Most people don’t use handkerchiefs anymore, either for personal hygiene or as a fashion statement, but at one time they were prized possessions.Prior to making their move to the breast pockets of men’s suits and sport coats, handkerchiefs were kept in pants pockets.When two-piece suits came into fashion during the 19th century, no “gentleman” was seen without one. This item reflects that custom.Plain cream silk man's handkerchief.handkerchief costume-accessory-men's silk

Pretty and tiny beaded bags and purses were highly decorated to match the dresses of the era. They were small enough to carry makeup compacts, a few coins, and they were fashion accessories more than practical handbags.This item is an example of a clothing accessory used by women in the early 20th century.Fully beaded drawstring bag with designs of flowers. Tassel of beads attached to bottom of bag. Small wooden hooks on the inside to hold black rope drawstring.bag personal-effects money-container beading drawstring-bag

This item is an example of a costume accessory used by women in the early 20th century.Lady's thread and bead black bag with silver beaded fringe at bottom. Drawstrings at top.bag personal-effects money-container beading handcrafts drawstring-bag

From the estate of Elsie Cooke who was the Orbost librarian for many years before 1940's. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref. Mary Gilbert) Elsie Cooke was a well-respected Orbost identity. This item is an example of a fashionable accessory used by women in the first half of the 20th century.Small black velvet lady's change purse. Metal clasp and black holding string. Velvet has floral design. Purse has two coins inside - 1938 threepence (3d) and 1918 sixpence (6d) purse personal-effects money-containers

This McMillan Tobacco Cutter was used to cut plugs of tobacco suitable for pipes.Tobacco cutters were important tools for pipe smokers until self-made or manufactured cigarettes began to dominate the tobacco sales market from the 1920s. This item is a link to a previously common means of consuming tobacco.Large wooden block inset with metal tobacco cutter. It has a metal handle and is painted black.tobacco-cutter smoking-accessories personal-effects

This item is an example of a fashionable accessory used by women in the first half of the 20th century.A coin purse made of light blue dyed sheepskin. It has a gold coloured metal frame and clasp and is a rectangular shape.coin-purse accessories-women's sheepskin purse personal-effects money-containers

This small purse belonged to David and Alice Ellis, a young couple married in Dublin in 1855. It has been handed down in the Ellis family until it was donated, together with other personal effects, in 2004 by David and Alice’s granddaughter, daughter of David Ellis Junior. On 6th October 1855 newlyweds David and Alice Ellis set sail for Australia in the brand new Schomberg, considered the most perfect clipper ship. She was built as an emigrant ship in Aberdeen and set sail from Liverpool on her maiden voyage, bound for Melbourne, Australia. She was loaded with 430 passengers plus cargo that included iron rails and equipment intended for building the Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. On 27th December 1855, only one day from her Melbourne destination, the Schomberg was grounded on a sand-spit on the Victorian coast near Peterborough. The passengers and crew were all safely rescued by a passing small steamer, the SS Queen, which traded between Melbourne and Warrnambool, and taken to Melbourne. The passengers had been told, when leaving the sinking Schomberg, that all they could take with them was a small basket or handbag. A newspaper article later mentioned that one of the things Alice made space for in her basket was her Bible. (It is unclear whether Alice took any possessions with her onto the SS Queen, but a note accompanying the donation of the Bible and basket states that the items were “left on deck and salvaged as Schomberg went down”.) Another steamer was despatched from Melbourne to retrieve the passengers’ luggage from the Schomberg and Alice was reunited with all of her boxes of belongings. Other steamers helped unload the cargo until the change in weather made it too difficult. Although the Schomberg was wrecked there were no lives lost. At that time David was 23 years old (born in Wales, 1832) and his new bride Alice was 26 (born in Dublin, 1829). They had been given letters of introduction to people in Tasmania so they travelled there from Melbourne. However the couple only stayed on that island for about a year before they returned to the Western District of Victoria. David worked for Mr Neil Black as a gardener for a while then, when the land in the area was made available by the Victorian government, David and Alice claimed a selection of land on Noorat Road in the Terang district. They settled there for the remainder of their lives, expanding their property “Allambah” as opportunities arose. A document accompanying the donation lists the names of six children; William, Grace (c. 1859-1946), Thomas (c. 1866 – 1939), David (c. 1962 – 1953), James and Victor. David died on 13th April 1911, aged 79, at their property. Alice passed away the following year, November 1912, aged 83. Alice’s obituary described her as “a very homely, kindly-natured woman, who was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends; and she was also a firm adherent of the Presbyterian Church”. At the time of Alice’s death she left behind three sons and one daughter. Her daughter Grace Ellis was also a very active member of the Terang Presbyterian Church and a member of the PWMU (Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union). She was also involved in the Red Cross and other charities. Grace passed away in 1946, aged 87. David and Alice Ellis were amongst the very earlies pioneers of the Terang district of Western Victoria. Their donated possessions are a sample of the personal effects of emigrants to Australia. The donated items are a sample of the personal goods carried aboard a significant migrant ship in 1855. They are also significant for their association with the Schomberg. The Schomberg, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S612), has great historical significance as a rare example of a large, fast clipper ship on the England to Australia run, carrying emigrants at the time of the Victorian gold rush. She represents the technical advances made to break sailing records between Europe and Australia. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the Schomberg is significant for its association with the shipwreck, The collection is primarily significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the Schomberg. It is archaeologically significant as the remains of an international passenger Ship. It is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and for its association with the shipwreck and the ship, which was designed to be fastest and most luxurious of its day Purse, leather, rectangular shape with metal frame and catch. Purse was amongst the possessions of David and Alice Ellis, passengers on the Schomberg when wrecked in 1855.schomberg, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwrecked artefact, warrnambool, shipwreck, purse, leather purse, personal effects, 1855 shipwreck, peterborough shipwreck, ss queen, david ellis, alice ellis, allambah terang, dublin emigrants, terang presbyterian church, western district victoria

A razor strop such as this one was used to sharpen and polish straight-edged razors. This particular design has a swivel hook with a locking clip that allows for movement as the strop is being used. This strop is branded "Sherlite". On May 5th, 1922 the Commonwealth officially accepted and advertised the Trade Mark Application of Thomas Sherry of Victoria, for the Trade Mark of "Sherlite" to be used under the heading of "Leather, Skins unwrought and Wrought”. Thomas Sherry’s application was to use the word “Sherlite” for detachable soles made of rubberised leather. Straight razors and cut-throat razors were the major tools for shaving before the safety razor was invented in the 1880s and even today specialist shaving shops still sell straight razors. Along with the razor, the process of shaving would commonly involve lathering up shaving soap with a shaving brush that had boar bristles. Men could own several razors and rotate them through the week and some shops sold the razors in a set, a razor for each day of the week. Straight razors could require stropping more than once during the shaving of a heavy beard, and stropping would also be performed at the end of each shave. Honing would only be performed two or three times a year, preserving the blade's edge. A lot of skill was needed to hone and strop the blades of these early razors and the methods to do so were a large part of the curriculum in Barber colleges. The razor would be sharpened on a grinding wheel then honed on sharpening stone and finally finished using a strop. Straight edge razors would usually be sold unfinished and that process would be completed by the customer. A razor strop, usually made from leather, thick canvas, or light timber, would be used to straighten and polish the straight razor for shaving. Strops could also be used to polish other blades such as knives, small metal tools, and chisels. Sometimes an abrasive polishing compound is also used to give a mirror finish. Some strops, such as this one in our Collection, are designed to be used while hanging from a nail or peg, while others are handheld. The person using the strop would draw the spine of the blade down along the strop with the blade following, without putting any pressure on the blade. At the end of the stroke, rotate the blade over its spine then draw the spine along the strop again so that the edge moves away from the top. The finer grade of leather strap is used to give the final finish.Razor strop, leather, and metal. Sherlite brand, double straps: two straps of different grade leather joined at ends with metal fittings. Stropping faces; sharpening surface is stained red and finishing surface is stained black. One end has a padded, bulbous-shaped leather grip handle, the other end has a metal, swivel hook hanger. Inscriptions painted in gold on leather at the hook end.Razor strop, leather and metal. Sherlite brand, double straps: two straps of different grade leather joined at ends with metal fittings. Stropping faces; sharpening surface is stained red and finishing surface is stained black. One end has padded, bulbous shaped leather grip handle, the other end has metal, swivel hook hanger. Inscriptions printed in gold on leather at hook end.Printed gold lettering stamped “Sherlite”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, shaving leather, shaving accessory, barber’s equipment, barber shop razor strop, razor strop, straight razor, razor and knife sharpener, sherlite razor strop, personal effects, toiletries, thomas sherry

The computerphone was an advanced telephone, a personal computer with a built-in display and two micro-drives for storage, an information terminal, and electronic messaging terminal and included a printer option.A 14 inch colour monitor, keyboard and phone handset complete with accessories and instruction manuals. The Computerphone was known as a 'CP'. See http://www.telephonecollecting.org/telecom.htmstitchboard, computer screen, telephone, telecommunications

This purse or coin bag is in pristine condition. It has been handmade from soft brown leather. A strong leather loop has bee added to the top side edge, perhaps for attaching a tie or hook. The ring is used as a closure by folding the edges of the opening together and sliding the loop over the top. It is believed to be a handmade one-off item for domestic use. This purse or money bag is representative of an everyday item similar to those used through the centuries for the convenience of carrying coins and other small, personal effects. Similar items were used by both men and women. The leather fabric is a readily available, strong and long lasting material.Coin purse or bag; brown leather, rectangular shape, with metal ring closure and leather loop near the top. Part of the Chamberlain Dale Less collection.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, purse, leather, money bag, coin purse, pouch, money, change purse

This razor strop is called a paddle strop. ABOUT STROPS Straight razors and cut throat razors were the major tools for shaving before the safety razor was invented in the 1880’s and even today specialty shaving shops still sell the straight razors. Along with the razor, the process of shaving would commonly involve lathering up shaving soap using a shaving brush with boar bristles. Men could own several razors and rotate them through the week and some shops sold the razors in a set, a razor for each day of the week. Straight razors could require stropping more than once during the shaving of a heavy beard, and stropping would also be performed at the end of each shave. Honing would only be performed two or three times a year, preserving the blade’s edge. A lot of skill was needed to hone and strop the blades of these early razors and the methods to do so were a large part of the curriculum in Barber colleges. The razor would be sharpened on a grinding wheel then honed on sharpening stone and finally finished using a strop. Straight edge razors would usually be sold unfinished and that process would be completed by the customer. A razor strop, usually made from leather, thick canvas or light timber, would be used to straighten and polish the straight razor for shaving. Strops could also be used to polish other blades such as knives, small metal tools and chisels. Sometimes an abrasive polishing compound is also used to give a mirror finish. Some strops, such as this one in our Collection, are designed to be used while hanging from a nail or peg, while others are hand held. To use the strop draw the spine of the blade down along the strop with the blade following, without putting any pressure on the blade. At the end of the stroke, rotate the blade over its spine then draw the spine along the strop again so that the edge moves away from the top. The finer grade of leather strap is used to give the final finish. Wooden paddle strop, (or raxor strop or cushion strop). Strop has two leather sides, numbered 1 and 2, on a slotted paddle. Marked on handle “Hamon”. Sides are numbered 1 and 2. Has two slits in body of strop. "Hamon" stamped on handle. "Hamon" stamped on handle. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, wooden strop, paddle strop, strop, razor strop, shaving accessory, barber's equipment, personal grooming

The design of the bottle is sometimes called a ‘cottage’ or ‘boat’ shape. This handmade glass ink bottle was mouth-blown into a two-piece mould, a method often used in the mid-to-late 19th century. The glass blower burst the bottle off the end of his blowpipe with a tool, leaving an uneven mouth and sharp edge on the bottle, which was usually filed. The bottle was then filled with ink and sealed with a cork. More expensive bottles would have a lip added, which was more time-consuming and costly to produce. The capacity for a bottle such as this was about 3 ½ oz (ounces) equal to about 100 ml. Pen and ink have been in use for handwriting since about the seventh century. A quill pen made from a bird’s feather was used up until around the mid-19th century. In the 1850s a steel point nib for the dip pen was invented and could be manufactured on machines in large quantities. The nis only held a small amount of ink so users had to frequently dip the nib into an ink well for more ink. Handwriting left wet ink on the paper, so the blotting paper was carefully used to absorb the excess ink and prevent smudging. Ink could be purchased as a ready-to-use liquid or in powdered form, which needed to be mixed with water. In the 1880s a successful, portable fountain pen gave smooth-flowing ink and was easy to use. In the mid-20th century, the modern ballpoint pen was readily available and inexpensive, so the fountain pen lost its popularity. However, artisans continue to use nib pens to create beautiful calligraphy.This ink bottle still retains its original cork. The method of manufacture is representative of a 19th-century, handcraft industry that is now largely replaced by mass production. The ink bottle is historically significant as it represents methods of handwritten personal and business communication that were still common up until the mid-20th century when fountain pens and modern ballpoint pens became popular and convenient and typewriters were becoming part of standard office equipment.Victorian 'boat' shaped ink bottle; small rectangular clear glass ink bottle with grooves in shoulders for holding pen. Bottle has side seams and a 'burst-lip'. The bottle retains its cork.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, ink, nib pen, writing ink, writing, copying, banks, lawyers, commerce, student, permanent ink, stationery, record keeping, handwriting, writing equipment, writing accessory, office supply, cottage bottle, boat bottle, mouth-blown bottle, two-part mould, sheer-lip bottle, burst-lip, cork seal, stencil ink, copy ink

This lady’s sachet for keeping handkerchiefs is hand sewn,and hand painted and is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families c1900 Personal Effects, handkerchief sachet silk hand painted clothing, crochet, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, lacework, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

In the 17th century young girls were taught embroidery as a necessary skill for marriage, this also helped them make very beautiful handbags. By the late 18th century, fashions in Europe were moving towards a slender shape and women wanted purses that would not be bulky or untidy in appearance, so reticules were designed. Reticules were made of fine fabrics like silk and velvet, with wrist strapA lady's beige, beaded, silk lined, evening bag with press stud fastenerevening wear, purses, personal effects, handbags, fashion, needlework, craftwork, dressmaking, moorabbin, brighton, early settlers, pioneers, cheltenham

Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire were accomplished with needlework and crochet and made their own clothes and accessories. These Silk Scarf and Shawl are examples of the evening wear women made. Lady's Silk Scarf and Shawl are examples of the skilled needlework and craftwork of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire Lady's cream silk scarf with needle work flowers and loosely plaited fringed and a white voile shawl with lace edging. dressmaking, craftwork, lacework, needlework, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham,moorabbin shire,

3 pair of lady's black nylon gloves of varying length worn c1960 for outdoor and evening occasions. c1960 Gloves were still worn by women for shopping visiting, and evening functions and the length of the glove indicated its time of use. Gloves were colour matched to shoes and handbags and certain occasions required specific colours eg black for funeral, evening wear or business appointment. Gloves were an essential part of a woman's outfit until c1970 when fashion dispensed with this accessory . Gloves are now worn for warmth of to prevent cross infection of disease. Lady's black nylon gloves a) short length with frill on the cuff; b) medium length with diamante decoration ; c) elbow length with rouching clothing, gloves, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire blackburn nance, dairy farms, fruit orchards

Tobacco tin 8.5 H x 8.3 dia, no lid. With a yellow label and red printing. Virginia Bird's Eye manufactured by Thomas Bear & Sons Ltd. London. Label has an elephant standing beside some palm trees with hills in the background. Label is discoloured. No lid.personal effects, smoking accessories, toabcco tin, tobacco tin - virginia bird's eye, thomas bear & sons ltd

Glasses Case: Black case with flap one end to secure glasses and gold print inscribed C.E. WELCH, Jeweller & Optical, BENDIGO. Box 625C.E. WELCH, Jeweller & Optical, BENDIGOpersonal effects, seeing aids

Necklace made of black 3 mm leather knotted 7 cm from the end. Below the knot, the two strands have a light brown 2.2 x 0.9 piece of wood cut to a point on both ends and another knot to hold them on each strand.personal effects, jewellery, leather necklace

Old metal framed pair of oval shapped spectacles. One glass broken along top edge and frame bent. No arms to go over ears, but a piece of copper wire has been added to the left side.personal effects, seeing aids, spectacles, spectacles

White ceramic German Jaeger or Hunters pipe with gilding and black script reading H Schutt Stellanden 14th Febr 1852.personal effects, smoking accessories, pipe

Light Blue cardboard box with black label gold print containing Hair Pins / label reads ' Best quality invisible waved hair pins, Made in England.personal effects, hairdressing, ' best quality invisible waved hair pins , made in england

Silver Finger nail Buffer part of Manicure set / label atached 'DI.461.1' / Hallmarks: Anchor , Lion & O.personal effects, manicure, nail buffer, hallmarks anchor , lion & o

Pair of pinces nez (glasses) with gold wire bridge with a label 'DI 462'.personal effects, seeing aids, pair of pinze nes glasses with gold wire bridge

Pair of glass Spectacles with gold wire arms and Nose Bridge in a hard black leather covered case with purple velvet lining - outside of case shows in gold lettering 'Optician H Stiles Bendigo '.H Stiles Bendigo 'personal effects, seeing aids, 'optician h stiles bendigo '

Nickel plated Vesta or Wax Match Holder with Striker on bottom & sprung lid .Decorated with flowers in relief.personal effects, smoking accessories

Silver MATCH BOX HOLDER with red imprinted word 'Matches ' across the front / EPNS Made in England stamped on side / contains empty Bryant & May wooden match box.personal effects, smoking accessories

Old 1910's Glattolin Collar Wax, Made in Germany, sold all over the world and is written in 4 different languages making this very unique and attractive. Each box includes colourful instructions Old 1910’s. / Red small cardboard box containing wax block and instructions.personal effects

Pair of Bifocal Horn Rimmed Spectacles in old Spectacle case.personal effects, seeing aids

Red leather wallet - inside is gold lettering ' With the Compliments of James Buchanan & Co., Limited.' worn with ink stains, metal protectors on two edges.personal effects, pocket books, james buchanan & co., limited .