass hinges, two brass hook and eye catches and a swivel brass lock. The base of the case has a loose brass fitting. The top has a thin metal handle. Inscription on hand inscribed name on front, label inside case lid, silver reinforcing, leather on bellows top, and frame of accordion. Manufactured with the brand MEZON in Saxony, Germany, for Lyons of Melbourne. Once the property of T H Betts.Printed on label “MEZON ACCORDEONS.” Impressed in metal corners and reinforcing “MEZON” with logo [circle enclosing entwined capital D and E] “MADE IN SAXONY” Embossed in gold on frame “Made in Saxony”, “MEZON Accordion/ manufactured for LYONS / MELBOURNE, Bourke Street” Name inscribed by hand “T H Betts”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, mezon accordion, lyons, made in saxony, t h betts, betts, mezon, squeeze box, musical instrument, button accordion, germany, michael lyons, international accordion company, ernest deines, circle enclosing d e, d e, e d, german accordion

E. R. Watts and Son, makers of theodolites and other surveying instruments, of 123 Camberwell Road, London. The company was established in 1856 by Edwin Watts at twenty-three he had saved £100 from his earnings to start the business with his staff consisting of one boy and later Alexander Clarkson as an apprentice with the workshop a small room over a Bemondsey stable. Watts' first order was from Negretti and Zambra for a mining dial Alexander Clarkson In the early days the firm worked mainly on marine compasses. Edwin Watts would go down to the Docks to adjust the compasses once they had been installed on the ships. In May 1873 the business moved to larger premises a house with a garden. The workshop was also the home of Mr and Mrs Watts and their five sons and three daughters. By now there were fifteen to twenty men employed by the firm. The company were commissioned to supply the Theodolites and Levels for the construction to the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1881. Towards the end of the century, the firm began to make heliographs continuing to produce them for the government until just before the Second World War when by agreement assigned their manufacture to another firm. 1904 The first dividing engine was completed by George William Watts. It was so remarkable an instrument at the time and for years afterwards, In 1907 Arthur Ames went to Canada and started an organisation in Winnipeg in 1909 this became a separate company called E. R. Watts and Son Ltd. of Ottawa. This firm developed considerably and was eventually with the co-operation of three other instrument companies (Cambridge Instrument Co, Ross, and Negretti and Zambra), were reconstituted as ”Instruments Ltd” of Ottawa and Toronto. During the next ten years, the firm expanded greatly to include glass grinding, leather work, dividing and engraving, testing, adjusting and packing. This expansion was continued during the First World War when workshops were completed and the machinery installed and running within eleven weeks from the start of construction. During the war, a Sergeant Coles, among the rats, lice and mud of the trenches, fitted various bits of scrap into his cocoa tin and made the first Flash Spotter for plotting the positions of enemy guns. Coles was rushed home to the firm's factory where he and George William Watts designed a spotter not made out of a cocoa tin and as a result, the Watts Vertical Force Variometer was developed during WWI. Other Watts instruments made in the First World War included the Light Mountain Theodolites which were taken on Mt Everest expeditions. In 1919 ER Watts and Sons was incorporated as a limited company and in 1939 G. A. Whipple joined the Board of Directors. Shortly afterwards, Frank Charles Watts died having been Chairman of the firm for over 37 years and seen it through the First World War with all its expansions and difficulties. He was succeeded by his brother George William Watts with the vacant post of Managing Director being filled by G. A. Whipple. During the Second World War, the company expanded further and the number of employees rose to well over 1,300. In 1946 Watts acquired 78% of Adam Hilger and the microscope maker James Swift and Son Who were Manufacturers of Theodolites, Levels, Alidades, Meteorological Instruments, Variometers, and many other types of scientific instruments Then in 1948 the company amalgamated with Adam Hilger as Hilger and Watts which was then incorporated as a public company.Naval Rangefinder with a vertical wooden handle, and an arrangement of optical lenses. Three reversible brass inserts calibrated on both sides in yards, correspond to various base heights, (20 and 25 feet, 30 and 35 feet and 40 and 50 feet). They are fitted along the axis of the instrument. When the scale for the appropriate base height is selected and inserted, the carriage can be slid for coincidence and the distance read at the index mark on the sliding carriage.inscribed "Rangefinder Cotton Type Mk II" Calibrated scale up to 5000 yds (50 ft), 5000 yds (35 ft), 4000 yds (25 ft) made by E. R. Watts & Son.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, rangefinder, cotton type, e r watts & sons, naval range finder, marine equipment

During the years 1869-1935 there were well over 250 registered bamboo furniture producers in Britain. The earliest recorded firm was Hubert Bill of 14 Little Camden St, London N.W., who claimed to have been established in (1869) while Daniel Jacobs & Sons of Hackney Road, London, were still in business in 1915, after 45 years of production. Design, quality, price and methods of construction were fairly consistent throughout the whole period, but it was the imaginative and often eccentric choice of subject matter that marked differentiation between the various firms. While most produced standard tables, stands and fire-screens, the more adventurous offered for sale items such as corner shelve units, charcoal barbecue grills and musical tea tables. Shelves were often covered with embossed leather paper designs, at first imported from Japan and then later produced in England. Some firms incorporated the knobbly roots of the bamboo stems into their designs, generally to form feet. Occasionally handles to drawers and cupboards were made with these roots although they were more commonly carved as imitations. Handles were mostly of cheap metal or brass. The ends of the bamboo canes were capped with stamped metal or turned bone, ivory or wooden discs. Methods of construction fell into three categories. First and most common is that of pegging. Bamboo stems being hollow, thick dowels can easily be glued into the joints. Some firms farmed out this work of `plugging' the ends of the canes to part-time workers at home. The second method, that of pinning, was far less satisfactory as bamboo tends to split lengthwise and therefore the jointed pieces eventually disintegrated. The most efficient method was that patented in 1888 (patent No 2383) by the firm of W. F. Needham in Birmingham. It consisted of metal shoes and covers for all joints which were made by wrapping a metal strip around the stems and soldering the overlapping ends. Some joints were further strengthened by a small pin or screw. Needham was by far the largest and most successful manufacturer and their individual and superior method of construction undoubtedly gained them their reputation. A. Englander & Searle of 34 Gt Eastern St and 31 Mare St, Hackney, London, were a firm particularly concerned with methods of construction. Although they seem to have entered the bamboo furniture market at a comparatively late date, about 1898, they produced inexpensive' bamboo, aimed particularly at the export trade. Stating in their catalogue that bamboo furniture “can be exported in one piece or it can be exported in pieces and put together again. The fixing up is much facilitated by a system of marking and numbering. Further, no glue is required for putting together as the screw system only is applied”. This method of construction best fits the Etagere and this item in the flagstaff collection and it is believed to have been made by A Englander & Searle, exported in a knock down form to Australia, purchased in kit form from a dealer here and put together by the purchaser. The bamboo plant stand is a significant item as it highlight furniture fashion of the late Victorian era. This item was highly sort after in its time and although mass produced, not many examples remain because the item is so fragile so this example is a valuable addition to the Flagstaff collection. It is believed,the construction method used is by a notable and respected maker in England of bamboo furniture that was aimed specifically at the export market and probably came to Australia in kit form to be assembled by the purchaser.Bamboo plant stand with octagonal top edged with tortoise shell bamboo the top is of wood and supported by four tortoise shell bamboo legs joined at the base by a square cane covered shelf. The tortoise shell appearance is brown lacquer. Item is part of the Giles Collection. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, furniture, plant stand, bamboo furniture, etagere, victorian furniture, simulated bamboo, tortise shell, a englander & searle, domestic furniture, giles collection, henry giles, cooramook, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century household goods