Chas Cook

This torch was used by German soldiers in the field in WW2. The beam could be adjusted to suit different purposesRectangular honey coloured wooden box with gold clasp, containing the torchWritten instructions inside the lidtorch, lantern, signalling device

FLETCHER RUSSELL & CO. LTD/ WARRINGTON MANCHESTER & LONDON Thomas Fletcher (1840-1903) had established a gas appliance manufactory in Thynne Street, Warrington by the 1880s. By 1895 the company had become Fletcher Russell and Co Gas Engineers, his firm having merged with Alexander and William Russell of Pendleton Iron Works. In 1950, the firm merged into Radiation Ltd which was later acquired by 'TI New World. In the early 1880s Thomas Fletcher was a registered dentist who went on to found a dental apparatus manufacturing business. He later diversified into producing equipment for blacksmiths, foundries, forging and other sectors. The company had grown to 900 employees in 1914. These foot-operated bellows were for pumping gas to keep the patient relaxed while the dentist worked on their teeth. They were later modified for a variety of uses where a continual flow of air was needed.These bellows are representative of a range of devices developed in the late 19th Century to assist in manufacturing. They were donated to our collection by a Wodonga resident.A set of foot bellows made from timber, metal and leather. The bellows were activated by pressing up and down on the metal step-shaped lever at the front. The air outlet on one side would have a hose attached to it to direct the air current to wherever it was needed. The bellows are made from leather. The manufacturers mark is attached to the top within a metal circle.On top of Bellows in a circle: "FLETCHER RUSSELL & CO./ WARRINGTON/ MANCHESTER / LONDON"foot bellows, fletcher russell & co. ltd.

A reference guide of 32 pages plus cardboard covers. The volume has wire spiral binding. It includes a perpetual calendar. Other pages include tables, charts, dates, mathematical information and useful information for farmers including weights and measures and animal gestation periods.A ready reckoner including a wide range of information to facilitate everyday calculations prior to the widespread use of electrical calculators and devices. Published post 1945, the booklet also includes a chronology of World War 11 as well as a list of household antidotes in cases of poisoning.ready reckoner, calendars

Ill, maps, p.224.non-fictionThis book surveys over 150 years of miniature railways in the Australian amusement industry ... The trains presented herein provided tactile mechanical devices onto which the passengers could project their own imaginations to create the thrills of travelling by train through their own imagined spacesminiature railways - australia - history, miniature railways - australia - pictorial works

Enamel badge for the Ballarat College of Advanced Education Nursing Badge. The badge is red, blue, white and gold, and featurest the stars of the southern crossballarat college of advanced education, logo, heraldic device, badge, nursing, numismatics

The clock parts were discovered in 1980 by Julie Wilkins, a Victorian scuba diver who had already experienced more than 500 dives in Australia and overseas. She was holidaying in Peterborough, Victoria, and looking forward to discovering more about the famous Loch Ard ship, wrecked in June 1878 at Mutton Bird Island. The fast Glasgow-built clipper ship was only five years old when the tragedy occurred. There were 54 people on board the vessel and only two survived Julie's holiday photograph of Boat Bay reminds her of her most memorable dive. Submerged in the calm, flat sea, she was carefully scanning around the remains of the old wreck when, to her amazement, a gold coin and a small gold cross suddenly came up towards her. She excitedly cupped them in her hands and then stowed the treasures safely in her wetsuit and continued her dive. She soon discovered a group of brass carriage clock parts and some bottles of champagne. It was a day full of surprises. The items were easily recognisable, without any build-up of encrustations or concretion. Julie secretly enjoyed her treasures for twenty-four years then packed them up for the early morning train trip to Warrnambool. After a short walk to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village, her photograph was taken as she handed over her precious find. She told her story to a local newspaper reporter, lunched a café in town then took the late afternoon train home. Her generous donation is now part of a vast collection of Loch Ard shipwreck artefacts, including the gold watch and the Minton Majolica model peacock. This group of brass clockwork parts is incomplete. The pieces were in the ocean for over 100 years before Julie recovered them from the Loch Ard wreck. Their size would suit the works of a carriage clock, with a mainspring and weight to power the clock movement, a pendulum to measure the clock's speed, arbours, posts, pillars and at least one other plate. They would have been mounted inside a protective case with a small door to easily access the clock face for setting the time and accessing the key's winding hole. The clock cases were usually made from decorative gilt brass with a glass front and a carrying handle. The parts include a weighted second hand with a decorative four-pronged finish at one end, a rounded weight at the other, and a hole for attaching it to the clock face. The gear teeth profiles are ‘cycloidal’, an arch shape with vertical sides, which is common for antique clocks. Modern clockworks have ‘involute’ teeth with sloping sides and a squared-off top. The brass carriage clock parts are an example of a mechanical clock produced in the 1870s. The clock's design is a part of the chain of technological improvements in methods for timekeeping. Its cycloidal gear teeth were the forerunner of the more modern involute gears. The group of clock parts includes a weighted hand or arm for signifying the seconds. This feature was uncommon in portable Victorian-era clocks. The clock parts are also significant for their association with the ill-fated sailing ship Loch Ard, wrecked in 1878. The travelling clock or officer’s clock may have been part of the cargo destined for the 1880 Melbourne Exhibition, or the personal possession of one of the people on board the vessel. Brass clockwork parts from a mechanical clock, sixteen pieces. Parts comprise a plate, large gears or wheels, small pinions or wheels with fine teeth, wheels with cogs, and a weighted second hand. The parts were from a carriage clock ca. 1878. They were recovered from the wreck of the sailing ship Loch Ard.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, loch ard, wreck of the loch ard, 1878, mutton bird island, peterborough, scuba diver, 1980s, shipwreck artefact, relic, clock, mechanical, clock parts, time, timekeeper, horology, chronometry, cogs, time keeping device, scientific instrument, chronometer, john harrison, longitude, carriage clock, coach clock, portable clock, travelling clock, travel clock, traveller’s clock, officer’s clock, weighted second hand, victorian era, cycloidal gear teeth, brass clock, julie wilkins

1330-66-010-0931 (1985)bottle opener, eating device, multi-tool, field ration eating device, fred

This timepiece uses raised dots to indicate the position of the numbers, which the wearer could then use to orient themselves and tell the time from the metal hands. The 12 position is indicated by three dots, with the 3,6,9 positions by two dots. The user would start with a finger at the centre of the face and work outwards to the end of each hand to determine position and hence be able to figure out the time. Since the watch is designed and made for touching, the metal hands are particularly robust.Silver fob watch with raised dots to indicate number position. assistive devices, braille

This speaking calculator was designed to perform several functions as well as memory, in synthetic voice. With two modes - visual or visual plus voice - it was powered by a nickel cadmium rechargeable battery or by a special adaptor from mains supply voltage. Dark brown rectangular box with numerical and mathematical keyboardTSIassistive devices, audio equipment, office equipment and supplies

Designed by Nimoka (Nippon Moujin Youga Kaihatsu), it was produced between 1979-2005. A heavy Braille writer for its size, the Apollo provides a standard typewriter style albeit with the oblong keys sitting to the left hand side of the brailler. The design easily fits within a small musical instrument style case, and consists of a rectangular shaped structure made out of metal base with black coloured keys and a grey coloured soft plastic cover. Underneath a battery compartment (which powers a bell) is kept closed with a capped screw.Black and green metal object with covering boxApollo Brailler Mark-II (Serial number) 834400braille equipment, assistive devices

Designed by Raymond Lavender, American Printing House for the Blind, it was produced between 1962-1982. A modernized Braille writer, the Lavender allowed the paper to exit through the cover in a way similar to a typewriter. The keys are rectangular and the design is compact with no protruding parts. The cover, which is an integral part of the design, snaps on the case. The case and cover are made of Cycolac, a high impact resistant plastic. After the writer was in use for some time, it was discovered that the plastic material tended to warp and production was discontinued. (Information from the American Printing House for the Blind website). Lavender Braille Writer consisting of an oblong shaped structure made out of a beige coloured metal base with cream coloured keys and a beige coloured hard plastic cover. Braille letters are achieved by punching the various keys. A metallic handle is included.Beige coloured plastic rectangle object with cream buttons and silver returns lever with covering boxbraille equipment, assistive devices

The American Foundation for the Blind developed this new model in their experimental shop in 1932 and contracted with the typewriter manufacturer to produce the machines and continued production until 1947. It's sleek silver look was a change of look from the previously manufactured Hall Braille Writer, and improvements included a carriage return, the ability to add spaces between lines and a back space key. It was found in the Braille and Talking Book Library in South Yarra, Victoria, Australia and was used by either staff or volunteers at Vision Australia Library.Stainless steel braille writer in the shape of a typewriter. The braille writer consists of a heavy moulded machine with 6 black plastic keys.On front of writer: "American Foundation for the Blind Inc. New York." "Manufactured for the Foundation by L.C. Smith & Corona Typewriters, Inc." On back: "Licenced by Underwood Elliot Fisher company/ Serial no. 5-2422.braille equipment, assistive devices

This portable braille writer was made for the Royal Institute for the Blind, England. It embosses a roll of paper tape. A folding arm, which extends 29 centimetres beyond the width of the braille writer, holds the tape. The braille writer has six conventional keys and a spacing key. The bottom of the wooden carrying case serves as a base and is lined with green felt. It was manufactured by J.M. Glauser and Sons, who produced several braille writers in the period 1930-1950.Metal portable braille writer in a wooden box "JMG No. 17" is stamped on top of the machine.braille equipment, assistive devices

Produced by General Electric (GE) for American Printing House for the Blind in Kentucky, this player has dials to control tone, volume, speed, side and buttons to record, rewind, forward, play, pause and stop tape. Handling both 2 and 4 track tapes, these players were targeted towards the vision impaired, as it allowed greater freedom to adjust recording styles to suit individual listeners. Plastic rectangular brown audio player with buttons for navigational controls, a handle and black vinyl carry pouch.audio equipment, assistive devices

Oscar Picht invented this braille writer in Bromberg, Germany, where he was the Director of the Provincial School for the Blind. Seven keys facilitate the typing of Braille. All in a wooden box with a metal handle on the front and a hook and eye on either. The box looks handmade and was the property of Alfred W Phillips of Ascot Vale in 1934.Steel Brailler, black with gold decorative lines in a wooden box Picht - the makers' name is painted on the front. Alfred W Phillips 1934 Ascotvale - is written above the paper on lid From P M Govett Hartwell - is written on the upper right side of lidassistive devices, braille equipment

The original Hall Braille writer was modelled on the typewriter and was the first successful mechanical point writer. Frank Haven Hall, Superintendent of the Illinois Institution for the Blind, introduced his invention to the public on 27 May, 1892 at Jacksonville, Illinois. It was manufactured by Harrison and Seifried, Chicago, ca 1892. The carriage moves one space to the left as the keys are released. The styli in the embossing heads are controlled by the keys as are the bars on a typewriter. The styli operate from the back so that letters appear in the normal position for reading. Braille writers enable all dots in a Braille cell to be created simultaneously. This model was found in the Braille and Talking Book Library in South Yarra prior to the staff departure in 2000. Presumably used by either staff or volunteers at the library.Braille writer with a key board like a piano with black wooden keys on an ivory board. The body is made from heavy cast iron with a black lacquer.Painted in gold on top of the machine: "The Hall Braille Writer / patent pendingbraille equipment, assistive devices

The St Dunstans braille writer was modelled on the German Picht model, which enabled the writer to read what was written immediately by place the embossed character upwards of the carriage. Named after the organisation, it used a different finger technique than the Stainsby-Wayne machine that was predominantly available, and was lighter to carry.Black and silver Braille typewriter, with six keys and a large key (space bar) in front. At the back of the keys is a roller arrangement (similar to a typewriter) where paper is placed.St Dunstans Mark II. Ser. No. 575braille equipment, assistive devices

Tatrapoint Standard is a manual braille writer designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. It is manufactured in the Slovakian republic. This mechanical, six-key brailler uses normal braille paper on a roll. It has a robust design, and is quiet, safe, and easy to operate. Features include adjustable left and right margins, a bell that rings five cells before the end of the line, carriage release and backspace keys, and built-in Dymo tape clips for embossing dymo tape. Precise paper transport allows exact readjustment for corrections in previously written text.Blue metal body with 7 keys and silver metal scrollbraille equipment, assistive devices

To be fashionable, and possibly improve vision at the same time, the pince nez style of glasses became popular. The 'Fits-u' design has a mounting that allowed the bridge to stay solid, whilst the springs in the nose pads allowed for removal (unlike pince nez which had a springs in the bridge). Although complete, this box includes models with different distance dimensions and the height of the bridge, with these figures are etched onto the lenses. An order table is included in the box with the pupillary distance and height so the catalogue number and quality and quantity of each size can be ordered by the dispenser. The pupillary distance is used to design spectacle frames.Canvas box which includes display models of different dimensions of pince nez Handwritten on the back: James Korp Backhouse (?) 1904 Ophthalmic Optician & Optometristassistive devices, american optical company

Each column has white dots on it which is used to count numbers. The counting frame can be used as a knitting row counter or to add sums of money. A black rectangle with four plastic movable columns"Brynolf pocket counter made for Royal National Institute for the Blind by Peter Tilling Plastics Ltd" on front of counter. "Royal National Institute for the Blind Brynolf Pocket Counter Catalogue No. 9484" on box.assistive devices, peter tilling plastics

This metal frame opens from the side to allow paper to be placed between the two pieces and held into place with a metal clasp on the side. The elastic strands provide a guide to the writer to maintain a straight line of writing, with the beads allowing indication of space between words or sentences. This frame allows those who have deteriorating sight to continue writing hand written notes.1 japanned metal frame with elastic and beadsassociation for the blind, assistive devices

The Apple IIe was one of the first computers to become popular among blind and vision-impaired users due to its Textalker screen reader and Echo II synthesizer.Beige plastic CPU and keyboard audio equipment, assistive devices

The Eureka A4 was invented in Melbourne by Milan Hudacek, and designed to capitalise on the growth of IBM PCs. It attached to the PC and allowed blind and vision impaired people to utilise screen orientated programs. It had a sockets for telephone lines, a Braille keyboard, an inbuilt disk drive, speed and volume controls as as well outlets for data ports and headphones. The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (now a part of Vision Australia) received both the Eureka Award and the Qantas Rolls Royce Award in 1990 for its participation in the development and promotion of the Eureka A4 computer. It was the first computer of its kind, designed specifically for people who are blind or vision impaired.1 black rectangular box with grey and orange keys with advertising leafletSerial no: 1897braille equipment, assistive devices, milan hudacek

This wooden frame is designed to sit over paper pages. The elastic strands provide a guide to the writer to maintain a straight line of writing, with the beads allowing indication of space between words or sentences. This frame allows those who have deteriorating sight to continue writing handwritten notes.1 wooden frame with elastic and beads and metal cornersassociation for the blind, assistive devices

The second version of the Versabraille system, which appeared in 1987, reflected the change from cassette to floppy disks and an enhanced method to produce 128 standard ASCII characters. Light brown coloured plastic square object with brown covering box and transformer with cord TSIbraille equipment, assistive devices

Designed to create an impression on paper, the slate allows users to create Braille by guiding the stylus into the correct alignment to produce Braille, through the applied use of pressure that creates a depression on one size of the paper and a raised dot on the alternative side. In this example, the frame has two side hinges which allow it to sit over the paper edge, and four lines of Braille could be written.1 metal Braille frame with four lines of Braille windowsPerkins Model 140 RVIB sticker has been attached to the back of the framebraille equipment, assistive devices

To assist with blind and visually impaired people signing documents, a signature guide creates a rectangular block of space that fits most signature areas on paper. This example was produced by RNIB and provides directions on usage.1 plastic plate with rectangle holeSignature Guide Cat No. 9020 Have window placed over signature space hold card firmly in place with your hand write your signature within the opening of the windowassistive devices, royal national institute for the blind

To assist with blind and visually impaired people signing documents, a signature guide creates a rectangular block of space that fits most signature areas on paper. This example was produced by ANZ Bank to fit over cheque books provided to customers. It has space for the date, whom the cheque was for, the written amount and the amount in symbols, and the cheque stub, as well as the signature.1 plastic plate with rectangle holeANZ Guidanz cardassistive devices, anz bank

To assist with blind and visually impaired people signing documents, a signature guide creates a rectangular block of space that fits most signature areas on paper. This is a generic example and requires that the plate is held with one hand, whilst signing.1 metal plate with rectangle holeassistive devices, royal victorian institute for the blind