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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Muntz Metal
This sheet of copper sheathing or muntz metal has been recovered from the sea. It has been damaged by reaction of the metals to the sea, it has encrustations from the sea such as sand, and other damage has caused the edges to break away or fold over. ABOUT MUNTZ Early timber sailing ships had a problem of the timber hulls being eaten through by the marine animals called Teredo Worms, sometimes called ‘sea worms’ or ‘termites of the sea’. The worms bore holes into wood that is immersed in sea water and the bacteria inside the worms digest the wood. Shipbuilders tried to prevent this problem by applying coatings of tar, wax, lead or pitch onto the timber. In the 18th and 19th centuries the outside of their ships were sheathed in copper sheathing or a combination of 60 percent copper and 40 percent zinc (called Muntz metal). The ships would be re-metalled periodically to ensure the sheathing would remain effective. In more recent times the ships are protected with a toxic coating. Piece of Muntz metal, copper/zinc sheathing for protecting ship hulls.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, muntz, muntz metal, copper sheating,, copper sheathing, teredo worms, sea worms, sea termites, ship building -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Weapon - Harpoon, Early to mid 19th Century
A harpoon is a long spear-like instrument used in fishing, whaling, sealing and other marine hunting to catch large fish or marine mammals such as whales. It accomplishes this task by impaling the target animal and securing it with barb or toggling claws, allowing the fishermen to use a rope or chain attached to the projectile to catch the animal. The earliest known harpoons, have been recorded as having been made and used 90,000 years ago. In the early whaling industry the two flue harpoon was the primary weapon used around the world. This two fluke harpoon tended to penetrate no deeper than the soft outer layer of a whales blubber. Thus it was often possible for the whale to escape by struggling or swimming away forcefully enough to pull the shallowly embedded barbs out backwards. This flaw was corrected in the early nineteenth century with the creation of the one fluke harpoon. By removing one of the flukes, the head of the harpoon was narrowed, making it easier for it to penetrate deep enough to hold fast. In the Arctic, the indigenous people used the more advanced toggling harpoon design and by the mid-19th century, the toggling harpoon was adapted by Lewis Temple, using iron. The Temple toggle was widely used, and quickly came to dominate the whaling industry around the world.A hand forged harpoon demonstrating the blacksmiths art for fashioning an item used during the early 19th century in the significant industry of whaling. Used during a time when the world depended on the natural resources derived from whales, oil for lighting, lubrication, margarine, candles, soaps and cosmetics as well as the use of the whales bones for various other items such as corsets, umbrellas,fertiliser and animal feed. The item is significant as it was probably made between 1820-1850 after which a single fluke and toggle harpoon began to be use extensively in the whaling industry. Also coming in to general use was a black powder gun to fire the harpoon rather than the early type that had to be manually thrown by a mariner from a row boat of which the subject item is an example.Hand forged double fluke steel whaling harpoon with an arrowhead tip atop a square shank that tapers to a narrow round shaft with a split metal cone to accommodate a wooden harpoon pole.Noneharpoon, whaling, whaling harpoon, fishing industry, whales, flukes, lewis temple, marine technology, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Flag - The Mission to Seafarers, circa 2000
The flag represents The Mission to Seafarers worldwide organisation. From about the year 2000 particular flag was once flown from Flagstaff Hill's masthead on top of the turret on the St Nicholas Seamen's Church but this practice ceased around 2010 for safety reasons. The Australian beginnings were in 1856 when the Church of England (Anglican Church) established the ‘Society for Promoting Missions to Seamen Afloat, at Home and Abroad. Lord Shaftesbury was the first President and Mr William Kingston was the first Secretary. Its Constitution declared: (1)) the Object is the spiritual welfare of the seafaring classes at home and abroad. (2) In pursuance of this Object, Society will use every means consistent with the principles and received practice of the Church of England. Mr Kingston’s wife and sister designed a flag to clearly depict the Society’s Objects. It depicted the first of the three angels in Revelation 14, who possessed ‘an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. The ‘Flying Angel’ (the angel of Revelation) became the official logo of the Society and gained great popularity. In July 2000 the Missions to Seamen changed its name to the Mission to Seafarers to better reflect the group's function, an unbiased society that cares for all who earn their living at sea. The Logo was modernised and simplified, the word changed to 'seafarer' to be gender-neutral. The angel logo no longer holds a book (Bible). The organisation states: “The Mission to Seafarers is an Anglican organisation ... The Mission offers fellowship and a warm welcome in centres where seafarers can relax away from their ships, meet local people and contact their homes, from ports around the world. The Mission provides and promotes” … “The Mission to Seafarers now has a presence in 200 ports in 50 countries worldwide. This makes us the largest sea-port-based welfare organisation in the world. We provide support to seafarers 365 days per year, regardless of their rank, nationality, gender or religion” This flag was a gift from the Mission to Seafarers Victoria at the time of the organisation's change of name from the Missions to Seamen. It was flown from the Masthead on top of the turret on the St Nicholas Seamen's Church at Flagstaff Hill from the years 2000 to around 2010. The donation of this flag signifies the ongoing association between the historical organisation and St Nicholas Seamen's Church building at Flagstaff Hill', which displays an extensive collection of furniture and furnishings from that organisation's Williamstown branch. The design on the flag is an example of several updates of the flag over the organisation's lifetime.Flag, fine linen, The Mission to Seafarers. Rectangle of blue fabric with white text around white flying angel logo. Flag has a plastic hook on top of the halyard.Printed "THE MISSION TO SEAFARERS" and logo of FLYING ANGEL symbolflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, missions to seamen victoria, mission to seafarers, flying angel’s club, st nicholas seaman’s church williamstown, mission to seafarers flag, flag, missions to seamen, turret -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Decorative object - Wall Decoration, 1850 to 1901
This item is part of the Giles Collection, dating back to the late Victorian era, from the 1880s to the early 1900s, in which Queen Victoria ruled England. The queen’s influence was felt throughout the world, including in the United States and Australia where Victorian values shaped society and style, especially in home décor. This period’s distinct style presents an eclectic mix of highly ornamented furniture, wallpaper, and knick-knacks. Particularly in terms of furniture, and the characteristic floral patterns and rich, contrasting colours, wall hangings that enjoyed the height of their popularity during the Victorian era were of the spiritual type with either embroidered or punched paper religious motto or bible quote. Mottoes were commonly hung high up on the wall or in an area of prominence, to remind the viewer of their important message, such as “He Leadeth Me” and “Honesty, Industry, and Sobriety.” Short and pithy, they embodied the ideals of Victorian society. Technological advances contributed to the boom of religious mottoes whereas before the Industrial Revolution home décor of this sort was handmade and therefore minimal, now consumers could purchase and fill their homes with all sorts of mass-produced ephemera goods similar to the subject item. Many of these mass-produced period pieces still exist today, often in their original frames, ceramic, enamelled or paper formats. Flagstaff maritime museum has many examples of mottoes on display that serve to reflect the period in which values of home, faith, and Christianity were very prominent in everyday Victorian society. The Giles Family There are many 19th century items of furniture, linen and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with the Giles Family and are known as the “Giles Collection”. These items mostly came from the simple home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton), whose photos are in the parlour. They married in 1880. Henry Giles was born at Tower Hill in 1858. He was a labourer on the construction of the Breakwater before leaving in 1895 to build bridges in N.S.W. for about seven years. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook. She attended Mailor’s Flat State School where she was also a student teacher before, as a family legend has it, she became a governess at “Injemiara” where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family of six, some of whom were born at Mailor’s Flat and later children at Wangoom, lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940.The Giles family collection has social significance at a local level, because it illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill when the Museum was established. This wall decoration reflects the social values and attitudes of the late Victorian era that was used to promote good Christian and moral values in many households. These items of decoration were very popular at this time and the subject item is significant as it gives a snapshot into the social norms of past generations. Printed card wall hanging with floral design. Religious text on the sign is embossed onto the card and highlighted in silver print. There is a handwritten ink inscription, and a pencil inscription, on the back. A string is attached to two holes on top of the card. Embossed"THE BLESSING / OF THE LORD/ BE UPON YOU." "PS 129.8." In pencil "H/S" In ink "To dear Granny with lots of love / from Dorothy. X X."flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, paper wall decoration, religious, home decoration, societal values, victorian moral values, wall hanging, wall decoration, spiritual decoration, bible verse, giles collection -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Accessory - Brooch, late-19th to early 20th century
This brooch with its floral design is typical of the jewellery worn during the Romantic Period of the Victorian Era, when Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, was alive 1837-1861. During this period flower motifs and brooches and pins were popular.This brooch is representative of jewellery worn during the Romantic Period of Queen Victoria's rule, 1837-1861.Brooch, light weight, rose coloured gold metal with red- brown onyx stone. Flower shaped brooch with six petals, stone attached, with rose design stem which is flanged on back. Backing plate is also rose coloured metal. A small ring is attached to the top of the brooch where the safety chain is attached. There are two small holes on back of brooch. A chain is attached to the horizontal pin on the back, and has a pin on its end. There is an Inscription engraved on the back. Engraved in script, "Coco" [Italian word for gold]flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, ladies jewellery, victorian era jewellery, jewellery inscribed 'coco', brooch, jewellery, ladies' jewellery, victorian era, romantic period -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Chair, 1855-1900
Heywood & Wakefield Furniture Co: The Heywood-Wakefield Company is an American furniture manufacturer established in 1897 that went on to become a major presence in the US. Its older products are considered collectibles and have been featured on television antique programs. The Heywood brothers established themselves in 1826, as furniture makers and the Wakefield Company began in 1855 as a separate company. Both firms produced wicker and rattan furniture, and as these products became increasingly popular towards the end of the century, they became serious rivals. In 1897 the companies merged as Heywood Brothers & Wakefield Company (this name was changed to Heywood-Wakefield Company in 1921), purchasing Washburn-Heywood Chair Company in 1916, Oregon Chair Company in 1920, and Lloyd Manufacturing Company in 1921. While its wooden furniture plant in Gardner, Massachusetts closed in 1979, a branch in Menominee, Michigan continued to manufacture metal outdoor seats, auditorium seats, and school furniture. The Heywood-Wakefield Company Complex in Gardner was added to the National Historic Register in 1983. The South Beach Furniture Company acquired the rights to the name in 1994 and reproduces its wooden furniture. Both founding companies produced wicker and rattan furniture in the late 19th century. The wicker styles drew on the Aesthetic Movement and Japanese influences simpler designs arose in the wake of the Arts and Crafts Movement. The merged entity stayed abreast of wicker furniture trends by hiring designers such as Paul Frankl and Donald Deskey during the 1920s. Its furniture was exhibited at the 1933 Century of Progress exhibition and the 1964 New York World's Fair. During the 1930s and 1940s, Heywood-Wakefield began producing furniture using sleek designs based on French Art Deco.The chair has social significance at a local level, because it illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill when the village and Museum was established. The wicker nursing chair is a fine example of late 19th century light weight domestic furniture that today are very collectible items and quite rare and valuable.Nurse wicker chair, wood, cane and rattan with round rushed seat. The one left arm being that to support the infant during feeding. 1870s-1890s. Believed to have been made by Heywood Brothers & Wakefield Company, USA. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, 19th century furniture, rolled serpentine wicker work, cane armchair, classic wicker furniture, victorian style furniture, domestic furniture late 19th century, heywood-wakefield company, feeding chair, nursing chair, mother's chair, nursery furniture -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Clothing - Petticoat
This petticoat was donated along with other well kept items of women's clothing. the pin tucks and lace trim could have been made to give flexibility to the length. The clothing once belonged to members of a family who migrated from Faversham, Kent, England to Sydney, Australia in the late 19th - early 20th century and was passed down through the family. The items have been worn and have also been well cared for.This object is significant as an example of an item in common use in the 19th and early 20th centuries.Petticoat, ladies size, cotton, waist to floor, drawstring waist closure, bottom lace trim is lined, pin tucks in lower skirt. Machine made lace, machine stitched. C. 1900.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, ladies garments 19th century, cotton garments 19th century, ladies undergarment, petticoat c 1900, ladies' clothing, ladies' fashion, underwear, petticoat -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Ceramic - Bottle, 1850-1900
Stoneware Bottle, made for Stout by H. Kennedy Barrowfield Pottery Glasgow. Cork, lead paper and wire sealed. C 1850's - 1900. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, bottle, stout, h kennedy, barrowfield, pottery, glasgow, stoneware, 19th century -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Textile - Bedspread, Vera and Aurelia Giles, Late 19th to Early 20th Century
There are many 19th century items of furniture, linen and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with the Giles Family and are known as the “Giles Collection”. These items mostly came from the simple home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton), whose photos are in the parlour. They married in 1880. Henry Giles was born at Tower Hill in 1858. He was a labourer on the construction of the Breakwater before leaving in 1895 to build bridges in N.S.W. for about seven years. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook. She attended Mailor’s Flat State School where she was also a student teacher before, as family legend has it, she became a governess at “Injemiara” where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family of six, some of whom were born at Mailor’s Flat and later children at Wangoom, lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940. The Giles family collection is of social significance at a local level, because it not only illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill during it’s establishment. But the Giles collection also gives us today a snapshot into what domestic life was like in early colonial times prior to Federation.Bedspread, white and has been eaten by a dog down one side.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, giles collection, henry giles, tower hill, cooramook, warrnambool breakwater, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century household goods -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Washstand Cover
There are many 19th century items of furniture, linen and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with the Giles Family and are known as the “Giles Collection”. These items mostly came from the simple home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton), whose photos are in the parlour. They married in 1880. Henry Giles was born at Tower Hill in 1858. He was a labourer on the construction of the Breakwater before leaving in 1895 to build bridges in N.S.W. for about seven years. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook. She attended Mailor’s Flat State School where she was also a student teacher before, as family legend has it, she became a governess at “Injemiara” where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family of six, some of whom were born at Mailor’s Flat and later children at Wangoom, lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940. The Giles family collection has social significance at a local level, because it illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill when the Museum was established.Washstand Cover, white with knitted lace on the front and part of the two sides.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, giles collection, henry giles, tower hill, cooramook, warrnambool breakwater, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century household goods -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Document - Navigation Chart, North-East Coast of New Guinea with Bougainville, New Britain, New Ireland & Admiralty Islands
British Admiralty Navigation Chart - North-East Coast of New Guinea with Bougainville, New Britain, New Ireland & Admiralty Islandswarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, british admiralty navigation chart, navigation chart, new guinea, bougainville, north-east coast of new guinea, new britain, new ireland, admiralty islands -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Treadle Scroll Saw, Hobbies Ltd, Manufactured by Hobbies in England from 1928- 1965
Since 1895, Hobbies Ltd have been supplying model makers and enthusiasts throughout the world with a wide range of quality model kits, accessories, tools, components and handbooks. The Hobbies Company began life in Dereham, Norfolk in 1881 with a London Office opened later (1922) at 65 New Oxford Street, WC1. In 1895 Hobbies began supplying model makers with their products and in 1897 were incorporated into a Public company. In 1922 at a British Industries Fair the company had a stand advertising their products as "The All-British Firm with a World reputation". Fretwork Outfits. Fretwork Machines. Carpentry Outfits. Strip work Outfits. Also manufactures of Fretwork Tools and Benches, Wood, Circular Saws, Lathes, Picture Framing Outfits, Tools, etc. In 1947 the company had expanded and was still making tools and materials for the amateur craftsman in wood. They had acquired a reputation as manufacturers of quality Fretwork Outfits, Tools, Treadle Machines, Model Maker's Tool Kits. The company also publishers of ‘Hobbies Weekly magazine’ and also sold plans for fretwork, model making and wooden toys. In 1961 they were still manufacturers and retailers of craft tools and materials, timber merchants, light engineers and Government contractors with around 500 employees. A vintage tool made for hobbyists and distributed throughout the world by a British company that is still in existence today. The item is significant as it catalogues the manufactures history at a specific time in the company's development.Foot operated treadle Fret saw called "GEM" subject item is a short saw , the stand in the background is the base for a Delta Q3 model scroll saw. Gem inscription cast into the cast iron frameworkflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, saw, treadle saw, fret saw, pedal saw, the gem, tool, hobbies ltd, treadle, foot operated -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Octant, Mid to late 19th Century
An octant is an astronomical instrument used in measuring the angles of heavenly bodies such as the sun, moon and stars at sea in relation to the horizon. This measurement could then be used to calculate the altitude of the body measured, and then the latitude at sea could also be calculated. The angle of the arms of an octant is 45 degrees, or 1/8 of a circle, which gives the instrument its name. Two men independently developed the octant around 1730: John Hadley (1682–1744), an English mathematician, and Thomas Godfrey (1704–1749), a glazier in Philadelphia. While both have a legitimate and equal claim to the invention, Hadley generally gets the greater share of the credit. This reflects the central role that London and the Royal Society played in the history of scientific instruments in the eighteenth and nineteenth century's. There were also two others who are attributed to having created octanes during this period, Caleb Smith, an English insurance broker with a strong interest in astronomy (in 1734), and Jean-Paul Fouchy, a mathematics professor and astronomer in France (in 1732) In 1767 the first edition of the Nautical Almanac tabulated lunar distances, enabling navigators to find the current time from the angle between the sun and the moon. This angle is sometimes larger than 90°, and thus not possible to measure with an octant. For that reason, Admiral John Campbell, who conducted shipboard experiments with the lunar distance method, suggested a larger instrument and the sextant was developed. From that time onward, the sextant was the instrument that experienced significant development and improvements and was the instrument of choice for naval navigators. The octant continued to be produced well into the 19th century, though it was generally a less accurate and less expensive instrument. The lower price of the octant, including versions without a telescope, made it a practical instrument for ships in the merchant and fishing fleets. One common practice among navigators up to the late nineteenth century was to use both a sextant and an octant. The sextant was used with great care and only for lunar sightings while the octant was used for routine meridional altitude measurements of the sun every day. This protected the very accurate and pricier sextant while using the more affordable octant for general use where it performs well. The invention of the octant was a significant step in providing accuracy of a sailors latitude position at sea and his vessels distance from land when taking sightings of land-based landmarks.Octant with metal handle, three different colored shades are attached, in wooden wedge-shaped box lined with green felt. Key is attached. Two telescope eyepieces are in box. Some parts are missing. Oval ink stamp inside lid of box, scale is graduated to 45 degrees. Ink stamp inside lid of box "SHIPLOVERS SOCIETY OF VICTORIA. LIBRARY"instrument, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, octant, navigation, nautical instrument, navigation instrument, john hadley, sextant, astronomical instrument -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Kerosene Lamp, Bef. 08-02-1984
The kerosene lamp was one of the most common oil lamps used and was manufactured until the 1980s. This lamp appears to be a modern reproduction of an earlier optional wall-mounted kerosene lamp. The lamp has been produced as an example of a 19th and early 20th-century marine kerosene navigation lamp. Marine lamp; portside metal kerosene lamp with two flat sides, and a curved front. The front has a red ridged glass lens insert and the name "port" is inscribed on a fixed brass plaque. A round chimney is on top of the lid and it has a catch. The fuel tank and wick can be removed through the base. The metal appears to be electroplated.Inscribed on the plaque; "PORT"warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, lamp, ship lamp, port lamp, marine lamp, navigation lamp, port, lantern, kerosene lamp, marine technology, ship light, portable lamp -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Tankard
Metal tankards often come with a glass-bottom. There is a legend that the glass-bottomed tankard was developed as a way of refusing the King's shilling, i.e. conscription into the British army or navy. The drinker could see the coin in the bottom of the glass and refuse the drink, thereby avoiding conscription. However, this is likely to be a myth, for the Navy could use force by using “press gangs” to conscript recruits rendering this type of deception unnecessary. Other legends are that in a bar fight, a recipient with a glass bottom tankard could see if a first punch was thrown whilst they had the tankard raised to drink. Another has it that the glass bottom was implemented so the drinker while drinking could observe his surroundings and the dubious people within the Tavern such as thieves, ladies of the night or anyone that could, or may do him harm. A further story is that the glass bottom merely allowed the drinker to judge the clarity of their drink while forgoing the expense of using a fragile and expensive pint glass. If this item is an early tankard from the 18th or 19th century it would be a significant item. Also if a known maker from these time periods could be established it would make the tankard quite valuable. Tankards from this time are snapshots of peoples past everyday lives and form a significant part of our social history so are worthy of preservation in all there forms. Pewter tankard with glass bottom, marine encrusted, recovered from unknown shipwreck.tankard, pewter, mug, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, vessel, drink, tavern, drinkware, kings shilling -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Weapon - Cannon, mid to late 19th century
The history of the Thunderchild gun is not known. It was presumably manufactured in Torquay in the second half of the 19th century. Such guns were often attached to a ship’s rail through the holes in the swivel base, as in the base of this gun. The guns fired grapeshot and were originally used on ships to repel boarders. They were also used to launch whaling harpoons and were sometimes employed for signalling. The relatively late date makes the latter application most likely. This Thunderchild gun is complete with ramrod and wad remover. It is in good working order and easily assembled. It is used locally for special ceremonies and for Whaleboat Races as a starting gun. (Guns and Cannon, South Wester Victoria, May 2008, ref W/F/03) The small bore cannon is part of a collection of nineteenth century Flagstaff Hill Guns and Cannon, which is classified as being a high level of significance, on State, National and World The nineteenth century artillery pieces are a very rare and representative collection of artillery of this era. The artillery pieces, individually and as a collection, are highly significant for historical, scientific and aesthetic reasons at the state, national and world levels. The artillery pieces are excellent examples of nineteenth century artillery designed for the shore defence of western Victoria in the mid to late 1800s. The collection demonstrates the system of nineteenth century Imperial Defence implemented by Britain and of the recycling of obsolete technology to the colonies by Britain. The collection represents the methods of artillery technology, its advancement and its modifications in order to remain active. It also illustrates the transference of defence technology from Britain to Australia and demonstrates the level of reliance Australia had on British defence equipment. The artillery pieces form prominent elements in their landscapes and, together with the batteries and sites in which they are located, create a strong visual link to the region’s defence history. Importantly the artillery pieces, individually and as a collection, represent a very rare and intact group of nineteenth century artillery. Very few examples of nineteenth century artillery have survived worldwide, the largest collections being sited in Canada. The collection is a rare collection of artillery which demonstrates the advancements made in artillery technology during the nineteenth century, and is one of the largest collections of nineteenth century artillery in Australia. Further, the collection is extremely intact, with most pieces retaining original carriages and many located within their original emplacement. This collection of artillery, with their carriages and in their locations, are of exceptional national significance as they represent the largest intact collection of artillery within a single defensive network, outside of major colonial ports. The collection of nineteenth century carriages and slides are in themselves an extremely rare and important collection, however their significance is enhanced by their placements within batteries and with guns. (Conservation Management Plan for Victorian Guns and Cannon, South Western Victoria, May 2008) Cannon; small 1pdr cast iron, smooth bore muzzle loading swivel gun, painted glass black. 19th century cannon has polished wood handle, two detachable metal stirrups and metal swivel base with cuff, attached to block of wood by four bolts. Accessories are a wood tamper and wood ramrod. Name on gun is Thunder-Child, Torquay, Vic. There are Maker’s Marks on the gun and base, and a number on the cannon.. Marks; Barrel "Thunder/ Child". Base cuff " THUNDER / -CHILD / TORQUAY / VIC ", Trunnion "2825/H"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, cannon, torquay, thunder child cannon, thunderchild cannon, signal cannon, muzzle loading cannon, ordinance, munitions -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Musical, Organ, The Smith American Organ Company, Circa 1883
This organ in the Flagstaff Hill collection has a card under the hinged lid titled “The ‘Connoisseur’ Organ” and lists improvements, materials used in the components and directions for taking it apart; it is dated July 1883. Below this card is a printed label listing various Patents, dated; July 9th 1878 / Reissued December 10 1878 - plus September 10 1878 / April 15 1879 / October 28 1879. “The Smith American Organ Company was originally established by S.D. Smith and H.W. Smith as early as 1852. First known as the Smith American Organ Company, the firm was located in Boston and built high end parlour organs and melodeons. In the early 1880s the firm began building pianos and the name of the firm was changed to "The Smith American Organ & Piano Company". In 1889, the firm acquired The Regal Piano Company from the New England Piano Company, and the firm was known as "The Smith American Piano Company" by the 1890s. The Smith American Piano Company built and controlled the Regal Piano Company line until 1903. Many of the instruments by Smith American were also labelled as 'The Palace Of Music'. It appears that the Smith American firm went out of business in the first part of the 20th Century.” A significant item of musical memorabilia and regarded as a collectors item today. Reed organ (sometimes called a pump organ or melodeum). “Connoisseur “model, made by The Smith American Organ Company. Wooden piano-shaped musical instrument with carving and gold leaf decoration. Organ has keyboard, stops (16), shutters (10) above stop board, large foot pedals and a roll back keyboard cover. There is evidence of something being attached either side of the shutters (candle bracket?). Attached inside hinged lid are Directions and Patent information of The Smith American Organ Company, Boston MASS. USA. Label is dated July 1883. Lettering in gold across front of organ “CONNOISSEUR”, “SMITH AMERICAN - - -“ and “ORGAN - - M - - ANY”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, harmonium, organ, piano, musical instrument, music, entertainment, connoisseur organ, reed organ, parlour organ, smith american organ company -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Caulking Tool, A Mathieson and Son, Early 20th century
Caulking is the traditional technique used on wooden vessels built with butted or clinker-built planks to fill the gaps between these planks while still allowing the wood to flex and move. This involved driving the irons, hammered in with the mallet, deep into the seams to open them up. After this, spun yarn, oakum (hemp) or cotton was driven deep into the gaps. The hemp or cotton was soaked in creosote or pine tar to make the joins watertight. Caulking also played a structural role in tightening up the hull or deck by reducing the longitudinal movement of the neighbouring planks. The subject item was made by Alexander Mathieson & Sons but the company was established in 1792 when John Manners had set up a workshop making woodworking planes at 14 Saracens Lane Glasgow. He also employed an apprentice Alexander Mathieson (1773-1851). But in the following year at Saracen's Lane, the 1841 census describes Alexander Mathieson as a master plane-maker now at 38 Saracen Lane with his son Thomas Adam working with him as a journeyman plane-maker. Presumably, Alexander must have taken over the premises and business of John Manners. Now that the business had Thomas Adam Mathieson working with his father it gradually grew and became more diversified, and it is recorded at the time by the Post-Office Glasgow Annual Directory that by 1847-1848 Alexander Mathieson was a “plane, brace, bit, auger & edge tool maker”. In 1849 the firm of James & William Stewart at 65 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh was taken over by Mathieson and Thomas was put in charge of the business, trading under the name Thomas A. Mathieson & Co. as plane and edge-tool makers. Thomas's company went on to acquire the Edinburgh edge-tool makers “Charles & Hugh McPherson” and took over their premises in Gilmore Street. In the Edinburgh directory of 1856/7, the business is recorded as being Alexander Mathieson & Son, plane and edge-tool makers at 48 Nicolson Street and Paul's Work, Gilmore Street Edinburgh. In the 1851 census, Alexander is recorded as working as a tool and plane-maker employing eight men. Later that year Alexander died and his son Thomas took over the business. Under the heading of an edge-tool maker in the 1852/3 Post-Office Glasgow Annual Directory the firm is now listed as Alexander Mathieson & Son, with further entries as "turning-lathe and vice manufacturers". By the early 1850s, the business had moved to 24 Saracen Lane. The directory for 1857/8 records that the firm had moved again only a few years later to East Campbell Street, off the Gallowgate area, and that through further diversification was also manufacturing coopers' and tinmen's tools. The ten-yearly censuses report the firm's growth in 1861 stating that Thomas was a tool manufacturer employing 95 men and 30 boys; in 1871 he had 200 men working for him and in 1881 300 men. By 1899 the firm had been incorporated as Alexander Mathieson & Sons Ltd, even though only Alexander's son Thomas appears ever to have joined the firm so the company was still in his father's name. In September 1868 Thomas Mathieson put a notice in the newspapers of the Sheffield & Rotherham Independent and the Sheffield Daily Telegraph stating that his firm had used the trade-mark of a crescent and star "for some time" and that "using or imitating the Mark would be proceeded against for infringement". The firm had acquired its interest in the crescent-and-star mark from the heirs of Charles Pickslay, the Sheffield cutler who had registered it with the Cutlers' Company in 1833 and had died in 1852. The year 1868 seems also to be the one in which the name Saracen Tool Works was first adopted; not only does it figure at the foot of the notice in the Sheffield press, but it also makes its first appearance in the firm's entry in the Post-Office Glasgow Annual Directory in the 1868/9 edition. As Thomas Mathieson's business grew, so too did his involvement in local public life and philanthropy. One of the representatives of the third ward on the town council of Glasgow, he became a river bailie in 1868, a magistrate in 1870 and a preceptor of Hutcheson's Hospital in 1878. He had a passion for books and was an "ardent Ruskinian". He served on the committee handling the bequest for the setting up of the Mitchell Library in Glasgow. When he died at Coulter Maynes near Biggar in 1899, he left an estate worth £142,764. In the Company's later years both Thomas's sons, James Harper and Thomas Ogilvie were involved in the continuing life of the firm. James followed in his father's footsteps in becoming a local public figure. He was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the County of the City of Glasgow and was made a deacon of the Incorporation of the Hammermen of Glasgow in 1919. His brother Thomas Ogilvie was recorded as a tool manufacturer and employer in the 1911 census. Thomas Ogilvie's son Thomas Alastair Sutherland Ogilvie Mathieson was born in 1908 and took a rather different approach to engineer, however, by becoming a racing driver. In 1947 he wed the French film actress Mila Parély. The firm had won many awards at world fairs for their goods. At the Great Exhibition, London, 1851. Prize medal for joiners' tools in the class of Cutlery & Edge Tools, Great London Exposition, 1862. Prize medal honoris causa. International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1880. Gold medal International Exhibition of Industry, Science and Art, Edinburgh, 1886. Prize medalThe firm Alexander Mathieson & Sons were one of the leading makers of hand tools in Scotland. Its success went hand in hand with the growth of the shipbuilding industries on the Firth of Clyde in the nineteenth century and the emergence of Glasgow as the "second city of the Empire". It also reflected the firm's skill in responding to an unprecedented demand for quality tools by shipyards, cooperages and other industries, both locally and far and wide. The subject item is of further significance as it gives a snapshot of the technological development of sailing ships and their operation before steam-powered vessels took over around the world. Tools such as the subject item demonstrate the traditional craftsmanship and skill of the shipwright and the aesthetic quality of the timber ships designs of the time. Caulking tool Off-set. Stamped on blade "Mathieson & Son Glasgow" also stamped in handle, James S Steele tool box.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, james s steele, caulking iron, caulking tool, offset caulking tool, alexander mathieson & sons, shipwrights tools, ship building, clinker hull caulking, sailing ships -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Literary work - Religious Book, C. & J. Revington, Annotations on the Epistles, Volume 2, 1824 (Second Edition)
An epistle from the Greek (epistolē, meaning "letter") is a writing directed or sent to a person or group of people, usually an elegant and formal didactic letter. The epistle genre of letter-writing was common in ancient Egypt as part of the scribal schools writing curriculum. The letters in the New Testament from Apostles to Christians are usually referred to as epistles. Those traditionally attributed to Paul are known as Pauline epistles and the others as catholic or "general" epistles. The subject volume is titled "Annotations on the Apocalypse" and was intended as a sequel to those originally written by Mr. Elsley on the Gospels and of Mr. Prebendary Slade on the Epistles, and thus aimed to complete a series of comments on the whole of the New Testament, for the use of students in prophetical scrip this book, "Annotations on the Apocalypse was intended as a sequel to those of Mr. Elsley on the Gospels and of Mr. Prebendary Slade on the Epistles", by John Chappel Woodhouse, is a second edition of the book originally published before 1824. These pair of books were part of Tom Wicking's collection and represent the type of literature published and read in the early 1800s and up to the present day for the religious instruction of priests. Spine has “Slades Annotations on the Epistles, Vol II”. Covers have green and cream diagonal tartan with brown binding decorated with gold. Annotations on the Epistles, being a continuation of Mr. Elsley’s Annotations and Principally Designed for the use of Candidates for the Holy Orders, by the Rev. James Slade, M.A., vicar of Bolton, and Prebendary of Chester; late Fellow and Tutor of Emmanuel College, Cambridge; and Examining Chaplain to the Lord Bishop of Chester. In two volumes, Vol. II, second edition. Printed in 1824 for C. & J. Rivington, St Paul’s church-yard, and Waterloo-place, Pall Mall, London . The pair of books is part of the Tom Wicking Collection.Marked inside cover "J. Lewis Glenview to Mrs MacLean S. Broadwater" Marked (illegible) "Maclean "Roger" Poet Diary (misspelt dairy)"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, annotations on the epistles vol 2, rev. james slade, c. & j. revington, religious book, mrs maclean, j lewis of glenview, tom wicking collection -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Container - Bottle, 1880s to 1910s
This handmade green glass bottle was made using the turn-moulded or rotated-moulded method, a variation of the mould-blown process. The bottle has the remnants of a cork seal in its mouth. It possibly contained ginger beer, soda or mineral water, flavoured drinks, liquor or wine. TURN-MOULDED BOTTLE production method This bottle was handmade using the ‘turn-moulded’ process, one of a variety of mould-blown processes that followed the earlier mouth-blown method. The maker would add a portion of hot soft glass to the end of his blowpipe then blow air through the pipe while placing the end inside a bottle mould. The mould was then turned and twisted, giving the bottle a round, seamless body, and usually a round indented base. The cooled body of the bottle would then be finished with the addition of an applied top. A small amount of soft glass would be applied to the top of the bottle and a lip would be formed using a tooling implement. A concentric ring would also form below the lip, caused by the rotated lipping tool. The bases of bottles made with the turn-moulded method were generally not embossed but would commonly have a mamelon or ‘dot’ in the centre of the base. SEALING THE BOTTLE After filling this type of bottle with its contents it is then sealed with a straight, cylindrical cork with the aid of a hand operated tool called a bottle corker. The bottle corker compresses the cork as it is driven into the bottle. Once inside the bottle the cork expands evenly into the opening to tightly seal the contents – the denser the cork the better the seal. This turn-moulded glass bottle is made distinctive due to its round seamless body and indented base.Bottle, dark green glass. Handmade turn-moulded bottle with seamless body and tooled lip. Deeply indented base has push-up mark with a ‘mamelon’ bump in the centre. Bottle is straight from base to half height, then tapers to a shoulder over the next quarter, than almost straight up to the mouth. There is a portion of cork in the bottle’s mouth and dry remnants in the bottle’s base. Possibly used for ginger beer. Produced in 1880s to 1910’s. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, green glass bottle, handmade glass bottle, bottle with indented base, turn-moulded bottle, rotate-moulded bottle, tooled lip on bottle mouth, applied lip bottle, bottle corker -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Container - Bottle, 1880s to 1910s
This handmade green glass bottle was made using the turn-moulded or rotated-moulded method, a variation of the mould-blown process. The bottle has the remnants of a cork seal in its mouth. It possibly contained ginger beer, soda or mineral water, flavoured drinks, liquor or wine. TURN-MOULDED BOTTLE production method This bottle was handmade using the ‘turn-moulded’ process, one of a variety of mould-blown processes that followed the earlier mouth-blown method. The maker would add a portion of hot soft glass to the end of his blowpipe then blow air through the pipe while placing the end inside a bottle mould. The mould was then turned and twisted, giving the bottle a round, seamless body, and usually a round indented base. The cooled body of the bottle would then be finished with the addition of an applied top. A small amount of soft glass would be applied to the top of the bottle and a lip would be formed using a tooling implement. A concentric ring would also form below the lip, caused by the rotated lipping tool. The bases of bottles made with the turn-moulded method were generally not embossed but would commonly have a mamelon or ‘dot’ in the centre of the base. SEALING THE BOTTLE After filling this type of bottle with its contents it is then sealed with a straight, cylindrical cork with the aid of a hand operated tool called a bottle corker. The bottle corker compresses the cork as it is driven into the bottle. Once inside the bottle the cork expands evenly into the opening to tightly seal the contents – the denser the cork the better the seal. This hand made, green glass bottle is representative of bottle making before mass production and is made distinctive due to its round seamless body and indented base.Bottle, dark green glass. Handmade turn-moulded bottle with seamless body and tooled lip. Deeply indented base has push-up mark with a ‘mamelon’ bump in the centre. Bottle is straight from base to half height, then tapers to a shoulder over the next quarter, than almost straight up to the mouth. There is a portion of cork in the bottle’s mouth and dry remnants in the bottle’s base. Possibly used for ginger beer. Produced in 1880s to 1910’s. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, green glass bottle, handmade glass bottle, bottle with indented base, turn-moulded bottle, rotate-moulded bottle, tooled lip on bottle mouth, applied lip bottle, bottle corker -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Container - Bottle, 1880s to 1910s
This handmade green glass bottle was made using the turn-moulded or rotated-moulded method, a variation of the mould-blown process. The bottle has the remnants of a cork seal in its mouth. It possibly contained ginger beer, soda or mineral water, flavoured drinks, liquor or wine. The bottle’s shine has been worn from around 3/4 of its body, indicating that it has been resting horizontally on an abrasive surface, perhaps in the ground or on a river or sea bed. TURN-MOULDED BOTTLE production method This bottle was handmade using the ‘turn-moulded’ process, one of a variety of mould-blown processes that followed the earlier mouth-blown method. The maker would add a portion of hot soft glass to the end of his blowpipe then blow air through the pipe while placing the end inside a bottle mould. The mould was then turned and twisted, giving the bottle a round, seamless body, and usually a round indented base. The cooled body of the bottle would then be finished with the addition of an applied top. A small amount of soft glass would be applied to the top of the bottle and a lip would be formed using a tooling implement. A concentric ring would also form below the lip, caused by the rotated lipping tool. The bases of bottles made with the turn-moulded method were generally not embossed but would commonly have a mamelon or ‘dot’ in the centre of the base. SEALING THE BOTTLE After filling this type of bottle with its contents it is then sealed with a straight, cylindrical cork with the aid of a hand operated tool called a bottle corker. The bottle corker compresses the cork as it is driven into the bottle. Once inside the bottle the cork expands evenly into the opening to tightly seal the contents – the denser the cork the better the seal. This turn-moulded glass bottle is made distinctive due to its round seamless body and indented base.Bottle, dark green glass. Handmade turn-moulded bottle with seamless body and tooled lip. Deeply indented base has push-up mark with a ‘mamelon’ bump in the centre. Bottle is straight from base to half height, then tapers to a shoulder over the next quarter, than almost straight up to the mouth. The shine has been worn from three-quarters of the body of the bottle. There are particles adhered to the inside of the bottle. Possibly used for ginger beer. Produced in 1880s to 1910’s. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, green glass bottle, handmade glass bottle, bottle with indented base, turn-moulded bottle, rotate-moulded bottle, tooled lip on bottle mouth, applied lip bottle, bottle corker -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Clock, late 1900s early 20th Century
In 1850 the Ansonia Clock Company was formed as a subsidiary of the Ansonia Brass Company by Phelps and two Bristol Connecticut clock makers, Theodore Terry and Franklin C. Andrews. Terry & Andrews were the largest clock manufacturers in Bristol at the time with more than 50 employees using 58 tons of brass in the production of about 25,000 clocks in 1849. Phelps decided to get into the clock making business to expand the market for his brass, while Terry and Andrews got access to better quality brass at better prices. They had then sold 50% of their business to Phelps and moved the business to Ansonia, Connecticut. In 1877 the clock company purchased a factory in New York and moved most of its production thereafter being spun off from the brass company. Henry J. Davies of Brooklyn, himself a clock maker, inventor and case designer, joined the newly reconstituted company as one of its founders. As President, he is thought to have been largely responsible for the figurine clocks, swing clocks and other unusual and desirable novelties for which the Ansonia firm became known. By 1879, a second factory was opened in Brooklyn, New York and by June 1880 employed 360 workers, while the Connecticut factory continued producing clocks as well with a workforce of 100 men and 25 women. Hence, clocks marked "Connecticut" were generally produced before 1879, while those marked "New York" were all produced after 1880 After the New York factory burnt down in 1880 the company rebuilt the factory on the same site, and reopened the expanded factory in 1881, with a capacity to exceed that of the Connecticut factory which by 1883 had closed. By 1886, the company had sales offices in New York, Chicago and London, with more than 225 different clock models being manufactured. In 1899, Phelps' grandson William Earle Dodge Stokes commissioned architect Duboy to build the "greatest and grandest hotel in Manhattan, New York” which became the city's first air-conditioned building. In 1929 the majority of the timekeeping machinery and tooling was sold to the Soviet government's US trading company Amtorg, just before the stock market crash. The parts, machinery and key skilled workers were shipped out of the USA to form the basis, along with the remains of a watch company purchased a year later, of the clock and watch industry in Moscow such as Poljot and Sekonda. In 1969, the rights to the use of the name, trademarks, and goodwill were transferred to Ansonia Clock Co., Inc., Lynnwood, Washington. The item marks the beginning of mass produced clocks in the United States, cheaply priced and available to all. The company had many innervation's during it’s life regards clock and later wrist watch making that led the way for other companies in many different countries to emulate.Clock, pendulum mantle model. Carved scallop "Ginger bread house" cottage clock. Oak case, white enamel face, floral etched glass door. Clock has an hour bell chime. Glass front opens to allow rewinding. Made by Ansonia Clock Co, New York. Marked "Manufactured by Ansonia Clock Co. New York, USA"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, mantle clock, clock, pendulum clock, time keeper, horology, ansonia, ansonia clock co, america -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Document - Letter, 10/07/1854
Letter handwritten from Henry Thomas and Co. Liverpool, (the Black Star Line) to Mr Samuel Harkin, Ireland, in reply to an enquiry about the vessel "Iowa". Black ink on blue stationery.TRANSCRIPTION: "Henry Thomas and Co, Liverpool. "Black Star" line of Australian Packets. Liverpool, July 10, 1854. Mr. Samuel Harkin (?), Messes Baird and Hardy, London House, Ballymena, Ireland. Dear Sir, In answer to your favor of 7th inst., we beg to say that we have not yet received any official report from the "Iowa" but presume she is doing well - yhe first news we shall forward to your address. We remain, dear Sir, Yours Respectfully, Henry Thomas and Co."flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, letter, iowa, henry thomas and co, black star line, ship enquiry, liverpool, australian packets -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Service Bell, 1855
This service bell was recovered from the wreck of the ship Schomberg. The Schomberg was a large three-masted full-ship rigged wooden ship built in 1855 by Alexander Hall and Co in Aberdeen, Scotland for James Baines' famous Black Ball Line at £43,103. The vessel was 288 feet (88 meters) in length, with a beam of 45 feet (14 meters), a depth of 29.5 feet (8.99 meters) of 2,284 tons. The mainmast was 210 feet (64 meters) high and she carried 3.3 acres of sail. The vessel was constructed with three skins. One planked fore and aft, and two diagonally planked, fastened together with screw-threaded trunnels (wooden rails). The Schomberg is one of only three clipper wrecks in Victorian waters that operated the England to Australia run. While the other two, Empress of the Sea and Lightning, were built by the famous American shipbuilder, Donald Mac Kay. Schomberg was an attempt to build a faster ship than Mac Kay and a vessel fast enough to break the sailing record to Australia. The Schomberg sailed on her maiden voyage from Liverpool on 6 October 1855, under the command of Captain James Forbes, on its maiden voyage to Australia with a general cargo, jewellery, spirits, machinery, and 2,000 tons of iron rails and equipment intended to build the Melbourne to Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. She also carried a cow for fresh milk, pens for fowls and pigs, plus 90,000 gallons of water for washing and drinking. She also carried 17,000 letters and 31,800 newspapers. There were approximately 473 passengers and a crew of 105. It was hoped that Schomberg would make Melbourne in sixty days, setting a record for the voyage, but light winds at the equator dashed those expectations. The ship sighted Moonlight Head in south west Victoria on Christmas Day but through a deadly combination of wind, currents and unmarked sand spits, the vessel gently ran aground on 26 December 1855 on a spit that juts into Newfield Bay, just east of Curdies Inlet, and the present town of Peterborough. Fortunately, the SS Queen was nearby and managed to save all passengers and crew. The steamers Keera and Maitland were dispatched to salvage the passenger's baggage and the more valuable cargo. Other salvage attempts were made, but deteriorating weather made the work impossible, and within two weeks the Schomberg's hull was broken up and the vessel abandoned. The wrecking of the Schomberg caused quite the public stir particularly in light of the fact the vessel was supposed to be, the most perfect clipper ship ever built. Captain Forbes was charged in the Supreme Court under suspicion that he was playing cards with two female passengers below decks when his ship ran aground. Despite a protest meeting, two inquiries and the court proceedings, he was found not guilty and cleared of all charges. 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 at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime museum that also displays ship fittings and equipment, personal effects. Most of the artefacts were salvaged from the wreck by Peter Ronald, former director of Flagstaff Hill.The Schomberg has historical significance as one of the first luxurious ships built to bring emigrants to Australia to cash in on the gold rush era. And is included on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S612). The collection of Schomberg artefacts held at Flagstaff Hill Museum is primarily significant because of the relationship between these recovered items having a high potential to interpret the story of the Schomberg and its foundering during a storm. The shipwreck is of additional historically significance for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and for its association with the first passenger ship, which was designed not only to be the fastest and most luxurious of its day but foundered on its maiden voyage to Australia.Bell; small service bell, brass, with heavy encrustation. Bell has a square loop at the top. The bell was recovered from the wreck of the Schomberg.Nonewarrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-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, bell, service bell -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Bosun's Chair, ca. 1922
This Bosun's char was part of the equipment on the vessel 'Reginald M. It is typical of items included on board a vessel in the late 19th and early 20th century. The nautical word 'bosun' is an abbreviation of the word 'boatswain' who is the person responsible for the repair and maintenance of the vessel. It could be used when rigging the sails and for rescue at sea, along with a thick rope anchored on shore or a rope between ships. It could also be used to move passengers to and from a ship as well as cargo on, to and from the vessel. A bosun's chair is a simple piece of equipment made from a short plank of wood and a sturdy piece of rope. It looks a little like a child's swing but usually has a pulley system that allows the user to adjust the length of the hanging piece of rope, and in so-doing adjusts the height above the floor or ground or sea. In modern times a harness would also be worn by the bosun’s chair user for safety reasons. Bosun's chairs are also used by window cleaners, construction workers and painters. The bosun’s chair is sometimes just a short plank, or even a canvas sling. The REGINALD M - The vessel “Reginald M” was a two-masted coastal ketch, owned and built by Mr. Jack (John) Murch of Birkenhead, Port of Adelaide, South Australia. Its construction took approximately 6 months and it was launched at Largs Bay in 1922. The vessel had many owners and adventures over the years until it was purchased by Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum & Village in 1975 from the Melbourne Ferry Company at auction. It was then used as an active display until 2016. Visitors could go aboard, turn the ship's wheel, go below deck and get the feel of the captain's quarters, sailors' quarters and the storage space available. The Reginald M was a popular exhibit for young and old, until 2016.This bosun's chair is significant for its connection to the maritime history. It has been used for rigging, painting, maintenance and importantly for life saving and safety. The bonus's chair is also significant because of its connection to the history of the vessel REGINALD M, the coastal trading ketch from South Australia built in 1922 and in existence until 2016. Its flat bottom, single chine shape illustrates a very simple but robust method of construction, compared to other round bilged examples of trading vessels. The Reginald M is listed on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels (ARHV Number: HV000562.)Bosun's chair; seat is a rectangular plank of wood with a hole drilled in each corner and three reinforcing wood lengths attached below the plank. The ends of two looped thick ropes have been threaded through the holes in the plank, crossed over then spliced together. The loops of rope above the plank have been tied with light rope. A roughly made wire hook is attached at the base of one length of rope. Top surface reveals indents where the bottom wooden pieces are joined to the top and some of the metal fixtures can be seen along the edge. There are remnants of white paint on the top.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, bosun's chair, bosuns chair, boatswains chair, rigging, maritime equipment, bosun's seat, life saving, marine technology, ship rigging -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Ceramic - Tile, circa 1878
This Minton floor tile is from the wreck of the LOCH ARD. Other examples of this manufacture have been recovered from the wreck site and form part of the collection at Flagstaff Hill. The iron-hulled clipper ship from the Loch Line was heading for Port Phillip from London when it ran into the cliffs of Mutton Bird Island near Port Campbell and was wrecked on the early morning of June 1, 1878. The LOCH ARD was laden with high-value cargo including luxury goods intended for display at the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. One notable survivor from the ship’s freight manifest was the well-packed Minton porcelain peacock, a two-metre-high ceramic masterpiece of vivid glazed colours. The almost total loss of life and property from the LOCH ARD registered as a shocking tragedy for the Colony of Victoria, at a time when social confidence and economic optimism were otherwise high. The wealth generated from gold and wool was increasingly being spent on magnificent private residences and imposing public buildings. The demand for quality furnishings and fittings was therefore strong. Among the products consigned to burgeoning colonial markets by the Milton Pottery at Stoke upon Trent were their new range of colourfully patterned but very durable floor tiles – ideal for the high-traffic spaces in the large civic buildings then being constructed in Australia and America. These new floor tiles were “encaustic”, meaning that their designs and colours were encased within the depth of the tile. Rather than their decorative patterns being glazed onto the surface of the tile, their inlaid designs were created during the manufacturing process, as “coloured slips” (or liquid clay) that were poured into a deep pre-moulded casting. When fired, the resulting tile was colour-fast and design-fast.The Minton encaustic floor tile is significant for its method of manufacture which makes it durable as well as decorative. The shipwreck of the LOCH ARD is of State significance. Victorian Heritage Register S417. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from LOCH ARD is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S417). The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the LOCH ARD. The LOCH ARD collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The LOCH ARD collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the LOCH ARD, which was one of the worst and best-known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history.A square Minton floor tile with a black and beige pattern against a white base. This encaustic floor tile was recovered from the shipwreck of the LOCH ARD. On the back, or base, of the tile is inscribed the number “46” and the letters “Minton & Co Patent Stoke upon Trent”.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, minton floor tile, encaustic tile, melbourne international exhibition, floor tile -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Newspaper - The Age, Francis Cooke, printer and publisher, 17-10-1854
The newspaper is the very first edition of The Age. The central shield has the words "COLONY OF VICTORIA" printed below it. the handwritten script has the name John Pascoe, and the location of Fawner, a suburb of Melbourne. There are eight pages comprising of two large sheets, folded one inside the other and all sides printed on. This edition was printed and published by Francis Cooke, for the publishers Francis Cooke & Co. at The Age Newspaper and General Printing Office, 21 Elizabeth Street, South Melbourne, in the Colony of Victoria, which came into being on July 1st, 1851.This edition of The Age newspaper is very significant as it is the first edition, printed 17th October 1854, and contains shipping news amongst may other topics in its eight pages. Newspapers were very significant in Colonial times for a meas of communication throughout the colony. Newspaper, The Age newspaper, Vol. 1, No. 1, first edition, Tuesday October 17th 1854. eight pages. Large format. Inscription in script on top of first and last page. Handwritten in script "John Pascoe" "Fawkner" "COLONY OF VICTORIA" "PRINTED DAILY" "PRICE SIXPENCEflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, the age, newspaper, melbourne, colony of victoria, first edition, 1854, john pascoe, fawkner -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Craft - Ship Model, Peter Payne, Early 1930s to 1960s
Half-hull ship models were an important step in the process of building a vessel. Shipwrights or designers would construct a half-hull scale model of a ship before the vessel was built. They used it to ensure that the dimensions would work together and that the ship look balanced. They would often mount the half hull onto a board in their workshop. The half-hull ship models were also used to show prospective buyers how the design would work and look. Given the plywood construction of the model, it is believed to have been made around the 1930s as plywood construction had started in earnest in Queensland around this time and soon became the centre of the industry because of Queensland's attractive rain forest woods used which also included red cedar, silver ash, black bean, Queensland maple and silky oak. It is also believed the model was a design for a clinker-built barge to be built by Peter Payne who operated a boat building works on the Mordialloc Creek, Victoria going out of business in 1973. Records show Peter Paynes' first craft launched in 1962 and the last in 1973 from Mordialloc Creek works. However, he was one of the most prolific builders from the 1930s and produced many more vessels than the records currently show. There is at this point no further record of the subject model or whether a full version was ever built and for whom is not known at this time.A model that demonstrates the boat-building process is believed to have been made by Peter Payne or someone who worked in his yard. P Payne was a very well-known boating personality, vessel captain and boat builder throughout most of the 20th century. Model barge half hull on wooden of plywood laminated construction. Marked "AUXILIARY BARGE 80'x16'x6' 315 TONS 4" - 1 FOOT" "P and H PAYNE?" "22/E/26" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, ship model half hull, ship half model, shipbuilding, shipwright, ship design, peter payne, boat builder victoria, clinker design, barge -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Stove, 1850-1890
In the industrialized world, as stoves replaced open fires and braziers as a source of more efficient and reliable heating, models were developed that could also be used for cooking, and these came to be known as kitchen stoves. The first manufactured cast-iron stove was produced at Lynn, Mass., in 1642. This stove had no grates and was little more than a cast-iron box. About 1740 Benjamin Franklin invented the “Pennsylvania fireplace,” which incorporated the basic principles of the heating stove. The Franklin stove burned wood on a grate and had sliding doors that could be used to control the draft (flow of air) through it. Because the stove was relatively small, it could be installed in a large fireplace or used free-standing in the middle of a room by connecting it to a flue. The Franklin stove warmed farmhouses, city dwellings, and frontier cabins throughout North America. Its design influenced the development of the pot-bellied stove, which was a familiar feature in some homes well into the 20th century. The first round cast-iron stoves with grates for cooking food on them were manufactured by Isaac Orr at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1800. The base-burning stove for burning anthracite coal was invented in 1833 by Jordan A. Mott. The subject item is a mid to late 19th century settlers stove probably of Canadian manufacture imported into Australia around this time. The stove gives us a social snapshot into what life must have been like for our early colonialists using this device for heating and cooking in their meagre homes. Cast iron stove with four-legs, 2 plates on top and a hinged front door. The door has been cast with a maple leaf design and the sides have a pattern cast into them.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, stove, domestic heating, domestic cooking, heater, cooking unit, pot belly stove, wood fired stove, wood stove