Object. Metal medal in the shape of a cross pattee with triangular arms almost filling the square, with a suspension bar. Centre Section: Profile picture of Queen Victoria. Top Arm: ''Crowned 1838'' Left Arm: ''Born 1819'' Right arm: ''Married 1840'' Bottom Arm: ''Jubilee 1887'' Regd No. 52773.numismatics, medals - commemorative, queen victoria jubilee medal 1887

A light blue metal tennis racquet with double shaft, and metal bridge. Handle wrapped with perforated leather grip tape. Yellow plastic butt cap with adhesive label stating: 'MIDLAND/S.T.R.'. Nylon strings and round head shape. Materials: Metal, Nylon, Adhesive tape, Plastic, Adhesive labeltennis

Items in the collection re J.C.W. LEDEUX, refer Cat No 2378 for his service details. These items are classed as Trench Art WW2..1) Perspex map of Australia with Australian coat of arms in metal in centre. Has shape of colour patch in centre. Australian Armoured Division. .2) Perspex bar with Rising Sun badge suspended beneath on chain. .3) Mother of pearl Rising Sun with metal Rising Sun badge in brass in centre. costume accessories - jewellery, military history - souvenirs, numismatics, trench art

This miner’s pick was of the type used to extract limestone at the Warrnambool limestone quarries, mainly for buildings and walls. This pick cut the sides and the top of the block and then it was levered off with a crowbar at an angle of about 30° to 40°. These blocks were then reduced to the required size using cross cut saws. There were about 12 limestone quarries operating in Warrnambool in the 19th century and limestone was extensively quarried for about 85 years to the 1930s when quarrying ceased. Today there has been a small revival in the Warrnambool area in the use of limestone blocks for building. Warrnambool also once had several bluestone quarries on the outskirts of the town. This miner’s pick has a wooden handle with rounded sides tapering to a wider end. The wood is weather-worn and split in places, especially at the top end. The pick is metal with a curved shape that tapers to a point at one end. The metal near the other end has a cavity into which is inserted the wider end of the wooden handle. limestone quarries in warrnambool, quarrying in warrnambool, warrnambool history

Fanny Isabella Nicol. Refer 1795P for Service history, 1797.5, 1796.9. also 2591Six items relating to Fanny Isabella Nicol. .1) Badge, metal, round,"Australian Red Cross Society Vic Division" .2) Badge, round, metal, "Returned from Active Service" Crown at top, centre Rising Sun depiction with AIF under. .3) Identity Disc, personalised, round, metal with ring at top. Possibly made from an Eygptian coin with one side polished bare. .4) Badge, metal, "RSL Membership" Crown at top with membership clip with "55" denoting financial member 1955. Centre has two figures. .5) Badge, metal, oval shape "Presbyterian Church of Victoria" .6) Badge, metal, round, "Red Cross Society Vic Division" .2) Issued by Dept of Defence. On rear "211483" .3 "F.I.NICOL PRES A.A.N.S" .4) On rear "V33761" .5) "Centenary 1937"badges, membership, service

Souvenir collected by a member of BCOF in Japan during Post WW2. items in collection of "RICHARD WILLIAM McGILVERY", RAAF. REFER CAT NO. 7287P FOR HIS SERVICE DETAILS, PHOTOS AND AWARDS.Silver one piece metal match box holder. Shape is a hollow box, open at the top where match box will be inserted sitting on a pedestal. Pedestal is open at the bottom. Engraved on the box is a plant branch and two snaking lines like "S" on the wide side and on the thinner side a flower head. One of the flowers is in red.bcof, souvenirs

Part of the Kevin John Herdman, No. 397661, Collection. See Catalogue No. 5942P for details of his service record.RAASC officer's metal collar badge. The badge is bi-metal construction using silver and gold coloured metals. The silver metal background features a Queen's Crown and a seven-pointed star. Gold coloured metal is circular in shape with a royal cypher in the middle. Blue and red enameling in the centre. On the back are two loop fittings.Stamped on gold coloured metal: ' ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ARMY SERVICE CORPS'. Printed in gold on blue enamel garter: 'MONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE'. Stamped on back: 'STOKES, MELB'.badge, uniform, royal australian army service corps, kevin john herdman

Roy Leslie Thurlow enlisted 25.5.16 No 2493 in the 60th Batt A.I.F. K.I.A 25.10.17. Refer Cat No 1890P for service history also 649P..1) Badge "Rising Sun" hat badge, pressed blackened metal "rising sun depiction, crown centre, scroll under with "Australian Commonwealth military forces" .2) Badge "Australia" shoulder, curved shape blackened metal with 2 lugs on rear. .3) identity disc, round, aliminium with stamped details re R.Thurlow..3) " R. Thurlow, 2493, 60 BT, A.I.F CE."numismatics - badges -military, military history, identity discs

Stainless steel metal tray, rectangular in shape with rounded corners and six trapezoid shaped concave sections to hold food. Tray appears to be constructed from a single sheet of metal, embossed and folded at edges to create a smooth edge. Four steel nails or rivets are on each corner on reverse but do not push through to front side.Top of tray embossed with "D [broad arrow] D/45" and "Simpson/S"mess, dining, second world war, world war 2, world war ii

This item, always known as a ‘Chinese Puzzle,’ has been in the collection of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society for many years. It is such an oddity that it is probable that it came from the collection of the old Warrnambool Museum which was established in the 1870s-80s and was dismantled in the 1960s. It had many objects of a bizarre nature such as this as many local people while on their travels brought back from many different countries objects deemed to be of unusual interest. This item is of great interest as an oddity from the 19th century and it attracts great attention when it is displayed. This is a spherical-shaped imperial quart thick glass bottle with a cork in the top. It contains a clear liquid filling two-thirds of the bottle. Inside the bottle and filling it to the top of its main section are several pieces of metal of varying shapes. These originally were part of a puzzle, presumably with the object being to unlock the shapes from each other. These have now been connected to each other with what looks like thin wire. The liquid is still reasonably clear. The cork is a little worn at the top. ‘Imperial Quart’chinese puzzle, warrnambool

Distinguish Flying Cross medal awarded to John Hudson WILKINSON 400444 born 18/2/1914 at Rutherglen. He was a Pharmaceutical Chemist prior to enlisting in the RAAF on 2/9/1940 He was reporting missing during air operations over East Prussia and later presumed to have lost his life on 30/8/1944 Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross - citation reads Pilot Officer Wilkinson is an air gunner of great ability and determination. He has taken part in a large number of operational sorties many of which have been against some of German's most heavily defended targets. On one occasion in March 1944 when engaged n an attack on Stuttgart a Junkers 88 attacked his aircraft five times but Pilot Officer Wilkinson by his accurate directions to his captain and coolly aimed return fire drove ff the enemy aircraft in a badly damaged condition. At all times his unwavering devotion to duty and constant alertness have inspired confidence in his crew. The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers, and since 1993 to other ranks, of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy"Black case which opens out from right side. The top affixed by two side hinges on the left and push in pin on the right side. Inside case the top is lined in satin fabric imprinted with a black crest and the base is lined in felt containing a silver metal medal in the shape of a cross attached to a purple and while diagonally striped ribbon.On Top - DFC impressed in gold colour paint. Inside Top - Royal Mint Medal inscriptions -400444 Flt Lt Wilkinson Stuttgart 1944 pilot officer john hudson wilkinson, dfc, ww2, raaf, kia

This camera was manufactured for a period of around 20 years, firstly in the USA and later in Great Britain. It is a simple to use basic model which used 127 film.This camera has significance as a very popular and cheaply made model which made photography accessible and relatively inexpensive to many..1 This camera is a rectangular hexagon shape with metal top and bottom and bakelite body. It has two circular winders on the bottom and a flip up section on the top which reveals the viewfinder.. There is a narrow neck strap attached with metal screws. There are two circular sections on the front , one being the lens. .2 The rectangular box is solid black cardboard on the base and is fitted with a yellow .1 Brownie Reflex Made in England by Kodak Ltd London. .2 Made in Great Britain by Kodak Limited London Brownie Reflex with Flash contacts.brownie reflex camera, warrnambool history

Item from 17th Light Horse Regiment collection..1) Leather rectangular pouch, stitched seams, brass stud closer, leather straps at rear to attach to belt, stamped maker's labels. .2) Metal & brass tool, saw toothed teeth, linear shape, 2 brass eyelets on ends to attach brass & timber detachable handles, handles cylindrical shape. .3) Metal file linear, 3 flat sides.Stamped on belt strap: "Jabez Cliff & Co Walshall 1918"trades-tools-saws, containers, military equipment - army, passchendaele barracks trust

.1) badge, brass, "Returned From Active Service". Crown at top over wings. Rising Sun and Anchor. Boomerang at base with "Returned From Active Service, rear has 2 lugs and pin. Rear is stamped with a number. .2) Membership badge, metal, centre has 3 figures, crown at top with pin date 1954 membership. Front of badge "Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airmans Imperial league of Australia. Numbered stamped badge on rear with 2 lugs and pin. .3) Membership badge, metal centre has 3 figures crown at top with pine date 1994 membership. Front of badge "Returned Services League Australia". Numbered stamped badge on rear with 2 lugs and pin. .4) Membership badge, metal, 5 star shape with wreath around. Centre in light blue circle "Ex POW R.A". Small pin at bottom in red with "50" denoting membership 1950. rear has 2 lugs and is stamped with number. .5) Membership badge, metal, crown at top, centre has depiction of barbwire through blue background. At bottom is a "v" then scroll with "Ex Prisoner of War Assn" in red. rear lhas 2 lugs and pin. .6) Membership badge, metal cone shape with small hole at top. Pin with "73" under denoting membership 1970. At bottom in blue "Rising Sun, Wings and Anchor surrounded by "Chelsea Returned Servicemens Club". Rear is numbered stamp..1) Issued by Commonwealth Government of Australia” .2) “Property of League V41531” .3) “Property of League V80354” .4) "593" .6) "470"”numismatics - medals /military, membership

Object. 1 - Masonic apron made of kid leather with border of watered silk ribbon in the various colours of the rainbow. 3 roundels of water silk with a button in the centre. Backed in red leather. Metal clasp in the shape of snake. 2 - Masonic sash of watered coloured silk, plaited silver band 15cm from end of sash with silver rosette, silver fringe on each end of sash.societies, freemasons, regalia, f. g. jones collection, masonic regalia, masonic apron & sash

This item is a bronze German MotherCross. The MotherCross was given to German mothers of pure Aryan heritage before and during World War Two. Adolf Hitler wanted to encourage population growth and keep the German mother at home. Mothers were awarded these crosses according to the number of children they had – gold crosses for eight or more children, silver for six or seven children and bronze for four or five children. The crosses were presented to mothers on 4th August, the birthday of Hitler’s mother and also on Mother’s Day. They could only be worn on special occasions around the neck on a blue cord with two white stripes. This German MotherCross is a bronze one and has on one side ‘Der Deutschen Mutter’ and on the other side ‘16 Dezember 1938’ and Adolf Hitler’s signature. The date indicates when the award was first instituted. There were at least 8 million recipients of the medal.The recipient and donor of this medal are not known but it is a very interesting and unusual memento of World War Two.This is a metal medal in the shape of a cross with a bronze ridged background in the shape of a rectangle. The cross is enamelled in blue and white and has a round bronze disc in the centre and lettering with a blue swastika on a white background. There is lettering on the back of the cross. A metal catch is attached to the top of the cross and remnants of a blue and white cloth cord are looped over the catch. One small fragment of the cord is detached. The medal is in a box which is not the original container. ‘Der Deutschen Mutter’ ‘16 Dezember 1938’ plus Adolf Hitler’s signature world war two, german mothercross

This is a needle case produced in a novelty form. Sewing kits and needle cases were essential items for women to have in their houses, to take with them when travelling and to carry in their handbags for emergency repairs. Today needle cases are still used but less frequently as in past times, depending on the craft skills of the person and the hobbies pursued.This item has no known local significance but it is an interesting example of an early 20th century needle case and is retained for display purposes.This is a needle case in a wooden container made in a rectangular shape with a pointed top. The shape is in the form of a church with an affixed metal or paint shape of a church on the front of the container. The front of the container has been polished. The two sides of the container are affixed with two metal hinges and there is a metal clasp on one side. Part of the metal clasp is missing. Inside the container is padded with white/grey cotton material. On one side are two paper grey and black folders which once contained needles and on the other side there is a middle band to hold other needles or pins. This side has one rusty pin.‘Sharps 5/9 6, 7, Wartd. By Morris & Yeomans’household accessories, history of warrnambool

The badge (on the right) is a Female Relatives Badge from the Second World War and the stars represent the number of serving individuals related to the holder of the badge. A number of the back appears in a register that records the name of the holder. .2) Three stars denotes 3 members of the family in the army in 1939 - 1945..1) Badge, brassround with 2 lugs on rear. Front has "War Worker Australia". Centre is coat of arms. On rear is "Navies & Labourers". Stamped numbered badge. .2) Female relative badge. Metal, silver colour, round shape with crown. wreath arrangement with map of Australia centre. Rear has pin attached. Attached by two small chains is a clasp with 3 small bronze stars. Rear of badge is stamped..1) :"Issued by the department of defence, 618. .2) Front "To the Women of Australia" Rear "Issued by the C/Weath Govt. A6800badages, medallions, female, relative, war workers

This letter holder could have been used in the past in an office or business or even in the home. It could have been used to hold letters that were to be answered or posted. Its size made it suitable for a small office. The item is of interest because of the testimonials on the label pasted on the base. One is from the British Prime Minister, William Gladstone and the other is from another British Prime Minister, the Marquis of Salisbury. Both testimonials indicate that they were written when the men were in office as Prime Ministers. This item has no known local significance but it is retained as an interesting example of office equipment in the past. This letter holder has a rectangular piece of wood acting as a base with a small hole at one end. The bottom of the base has a paper label pasted on. The label, a little torn, has black and yellow printing with details of the manufacturer. Affixed to the top of the base with metal clips is an arched piece of metal in a spiral shape. The spaces between the rings on the spiral metal piece are sufficiently taut to hold over 30 letters. The spiral rings are a little rusty.‘Iles’ Patent Premier Letter Rack’ office equipment, history of warrnambool

This tin comes from the Melbourne firm of Rolfe and Co. and would have held tea. Rolfe & Co. was established by George Rolfe (Senior) in 1854 as a wholesale wine, spirit and provisions business. George Rolfe was a member of the Upper House of the Victorian Government from 1860 to 1862 and in 1867. He died in 1871 and his son, also George, succeeded him as the managing director of the business. This George Rolfe (1837-1919) came to Australia with his family in 1849 and lived first in South Australia and then came to Melbourne, joining his father’s business, George Rolfe was a keen farmer and fisherman and after holidaying in Warrnambool for some time, bought, in the early 1870s, the property at the mouth of the Hopkins River which he named Lyndoch after the town in South Australia. He came frequently to Warrnambool. He later extended his farming interests which included the properties of Fairy Hill and Shipley. George Rolfe married Jane Ann Lake in 1891 and the Lyndoch property passed to two of his stepdaughters. Today the Rolfe property is the site of an aged care facility. The business of Rolfe & Co. continued well into the 20th century.This tin is of great interest as a memento of George Rolfe of Lyndoch, Warrnambool and his Melbourne business, Rolfe & Co. George Rolfe was a prominent person in the Warrnambool district in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This is a metal container, rectangular in shape. It originally held tea. The sides of the tin have painted lettering regarding the contents and the supplier. This paint was originally in yellow, blue and brown tonings. The lid is round and slots into the rounded opening. The tin has been re-painted in a silver colour on the top and inside. The tin, especially the lettering on the sides, is much rusted and in some places the words are illegible. A small hole has been pierced in the top of the tin‘Rolfe’s Tea’ ‘Rolfe & Co. Ltd 300 King Street Melbourne’ rolfe & co, george rolfe senior, george rolfe junior, lyndoch, warrnambool

Before 1908 the words "melting pot" was a term relating to a "crucible" with a meaning of "a pot in which metals and other substances are melted (fused) to provide metal items of varying shapes and uses. From the mid 1900's this term changed and became more related to the "mixing" of social and ethnically diverse populations. The description used here is that of pre 1908. This melting pot was used in the early to late 1900's when produce and hardware shops were too far away from the Kiewa Valley and time was at the essence. The ability to manufacture as many "crucial " items at the home property was the difference between running a successful rural business or not. The isolation of the Kiewa Valley (before the 1950's), hindered the "time down" of machinery and important "widget" replacements. The ability of self sufficiency on properties is still a boon to rural properties as time lost is never really recovered.This melting pot is highly significant to the Kiewa Valley as it provides evidence that the graziers and cattle stations required to be self sufficient in all aspects of day to day maintenance and replenishment of worn materials requiring to be "manufactured " at the property and lack of replacements from commercially shelved products. This aspect of "survival" in the "bush" can be seen in the "huts" built on the Bogong High Plains to accommodate the seasonal grazing of cattle from the Kiewa Valley.This black melting pot is made of cast iron. The lid is missing. The top rim of the pot has three lips for poring accuracy. The formation of these lips are in a "triangle" formation. The top section of the body has a curve inwards reducing the pot diameter from 270mm at the base to 135mm.at the top. The handle is made from heavy gauge wire which is fastened to the body through two lugs (welded onto the top section of the pot) and fasten through a hole at the top of each lug. The handle has a "U" shape as it goes through the lug hole, ensuring no accidental fixture to any side thus allowing free swiveling from one side to the other . "BH" indented within a diamond shape. Opposite "No 3"camp fire cooking utensils, hot plate, cast iron cooking appliance, drovers kitchen

White leather Masonic Apron with pale blue ribbon border and a blue rosette in each corner. White leather flap at the top with blue border and a pale blue rosette. On each side of the flap is a ribbon with 7 metal spring like pieces coming from a number of small pieces on an angle. The back is line with blue silk. An elastic apron string with a metal hook in the shape of two entwined serpents? .The hook hooks into a catch on the other side.organization, club / society, masonic apron, masonic apron, carl mueller

4/400062 Lt. Roy Victor Milton. Lieutenant Milton's name and details appear on the Nominal Roll of 3rd Bn RAR for the Battle of Kapyong, 23-24 April, 1951, for which the Presidential Unit Citation was awarded. .1) On dark blue cardboard backing. Top, rectangular shape, blue fabric with gold metal edging, "United States Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation" Centre. "Combat Infantry Badge", metal, oval wreath shape with bayonet. Bottom. Medal set, mounted, set of (2) re R.V.Milton. 1. Korea Medal. 2. United Nations Service Medal with clasp "Korea". Replica not engraved. .2) Document describing the award of "The United States Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation to the 3rd Bn Royal Australian Regiment, battle of Kapyong April 1951". On the left in red square the badge of the RAR. On the right the unit citation award. .1) "4/400062 R.V MIlton"numismatics, medals-military, documents-citations, passchendaele barracks trust

Items in collection re John D Gardiner No 2832, refer Cat No 5892.2 for his service details..1) Badge pressed metal, crown over round shape, centre has a Red Cross, raised lettering around outside. .2) Button, metal round with centre Red Cross, raised lettering around outside. .3) Button round gold colour, centre appears to be a naval symbol, no enscriptions. .4) Button, round plastic gold colour, centre has letters "E R". 5.) Button round metal, crown and map of Australia, raised lettering..2) Australian Red Cross Society" .3) Australian Military Forces"buttons, badges, red cross

Object. Rich royal blue grosgrain braid, 10 cms wide surrounds a rectangle of cream kid leather, 21 cm wide x 24 cms deep. On this rectangle is an embroidered wreath of foliage in gold and orange coloured thread, embellished with gold metal thread, which also outlines an embroidered bow, at the base of the wreath. In the centre of the wreath, a looped bow is embroidered in thread, and embellished with the gold metal thread. Two gold coloured metal decorative shapes are placed, one on each side of the lower edge of the leather. Two 5 cm wide tabs, adorned with a heavy lodge symbol, including 4 cm long brass metal chain, with ball decorative elements, hang from the waist, and fall to 3/4 length of the leather panel. A peaked flap 9 cm deep is attached from the waistband, and falls loosely over the leather panel. It is also adorned with a brass metal lodge symbol. Black elastic, 3 cm wide attaches at right hand side of waistband, and fastens into an oval metal loop at left hand side.Label on underside of front Vshaped panel 110 years of Service, P.Blashki & Sons 109-113 Swanson Street Melbourne,(and includes Lodge Symbol)organisation, masonic lodge, lodge regalia apron

The bodice is of a style from the Victorian Era and so provides a good example of women's clothing from that time. Although it appears to have been made at a later time the lace possibly came from an earlier time period. It is of historic interest as it was amongst the belongings of the donor's Great Aunts who were both dressmakers at the original Terang & District Co-Op which was established in 1908.The item is of significance socially as an example of women's clothing in the Victorian era.A short, waist-length bodice most likely made as a performance costume. It is representative of a Victorian bodice style though the lacing used indicates that it would not have been worn in those times due to its revealing design. Flexible metal stays provide shape to the bodice at the front and back. Sleeves are elbow length and lined with cream fabric. The bodice has a lace collar and the sleeves are trimmed with the same lace. Small gold coloured beads are stitched to the flower centres of the lace pattern. The burgundy coloured satin has an embossed floral pattern. The lace is of interest as it is from an older time period and being beaded would be especially sought after. Machine and hand stitched.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, satin bodice, beaded lace, victorian era, metal stays, terang & district co-op

This map was produced by Richard Francis Tunley and given to the Victorian Braille Library for use by it's patrons. Mr Tunley was a prolific Braille map maker as well as producing other items for blind and vision impaired children, advocated for compulsory education for blind and deaf children and established the Queensland Braille Map and Model Club. Leading by example, his maps were treasured by those who used them and were an outstanding piece of craftsmanship. In this example, the metal cylinder sits on a wooden base and can be turned via a handle in the wooden top or rotating the sides. A brailled red metal plate occupies the bottom third, and large continents have a metal plate, cut to shape, upon which braille country/continent names are placed. Major rivers are traced through raised lines in the metal continental plates, twisted wire traces shipping routes with associated brailled metal plates, raised metal pins in some major locations and more explanatory plates sit in various oceans.1 metal cylindrical map with tactile markersCommercial & Strategic Map of the British Empire Presented to the Victorian Braille Librarybraille library of victoria, r.f. tunley

The Mixmaster 9B in 1948 was the first Sunbeam appliance to be made in Australia. It was designed in the USA.After years of rationing and shortages, the 1950s were a period of economic prosperity, high employment and great technological development. During this period, Australians enthusiastically adorned their homes with a dazzling range of new domestic appliances. Hire-purchase schemes allowed people to take products home and pay for them in instalments. The American-designed Mixmaster 9B was the first Sunbeam appliance manufactured and sold in Australia in 1948. An early Sunbeam Mixmaster. It is an electronic stand mixer with a black metal base in the shape of a rounded teardrop with two holes for the turntable. It has a cream enameled metal arm, cream coloured metal motor housing with a black plastic handle on the top. On the back of the motor housing is a black plastic knob with ten speed options for the mixer, and the "OFF" position. a black electric cord is attached under the motor housing with a black switch beneath the cord. The motor housing is able to tilt backwards on a hinge which is attached to the top of the stand arm. It is worked on AC or Dc power 240 On the bottom are the words "MODEL 9B". mixmaster sunbeam kitchen-appliance food-technology

These items are original records from the Warrnambool City Council and contain information on land sales and sub-divisions within the city area for the second half of the 20th century. The ledger contains the names of those involved in the sale and transfer of land and the file cards give illustrative details of the allotments – plans, maps etc. These items are of considerable significance as they are Warrnambool City Council records dealing with land sales and sub-divisions in the second half of the 20th century. They will be useful for research. .1 A metal-bound ledger with a dark red leather cover and pages printed with red and blue lines. There are red alphabetical tabs with gold print attached to the outer edges of the pages. The entries are handwritten in blue ink. .2 A grey metal cabinet, rectangular in shape and rusted on the base. The cabinet has two drawers with handles and these drawers contain file cards. The cards have a negative or transparency inserted into the top corner. .3 File cards with a negative inserted and a green backing .4 File cards similar to .3 above but of a different size. .5 A packet of unused file cards with tabs land sales and sub-divisions, warrnambool city council

Prior to the 1900s, complicated births, particularly where there was a disproportion between the size of the woman’s pelvis and the foetus’ head, often meant the death of the baby and the mother. Instruments for removing a dead or ailing foetus from within the mother were used to attempt to save the mother’s life. The cranioclast, first invented by Dr. James Simpson in the mid-19th century and later redesigned by others, was used for fetal destruction and removal. Fundamentally a strong pair of forceps, the cranioclast was used to crush the skull, decreasing its diameter. In some cases, this would allow normal uterine contractions to expel the foetus; in others, the physicians would use an obstetrical hook to pull the body out of the mother. Doctors disagreed as to the pelvic diameter that would necessitate this drastic intervention, but generally found that 3 to 3.5 inches was the smallest size through which a living infant could pass. Equally of debate was the pelvic size through which the dead fetus could be extracted. When vaginal extraction was deemed unadvisable, Caesarian section would be performed. As caesarean section became safer and more common with the advent of anaesthetics and antiseptic techniques, the use of cranioclasts and obstetrical hooks diminished. (Museum of Health Care, Kingston) Dr Mitchell Henry O'Sullivan worked in the Victorian country town of Casterton as a general practitioner from 1919 until his death in 1977. He also practiced obstetrics. His son, Dr David More O'Sullivan donated his obstetric bag and its contents to the College in 1999. The bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period.Hinged metal tool with bakelite handles at one end and serrated teeth at other end. The instrument is in two sections. The right or upper blade has a black bakelite handle. There are two screws on the inside of the handle, 5.5cm apart. In the centre of the blade is a screw notch in the shape of a small horseshoe. On the inner side of the blade is a depression extending most of the length. The left, or lower, blade also has a black bakelite handle. There are two screws on the inside of the handle approximately 6cm apart. Mobile metal clasps in the shape of an 'S' , with three serrations, is attached to the distal end of the handle, which enables the blades to be opened or closed. destructive instruments