These tacks, made in U.S.A., would have been used in carpentry and small building processes and would most likely have been for household use. In many cases they have been replaced by clips and adhesive materials but are still used today. This box of tacks has no known local provenance and is kept for display purposes as an example of a household item from the past.This is a buff-coloured cardboard box containing metal tacks. The box is torn away at the top and has black printing on two sides. The box has been covered with clear cellophane to keep the contents safe. The tacks have a blunt head and taper to a point. They are rusted. ‘When you get a good thing remember where you got it’ ‘This trade mark is your protection. It guarantees the greatest quantity of quality at the price. Atlas Tack Corporation. Fairhaven Mass. St. Louis Mo.’ household items, history of warrnambool

This manicure set would have been used in a household in the early 20th century and beyond that date as the contents are usable to this day. The contents of manicure sets do not vary much but the purchase of an expensive silver set would not be common today. This manicure set is of interest as an attractive household item from the past. It will be useful for display.This is a rectangular-shaped wooden box with a black cloth covering. The lid of the box has triangular-shaped sides to allow for the shapes of the contents. The box has two gilt metal clips and the lid is lined inside with padded navy and white cloth. The base of the box is lined inside with navy felt material and has indentations or insets in which to fit the contents pieces. The contents include two pairs of scissors, a nail file, a pair of tweezers, two cuticle repair instruments, a brush or pad and two small jars for holding powder or paste. One jar contains some sort of powder. All the manicure set pieces are made of silver or have silver handles or tops. The silver is tarnished. One pair of scissors may not be the original piece. manicure aids

This laundry box would have been used by a woman who was travelling to hang up in a bedroom small items of clothing that had been laundered. Different types of laundry sets have been available for travellers for many years and sets of a more modern nature are in use today. This laundry set is retained as an example of a woman’s laundry set from the past. This is a mottled blue container made of Bakelite. The box contains eight small wooden pegs. This set is incomplete as originally there would have been ten pegs and some string to use as a small clothesline. The box also has a slip of paper with printed material indicating the use and value of the laundry set. The top of the container has had some cloth material pasted on but this is largely worn off. ‘Ladies travelling laundry set. This practical little outfit solves the problem of drying light lingerie when travelling, as such articles can easily be hung up in the boudoir. Indispensable for drying silk stockings and similar articles.’ women’s accessories, history of warrnambool

This is a simple household labour-saving device. The box was fitted to the end of the table and knife polish was sprinkled on the cloth inside. The knife was then placed in the centre of the box and clamped in tightly. The knife was then pulled backwards and forwards several times (three seconds was the suggested time) and the object was then deemed to be polished. All households had cutlery of some sort and many had good silver pieces that were meant to be kept in a sparkling polished condition. This cleaner would have assisted those in a household assigned to the care of the cutlery. These would have included the women of the household, the children or domestic employees. This item is retained as an interesting example of a household labour-saving device from 100 years ago. This is a circular wooden box with an extra piece at one end of the base and a sliding top lid with a wooden knob. The lid lifts up and the inside of the box and the lid is covered with rough cloth. Some of this cloth has rotted away. The top of the lid has a printed label pasted on. This is torn and soiled. ‘Patent The Magic Knife and Fork Cleaner’ ‘I am handy and useful where’r I am used, To clean knives and forks brightly I never refuse, In mansion or cottage to both I do go, So buy me, and try me, my worth you will know.’ household devices, history of warrnambool

This man’s dress box contains accessories that a man would use, perhaps in a formal situation – bow ties,buttoning studs and detachable collars. The contents of the box may not be what was originally in the box. Bow ties and studs are still used on occasions but detachable collars are no longer in vogue because wash and wear shirts are freely available. Both of the companies which made the detachable collars, Pelaco and Cremorne, were based in Richmond in Melbourne. The Warrnambool jewellery business of M. Salamy and Son, has the known dates, 1912 to 1938. There were two Salamy shops, one in Timor Street, opposite the Post Office and one at 179 Liebig Street. This box and contents are retained because they are reminders of accessories men used in the past, especially for formal occasions. Also, one of the items came from the well-known Warrnmbool jewellery business of M. Salamy and Son..1 This is a circular-shaped leather box with a lid attached by stitching and a strap and a metal buckle for closing the box. Inside the box is a blue cardboard lining. The leather is scuffed. .2 & .3 These are two black cloth bow ties with metal clips at the back. The ties are housed in a blue wooden box. .4 These are seven elasticised bands for holding back shirt sleeves. Two of these are covered with red and blue cloth and five are made of silver-coloured metal .5 & .6 These are two white detachable collars. They are somewhat stained. .7 These are four metal studs with white inserts. .2 The box is marked ‘M.Salamy & Son, Jewellers’ .5 ‘Pelaco Best Quality Made in Australia’ .6 ‘Cremorne Collar Co. Melbourne’ men’s accessories, history of warrnambool, detachable vintage collars, winged detachable collars

This grain scale tester was used to work out the percentage weight of a sack of grain after the grain husk, dust and dirt were removed, thereby allowing for the calculation of the true value of the sack. The parts were attached to the box via the screw on top of the box and the cleaned grain went into the funnel to measure a fixed grain amount, before being released from the bottom of the funnel into the barrel which was then hung on the end of the scale. The weight was then slid down the graduated ruler until the scale balanced. Grain scale testers would have been used in farming in the Western District in the past and similar objects may still be in use. This grain scale tester is retained as a good example of an agricultural item from the past.This is a grain tester scale in a wooden box. .1 The wooden box has two metal hinges and wooden inserts inside with blue felt on the tops of the inserts. The box has a metal plaque on the lid and a round metal hole section for inserting a piece of equipment. .2 This is a metal flask on a stand. Part of it is rusty. .3 This is small metal cylinder with a lid. .4 This is a metal bar with measurements, a hook at the top and a slide or weight fitting on to the bar. .5 This is a small metal screw. ‘Lbs per bushel’ ‘Australian Manufacture by Australasian Scale Co. Ltd., Thomas Street, Sydney N.S.W.’ agricultural instruments, history of warrnambool, grain scale tester

The Box brownie camera was invented by Frank A Brownell in 1900 and further improved from 1901. Because it was easy to use, cheap and portable it became very popular. It was used by soldiers in the first World War and other models were marketed to groups such as the Boy Scouts. It was further modified until the 1950's and have been used until recent timesThis camera has significance as a very popular model which was used by a wide cross section of people over many decades. It is one of the cameras which made photography accessible to many who would otherwise not have been able to use them.Rectangular black box camera with leather handle attached with silver studs. There are two latches at the top and a winder at the back. There are three circular cutouts on the top and two rectangular ones on the sides.There is a small metal label attached to the bottom. Use film No 116 No Brownie. Brownie stamped into leather handle. On metal label on base: Made in USA by Eastman Kodak Company . Rochester NY USAbox brownie, warrnambool, kodak cameras

The Box brownie camera was invented by Frank A Brownell in 1900 and further improved from 1901. Because it was easy to use, cheap and portable it became very popular. It was used by soldiers in the first World War and other models were marketed to groups such as the Boy Scouts.Many family photos recor It was further modified until the 1950's and have been used until recent times This camera has significance as a very popular model which was used by a wide cross section of people over many decades. It is one of the cameras which made photography accessible to many who would otherwise not have been able to use them. .1 Rectangular black box camera with leather handle attached with silver studs. There is a latch at the top and a winder at the back. There are three circular cutouts on the top and two rectangular ones on the sides.There is a logo imprinted in the base of the camera and a film is inside .2 Small 38 page manual with light card cover. Mainly printed instructions with some diagrams showing aspects of operation. for Nos. 2 A 2C and 3 Brownie cameras..1'Brownie " on the handle.The logo on the bottom reads as follows, " No 2 Brownie Use film No 120 Made in USA by Eastmann Kodak Rochester NY." .2 Published by Eastmann Kodak Rochester NY. box brownie, warrnambool,, kodak cameras, brownie instruction manual

This is an old tin which has been used as a first aid box by a scout group in Warrnambool. It appears to date from about the 1950s. Today there are two scout groups in Warrnambool and one in Allansford. The Warrnambool Norfolk group has its headquarters at the corner of Raglan Parade and Kepler Street and the Warrnambool Tooram group has halls at the corner of Timor and Banyan Streets and in Otway Road. This tin is of minor interest as an item that belonged to a local scout group in the mid 20th century.This is a rectangular metal box painted cream but with the paint peeling. The metal handle is rusted and there are two metal catches. On the side is a red cross taped on and a red cross painted on the top. There is a black hand-painted name. Inside the tin are two metal pins to hold the catches and a divider in the middle.1st W’boolscouting in warrnambool

Detachable collars enclosed in a leather box such as this one were used in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly by men in the business and clerical professions. The collars were attached by studs or buttons to a shirt. The collars were removed prior to shirt washing the shirt. The leather box was most useful for travelling. Detachable collars could still be used today particularly by clergymen. Two are named E R Twomey.This box and collars are retained as an example of vintage men's wear. It will be useful for display.A brown leather cylindrical case with a strap and buckle. It has white thread stitching around the rim and upper edge of the lid, the slot for the buckle, the rim and lower edge of the base . Inside are four detachable white winged collars for wearing with a shirt. Each has three holes, one for a button and two for a stud or for buttons at the front, two wings and a curved slot at the back.They are made of very fine cotton and linen.002215.1 J.T. MADE IN ENGLAND ESPECIALLY FOR Buckley & Nunn Ltd. MELBOURNE 002215.2 A stamped lion, WELCH MARCETSON 7 CO. LTD. 4 THE ALATUS TRADE MARK DES M 9 M 520 1 3/4 x 1/2 T14 002215.3 MADE IN ENGLAND FOR BUCKLEY & NUNN MELBOURNE EXTRA QUALITY , A deer head with antlers in a pointed elipse E.R. THOMEY a red inverted drawn triangle two dots Lindum 2x 151/2 002215.4 MADE IN ENGLAND FOR BUCKLEY & NUNN MELBOURNE EXTRA QUALITY, A Deer head with antlers in a pointed elipse . T indecipherable . E.R.T.4 indecipherable. Lindum 2x15 002215.5 E.R. THOMEY Indecipherable Lindum 2x 15 ? warrnambool, detachable vintage collars, detachable men's shirt collars

This camera is a Premo model made early in the 20th century by the Eastman Kodak company of U.S.A. Premo model cameras were produced in three sizes. Box cameras such as this were produced up to the mid 1920s and were popular with amateur photographers because of the simplicity of the mechanism. This camera has no known local provenance but is retained for display purposes.This is a rectangular-shaped wooden box covered with a black leather trim. On one side is a leather handle attached by two metal buttons. The lid was originally opened by two metal clips at one end and two metal hinges at the other but most of these attachments are now missing. Recessed into the lid are two compartments for storing the film plates. Inside the lid is a glass plate covering the storage area and a spring-loaded lens mechanism with a glass lens and a pleated cloth attached to this lens. The leather on the outside of the box is somewhat scuffed and torn.‘The Premo Camera Made in U.S.A.’ ‘Manufactured by Eastman Kodak Co. Successor to Rochester Optical Co. Rochester N.Y. U.S.A.’

This small film development system was developed by Kodak for the amateur photographer. It was a small portable system which made the development of film more accessible to the enthusiast.This is an interesting item and quite innovative and as such has historic and scientific and research significance.A stained wooden rectangular box with dovetailed corners and a lid which is loose and sits inside a ridge.There are two holes drilled in both the longer sides of the box. The lid has a smaller raised section with Kodak Film Tank in red and black text a paper chart is stuck to the underpart of the lid..The interior of the box is painted black and there is a metal cylindrical tin with a lid and inner section.There is a spool attached to one end of the box.There are four loose items, two long prongs with black plastic knobs, a similar length implement with a straight shaft and hooked section on the end and a metal spool.Kodak film Tank on the lid of the box and the lid of the cylinder. The bottom of the cylinder has stamped around the outer rim, " manufactured by Eastman Kodak Co, Rochester NY. Pat Aug 26. 02 May 23 05 May 21 07.Sep 17 07. On the under part of the lid stamped into the timber, ' by Eastman Kodak Co, Rochester NY.kodak film tank, 1907 kodak film tank, warrnambool history

Box cameras were first produced in the late 19th century and were intended to be used by amateur photographers. This type of camera was a simple one with the lens at one end and the film at the other and the provision for 12 photographic plates. The spring-loaded lens folded into the camera and one side of the box served as a base for the lens to sit on. Cameras of this size and shape were made until the mid 1920s. This camera case is retained for display purposes.This is a wooden rectangular box which is covered in black leather. The box is a camera case and has a top lid with metal hinges and metal clips and five glass apertures. There are two knobs or buttons which were originally adjustable mechanisms and the remnants of a leather strap on one side of the box. The leather on the outside is partially torn away. Inside the box the photographic mechanisms and the lens are missing but there is a part of the metal spring still evident. There are also eight photographic plates loose inside the box. early photography in warrnambool, history of warrnambool

This photographic equipment was manufactured by Eastman Kodak for amateur photographers. It enabled them to develop their films in a simple and effective manner. This box and contents have no known local provenance but are retained as an example of early photographic equipment. The items will be useful for display. This is a Kodak film tank development box and contents. The box is rectangular and wooden with a light brown polished surface. The sides of the box rest on a base that is slightly larger than the box sides. The lid is a separate piece and slots into ridges on the inside of the top of the box. Under the lid is a printed set of instructions on paper. Inside, the box is painted black and on one side it has an affixed metal piece for the attachment of the film spool. A removable solid cylindrical silver metal drum is inside the box. This has an outer covering of corrugated cardboard. There are three unattached pieces inside the box– two silver metal rods with handles and one silver metal rod with two larger end pieces. At the base of the inside is a piece of paper with instructions for use.Kodak Film Tank Kodak Film Tank B Time and Temperature for Tank Development Manufactured by Eastman Kodak Co. Pat: Aug 26, 02 May 23, 05 May 21, 07 Sep 17, 07 vintage photography equipment, warrnambool

This hat box could have been used for either a man’s or a woman’s hat in the days when it was the custom for both men and women to wear a hat when outside the house or on social occasions. It would have been used in the home or for travel, especially when on board a ship. Hat boxes today may still be used but are usually made of cardboard or other less durable material.This box was acquired over 40 years ago from a local person. It is retained for display purposes.This is a round metal box with a circular base and a lid affixed with a metal hinge. The lid is wider at the front of the tin allowing for extra height for the stored item. The lid had a metal clip handle and there is a front metal clip for closing the box. The tin has been painted black but is much rusted, particularly on the top section. vintage headgear, history of warrnambool

This box once contained cigarettes supplied or sold by the Warrnambool Club. This club was formed in 1873 as a social club for men of the more affluent and professional classes in Warrnambool and district. The club rooms were originally in the Warrnambool Club Hotel established by John Amon Smith in Kepler Street between Timor and Koroit Streets. By 1876 Warrnambool Club membership had grown to 70 and the premises at the hotel were considered too small. A new Warrnambool Club building was opened in 1877 in Kepler Street and this building and the club still exist today. Nothing is known of Samuel Dempster except that he was Irish-born and served in World War Two. This box is of minor interest as a memento of the Warrnambool Club in the mid 20th century and of Samuel Dempster whose connections to Warrnambool are not at this time known. This is a rectangular-shaped cardboard box with a hinged lid pasted at the centre. The box is buff-coloured with gold printing and handwriting in black ink on the top of the lid. The lid has originally been gilt-edged but most of this has been rubbed off. Warrnambool Club Special Virginia Cigarettes (Plain) Mr Samuel Dempster C/O Mr K. J. Brumby Koonji Ballangeichsamuel dempster, warrnambool club

This is a Box Brownie camera and case. The Brownie camera was developed by Eastman Kodak in U.S.A. and named after cartoon characters popular in U.S.A in the 1930s. The Brownie camera had a menisculus lens and was simple, cheap and easy to use. Thus it was the choice of most household camera users in the mid 20th century. The Canadian factory of Eastman Kodak was founded in 1899. This item is retained as an example of the Brownie camera so popular for family use in the mid 20th century. It will be useful for display..1 This is a box brownie camera made of cardboard with a synthetic leather covering. It has a leather handle, three apertures for viewing and silver-coloured metal mechanisms on the outside. .2 This is a camera case made of cardboard with a synthetic leather covering and a cord strap attached with metal studs. It also has a metal catch. .1 Use film No 120 No 2 Brownie Made in Canada by Canadian Kodak Co Ltd Toronto Canada .2 Premo No 2 Brownie Camera Made By Eastman Kodak Co Rochester N.Y. U.S.A. 20th century amateur photography, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

This box has been used to store photographic glass slides. Since the 1850s glass slides or lantern slides have been used in photography and were particularly popular from the 1870s on. They preceded photographic film and were eventually eclipsed by the 35 mm. colour slides produced by Kodachrome in the mid 20th century. Glass slides, however, were still in use up to the 1990s in some scientific areas such as astronomy because of the stability of glass ware. This container has no known local provenance and is retained for display purposes.This is a brown varnished wooden container made in a rectangular shape. It is hinged at one end with two metal hinges and has two metal clips on the sides to keep the container closed. There are also two metal clips at the top perhaps for storage purposes. The inside has a flat black painted surface top and bottom and a loose black paper in one section. ‘3’vintage photography, history of warrnambool

Box Brownie cameras were first produced early in the 20th century by the Eastman Kodak company in U.S.A. They were bought by amateur photographers and were very popular because they were easy to use and affordable for the average householder. The Brownie Flash 11 camera was produced by the Australian Kodak company in Melbourne from 1958 to 1963. 500,000 of these cameras were made during that time. This camera and case are retained as they are good examples of a box Brownie camera made in Australia in the late 1950s and early 1960s..1 This is a box camera with a metal body and a synthetic leatherette covering. It has a horizontally-striped front panel and two glass finders. It also has metal pin and screw flash contacts and a built-in close-up lens. It has a leatherette strap. .2 This is a light brown leather/latex case which is rectangular-shaped with a curved top, a metal catch and a shoulder strap with a metal buckle. The case contains a small booklet with information on how to use the camera. .1 Kodak Kodet lens Brownie Flash 11 Camera Kodak Australasia Pty Ltd Melbourne Australia Close Up .2 Made for Kodak (A/asia) Pty Ltd by Frank Carew & Co, Northcote, Vic Reprocessed leather/latex vintage cameras, history of warrnambool

A souvenir or promotional item for the Warrnambool Woollen Mill. Playing cards was a very popular and common pass time in the 20th century with a variety of games being played, some of which survive to this day.A common object which is related to one of Warrnambool's longest running businesses.A green cardboard box containing two packs of playing cards.The sets of cards have the same image of Warrnambool blankets with one set edged in orange and one in blue. With Compliments of The Warrnambool Woollen Mill Co Ltd, on the box. Warrnambool luxury blankets , Warrnambool Paradise on the cards. warrnambool, warrnambool woollen mill

This item appears to be a World War One gas mask of the type known as the British small box respirator. Gas masks were produced and issued to members of the Allied defence forces in World War One in response to the German Army use of poison gas. The small box respirator was first issued in April 1916. This gas mask is of interest as a memento of World War One.This is a gas mask with a canvas hood for covering the face and with transparent mica eyepieces and cloth straps that fit around the head. A round perforated metal piece is attached to the bottom of the head piece and a hose is attached to the head piece and to an oval-shaped tin can. 757213 5613 (?) 18 world war one, history of warrnambool, gas mask

This compact purse dates from the 1900's and was possibly used for social events such as dances.A momento from early 20th centuryRectangular metal hinged box with a spring loaded catch. the inside has a section for coins and a hinged section for possibly a photograph on one side and a slide in section for notes on the other side . A small silver pencil is housed in a slot at the top.255 stamped near the coin section.coin purse, warrnambool, note purse, silver purse

It has long been a tradition to distribute a piece of wedding cake to guests who attend a wedding. Traditional wedding cake is a rich fruit cake with long keeping qualities. It is unknown to whom this wedding souvenir belonged.This item has social significanceSmall rectangular tine with rounded corners inside a plain white cardboard box. Wedding bells are imprinted on the lid of the tin.wedding cake, warrnambool

This item has no known provenance. The box contains three studs and it probably belonged to a gentleman of some substance. It may have been a gift. Studs are a common item today.This is an attractive item retained for display purposes.A burgundy leather box, half moon shaped with gold trimming on the front. It has a gold coloured catch and hinge. It is lined with cream coloured. velvet and satin. Three circular insets contain three gold coloured metal studs with fluted and decorative engraving.

This is the stamp used by Ernest Phillips to mark his tools and his products. It was used both on wood and metal surfaces. Ernest Brighton Phillips (1875-1924) was born in Warrnambool and was apprenticed as a cabinet maker at the Warrnambool Box Works. By the 1890s he had established a furniture shop at the corner of Liebig and Koroit Streets and by the beginning of the 20th century he had the largest furniture warehouse and factory in Victoria outside of Melbourne. His products were sold all over Australia. He and his family lived at ‘Heatherlie’ in Koroit Street and today this site is occupied by the flats complex for senior citizens called ‘Heatherlie’. This stamp is of interest because it belonged to Ernest Phillips, a prominent Warrnambool businessman (late 1800s to the early 1900s.) It is also of interest as an example of an early name stamp. This is a small piece of metal with a rounded flange top and a wider flattened end. The end is serrated and cut to hold the letters, ‘E. Phillips’. Some white paint has been splashed on the end section.‘E.Phillips’ (letters reversed for stamping purposes)ernest phillips, history of warrnambool

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

These hand saws belonged to Ernest Brighton Phillips (1875-1924). Born in Warrnambool, Ernest Phillips took up an apprenticeship in cabinet making at the Box Works in Warrnambool. By the late 1890s he had a furniture store and factory at the corner of Liebig and Koroit Streets. By the early 20th century Phillips had the largest furniture warehouse and factory in Victoria outside Melbourne. His products were sold all over Australia. Phillips and his family lived at ‘Heatherlie’ in Koroit Street. Today the site of the Phillips’ home contains flats for senior citizens in a complex known as ‘Heatherlie’. These tools are of interest as they belonged to Ernest Phillips, a prominent businessman in Warrnambool at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. They are also examples of the type of tools used 100 years ago. These are two hand saws which belonged to Ernest Phillips of Warrnambool. They have a rounded wooden handle inserted via a metal plug into the end of a piece of wood which is slightly curved. Attached to the metal plug is a thin steel blade with a serrated edge. The blade is approximately the same size as the piece of wood. The blades are somewhat rusted.‘J. Marples & Sons, Sheffield’.ernest phillips, history of warrnambool

Spoke shaves were used by woodmakers to shape curved surfaces (originally wheel spokes). These two spoke shaves belonged to Ernest Phillips of Warrnambool who would have used them to shape the surfaces of chair and table legs etc. Ernest Brighton Phillips (1875-1924) was the son of Henry Phillips (a hay and corn dealer in Warrnambool) and his wife, Emma. He learned cabinet making at the Box Works in Warrnambool and in the late 19th century established a furniture-making and selling business at the corner of Liebig and Koroit Streets. By the early 20th century he had the largest furniture warehouse and factory in Victoria outside Melbourne and sold his products all over Australia. He and his family lived at ‘Heatherlie’ in Koroit Street and after his death this Phillips house was acquired by the Methodist Church and the Heatherlie Homes for retired people were built on this site.These tools are of considerable significance as they were used by Ernest Phillips, a prominent businessman in Warrnambool during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These are two spoke shaves - small planes, slightly curved, with wooden handles and a metal blade in the middle. The blade is attached to the handles via metal ends which go through holes in the wood. The blade area is strengthened with metal plates attached by metal screws. The metal parts are well-rusted and the handles are somewhat worn. ‘E. Phillips’ etched into wood on each spoke shave.ernest phillips, history of warrnambool

These handsaws belonged to a Warrnambool furniture maker and dealer, Ernest Brighton Phillips (1875-1924). He learned cabinet making at the Warrnambool Box Works and established a furniture warehouse at the corner of Liebig and Koroit Streets in the late 1890s. By the early 20th century he had the largest furniture warehouse and factory in Victoria outside Melbourne and his furniture was sold all over Australia. He and his family lived at ‘Heatherlie’ in Koroit Street and today the site of this family home houses the retirement village complex known as ‘Heatherlie’. The makers of these saws was Robert Sorby of the Kangaroo Works in Sheffield, England. This business was established in 1928 and is one of the world’s premier manufacturers of specialist woodworking tools. These two tools are of some significance as they belonged to Ernest Phillips, a prominent businessman in Warrnambool at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. These are also a good example of the type of tools used in the woodworking trade 100 years ago. These are two handsaws which belonged to Ernest Phillips. They have wooden handles attached to the blade by metal screws. One screw is missing on the larger saw. The blades are made of steel with serrated edges and they are inserted into a fold of steel along the top edge. The handles are well-worn and the blades are a little rusty. ‘Robt. Sorby Sheffield Cast Steel’ ‘E. Phillips’ ernest phillips, robert sorby, history of warrnambool