Pair of 6 PDR brass cartridge cases of WW2 vintage. These were manufactured in Britain and are a version used by Naval weapons. These used cartridge cases are examples of trench art which have been embossed with bird and flower symbols. These have been made into flower vases. these were manufactured during the 1940s.

Incomplete mess kit as issued to the ALH (Australian Light Horse) during the early 20th century. Most probably as used as a food container by ALH troopers during WWI. This circular mess tin is made of tin plated steel and is complete with a carrying handle. This is the lower half of the kit, the matching upper half being missing.

Mauser rifle of late 1800s vintage, known as the "Swedish Mauser" (type96), calibre 6.5 mm (using the 6.5/55 "Swedish" cartridge), bolt action, five round internal magazine. The wooden butt has been ornately carved with the name J. A. VERSTER in the manner of the Dutch Boers. This rifle is incomplete with the cleaning rod missing. Serial number A5348 Victorian RSL Branch licence stock number (not yet advised) note: rendered inoperative in accordance with Victorian RSL HQ policystamped "mod. Mauser 1896. Ludw Doewd & Co Berlin"

Gold coloured silk tablecloth with green braid edging and mauve silk fringing. It is heavily embroidered with various flags, crowns and flowers relating to the Gallipoli campaign. Possibly made in Eygpt. The flags featured are Australia, France, United Kingdom, Egypt, Japan, Italy, Belgium and Russia. Some fraying along folds. The RAN Bridging Train (RANBT) was a naval reserves unit trained to provided engineering support such as assembling pontoons, temporary jetties and unloading stores. The 1st RANBT supported the British landing at Suvla Bay (north of ANZAC Cove) on the 7th of August 1915.In the centre of the tablecloth, embroidered in blue silk thread, are the following words "Suvla Bay 1915 6th October 1st RANBT" (Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train)gallipoli, trench, art, souvenir, embroidered, silk, flags, tablecloth, campaign, cloth

This round, bronze memorial plaque was presented to the family of Private Richard Evans Harkness, service number 3426, of the 37th Battalion, (8th Reinforcements) who was killed in action at Villers-Bretonneux on 12th August, 1918. Colloquially known as 'Dead Man's Penny' or 'King's Penny', this plaque was given to the next of kin of service personnel who died on active service in WW1. 1914-1918 Memorial Plaque In early 1920 it was announced that the next-of-kin of all Australian servicemen and women whose deaths were attributable to the First World War would receive a memorial plaque and scroll "as a solace for bereavement and as a memento". The memorial plaques were not uniquely Australian. In fact they were designed and produced in Britain and issued to commemorate all those who died as a result of war service from within the British Commonwealth. The idea for the plaques was originally conceived mid-way through the war. In 1917 a competition was announced to obtain a suitable design and 800 entries were eventually received. The winner, Mr. E. Carter Preston of Liverpool, England, was chosen in 1918. He was awarded a prize of 250 pounds. Mr Manning Pike directed the manufacture of the memorial plaques at the Memorial Plaque Factory set up at Acton, London. Some later plaques were also made at the Woolwich Arsenal. The cost of manufacturing so many plaques must have been considerable. Each plaque had the name of the soldier commemorated individually embossed (some were engraved) as part of the design. The full name was given without any indication of rank or honours to show the equality of sacrifice of all those who had lost their lives. The scroll designed to accompany the plaques was of thick paper, headed by the royal coat-of-arms, and bore the following message: "He whom this scroll commemorates was numbered among those who, at the call of King and Country, left all that was dear to them, endured hardness, faced danger, and finally passed out of the sight of men by the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom. Let those that come after see that his name is not forgotten". Underneath the message the serviceman or woman’s name, rank, honours and unit were written by hand in red ink. Because of the late arrival in Australia of the plaques many scrolls were sent out separately. A message from the King, "I join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War", was included with the scroll. The first plaques were distributed in Australia in 1922. Each plaque was sent out from Base Records Office at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne by second-class mail. Approximately 60,000 plaques were issued in Australia. Families of deceased members of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army Nursing Service also received plaques and scrolls This plaque is significant because it commemorates the death of an Australian soldier on active service in World War 1. It is representative of some 60,000 issued to next of kin of soldiers killed in World War 1. Although Richard Harness was living at 52 Victoria Street, Abbotsford when enlisted, together with a scroll from the King, it was donated by a Frankston Family.This round, bronze memorial plaque was presented to the family of Australian Army private Richard Evans Harkness, service number 03426, of the 37th battalion, 8th re-inforcement. Harkness was killed in action on 12th August, 1918, near the French village of Proyart, during the 3rd Division's advance along the Somme Valley. further details can be found here: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51477 Colloquially known as 'Dead Man's Penny' or 'King's Penny', these plaques were awarded to the next of kin of service personnel who died on active service during WW1. refer to link for further information : http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/memorial_scroll/plaque.aspAround the edge are the words 'HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR' On the righthand side of the plaque is the name of the soldier, in this case Richard Evans Harkness.commemorative, memorial, plaque, dead, man s, penny, king s, richard, evans, harkness

Small model of an Arabian camel carved from wood. Presumably a souvenir of Egypt brought home by an Australian WWl serviceman.of, discharge, document, certificate

Letter to serviceman (Neil ?) from the President of the Returned Sailor's Soldier's and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia, Frankston Branch. Signed by P Langford as Presidentletter, document

Type Mark 3 black plated prismatic compass, standard issue to Australian Defence Forces personnel during the Vietnam conflict. This compass is complete with a leather pouch. Refer item 00002.1 and 00002.2

Rectangular stainless steel matchbox cover, with matches. It is engraved on its three sides. It was presented to W.H. Dolamore, VX7638 who was a P.O.W. in Changi, Malaya. He was with 8th Division, 2/10th Royal Australian Engineers, Australian Infantry Forces.On the front is an etching of a scroll with the inscription 8th Div, 2/10F, W.H.DOLAMORE VX 27638, RAE, AIF. onthe back is the Rotary International symbol and on the side are the words P.O.W. CHANGI MALAYA.8th, aif, changi, w h, cover, matchbox, dolamore, p o w, division, 2 10th, rae