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Mont De Lancey
Flag, Circa 1956
Small fabric Australian flag on a wooden stick. 6 stars represent the unity of the States. 5 stars on right represent the Southern Cross. The 7the point on the stars denotes the Territories of the Commonwealth of Australia.Union Jack in left top corner. 5 stars representing the Southern Cross on the right.flag -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photograph - Bendigo Charing Cross
Photo shows Bendigo Charing Cross and four trams - bogie tram, tram 22 (ex Melbourne R 153, scrapped 1956), tram 20 and Birney 29 - photo late 1940s or early 1950s.Yields information about Bendigo tramways operationsBlack and White photograph of Bendigo Charing Cross and four trams. Two prints held.tramways, trams, charing cross, tram 22, tram 20, tram 29, sec tramways -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Box - Gauze
This medical / hospital bandage was used in the Tawonga District General Hospital which was built in the 1950's specifically for the increase in population due to the Kiewa Hydro Scheme.Historical: Shows the difference in labelling of hospital equipment. Good condition and good interpretation capacity.Top lid of cardboard box with yellow label with black writing inside a red black red border. In the centre of the label is a red flag with a white cross in the middle and in the middle of the cross is a 'G'. This box contained White Absorbent Gauze.Label: 'Quality / B.P.C. / White /Absorbent Gauze / (Plaited) sic / (Around the flag) - 'and / Flag Cross / Brand / 1 /yard / Specially Prepared for / Surgical Dressings / 36 inches wide.'absorbent gauze, surgical dressings, medical, hospital -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Equipment - Equipment, Army, First Aid Box
Khaki timber first aid box, featuring red cross on top and two sides. Canvas and rope handles.Red crosses on top and two sides. Qty 80 ON ITE UZE WEA R P, GN-7-1-7-6777 N319mfirst aid box -
Bendigo Military Museum
Document - PROMOTION EXAMINATION
Questions are a test used for determination and appointment of N.C.O.S. for 67th Battalion.Foolscap size of white paper listing questions to recruit NCO roles. Writing in black and 5 questions crossed out as N/A. All on one side.List of 15 questions used for testing applicants for NCO positions in 67th Battalion with 5 questions crossed out.passchendaele barracks trust, nco's, tests -
Bendigo Military Museum
Accessory - BADGE AND BUCKLE, Possible pre WW1
.2) The 8 pointed central star could represent the 8 countries linked to the Maltese Cross. Items in the collection re John D Gardiner No 2832, refer Cat No 5892.2 for his service details..1) Possible belt buckle part, brass with section for belt to pass through, face has a Maltese Cross in curved shape, nothing on rear. .2) Maltese Cross style cast metal with centre 8 pointed star, nothing on rear.accessory, belts, maltese -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
McGill's Mouth Gag
This medical / hospital equipment was used in the Tawonga District General Hospital which was builtin the 1950s specifically for the increase in population due to the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme Historical: Shows the development of scientific hospital equipment. Provenance: Used in the Tawonga District General Hospital which was remote and therefore required good equipment. Metal instrument with rubber over 'handles'. One end has 2 curved handles with grooves crosses on outside at ends and covered with rubber. The pivot has a screw. The other end is smooth and on the inside. It has wavy grooves on the outside and a slight curve. About one third of the way down from the pivot is a steel, moveable, 'clasp' which catches at the correct width.t T on cross bit and on the inside of the handle.medical equipment. hospital equipment. tawonga. mt beauty. hospital. medical. nurse. mouth. medical instrument. -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Postcard (item) - Black and white postcard, Rose Stereograph Company, Panorama from Mt. Gordon, Maryvsille, Vic, 1913-1967
A postcard in a series produced by the Rose Stereograph Company in Victoria.An early postcard of the view of Marysville from nearby Mount Gordon. This postcard was produced by the Rose Stereograph Company as a souvenir of Marysville.THE SOUTHERN CROSS SERIES 2293./ COPYRIGHT/ PANORAMA FROM MT. GORDON, MARYSVILLE, VIC. POST CARD. Correspondence/ Addressmount gordon, marysville, victoria, rose stereograph company, southern cross series, 2293, postcard, souvenir -
Bendigo Military Museum
Certificate - AATTV CERTIFICATE, FRAMED, Post vietnam
Details a brief history of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, reason for the award of the South Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. AATTV was the highest decorated Unit in the Australian Army during Vietnam being awarded among others 4 Victoria Crosses.Famed certificate for Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation. Award given to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. Frame is brown stained wood.cross of gallantry, aattv, vietnam -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - DRESS, WOMENS, RED CROSS, Super Overalls Product FA 8167, Unknown
Red Cross Dress,This is a light khaki, short sleeved dress. It has a collar with round corners. the buttons of 2 cm diameter, are red. There are 8 buttons. The 4th position down from the neck has a press stud. It has a small pocket on left breasat with a Red Cross badge. There are two waist level pockets. The left and right sides have a pleat. the left shoulder has a woven badge "The Australian Red Cross Society". The dress has belt loops at the waist.Nilred cross, uniform -
The Ed Muirhead Physics Museum
Photograph, Cyclotron accelerator
Builit in 1950s and used till the mid 1970s within the Physics Department used in Melbourne. John Rouse and David Caro was involved in the construction.Black and white photo of cyclotron (nuclear physics accelerator): Cross connect system (interlocks) with Ron Gray. Duplicate of 211Sticky typed labels on back from left to right: “CROSS CONNECT SYSTEM” Handwritten in right bottom hand corner: “Interlocks and Ron Gray” -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Ceremonial object - Priest's scarf, 1907 to mid 20th century
This item is part of the collection of Ecclesiastical Linen once used by St. Andrews Anglican Church on the corner of the Esplanade and 14 Drummond St, Dennington, Victoria. The first Anglican service was conducted on December 22nd, 1907. The church was decommissioned in January 2003. This item is part of the Ecclesiastical Linen collection, which is significant for its examples of handworked embroidery and drawn-thread work from the early 20th century. The items are also examples of a collection used for religious services during this period. The Ecclesiastical Linen is also significant for its association with the early development of the local township of Dennington and the importance the the community of setting aside land in the 1850's for the purpose of religious worship. The Ecclesiastical Linen is also significant for its connection to St Andrews Anglican Church, Dennington. The church was funded and attended by the local community in the early 1900's and is now listed on the Victorian Heritage Database (VHD 118083) as a building of historical and social significance. Priest's scarf, part of a set of Ecclesiastical Linen once used in St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Dennington, Victoria, between the years 1907 and 2003. The rectangle of lined coarse white fabric is slightly flared at the ends, which are finished with a white twisted cotton fringe. Three cross symbols, one at each end and one in the centre, have been handworked in white ribbon with gold-coloured edging and gold embroidery in the form of rows of small crosse.. Three embroidered symbols [ribbon cross with gold-coloured borders and small gold coloured crosses along the arms]flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, st andrews anglican church dennington, dennington church, warrnambool church 1907, ecclesiastical linen, communion linen, hand worked linen, religious service, religious ceremony, ceremonial linen, needlework, embroidered, applique, cross symbol, priest's scarf -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photograph - Black & White Photograph/s, George Bishop, c1980
Black and White photograph of Birney No. 15 at Charing Cross, northbound, c1980.s Tram operating a Bendigo Tramways talking tram tour. Has the Fountain Plaza in the background. Photo by George Bishop.On the back of the photos in ink "Tram Tour, Charing Cross Car 15 / G. Bishop photo"tramways, trams, bendigo, charing cross, tram 15 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - GRAVE PHOTOGRAPHS, Post WW 1
Leonard William TELFORD, No 4937. Refer Cat No 157.2 medals for his service history, 156, 158.2. (.1) Copy of photo, B & W of L. W. Telfords grave prior to Headstone being placed. Wooden headstone cross with the 4 points connected by timber pieces. Brick and timber structure in background. (.2) Original photo B & W of L W Telfords grave with Headstone placed. (.1) On cross - "Erected by his comrades 12th MG Coy. Transport." "In Memory of Farrier L.W. TELFORD 4937 (.2) At base of the cross, “Duty Nobly Done”photography-photographs, military history, graves -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Postcard, n.d
Black and white photo postcard, 'Southern Cross' series. View from All Saints' Catholic Church, Portland, to Lighthouse Bluff. Same image as 7623Front: 'THE SOUTHERN CROSS SERIES, 1104 COPYRIGHT' 'Looking towards Lighthous Bluff, Portland Vic. - bottom border printed -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Envelope, 1930's
Used as holder for military medal/ Iron Cross. Awarded posthumously to Lance Corporal Gefreiter Franz Rapp who died in action on the Finnish front in 1941.Blue envelope with black printing (old german script) and slit at the back for closing *Iron Cross- 2nd class 1939G.F. Rapp . , 6franz rapp, iron cross, military medals german -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Slide - 35mm slide/s - set of 5, Noel Simons, 19/11/1962 12:00:00 AM
Set of 5 transparencies taken on 19/11/1962 on Kodak mounts. 1186.1 - Bendigo 21 bound for Golden Square at Charing Cross with The Beehive buildings and shops in Pall Mall in the background. Trams has an ad for Cohns drinks on front bumper, SEC Best for Cooking roof ad. and Mamouney's furniture roof ad. Two women passengers boarding. 1186.2 - Bendigo 26 crossing Pall Mall from Mitchell St. bound for Eaglehawk with "Ezywalkin" shop in background. Tram has an SEC 'Electric Cooking' roof ad and a 'Streets Ice cream' ad on front dash. 1186.3 - Bendigo 7 arriving at the Charing Cross stop, bound for North Bendigo. Has a Huttons dash panel ad, a Castrol roof ad. Buildings as for 1186.1. Passengers waiting at the stop. 1186.4 - Bendigo 19 leaving Charing Cross for Golden Square with City Club Hotel alongside and other buildings as for 1186.1 in the background. Tram has Briquettes ad on front dash and SEC 'Electric Cooking' roof ad. 1186.5 - Bendigo 21in High St. at corner of Short St. heading for Charing Cross. Destination half way between Depot and Railway Station. Tram has ads for Cohns Drinks on dash panel, SEC 'Cook with Electricity' and a Sandhurst Milk roof ads.Information written on in black ink and date stamped in purple ink. 1186.1 - "No. 21 in Pall Mall at Charing Cross, Bendigo" 1186.2 - "No. 26 arriving at Alexandra Fountain, Charing Cross, Bendigo" 1186.3 - "No. 7 in Pall Mall at Charing Cross, Bendigo" 1186.4 - "No. 19 in High St., Bendigo, leaving Charing Cross for Golden Square" 1186.5 - "No. 21 in High St. Bendigo, at corner of Short St." tramways, trams, bendigo, charing cross, pall mall, high st., tram 7, tram 19, tram 21, tram 26 -
Montmorency/Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Functional object - Empty First Aid Kit Tin
Square metal tin green in colour with yellow writing and red cross printed on itFirst Aid Kit General purpose for MT in yellow writing with red cross above, black dagger drawn on back of tin. Inside lid schedule of contents, including Serial No, description and unit of Issue, quantityempty first aid kit tin container -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Decorative object - Christmas Tree
Given to Acting Captain Austin Appleby by and internee. Used by the Appleby family for over 50 years. Originally sent out by the German Red Cross to POW's and internees in the Tatura area in 1943.Artificial Christmas tree on wooden stand decorated with bells, stars and candles, supplied to Camp 3 by the Red Cross. Inscription on original box: Weihnachtszweige Die "Goldenen Nuisse" sind gefult also knacken 15 stuch. Translation reads: Christmas branches. The "Golden Nuts" are filled, therefore crack (them). 15 pieces.christmas, appleby, red cross, camp 3, german pows, camp 3 tatura -
Ballarat Diocesan Historical Commission
Greeting Card, Victorian New Years Greeting Card
Victorian padded, embossed and paper lace New Year card with silk intaglio of a New Year greeting. The card has opening front panels with the cross and a Christian message. A small card with a cross central feature (with message entwined) on opening panels revealing a silk intaglio with a New Year message.padded greeting card, new year, -
Bendigo Military Museum
Poster - POSTER, RED CROSS in cardboard storage tube, All Gifts and Souvenirs P/L
Classic Australian Poster Series. Limited edition reproduction No.15. All gifts and souvenirs P/L - Melbourne (03) 328 4025.1. Poster - paper, white print on poster, illustration in colour, woman holding a large bouquet of flowers. Red Cross depicted bottom right corner. Poster stored in cardboard tube. 2, Tube - storage. Cardboard with two plastic caps. Adhesive label in colour depicting small copy of poster and edition information.Printed on poster "Welcome Back - by the/ Australian/ Red Cross/ Society"red cross, poster -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Uniform - Hamilton-Smith Collection - Red Cross Uniform
The Hamilton-Smith collection was donated by the children of Grace Mary Hamilton-Smith nee Ellwood (1911-2004) and John Hamilton-Smith (1909-1984) who settled in Wodonga in the 1940s. The Ellwood family had lived in north-east Victoria since the late 1800s. Grace’s mother, Rosina Ellwood nee Smale, was the first teacher at Baranduda in 1888, and a foundation member of the C.W.A. Rosina and her husband Mark retired to Wodonga in 1934. The collection contains significant items which reflect the local history of Wodonga, including handmade needlework, books, photographs, a wedding dress, maps, and material relating to the world wars. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies and the Belvoir Wodonga Rotary Club. Grace was an active member of several organisations including the CWA, Red Cross, the Wodonga Show Ladies' Auxiliary and the Victorian Agricultural Societies Association. This uniform was owned by Grace Hamilton-Smith. She achieved recognition for more 20 years of service to the Red Cross.This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It is part of a significant collection from the Hamilton-Smith family of Wodonga and reflects important aspects of social history including the roles of women and their contribution to the community. A tan coloured Red Cross uniform and badges worn C1940sred cross australia, hamilton-smith collection, wodonga red cross -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Newspaper Article, Honoring the Memories, Thursday 24 April 2003
Article relates to several items in the Wangaratta RSL collection including the DFC medal awarded to John Hudson WILKINSON. From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - WILKINSON HUDSON. Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944 and tragically killed in action over Germany also in 1944. See also 237 and 240. Newspaper article with picture of a Distinguished Flying Cross medalpilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Religious Book, Cambridge University Press, The Book of Common Prayer, 1952-1953
This Book of Common Prayer, with Psalms, was part of the original furnishings of St Nicholas Seamen's Church, Williamstown, Victoria. The church was operated by the Missions to Seamen organisation. It was dedicated to John Thomas and Rev A Gurney Goldsmith. It is one of 48 similar books. THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History: for more, see our Reg. No. 611, Set of Pews) The Missions to Seamen was an Anglican charity that served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centres in over 200 ports worldwide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria, the organisation began in Williamstown in 1857 as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’ in an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. It soon became part of the Missions to Seamen, Victoria. In the year 2000 the organisation, now named Mission to Seafarers, still operated locally in Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings. The Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild was formed in 1906 to support the Missions to Seamen in Melbourne and other centres such as Williamstown. Two of the most significant ladies of the Guild were founder Ethel Augusta Godfrey and foundation member Alice Sibthorpe Tracy (who established a branch of the Guild in Warrnambool in 1920). The Guild continued its work until the 1960s. In 1943 a former Williamstown bank was purchased for the Missions to Seaman Club. The chapel was named St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church and was supported by the Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild, the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and the League of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Friends. It ceased operation in 1966. A Missions to Seamen Chapel and Recreation Room was a significant feature of ports during the late 1800s and into the 1900s. It seemed appropriate for Flagstaff Hill to include such a representation within the new Maritime Village, so the Melbourne Board of Management of Missions to Seamen Victoria gave its permission on 21st May 1979 for the entire furnishings of the Williamstown chapel to be transferred to Flagstaff Hill. The St Nicholas Seamen’s Church was officially opened on October 11, 1981, and closely resembles the Williamstown chapel. This book is significant historically for its origin in the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's Church in Williamstown, established in 1857 to cater for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of seafarers. It originated in Bristol, England when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. The book is historically significant for its connection to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary, an organisation of women, formed to support seafarers. The connection of this book to the Mission to Seamen and to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary highlights the strong community awareness of the life of people at sea, their dangers and hardships, and their need for physical, financial, spiritual and moral support. Book, titled The Book of Common Prayer. It has a textured black leather cover with embossed lettering on the spine and an embossed gold cross on the front cover. The spine is decorated with horizontal ribs. The fly page has a printed red shield with animal figures in each quadrant and a cross in the shield's centre. The book was printed by Cambridge University Press. Inscriptions and the emblem of a large cross are inlaid in gold on the cover. The edges of the 591 pages are gold leaf. There is an inscription on the inside of the front cover. The book was dedicated to John Thomas and Rev A Gurney Goldsmith. The book is one of forty-eight similar books in the St Nicholas Seamen’s Church Collection.On the spine "COMMON PRAYER" "CAMBRIDGE" On the front cover Symbol [CROSS] Inside the front cover "John Thomas and Rev A Gurney Goldsmith"flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, religion, religious service, prayer book, the book of common prayer, cambridge university, john thomas, rev a gurney goldsmith, book 47 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - Kangaroo Flat Red Cross Collection. Photo of seven Ladies Members 1961
On 13/8/1914 Red Cross was set up in Victoria as a branch of the British Red Cross. This coincided with the outbreak of WW1. Its initial remit was to supply comforts packages for soldiers. This expanded to the Voluntary Aid Detachments' (VAD) who cared for sick and wounded soldiers in hospitals or on transport ships. In 1929 the Red Cross Blood transfusion Service began. After WW11 it continued to expand into all domestic and overseas humanitarian operations. The Kangaroo Flat group was first mentioned in the newspapers in August 1915.Black and white rectangle photograph. Edges have been hand cut. Back has description written in blue pen and copyright stamp. Ladies Red Cross Kangaroo Flat 1961, Sitting - Mrs Browning, Mrs Mitchell Sec + Tres, Mrs E Lanyon 90 years of age, 47 years continuous service to Red Cross. Standing - Mrs V Ryan, Mrs Freestone, Mrs Barber, Mrs Dower. Written on back - names of the seven ladies in the photo. Stamp on back - Copyright Not for Reproduction Herald Sun Photography. Grey lead inscription and sticker, location to be changed Folder 20 to Box 949 1125kangaroo flat, red cross, 1960s -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photograph - Black & White Photograph/s, Neville Gower, Jun. 1967
Black & White photograph of Charing Cross Bendigo with two bogie trams waiting by fountain. (No. 18 for Eaglehawk and No. 17 for Quarry Hill) with single trucker in background. The Beehive building and Ezywalkin shoes building in background. Taken Queens Birthday weekend, 1967.On rear in blue ink 'Charing Cross, Bendigo, Monday am June Weekend 1967'trams, tramways, bendigo, charing cross , tram 17, 18 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK & LETTERS
Copy of receipts for donations made by Bendigo Preserving Company Patriotic Group to various charity groups in support of WW2 war effort. Includes 3 letters to Company thanking for donation.1. Small lined exercise book, Black & white cover with 36 sheets (72 pages). Last 24 pages blank and other pages have receipts stuck into books of donations for money raised to various organisations. 2. Typed thank you letter from Salvation Army. 3. Handwritten thank you letter from Red Cross. 4. Handwritten thank you letter from Red Cross.1. On front cover "The Educational Exercise Book" and picture of the statue of Jupiter in the Temple at Olympia. On back, conversion tables for weights and measures. 2. Salvo Letterhead and Thank You note. 3. Red Cross Letterhead and handwritten note. 4. Red Cross Letterhead and handwritten note.fundraising, receipts, ww2 -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Medal, Stokes & Sons, Town of Kew : To Commemorate its Jubilee, 1910
Medal issued to commemorate the 50th jubilee of the Town of Kew. It names J.F. McCrea as Mayor. John Falding McCrea was Mayor of Kew 1910-11. Kew was proclaimed a municipality on 22 December 1860, seceding from the Boroondara Road Board District, then comprising Kew, Hawthorn and Camberwell. It was proclaimed a town on 8 December 1910, the year this medal was issued, and a city on 10 March 1921. On 22 June 1994 Kew city was united with Camberwell and Hawthorn cities to form Boroondara city. (MV)This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Bronze Town of Kew Jubilee medal in the shape of a Maltese Cross.Obverse description Shield of six wheat-sheafs above motto CRESCO on ribbon; above shield is the Royal coat of arms with lion and unicorn supporters and, on ribbon DIEU ET MIN DROIT; on arms of cross top, TOWN / OF, bottom, KEW, left TO COMMEM / -ORATE, right, ITS JUBILEE / 1910 Reverse description shield of six wheat-sheafs above motto CRESCO on ribbon; above shield is the Royal coat of arms with lion and unicorn supporters and, on ribbon DIEU ET MIN DROIT; on arms of cross top, TOWN / OF, bottom, KEW, left TO COMMEM / -ORATE, right, ITS JUBILEE / 1910town of kew jubilee (1910), commemorative medals - kew (vic), australian commemorative medals -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Slide - 35mm slide/s, Ray Marsh, Sept. 1971
White cardboard mount, 35mm slide, from the Association of Railway Enthusiast's film strip titled "Provincial Tramway Film Strip" of the Charing Cross area on a rainy evening at sunset. Features three trams, Pall Mall and the Bendigo Post Office building. The film strip notes (Reg. Item 2560), provided the following caption details: "A rainy evening sees a pair of single truckers on "GOLDEN SQUARE" - "NORTH BENDIGO" line meeting an outbound "EAGLEHAWK" car at the Cross. Sept. '71 (Ray Marsh)" See image btm2581p.tif for high level scan of image. Stamped on base of slide "11790" and written in ink on top edge "Charing Cross Bendigo"tramways, trams, are, film strip, charing cross, bendigo, pall mall, night photo -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Accessory - Gold Cross, Bef. 01-06-1878
The gold cross was discovered by Victorian scuba diver Julie Wilkins, who had already experienced more than 500 dives in Australia and overseas. She was holidaying in Peterborough, Victoria, and looking forward to discovering more about the famous Loch Ard ship, wrecked in June 1878 at Mutton Bird Island. The fast Glasgow-built clipper ship was only five years old when the tragedy occurred. There were 54 people on board the vessel and only two survived Julie's holiday photograph of Boat Bay reminds her of her most memorable dive. Submerged in the calm, flat sea, she was carefully scanning around the remains of the old wreck when, to her amazement, a gold coin and a small gold cross suddenly came up towards her. She excitedly cupped them in her hands, then stowed the treasures safely in her wetsuit and continued her dive. She soon discovered a group of brass carriage clock parts and some bottles of champagne. It was a day full of surprises. The items were easily recognisable, without any build-up of encrustations or concretion. Julie secretly enjoyed her treasures for twenty-four years then packed them up for the early morning train trip to Warrnambool. After a short walk to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village, her photograph was taken as she handed over her precious find. She told her story to a local newspaper reporter, lunched a café in town then took the late afternoon train home. Her generous donation is now part of a vast collection of Loch Ard shipwreck artefacts, including the gold watch and the Minton Majolica model peacock. The small decorative cross dates back to on or before 1878, when the Loch Ard had set sail. The loop and ring have been added, perhaps as a pendant, pocket watch accessory or similar purpose. It may have been worn for ‘good luck’ or a ‘blessing’ on the long journey to Australia, where ships had to carefully navigate the treacherous Bass’s Strait before arriving at their destination of Melbourne. Sadly, many met their fate on that short stretch of ocean aptly named the Shipwreck Coast. The cross is very recognisable even though it was exposed to the wrecking of the ship, its consequent movement, and the sea's turbulence. Its scratched, pitted and worn condition, and the damage near the loop, is part of its story. The red-brown-black discolouration is similar to that found on other gold coins, sometimes called the ‘corrosion phenomena’. Studies suggest the possible cause is contaminants in the minting process reacting to the coins’ environment. Three edges of the cross have slightly raised narrow ridges of gold which could have been cause by the gold being cast liquid gold into a mould.This gold cross pendant is significant as a symbol of Christianity, a sign of hope and safety, and a sample of the religious following on board the Loch Ard, although not everyone wears a cross for this reason. This cross is a sample of jewellery owned by people migrating to Australia in the late 19th century. The cross and the guinea recovered together from the wreck of the Loch Ard are made of gold and help interpret the financial status of some of those on board.Gold cross; yellow gold with decorative hand engraved foliage design on the front, fitted loop and ring on top. The simple Latin or Roman variation of the cross, with an elongated vertical arm, has no figure on it and the reverse has no decoration. The right, left and base edges have sections of narrow, long slightly raised ridges. The top edge has remnants of red-black colour. Victorian era cross, ca. 1878. The cross was recovered from the wreck of the ship Loch Ard.Engraved foliage design. Slightly raised long ridges on sides and base edges. flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, gold cross, religious cross, religious trinket, religious jewellery, engraved cross, cross pendant, cross with ring, victorian era, 1878, antique cross, crucifix, religious symbol, christian symbol, christian jewellery, contamination phenomena, gold corrosion, good luck, lucky charm, blessing, pendant, loch ard, wreck of the loch ard, mutton bird island, peterborough, scuba diver, 1980s, shipwreck artefact, relic, latin cross, roman cross, pectoral cross, julie wilkins