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Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Memorabilia - GOLD NUGGET COLLECTION: THE GEM, 1906
The Gem The Poseidon Rush. Tarnagulla, Saturday. Article - The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express (NSW : 1871 - 1938)Friday 8 February 1907 - Page 43 The Poseidon Rush. Tarnagulla, Saturday. Several indicators and quartz leaders on the Woolshed Hill have received considerable attention during the last fortnight. In some claims the stone looks very promising, and nice tracings of gold have been obtained. Wragg Brothers struck it rich yesterday. At a depth of 12ft. on the bedrock they discovered a nugget specimen 206oz. in weight, which has been christened the 'Port Arthur. The party also had the good fortune to find two other specimens close, by, one weighing 23oz. 15dwt. and the other 24oz.These were named 'The Twins,' the Wragg Brothers bearing that distinction. In this claim about eight weeks ago the Gem (88oz.) was unearthed. THE POSEIDON RUSH. Article Illustrated - Leader (Melbourne, Vic. : 1862 - 1918, 1935)Saturday 29 December 1906 - Page 33 THE POSEIDON RUSH. It is only about five weeks since this rush was opened by John Porter, but since that time a marvellous change has taken place. The quietness of the bush has given place to a scene of wild excitement, and each week this is intensified by the discovery of large nuggets. When Smith, Rogers and Stephenson picked out their slug on election day, no one dreamed that larger ones were lying only a few feet away, but such was the fact. On Tuesday afternoon two immense slugs, one of which weighed 960 oz., and the other 373 oz., were found in adjoining claims within a few minutes of each other. The finding of these created a scene which it is difficult to describe. "I've got one, “was shouted from the claim of Bert Williamson and T. Stephenson, two men just entering into manhood. They were seen excitedly digging round a lump of gold, one of them with a double-ended pick, the point-of which he broke in his anxiety to unearth it. This slug is nine inches long by seven inches by 43 inches, and is very similar in appearance and size to the big nugget got previously in the adjoining claim. It has been cleaned and smelted, and has yielded 306 oz. of pure gold of the best sample. Before the excitement caused by the discovery of the last nugget had sub-sided, there was a shout from an adjoining claim. Sam Woodall, a Llanelly miner, felt his pick strike a hard yielding sub-stance, and, satisfied that he had struck a nugget, called the attention of his mates to the fact. He soon levered it out of the ground with his pick. Taking it up in his arms he staggered out of the claim with it, and in a minute or two was sur-rounded by hundreds of men who rushed from all over the field to view it, and to feel its weight. It was certainly a magnificent specimen, and the fortunate miners were congratulated on all sides. Its weight was guessed to be a hundredweight, and probably in its then dirty state it would nave turned the scales at that. In a few minutes the crowd was so dense that it was impossible to get a close inspection. The nugget was first taken to Newbridge under escort, then through Llanelly to Tarnagulla, where it was lodged in the Union Bank. It was found that the bank scales were not sufficiently large to weigh the mass. By tying a number of large weights together, and suspending them from a steel bar, a fairly accurate weight was obtained, and it just balanced 80 lb., or 960 oz. The nugget measures 16 in. x 10 in. x 5 in. The party was cheered as it drove up the main street here, and the sight of an armed escort was quite a novelty. The nugget was held aloft in a tin dish for inspection by the crowd. These nuggets were found in the shallow workings, and neither of them were a foot under the surface. The ground is a black loamy soil; there was no appearance of wash whatever, and no one knowing anything of alluvial mining would think of searching for gold in such a spot. All those who have claims on the hillside are breaking out all the dirt in a face from the surface to the reef, which is a mixture of lime and sunstone, and searching for nuggets. The ground is carefully pulverised so that nothing shall be missed. Some are puddling the whole of it, but it is hardly payable. Where the big nuggets are now being found, the ground has been pegged out and abandoned more than once since the rush started, and shares in the claims have been purchased for small amounts. Smith was given a third share in the claim where the first nugget was found for puddling the dirt big lump was discovered, by Woodall, Condron, Brooks and Eva, two of them sold a sixth share for £5 a few days ago to a man named Woods, who only worked a few days and sold out again for 50/. Some fancy prices are now being offered for shares in the claims in the vicinity. Woodall holds a third share, Condron and Brooks three-quarters of a share each, and Eva a sixth share. The largest nugget has been christened "The Poseidon." The names given to the other nuggets obtained previously are as follow: — Wragg Bros., 88 oz. nugget, "The Gem"; Smith and party's 378 oz. nugget, which was unearthed on election day, has been fittingly named "The Federal"; Jackson and Hughes 152 oz.specimen, "The Little. Beu"; Williamson and Stephenson's 373 oz. nugget is said to be called "The Christmas Box." A representative from the (Mines department has been at the bank during, the week taking models for the museums and schools of mines. )A replica of the "Gem" gold nugget that was discovered on 29.11.1906 on the Poseidon Lead at Tarnagulla at the depth of 9 feet. Found on the bedrock by the Wragge Bros. Weight 88 ozs. Value of $126,358 in 2016. (See additional Research.)mining, models, plaster model of victorian gold nugget -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Marble, Unknown
A granular metamorphic rock, marble is derived from limestone or dolomite and composed of calcite or dolomite interlocking grains. Heat and pressure from overlying sediments form it from limestone buried deep in Earth's crust. Graphite, pyrite, quartz, mica, and iron oxides can affect rock texture and colour. This specimen was found in Carrara, Italy. Carrara marble is the most common marble found in Italy, and it gets its name from the region where it is located. The marble was also called Luna marble and was used as a decorative element in buildings and sculptures. It has been quarried since Roman times in the Lunigiana, the northernmost tip of Tuscany, just outside the city of Carrara in the province of Massa and Carrara.Marble is one of the most popular and expensive rocks used in sculpture, architecture, interior decorations, statues, table tops, and novelties. It is available in various colors and textures depending on the chemical composition. The strength of the rock and its ability to hold finer details have made it a favorite among designers. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A solid hand sized Marble (metamorphic rock) predominantly white with specks light grey and ochre geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, marble, carrara marble, italian marble, marble specimen, tuscany -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1910
Alan Richardson was born in 1853 and died in 1936. He was a sawmiller at Tabbara who built and held the ticket for the Paddle Steamer Curlip. PS Curlip was registered in 1893 and the Passenger Certificate issued on 30th January 1903 to Captain Alan Richardson by the Marine Board of Victoria entitled her to carry 25 passengers and only 10 passengers when engaged in towage service. Two children under 12 years of age to be reckoned as one passenger. He had the first horseless motor buggy in Orbost. Alan Richardson was married to Emily Dawson and had two children - Alan Jnr and Ruth.Before the First World War, few people in Australia owned or knew how to drive cars before they bought them. This International auto buggy was promoted as a useful vehicle for station owners, farmers, doctors, and town and country salesmen. It was said to be the cheapest automobile in Australia (at one third the cost of a conventional car), required much less maintenance, had durable solid rubber tyres rather than troublesome pneumatic ones, and didn’t need a chauffeur. This is a pictorial record of a "horseless buggy" which would have been a novelty in the early 20th century in Orbost. The item is associated with the Richardson family, early Orbost settlers.A small black / white photograph of a motor vehicle with a man seated at the steering wheel. The vehicle has large buggy wheels with mud guards. It is open with no windows.transport motor-vehicle horseless-buggy richardson-alan -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Miniature dictionary, 1900
This is a miniature book and container which was known as ‘the Smallest English Dictionary in the World’. It is a copy of a Dr Johnson dictionary. It was intended to be worn as a locket and sold with an accompanying magnifying glass. It was an advertising feature for the Pears Soap company. This item has no local significance but it is a very interesting one, showing the type of novelty adornment popular in the late Victorian era. This is a miniature book with a red leather cover and 384 pages. The name of the book and the name ‘Pears’ are stamped in gilt on the covers. The book is enclosed in a silver-coloured metal container with a thickened glass window in front to view the title of the book. The glass acts as a magnifier. The container has a hinged closing device. It has a ring at the top to attach the item to a chain or belt. The container is much rusted.Front cover of book: ‘Bryce’s English Dictionary’ Back Cover: ‘Pears’ bryce’ english dictionary, warrnambool, dr johnson dictionary -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Bible Miniature, Miniature Bible 1895, 1898
No specific information is available on this item but miniature books, especially Bibles and dictionaries, were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were made to carry on the person. This item is of interest as an example of a novelty item popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is useful for display.This is a miniature Bible of 877 pages. It has a dark blue leather cover and the pages are gilt-edged. It has a folder at the back with a small magnifying glass enclosed. The cover is slightly scuffed and worn. Spine of cover: ‘Holy Bible’miniature bible, warrnambool -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Leisure object - Porcelain Doll, 1920-1941
Unable to determine a specific company that manufactured this doll many Japanese companies manufactured dolls of this type for export and these were only marked "Nippon" to show country of manufacture. These dolls marked this way were in production from around 1920 until 1941 when Japanese toy factories began to manufacturing items for war.Unable to be determined provenance relating to specific Japanese manufacturer. The doll is an example of a children's toy from the 1920s-1940s.Porcelain Doll in white fabric dress Doll, female, has porcelain face, composite body with swivel head and limbs. Head has long brown curly mohair wig attached into a hole in the pate; several doll-sized hairpins hold hair in place. Face has open mouth showing two porcelain front teeth, brown eyes of hand blown glass and hand painted features. Back of neck has two pressed holes above maker’s mark. Doll has removable white silk socks and brown shoes with tied ankle strap and hard soles. Doll is wearing old fashioned cream coloured knitted woollen singlet, cream flannel vest with draw-string cotton bodice and scalloped edge. The doll also has a more modern style white cotton dress with pink smocking. Inscription pressed into back of neck, shaded with pencil, "Nippon"Maker’s Mark “NIPPON” (See media section this document for a list of possible manufactures of doll)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, doll, nippon, nippon novelty company, porcelain, japanese doll manufacturer, porcelain doll, vintage doll -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Programme - 29th Annual Combined Sports 1971, Kiewa Valley Schools' Sports Association
Combined school athletic sports were held annually. This one was between 11 teams: Mt. Beauty Black, Tawonga Purple, Mt Beauty Gold, Dederang, Mt Beauty Blue, Tawonga South, Mt Beauty Green, Bogong, Kancoona and Kergunyah South. Events included High Jump, Long Jump for Boys and Girls and Triple Jump for Boys. Also, Potato Race, Zig Zag team of 6, and Bounce Ball. Flat Races boys and girls. Championship for Boys and Girls Under and Over 10 years.Relay Team Open, Skip Ball Open. Tunnel Ball Open,.Circle Gap Open and a Boys and Girls Circle Gap 220 yards.Primary Schools from the Kiewa Valley held athletic sports each year. The schools consisted of small and big schools in the Kiewa Valley. The events included running and jumping as well as team 'fun/novelty' events.Events were run according to age and differed between boys and girls.Orange cardboard athletic sports programme folded in half with 69 events listed with "Officials" named and children's names or teams listed. "Don't you Think It's True You Ought To Be in Blue" penned on the front. "Good Old Blue. Blue Forever. We stick to First Place." "Blue is the Best" "No Sweat to Blue" penned on the fold in the middle. "Good Old Blue" and "Blue" penned on the back.athletics., athletics sports day, school sports, kiewa valley sports -
Orbost & District Historical Society
hairbrush, 1930's
Celluloid was the first plastic. The first Celluloid experiments began in 1856 by Alexander Parkes in Birmingham, England. Later in the same year, he patented his invention "Parkesine". By 1868, no advancement was achieved, and Parkes' labor and efforts were ended. In 1869, Englishman Daniel Stills created a company called Xylonite to experiment and create a product similar to Parkesine. These efforts ended in 1874 when Stills went bankrupt. Celluloid / xylonite was made into toiletry articles, novelties, photographic film, and many other mass-produced goods. Its popularity began to wane only toward the middle of the 20th century, following the introduction of plastics based on entirely synthetic polymers. This item is an example of a personal item made of this synthetic plastic.A xylonite backed man's hairbrush. Backing is yellowish/cream. There is a small ornate decoration (initials?). The top is scooped. the bristles are possibly boar bristles.toiletries-men's hairbrush xylonite celluloid -
Orbost & District Historical Society
hand mirror, first half 20th century
Celluloid was the first plastic. The first Celluloid experiments began in 1856 by Alexander Parkes in Birmingham, England. Later in the same year, he patented his invention "Parkesine". By 1868, no advancement was achieved, and Parkes' labor and efforts were ended. In 1869, Englishman Daniel Stills created a company called Xylonite to experiment and create a product similar to Parkesine. These efforts ended in 1874 when Stills went bankrupt. Celluloid was made into toiletry articles, novelties, photographic film, and many other mass-produced goods. Its popularity began to wane only toward the middle of the 20th century, following the introduction of plastics based on entirely synthetic polymers. This item is an example of a personal effect made from celluloid.A creamy yellow xylonite backed hand mirror with a narrow handle. The back is decorated with a swirling pattern (initials?). -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Postcard (item) - Novelty postcard, Wonder Co, Greetings from Marysville, Vic, 1960's
A vintage Lenticular (3D) postcard by Wonder Co. The postcard was printed using a Lenticular process which produces images with an illusion of depth, or the ability to change or move as the image is viewed from different angles. The postcard was made by the Wonder Co., Tokyo, Japan. and distributed by Asahi Trading Co. in New York as a souvenir Marysville in Victoria.A vintage Lenticular (3D) postcard by Wonder Co. The postcard was printed using a Lenticular process which produces images with an illusion of depth, or the ability to change or move as the image is viewed from different angles. The postcard was made by the Wonder Co., Tokyo, Japan. and distributed by Asahi Trading Co. in New York as a souvenir Marysville in Victoria.GREETINGS FROM/ Marysville, Vic. CSP - 2 C WONDER CO. TOKYO/ PAT591219 MADE IN JAPANmarysville, victoria, postcard, souvenir, wonder co -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Postcard - NOVELTY POSTCARD BENDIGO VIEWS 1984
14.5cm X 9.2cm Postcard of Retriever dog holding paper with 9 fold-out Bendigo Views. Printed 1984 City Hall, Civic Buildings, Central Deborah Mine, Alexandra Fountain, Look-out Tower, Conservatory Gardens, Soldiers Memorial Hall, Post-Office. Pall Mall, The Lake Upper Reserve.Valentine's Mail Postcard.bendigo, buildings, heritage buildings -
Clunes Museum
Book - REFERENCE BOOK, MADAME WEIGEL PTY. LTD, GIFT - NOVELTIES, CIRCA 1920
FEATURING INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIFTS, PRAM COVER, JUG COVER, DOYLEY, SLIPPERS, SHOPPING BAG & SLIPPERS.MAGAZINE FEATURING INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIFTS, PRAM COVER, JUG COVER, DOYLEY, SLIPPERS, SHOPPING BAG & SLIPPERS.non-fictionFEATURING INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIFTS, PRAM COVER, JUG COVER, DOYLEY, SLIPPERS, SHOPPING BAG & SLIPPERS.book, reference, books - reference, paper pattern, handicraft instruction -
Duldig Studio museum + sculpture garden
Ceramic, Karl Duldig, Gumnut Bowl by Karl Duldig c.1948, c. 1948
Karl Duldig’s ceramic bowl is a particularly interesting example of Karl’s ability to creatively respond to a new environment with a fresh visual repertoire, in this case, the flowering Eucalyptus in a design reminiscent of traditional European folk art. The bowl is an excellent example of the utilitarian and decorative studio pottery produced by Karl and his wife Slawa Horowitz-Duldig between 1944 and 1960. Clay was an important medium for Karl. When he was forced to flee Austria for Switzerland, working with clay became a convenient medium; and he continued to expand his use of clay in Singapore. In Australia his work in clay extended from domestic hand-made pottery to public sculptures and architectural reliefs. In 1944 Duldig purchased a kiln, which was installed in the garage of the family’s St. Kilda flat, soon after a pottery wheel was acquired. It was the beginning of a cottage industry that supplemented the family income during the war years and beyond. Duldig initially sold his decorative ceramic wares through a local florist in St. Kilda, and subsequently through shops such as the Chez Nous French Art Shop (Howey Place) and Light and Shade (Royal Arcade), and the Primrose Pottery shop in Collins Street. The Primrose Pottery shop was an extremely important commercial outlet, and hub, for emerging artists, potters and designers from 1929 until 1974. Its proprietors Edith and Betty MacMillan worked closely with their suppliers, commissioning and taking items on consignment. In the post war period important Melbourne studio potters such as Allan Lowe, Arthur Boyd, John Perceval and Neil Douglas exhibited and sold domestic wares in the Primrose Pottery shop. The Duldigs studio pottery provides a counterpoint to the ceramics produced at Arthur Merric Boyd Pottery in Murrumbeena, which was established in 1944 by Arthur Boyd, John Perceval and Peter Herbst. The emphasis on painterly decoration was important and the AMB potters also produced simple household wares decorated with Australian flora and wildlife, for example Neil Douglas also made small bowls decorated with the fairy wrens, lyrebirds, gumnuts and eucalypts. Ann Carew 2016The Duldig Studio’s collection of ceramics has national aesthetic and historic significance. It contains a representative sample of works of art in ceramics created by Karl Duldig during his lifetime, including small sculptures, as well as functional and novelty items for the tourist market during the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. The artist’s working methods and the development of his practice are comprehensively demonstrated in the collection. This in-situ collection demonstrates the philosophy of the Vienna Secession and its inheritors that handcrafted, simple functional domestic wares might enrich both the lives of the maker and the user. This bowl is part of a collection of ceramics that has national historic significance in providing a rich illustration of an immigrant and artistic experience, and touching on the themes of settlement adaptation of artistic practice. The collection is also associated with places of cultural and historical significance in Melbourne such as the Primrose Pottery Shop, and the story of Australian studio ceramics in the post-war years. Ann Carew 2016Cream earthenware bowl with flowering gum motif and sponged green background.Duldig in script incised under. -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Colour, Boomerang, Probably by Bill Onus, c1960s, 1960s
William (Bill) ONUS (15 November 1906-1968) Born Cummeragunja Aboriginal Reserve, Murray River, New South Wales Clan: Wiradjuri William Townsend (Bill) Onus was a shearer, actor and activist who revived the Australian Aboriginese League in Melbourne in 1946. He retired from politics in to start the Aboriginal Enterprises workship in Belgrave with his brother Eric. They produced boomerangs, woomeras, fabrics and greeting cards imprinted with Aboriginal motifs. He ran the business from his small factory and shop at Belgrave in the Dandenong Ranges. To promote his wares Bill Onus toured widely in Victoria and beyond as a travelling showman, giving demonstrations of boomerang-throwing, which he advocated as a national sport. (ADB) Bill Onus adopted similar imagery to that which appeared in mass-produced indigenised design; however, he used such works to draw attention to his political work with the ‘Committee for Aboriginal Citizen Rights’ and the ‘Australian Aborigines League.’ William McLintock (Lin) Onus is the son of Bill Onus. Painted boomerang thought to be decorated by Bill Onus.boomerang, aboriginal, bill onus, aboriginal enterprise novelties -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Ceramic - Photograph - Colour, Ceramics Decorated by Bill Onus, c1955
William (Bill) ONUS (15 November 1906-1968) Born Cummeragunja Aboriginal Reserve, Murray River, New South Wales Clan: Wiradjuri William Townsend (Bill) Onus was a shearer, actor and activist who revived the Australian Aboriginese League in Melbourne in 1946. He retired from politics in to start the Aboriginal Enterprises workship in Belgrave with his brother Eric. They produced boomerangs, woomeras, fabrics and greeting cards imprinted with Aboriginal motifs. He ran the business from his small factory and shop at Belgrave in the Dandenong Ranges. To promote his wares Bill Onus toured widely in Victoria and beyond as a travelling showman, giving demonstrations of boomerang-throwing, which he advocated as a national sport. (ADB) Bill Onus adopted similar imagery to that which appeared in mass-produced indigenised design; however, he used such works to draw attention to his political work with the ‘Committee for Aboriginal Citizen Rights’ and the ‘Australian Aborigines League.’ William McLintock (Lin) Onus is the son of Bill Onus. Ceramic form decorated with Aboriginal design by Bill Onus.aboriginal, bill onus, aboriginal enterprise novelties, ceramics -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Leisure object - Magnetic Novelty Toy, Palitoy, Two Magnetic Perky Pussies
The Kew Historical Society’s collection includes a wide range of leisure objects. Many of the items are European-made, generally of British origin, however there are a number that were made for the Australian market by Australian manufacturers. There were clearly a huge range of toys produced for the Australian and International children’s market in the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries. The examples of toys in the collection include examples of alphabet toys, arcade toys, baby toys, construction toys, dolls, doll accessories, educational toys, soft toys, tin toys, toy animals, toy blocks, toy machines, toy typewriters, etc.Palitoy was a British toy company. It manufactured some of the most popular toys in Britain, some original items and others under licence.Magnetised toy cats in small cardboard boxBox: "Two Magnetic Perky Pussies"toys, games and puzzles, perky pussies, magnetic toys -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - note wallet, late 19th century
This note wallet has no known local provenance but apparently dates back to the late 19th century.This wallet is retained because of its condition and novelty.This is a note wallet which appears to be made of woven grass. It has two small rectangular bags open at the top , with one fitting into the other to hold paper money. One bag is slightly torn at one edge.vintage accessory -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Photograph - Colour, 'Wirrin' by Bill Onus
William (Bill) ONUS (15 November 1906-1968) Born Cummeragunja Aboriginal Reserve, Murray River, New South Wales Clan: Wiradjuri William Townsend (Bill) Onus was a shearer, actor and activist who revived the Australian Aboriginese League in Melbourne in 1946. He retired from politics in to start the Aboriginal Enterprises workship in Belgrave with his brother Eric. They produced boomerangs, woomeras, fabrics and greeting cards imprinted with Aboriginal motifs. He ran the business from his small factory and shop at Belgrave in the Dandenong Ranges. To promote his wares Bill Onus toured widely in Victoria and beyond as a travelling showman, giving demonstrations of boomerang-throwing, which he advocated as a national sport. (ADB) Bill Onus adopted similar imagery to that which appeared in mass-produced indigenised design; however, he used such works to draw attention to his political work with the ‘Committee for Aboriginal Citizen Rights’ and the ‘Australian Aborigines League.’ William McLintock (Lin) Onus is the son of Bill Onus. Wooden plate decorated with Aboriginal design by Bill Onus.Stamped on back "Made in Australia Bill Onus"aboriginal, bill onus, aboriginal enterprise novelties, ceramics