Prior to carrying out a detailed condition report of the cetacean skeletons, it is useful to have an understanding of the materials we are likely to encounter, in terms of structure and chemistry. This entry invites you to join in learning about the composition of whale bone and oil. Whale bone (Cetacean) bone is comprised of a composite structure of both an inorganic matrix of mainly hydroxylapatite (a calcium phosphate mineral), providing strength and rigidity, as well as an organic protein ‘scaffolding’ of mainly collagen, facilitating growth and repair (O’Connor 2008, CCI 2010). Collagen is also the structural protein component in cartilage between the whale vertebrae and attached to the fins of both the Killer Whale and the Dolphin. Relative proportions in the bone composition (affecting density), are linked with the feeding habits and mechanical stresses typically endured by bones of particular whale types. A Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus, 1758) skeleton (toothed) thus has a higher mineral value (~67%) than a Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus Linnaeus, 1758) (baleen) (~60%) (Turner Walker 2012). The internal structure of bone can be divided into compact and cancellous bone. In whales, load-bearing structures such as mandibles and upper limb bones (e.g. humerus, sternum) are largely composed of compact bone (Turner Walker 2012). This consists of lamella concentrically deposited around the longitudinal axis and is permeated by fluid carrying channels (O’Connor 2008). Cancellous (spongy) bone, with a highly porous angular network of trabeculae, is less stiff and thus found in whale ribs and vertebrae (Turner Walker 2012). Whale oil Whales not only carry a thick layer of fat (blubber) in the soft tissue of their body for heat insulation and as a food store while they are alive, but also hold large oil (lipid) reserves in their porous bones. Following maceration of the whale skeleton after death to remove the soft tissue, the bones retain a high lipid content (Higgs et. al 2010). Particularly bones with a spongy (porous) structure have a high capacity to hold oil-rich marrow. Comparative data of various whale species suggests the skull, particularly the cranium and mandible bones are particularly oil rich. Along the vertebral column, the lipid content is reduced, particularly in the thoracic vertebrae (~10-25%), yet greatly increases from the lumbar to the caudal vertebrae (~40-55%). The chest area (scapula, sternum and ribs) show a mid-range lipid content (~15-30%), with vertically orientated ribs being more heavily soaked lower down (Turner Walker 2012, Higgs et. al 2010). Whale oil is largely composed of triglycerides (molecules of fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule). In Arctic whales a higher proportion of unsaturated, versus saturated fatty acids make up the lipid. Unsaturated fatty acids (with double or triple carbon bonds causing chain kinks, preventing close packing (solidifying) of molecules), are more likely to be liquid (oil), versus solid (fat) at room temperature (Smith and March 2007). Objects Made From the Whaling Industry We all know that men set forth in sailing ships and risked their lives to harpoon whales on the open seas throughout the 1800s. And while Moby Dick and other tales have made whaling stories immortal, people today generally don't appreciate that the whalers were part of a well-organized industry. The ships that set out from ports in New England roamed as far as the Pacific in hunt of specific species of whales. Adventure may have been the draw for some whalers, but for the captains who owned whaling ships, and the investors which financed voyages, there was a considerable monetary payoff. The gigantic carcasses of whales were chopped and boiled down and turned into products such as the fine oil needed to lubricate increasing advanced machine tools. And beyond the oil derived from whales, even their bones, in an era before the invention of plastic, was used to make a wide variety of consumer goods. In short, whales were a valuable natural resource the same as wood, minerals, or petroleum we now pump from the ground. Oil From Whale’s Blubber Oil was the main product sought from whales, and it was used to lubricate machinery and to provide illumination by burning it in lamps. When a whale was killed, it was towed to the ship and its blubber, the thick insulating fat under its skin, would be peeled and cut from its carcass in a process known as “flensing.” The blubber was minced into chunks and boiled in large vats on board the whaling ship, producing oil. The oil taken from whale blubber was packaged in casks and transported back to the whaling ship’s home port (such as New Bedford, Massachusetts, the busiest American whaling port in the mid-1800s). From the ports it would be sold and transported across the country and would find its way into a huge variety of products. Whale oil, in addition to be used for lubrication and illumination, was also used to manufacture soaps, paint, and varnish. Whale oil was also utilized in some processes used to manufacture textiles and rope. Spermaceti, a Highly Regarded Oil A peculiar oil found in the head of the sperm whale, spermaceti, was highly prized. The oil was waxy, and was commonly used in making candles. In fact, candles made of spermaceti were considered the best in the world, producing a bright clear flame without an excess of smoke. Spermaceti was also used, distilled in liquid form, as an oil to fuel lamps. The main American whaling port, New Bedford, Massachusetts, was thus known as "The City That Lit the World." When John Adams was the ambassador to Great Britain before serving as president he recorded in his diary a conversation about spermaceti he had with the British Prime Minister William Pitt. Adams, keen to promote the New England whaling industry, was trying to convince the British to import spermaceti sold by American whalers, which the British could use to fuel street lamps. The British were not interested. In his diary, Adams wrote that he told Pitt, “the fat of the spermaceti whale gives the clearest and most beautiful flame of any substance that is known in nature, and we are surprised you prefer darkness, and consequent robberies, burglaries, and murders in your streets to receiving as a remittance our spermaceti oil.” Despite the failed sales pitch John Adams made in the late 1700s, the American whaling industry boomed in the early to mid-1800s. And spermaceti was a major component of that success. Spermaceti could be refined into a lubricant that was ideal for precision machinery. The machine tools that made the growth of industry possible in the United States were lubricated, and essentially made possible, by oil derived from spermaceti. Baleen, or "Whalebone" The bones and teeth of various species of whales were used in a number of products, many of them common implements in a 19th century household. Whales are said to have produced “the plastic of the 1800s.” The "bone" of the whale which was most commonly used wasn’t technically a bone, it was baleen, a hard material arrayed in large plates, like gigantic combs, in the mouths of some species of whales. The purpose of the baleen is to act as a sieve, catching tiny organisms in sea water, which the whale consumes as food. As baleen was tough yet flexible, it could be used in a number of practical applications. And it became commonly known as "whalebone." Perhaps the most common use of whalebone was in the manufacture of corsets, which fashionable ladies in the 1800s wore to compress their waistlines. One typical corset advertisement from the 1800s proudly proclaims, “Real Whalebone Only Used.” Whalebone was also used for collar stays, buggy whips, and toys. Its remarkable flexibility even caused it to be used as the springs in early typewriters. The comparison to plastic is apt. Think of common items which today might be made of plastic, and it's likely that similar items in the 1800s would have been made of whalebone. Baleen whales do not have teeth. But the teeth of other whales, such as the sperm whale, would be used as ivory in such products as chess pieces, piano keys, or the handles of walking sticks. Pieces of scrimshaw, or carved whale's teeth, would probably be the best remembered use of whale's teeth. However, the carved teeth were created to pass the time on whaling voyages and were never a mass production item. Their relative rarity, of course, is why genuine pieces of 19th century scrimshaw are considered to be valuable collectibles today. Reference: McNamara, Robert. "Objects Made From the Whaling Industry." ThoughtCo, Jul. 31, 2021, thoughtco.com/products-produced-from-whales-1774070.Whale bone was an important commodity, used in corsets, collar stays, buggy whips, and toys.Whale bone in two pieces. Advanced stage of calcification as indicated by deep pitting. Off white to grey.None.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, whale bones, whale skeleton, whales, whale bone, corsets, toys, whips

Colour photo in a tan, wooden frame & brown matt board depicting a soldier digging a defensive pit.My Vietnam collection, Fire Support Base, Coral - Vietnam 1968 @Larry Davenportfire support base - coral

Mrs J.L.Smith and Ada Smith in the backyard of the house Law Muir Den 510 Centre Rd Bentleigh c 1910. . The early settler women usually devoted a whole day to washing as it was very labourious. A fire was lit in a stone pit and a large tub of water boiled. Soap that had been made, usually in the previous Autumn, from fat drippings and caustic soda, was flaked into the tub to form suds. The clothes were moved around in the tub with a long wooden paddle that was also used to lift the clothes out of the tub into another tub of cold rinsing water..Stains were removed by scrubbing soap on the cloth against a scrubbing board. Clothes were wrung by hand or a mechanical wringer and hung on the clothes line to dry. Mary Ann Smith was married John Logan Smith 1860-1932 who at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.Photograph, Black & White, showing 2 women washing clothes in a large tub, set over a fire in a stone pit, in the back yard. Clothes are hanging from a rope line strung between 2 trees and held up with a wooden 'prop'

Three Panel Photograph in black frame with glass front. 1. Gun pit with machine gun pointing towards Tank 2. Two soldiers in gun implacement ready for action 3. Three soldiers having a break in gun pit with guns at the ready. Pte John Bryant namedCORAL BALMORAL COLLECTIONtank, soldiers, pte john bryant, photograph, battle of coral-balmoral

Making trench art was a common way of passing time. Soldiers would use what was available to them. In this case a brass shellMade from brass 25Pdr shell. The has raised clovers and 1914 prominent around a systematically pitted surface. Previous attempts to polish the shell have left these pits white/green in colour. The top of the shell has been cut with triangles removed to leave a sharply serrated top. 1914ww1, trench art, wark vc club, regimental property

Pair of wooden crutches with wooden rests for arm pits. Rubber stoppers on base. Fitted together with binding and nuts and bolts.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

A coloured Photograph of the finished personal weapon pit 6ft deep with 3ft overhead cover in a black frame with white mattingphotograph, weapon pit, battle of coral-balmoral

A coloured photograph of 3791212 PTE J.E Bryant digging his personal weapon pit in a black frame with white matting.battle of balmoral, pte bryant, photograph, battle of coral-balmoral

Black & White Photograph by the TMSV Sales of the demolition of winding sheave pit - location not known. Shows the size of the cable pins.Has the TMSV Sales stamp on rear.trams, tramways, cable trams, cable grip, cables, winding houses, tram 565

Photo shows horse connected to gold crushing equipment A circular pit with log braced over centre Two men in foreground1 copy B/W 1 copy Sepiamining, gold mining, mafeking

When the ship Schomberg was launched in 1855, she was considered the most perfect clipper ship ever to be built. James Blaine’s Black Ball Line had commissioned her to be built for their fleet of passenger liners. At a cost of £43,103, the Aberdeen builders designed her to sail faster than the quick clippers designed by North American Donald McKay. She was a three masted wooden clipper ship, built with diagonal planking of British oat with layers of Scottish larch. This luxury vessel was designed to transport emigrants to Melbourne in superior comfort. She had ventilation ducts to provide air to the lower decks and a dining saloon, smoking room, library and bathrooms for the first class passengers. At the launch of Schomberg’s maiden voyage, her master Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes, drunkenly predicted that he would make the journey between Liverpool and Melbourne in 60 days. Schomberg departed Liverpool on 6 October 1855 with 430 passengers and 3000 tons cargo including iron rails and equipment intended the build the Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. The winds were poor as Schomberg sailed across the equator, slowing her journey considerably. She was 78 days out of Liverpool when she ran aground on a sand-spit near Peterborough, Victoria, on 27 December; the sand spit and the currents were not marked on Forbes’s map. Overnight, the crew launched a lifeboat to find a safe place to land the ship’s passengers. The scouting party returned to Schomberg and advised Forbes that it was best to wait until morning because the rough seas could easily overturn the small lifeboats. The ship’s Chief Officer spotted SS Queen at dawn and signalled the steamer. The master of the SS Queen approached the stranded vessel and all of Schomberg’s passengers were able to disembark safely. The Black Ball Line’s Melbourne agent sent a steamer to retrieve the passengers’ baggage from the Schomberg. Other steamers helped unload her cargo until the weather changed and prevented the salvage teams from accessing the ship. Local merchants Manifold & Bostock bought the wreck and cargo, but did not attempt to salvage the cargo still on board the ship. They eventually sold it on to a Melbourne businessman and two seafarers. After two of the men drowned when they tried to reach Schomberg, salvage efforts were abandoned.32 In 1975, divers from Flagstaff Hill, including Peter Ronald, found an ornate communion set at the wreck. The set comprised a jug, two chalices, a plate and a lid. The lid did not fit any of the other objects and in 1978 a piece of the lid broke off, revealing a glint of gold. As museum staff carefully examined the lid and removed marine growth, they found a diamond ring, which is currently on display in the Great Circle Gallery.33 Flagstaff Hill also holds ship fittings and equipment, personal effects, a lithograph, tickets and photograph from the Schomberg. Most of the artefacts were salvaged from the wreck by Peter Ronald, former director of Flagstaff Hill. 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 Heart shaped horse harness embellishment, brass, 1½" x 1½". Has pitting and patina. Recovered from the wreck of the Schomberg.warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, schomberg, shipwrecked-artefact, clipper ship, black ball line, 1855 shipwreck, aberdeen clipper ship, captain forbes, peterborough shipwreck, ss queen, horse harness

Tie in LP outlet Hopetoun Street Pit 13/12/1989 - 7020/5028 Chapel/Hopetoun Street Tie in of Reg.Polaroidorganisation, industry, gas and fuel

This cannon ball formed the basis of a discussion with artillerist Peter Webster and historical society members in 2011. The following ideas were put forward. It was approximately 5 inches in diameter and weighed 10lb, Such cannon balls were used in an 18 calibre cannon, which were used only on ships. (12 calibre guns were field artillery). Australia was behind England in its artillery use and used hand me downs. In the 1800's Australia did an audit of artillery and cleared out those no longer in use. By the time of the 1830's 18lb cannons were largely obsolete and removed from service Australia used 18 calibre cannons in Northern Australia at Port Essington and Fort Dundas (Melville Island) Perhaps this cannon ball has no real connection with Australia and came as ballast from some other country.This is one of the more interesting items in our collection and there has been much conjecture over the years as to the story of how it ended up in Warrnambool. In that way it has built its own mystery and provenanceRound metal ball measuring 5 inches in diameter, weighing 10lb. The surface is pitted with the original surface visible in some parts.defence, war, ships, cannon ball, exploration, warrnambool, warrnambool history, warrnambool cannonball

This tool appears to have been hand-assembled. It would have been used on a farm or saw mill or any place of work or home requiring wood to be cut up. This tool has no known local provenance but is retained as an example of a tool used 100 years ago or more,This is a metal small axe or wood splitter with a wooden handle. The metal section is pitted and worn and the oval-shaped handle is partly split and worn. vintage hand tools, wood splitter, history of warrnambool

Image shows Hargeaves Mall, two large concrete boxes in centre of image - drainage pits ? Williams the Shoemen and Thomas Jewellers in background.place, bendigo, hargreaves mall, bendigo, hargreaves mall

Plastic fawn coloured wood grain framed colour photo of six soldiers relaxing on ammo boxes and sand bags in gun pitA Field Battery FSB Ziggie May 1971 "Charles Gun and Visitors"a field battery, fsb ziggie, sgt al green, gnr george mulder, gnr david gibson, gnr neil smith, gnr gordon bright, gnr bruce ping kee

Written on back of photograph, "Ringwood Rifle Club range, South Warrandyte, 1958. Cleared from pit to 500 yard mark."

Item in the collection of Reginald Charles Allardice No 418557 RAAF. Refer Cat No 3627.5 for his service details.Sepia tone photo showing two pilots in the cock[pit of a Sunderland Flying Boat. On the rear is pasted a note typed in purple describing the photo.On the rear in Brief, “ Photo shows Australian Airman on the cockpit get acquainted with the control of a Sunderland Flying Boat”. “RID%220815 (M1653)”photography, sunderlands

Brace and eyed auger bits were used for boring deep holes into timber, providing space for mechanical fasteners, such as bolts or spikes. Made of iron, the pictured tool comprises a Jennings type, double twist auger bit with a threaded point to draw the bit into the wood. The other end of the shank is shaped as an eye and fitted to a hand brace. Sometimes simple cross-bars were used instead of a brace. The eye design provides greater strength than a standard auger bit. This tool’s cradle further secures the bit, preventing unwanted twisting during use. Since the late 1800’s, brace and eyed auger bits such as this were used for boring holes in fence posts, bridge building and other heavy construction.Bit bolted on and held with hook. Brace probably blacksmith made. Bit commercially made. May have been used vertically. Surface pitted.auger, fencing, brace, blacksmith, tool, tools, farm, farming, churchill island

Panel saw with tapering blade and small corrugations, wooden handle affixed with brass rivets. Borer holes in handle. Surface rust and pitting on steel.DISSTON [on brass plaque on handle]

Cannon ball, surface very pitted. Information with cannon ball states:' Circa 19th Century, discovered at Williamstown in Victoria during excavations 1960'military, army, cannon ball

Coloured photo in black wooden frame with brown matt board depicting 2 tired soldiers sitting on top of a two-man weapon pit.My Vietnam collection. "Buggered", "Fire support Base Coral - Vietnam 1968 @ Larry Davenport.fire support base - coral

Most of the area is now Thornton Crescent, Mitcham, a factory area. When erecting the present 'buildings', which are all single level, certain strategies were employed to ensure safety.Black and white aerial photograph of Mitcham showing the reservoir, Australian Tesselated Tiles with the clay pit at the rear, and Monarch Tiles (1914-16) in the foreground.mitcham reservoir, australian tesselated tile co. pty ltd, monarch terra cotta pty ltd

Water drainage work undertaken by Eltham Shire Council in Bonds Road, Lower Plenty outside the Martin property opposite Montpelier Drive, July 1972 Note the blocked pit full of water and water circumnavigating the pit.35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)Bonds Road (Martin property) 12.10 pm 18.7.72bonds road, drainage works, eltham shire council, infrastructure, lower plenty, martin property, montpelier drive

Diggers & Mining: The Digging - The Diggers. Slide is a clipping from the paper; MEMS FROM THE MOUNT, and refers to the way the diggers dress, and that they go to the pit with a 'tin dicky' full of water or cold tea to drink at the pit. Also makes reference to the smart appearance - black shiny hats, gloved hands - in town. Markings: 53 994.LIF:6. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields

Eucalyptus factory, near Inglewood 23/09/1995. Old shed, with hoist on left hand side, to put eucalyptus leaves in pit for oil extraction. Edith Lunn

Refers to the service of Lt.Col. "Roy Shadforth".1. Red waist jacket, white collars and white cuffs. 38 BN. R.V.R. Badge (Gold) on collars. Epaulettes show gold Lt.Col. badges and gold A.M.F. buttons. It has one interior pocket. 2. Red sleeveless vest. 4 brass (Gold) buttons, AMF motif, lined with a faint light cotton. 2 exterior pockets. 3. Shirt, short sleeved - off white. polyester cotton, 6 clear buttons, one breast pocket. 4. Black bow tie with plastic mount. 5. Trousers, woollen, black. Red pin stripe on outside legs. Lined with same cotton as vest. Straps at bottom of legs to hook up under feet.1. Written inside one arm pit is Shadforth. 2. Written inside vest is Shadforth. 5. Written on trouser pocket is Shadforth.post ww2, cmf, uniform, roy shadforth, passchendaele barracks trust