Catalogue card reads, "Ringwood Tennis Courts, south-west corner of Ringwood Oval, 1920". (3 copies)

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

Annual statement from E.J. Turner, Murray Hardware Store, issued to Mr W. Williamson in January 1928 for the year of 1927.Paper statement of account for 1927 for Mr W Williamson for purchases at local shopTax stamp toward the bottom of statement covered by oval rubber stamp "E. J. Turner | Ironmonger | Rutherglen"hardware, ironmonger, murray hardware store, e j turner, w williamson, businesses

Stereoscopes work on the principle of viewing left and right eye images of the same image and in the process having the image appear as 3 dimensional. The have been popular since the middle of the 19th century.The Holmes version of this object was manufactured cheaply and became widely available, hence it is an object with which many people would be familiar.Wooden oval shaped with glass viewing inserts. Extension in cross shape with wire brackets either side.warrnambool, stereoscope, holmes stereoscope

This padlock has been made by Jacksons Locks which is one of Australia’s oldest lock makers. Francis Jackson established the business in 1883 in Launceston, Tasmania and established a reputation for skilled craftsmanship and durable products. It is not known how the Historical Society acquired the item or who owned it,This lock has no known local connection but it is of interest as an example of an early lock. It may have been used to lock a sea trunk or an office building or a safe.This is a brass padlock in a half oval shape with a keyhole in the front and the locking mechanism at the top. This is open and there is no key with the item.Front of lock: ‘Jacksons’jacksons locks, tasmania, padlock

Mrs William Wright operated a shop at 95 Liebig street Warrnambool around the turn of the 20th century, where she sold clothing as well as a large range of embroidery and needlework requirement.Some of the work listed in advertisements include shadow work,princess applique and Mount mellick work. She was an experienced and talented needleworker and held classes in a range of work. Mrs Wright advertised that her students had success at local shows in items such as shadow work,, embroidered blouse, best cosy, canvas work, novelty pincushion,floss silk work.Her name was Martha but she always traded under her husband's name. She died in 1952. This dish is a a simple reminder of Mrs Wright This pin dish provides a link with one of Warrnambool's early shopholders and needlewomen. She is featured in a soon to be released publication about women in Warrnambool called Silent Lives. The dish itself is a pleasing little example of a pin dish.Small white plate with gold edging and gold text. It is a rectangular oval shape but all edges are rounded.With compliments Mrs Wm Wright Warrnambool in gold in middle of plate .Made in Czechoslovakiawarrnambool, mrs wm wright, mrs william wright shop, mrs wright liebig st

A long brown wooden elongated oval shaped body and shaped handle with stiff black pig bristles costume accessories, personal effects, clothing

This object would have been used to place on a jacket around the button area. The buttons would have been brass and on a uniform of some sort; probably one belonging to the armed forces or a bandsman or a public utility such as the fire brigade. The source of the lettering has not been traced. An item such as this could still be used today.This item has been retained as a memento of past times when dress uniforms for men were more common.Brass flat oval shape with narrow space ending with a round space in the centre. There are some dents and stains on it.V A 1043 then crossed out 1070

Communist East Evapern pattern, oval shaped, jungle green colour, leather headband inside, no straps.Stamped into the metal are letters: "BNB MKIV 0356"uniforms - army, costume - male - headwear, passchendaele barracks trust, helmets,

.1) & .2) Brown oval badge with Rising Sun & the words "The Australian Army" embroidered in black thread.military history - army, uniforms- badges - army, passchendaele barracks trust

Ridged metal , oval shape with pin, no lever. 5 holes drilled into them to indicate it has be disabled.arms - ammunition, metalcraft, grenades

Frederick George East served WW1 and WW2. Refer 537 medals for service history also 516.7, 538.2.Personnel Identification tag , aluminum, oval shaped with 2 small holes for attachments. inscribed on both sides.Front: "2nd AIF, F. G. East CE Cpt. B3 VX64901" Rear: "P 2147 Wife Rita Sons Ivan and Norman"personal effects - identification, accessory

For use by MIssion in more formal or representative capacities. Probably used by Captain Keith Dann a former MtS State Councillor and a key member of the Hastings branch of the MtS which he founded and supported for many years.From the personal Collection of Mrs Pat Dann a former member of the Central MtSV and later with her husband Captain Keith Dann supported and founded the Hastings branch of the Mission to Seamen in the late 20th C. Pair of small white rectangular cloth Epaulets with blue oval logo of the Mission with flying angel embroidered.The Missions to Seafarersshoulder, epaulets, flying angel, keith dann, pat dann, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, logo

Gordon Scholes (1908 - 1964) married Jessie Partington in 1935.Original child portrait from early 20th century and connection to Partington family.Black and white studio portrait of small child, dressed in white with hoop. Oval photograph in brown mount. On mount: The Allan Studio. Written in pen on back of photo: Gordon Scholes.gordon scholes, jessie may angus, jessie partington, partington family

Brought to Orbost from the New Hebrides in about 1900.A long-handled hand woven palm fan in natural colours. The fan is oval shaped. The handle is narrow.fan handcraft dress-ornament ethnographic

This is an example of a hand crafted item made to personalise and add aesthetic value to a home.A pressed dried native flower arrangement in a large oval frame of wood. It has a glass front. It is handmade.handcraft pressed-flowers picture

Domestic cooking item used on a wood stove.Black oval cast iron pot with handle on one side Makers name embossed on one side.Clark and co. on one side. 6.G/ On bottom black and co. Patened St davids star with O in centrecooking, kitchen, pot, cast iron, food preparation

Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia. Two black and white photographs of a man standing outside a tent which is on an oval. The man is Frank WrightWritten on the back of the photo is "Frank Wright Judge outside tent Dunedin N.Z. Feb 1933"frank wright, judge, dunedin, new zealand

Colour photograph of the bluestone underpass between the oval and the swimming pool at the Federation University Mount Helen campus.federation university australia, underpass, bluestone

Black and white postcard of the gardens and the conservatory with the visitor centre, the photo is in an oval with white background and flowery edges.bendigo, parks and gardens, conservatory gardens

Small oval head and shoulders tin plate portrait of a female, mounted in thin card. Photographer unknown.photograph, portrait, female

Clear glass bottle, oval in section with 'burst off finish' at neck and circular pontil mark on base.Nil

8353.1 - Irregular- tending-oval mudstone showing partial leaf and small woody/leafy fossil fragments.

Dr Mitchell Henry O'Sullivan worked in the Victorian country town of Casterton as a general practitioner from 1919 until his death in 1977. He also practiced obstetrics. His son, Dr David More O'Sullivan donated his obstetric bag and its contents to the College in 1999. The bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period.Wooden handled brush with pig hair bristles. With oval shaped metal case consisting of lid and base.disinfection

Metal oval buckle. No discernible decoration remains on the face. Reverse has the remains of clasps. Object is rusted.bendigo, gold mining, qc binks, qc binks.

Large oval shaped white china meat platter decorated with a floral and berry design in sage green.domestic equipment, food consumption, meat platter, di501