Government issue desk. Manufactured (perhaps 1970s)It has second level contributory significance as a furnishing that has remained at the lightstation to demonstrate its more recent working operations.Wooden desk with metal frame. Dark grey vinyl top, three drawers on left-hand sde with metal handles. Second drawer has filing inserts.Right-hand front leg on black sticker. "C. of A. / D.O.T. 147110"

This table was found in the shed and restored in the 1990's by lightstation staff. The late nineteenth century cedar table has turned legs, a front drawer with brass knob pull (this may not be original). The wood has lost its original finish. Despite this, it has first level contributory significance for its historic value as an original furnishing that has remained at the lightstation since the nineteenth century.It has first level contributory significance for its historic value as an original furnishing that has remained at the lightstation since the nineteenth century.Australian cedar table with turned legs and front drawer with brass keyhole and wooden knob. Unpainted.

This device was used to measure surface wind speed and direction. This anemometer was located on a concrete pad outside room 2.15 on a steel pole. The pole was considered unsafe and the anemometer was relocated to it's current position. When lowering the pole it fell over and was badly damaged. The Bureau of Meteorology donated it to the museum. It was then repaired and restored. The central pole on which it is mounted is galvanised iron pipe painted black. The anemometer, a portable device that manually measures wind speed, was a necessary instrument once common to all weather stations. The arms are attached to a vertical rod and as the wind blows, the cups rotate, making the rod spin. The stronger the wind blows, the faster the rod spins. The anemometer counts the number of rotations, or turns, which is used to calculate wind speed, surface wind and direction. They were designed to be durable to withstand the corrosive environment and strong winds expected at coastal sites such as those at Gabo Island. Anemometers existed in the nineteenth century and their design was improved by various experts including John Robinson in 1846, John Patterson in 1926, Brevoort and Joiner in 1935 and Derek Watson in 1991 who added wind direction measurement to its functions. This example was made for the Bureau of Meteorology by the Melbourne instrument company, Synchrotac, which became registered and incorporated on 26 July 1966. It is now displayed inside the building. A good example of its kind, the anemometer has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lightstation.Anemometer and tripod stand. Three cupped brass discs on rotating arms fixed to turned brass cylinder shaped shaft. Beneath discs is a lead directional wind arrow attached to a rotating arm. A wooden three legged stand with central supporting pole of black painted hardwood and attached to a white painted marine ply circular base.Under wind cups: " SYNCHROTAC / MELB. / ser.no.70/372 / MADE IN AUSTRALIA." Above wind direction arrow: "C.OF.APT..../ SYNCHROTAC / MELB ? MADE IN AUSTRALIA / ser.no.70/372"

Modern communications technology arrived on Gabo Island with the construction of the telegraph line from Eden to Gabo Island in 1870. This type of insulator was usually used with radio antennae wires, telegraph and radio antennae equipment. The items of telegraphic equipment comprise a number of ceramic and glass insulators of varying age and type. Five, knuckle-shaped white glazed ceramic examples are associated with radio antennae wires. In addition to insulators, there is a telephone insulator bracket made of metal with wooden pins. It was once attached to the top of a steel pole and some of these remain in situ along the former telegraph line. Telegraphic communication commenced at the Gabo Lightstation in 1870, just eight years after the lightstation opened. The line from Sydney reached Eden, NSW by 1868 and was then extended to Gabo with the costs shared equally by NSW and Victoria. It was initially carried on posts across the sea to the island but was changed to a line along the seabed after the posts were washed away. The first telegraph office was a timber building on east side of the assistants’ quarters. In 1887 a new concrete telegraph office was built which included quarters for the operator, with Victoria and NSW sharing the construction costs. The 1992 CMP identified remnants of the line from its various phases of operation, and these can still be seen in 2016. Other ceramic insulators in the collection are associated with lines supported on utility poles for the transmission of high voltage electricity. .The various insulators have second level significance for their historic value and provenanceFive white glazed ceramic insulators. Knuckle bone sized, oval shaped with one opening at either end. All five are the same.

Modern communication tecnology arrived on Gabo Island with the construction of the telegraph line from Eden to Gabo Island in 1870. These and other cylindricial insulators were associated with the original 1870 copper wire telegraph line and later the P.M.G. line. The items of telegraphic equipment comprise a number of ceramic and glass insulators of varying age and type. Two bell-shaped insulators are made of clear glass, one with remains of wooden dowel inside. In addition to insulators, there is a telephone insulator bracket made of metal with wooden pins. It was once attached to the top of a steel pole and some of theseremain in situ along the former telegraph line. Telegraphic communication commenced at the Gabo Lightstation in 1870, just eight years after the lightstation opened.The line from Sydney reached Eden, NSW by 1868 and was then extended to Gabo with the costs shared equally by NSW and Victoria. It was initially carried on posts across the sea to the island but was changed to a line along the seabed after the posts were washed away. The first telegraph office was a timber building on east side of the assistants’ quarters. In 1887 a new concrete telegraph office was built which included quarters for the operator, with Victoria and NSW sharing the construction costs. The 1992 CMP identified remnants of the line from its various phases of operation,231 and these can still be seen in 2016. Other ceramic insulators in the collection are associated with lines supported on utility poles for the transmission of high voltage electricity. The various insulators have second level significance for their historic value and provenance1. Clear glass insulator. Cyndrical bottle shape with smaller dome -like knob on top. Hollow with inscription on lower edge. Has remains of wooden dowell inside. 2.Clear glass insulator. Cyndrical bottle shape with smaller dome -like knob on top. Hollow with inscription on lower edge.Around lower edge on opposite sides,"C.C / 42"

Modern communication technologyarrived on gabo Island with the construction of the telegraph line from Eden to Gabo Island in 1870. The insulator is associated with the telegraph station. Used at the H.F Radio Beacon. The items of telegraphic equipment comprise a number of ceramic and glass insulators of varying age and type. In addition to insulators, there is a telephone insulator bracket made of metal with wooden pins. It was once attached to the top of a steel pole and some of these remain in situ along the former telegraph line (0044). Telegraphic communication commenced at the Gabo Lightstation in 1870, just eight years after the lightstation opened. The line from Sydney reached Eden, NSW by 1868 and was then extended to Gabo with the costs shared equally by NSW and Victoria. It was initially carried on posts across the sea to the island but was changed to a line along the seabed after the posts were washed away. The first telegraph office was a timber building on east side of the assistants’ quarters. In 1887 a new concrete telegraph office was built which included quarters for the operator, with Victoria and NSW sharing the construction costs. The 1992 CMP identified remnants of the line from its various phases of operation,and these were seen in 2016. Other ceramic insulators in the collection are associated with lines supported on utility poles for the transmission of high voltage electricity. The various insulators have second level significance for their historic value and provenanceFour armed cross shaped insulator with two holes through diagonally opposite sections. It is ceramic with a clear glaze.

Found on a wood heap near the tractor shed. Only the top portion remains. The former fixture is the tapered top section of the wooden flagpole that formerly stood at the front of the head keepers quarters. There is a hole with attached metal pulley near the top which allowed for hoisting the flags to signal passing ships. Signal flags were hoisted on the flagpole and were used to communicate with passing shipping. Messages were then relayed by the overland telegraph line to Eden. Remains of black paint provide evidence of the blackout measures implemented during World War 11. The pole is currently fixed to a stand to allow for its display.The pole remnant has second level significance for its historic value and provenance.Top sction of a flagpole. At the top it is tapered and fashioned into a square section. Near the top of the pole is a hole with a metal pulley inside. There is black and white paint flaking off leaving bare wood.

Used to signal ships from lightstation. White flags are semaphore flags used for signalling alphabet letters. Salvaged from junk pile and mounted on wooden block. The identical, white hand held flags, which were used as a pair, are each stapled to a dowel. Information on both items indicates they were made by a well known flag, pennant and banner makers, Evan and Evans who were then located at 680 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne and are now in Spencer Street West Melbourne. Founded in 1877, the firm was a co designer of the Australian Flag in 1901. The flags are likely to date from c.1960 - 70 and are currently displayed in the former Keepers' quarters/ weather room mounted on a wooden block. Similar pairs of semaphore flags are held in Wilsons Promontory and Cape Nelson collections. The flags have second level contributory significance for their provenance to the lightstation and flag makers Evan & Evans. Thet have historic value for increasing our understanding of the semaphore signalling system formally used at the lightstation.Two identical white fabric flags stapled to a wooden dowel and secured to a wooden base on an angle.They have blue writing, on tags, on the flags.On tags on both flags, "EVAN & EVANS FLAGS P/L / FLAGMAKERS / 680 ELIZABETH ST / MELB. 3000 3475755"

This mounted chart, dated 21 August 1971 is under glass in a wooden frame and covers Bass Strait between Cape Otway and Gabo Island, showing southern and eastern Victoria and the whole of Tasmania. The frame was possibly handmade locally. The charts are specific to the Gabo Island Lightstation and have second level contributory significance for their historic value and provenance to the lightstation.Blue / grey & white nautical chart of Cape Otway to Gabo Island . It is under glass and in a white painted wooden frame. The frame has three holes at the top left and the base.Top left-hand," AUS 422 DEPTHS IN FATHOMS......."

The iron anchor is from the iron steamship, Easby built in England in 1873. It struck Skerries Reef at Gabo Island and sank in the harbour in April 1907 while carrying a cargo of potatoes. The iron anchor was recovered from the wreck at an unknown date and put on display between the two sets of keepers’ quarters. Parts of the ship, including the collapsed hull plating, engine and boilers as well as another anchor lie at a shallow depth at the wreck site 15m west of the jetty. This wreck became a shipping hazard and was eventually blown up. (1928) Another anchor of identical design lies underwater on the shoreline 15 metres west of the jetty.The wreck site and relics, including the anchor on display, are protected by the Victorian Heritage Register (VHDS S204).Large rusted metal anchor.

Used at Lightstation. There are an identical pair in the studio cottage at Cape Otway Lightstation so they are most likely purchased for the Lightstation. The two drawer table has the name ‘Kalmar Melbourne’ on the rear confirming its provenance.The three tables, along with the nest of tables, chest of drawers , and two bookcases would have been purchased as part of a large order placed by the Commonwealth Government sometime between 1957 and the early 1970s, when Kalmar was concentrating on large commissions. Cape Otway Lightstation has a pair of the same bedside tables. Gabo Island’s two bedside tables have first level contributory significance as part of a set, and for their clear provenance to Steven Kalmar whose functional designs introduced modern, low cost furnishings to a number of Australia’s lightstations.Two Scandinavian style bed-side tables. Two drawers in each. Chipboard veneer top. Solid wood frame / legs. Stained an orange colour.

For medical emergencies at Gabo Island. Unsure if ever used. The portable, manual resuscitator kit is contained in its original green vinyl, hinged case that has corner protectors and two metal front fasteners. Information on the case indicates that it is an ‘Air CIG Viva Resuscitator’. It was used for manual force feeding oxygen into a person’s lungs with the use of a breathing bag, and there are instructions for using the resuscitating bag. The kit was produced by the Commonwealth Industrial Gases Limited, Alexandria, NSW, a company active between 1935 and 1994. An identical kit, which has been accurately dated to 1951, remains at the Cape Otway Lightstation . Another identical kit is held by the Ambulance Historical Society Victoria.Both kits have first level contributory significance for their historic values and provenance.Resuscitator box, green vinyl, hinged handle at top. Two metal fasteners on front, metal plated corners on lid. White thread stitching around edges. Case contains a resuscitator kit.On case "Air CIG Viva Resuscitator. "On sticker "C. of A. D.O.T. 141545"

The clear brown glass bottle has straight sides and a short neck, with the lip indicating that it originally had stopper rather than a lid or cap. There is heavy embossing on the face with the words 'Dexsal / Reg. Trade Mark', and base with 'F 397'. Dexsal was sold by chemists as a stomach antacid and the registered trade mark of the company was lodged in 1935. The collection of the Kiewa Valley Historical Society includes an example of the same bottle, which it dates to the 1940s.Brown glass bottle, square sidesOn front of bottle, written sideways, "DEXSAL / REG.TRADE MARK" On base, "F397"

The clear, green tinged bottle with lip, collar and high shoulder, has raised embossed information on the body indicating that this is an Irish whiskey bottle from Mitchell & Co., of Belfast. It formerly had a cork stopper. The Kiewa Valley Historical Society has one of the same bottles in its collection and estimates its date of manufacture to be the 1890s.Whatever their provenance, they have an association with an event or activity on Gabo Island and for this reason have second level contributory significance for their potential to yield information relating to the cultural history of the lightstation.Clear green glass bottle, narrow neck, rounded shoulders of body of bottle."Irish Whiskey / Mitchell & Co of Belfast Ltd" Trade mark picture of crown on front.

Embossing indicates that the brown glass bottle contained Penfold brand wine, a South Australian wine company formed in 1913. This particular bottle was the shape used for their fortified wines and would date between c.1917 and the early 1930s. It was found on the beach or in the sea.The brown glass bottle has a lip and collar with a tall neck and narrow shoulder and would have had a cork stopper. " PENFOLD / THIS BOTTLE IS THE PROPERTY OF / PENFOLDS WINES"

This dark brown bottle with lip, collar, neck and gently sloping shoulder, was made by the Bottle Co. of Victoria P/L for Melbourne Bitter. The Parks Victoria inventory indicates that the bottle dates to 1925. Still brewed today, Melbourne Bitter has been made since 1904, when the Melbourne Cooperative Brewery in Abbotsford was formed by well known pub owners that included Henry Young of Young & Jacksons, and future Lord Mayor Sir Stephen Morrell. They made four beers – Abbotsford Stout (which became Abbotsford Invalid Stout in 1909), Abbots Lager, Melbourne Bitter and Abbotsford Sparkling Ale. Of those, Melbourne Bitter and the Invalid Stout remain largely unchanged and both are now brewed by the South African owned CUB. The bottle was found in the sea or on the island.Whatever their provenance, they have an association with an event or activity on Gabo Island and for this reason have second level contributory significance for their potential to yield information relating to the cultural history of the lightstation.Dark brown glass bottle, tall with gradual tapering to a narrow opening. Slightly misshapen. White coating on one side.Within a club motif, "M.B.C.V" "The property of the manufacturers. / Bottle co of Victoria Pty Ltd" "6 1925"

Embossed information on the side shows it to be the property if H.M. Leggo (1869-1938), a Bendigo merchant and manufacturer of grocers’ sundries that included pickles, sauces and condiments. In the 1920s the company expanded into chemicals such as arsenic, rabbit poison and pest sprays. Leggo’s bottles for condiments and preserves tended to be made of clear glass. The square base and tapered body is similar to the J Kitchen & Son brown phenyl bottle, and the Leggo bottle may have also contained a household chemical substance. It was found in the sea or on the island.Whatever their provenance, they have an association with an event or activity on Gabo Island and for this reason have second level contributory significance for their potential to yield information relating to the cultural history of the lightstation.Brown bottle with four flat sides. It tapers up, beginning with a small square base widening out and tapering to a narrow neck with a thread for a screw top. The bottle has a screw rim top, collar, short neck, four shoulders and a tapered body leading to an edged base.On side, "THIS BOTTLE IS THE PROPERTY OF H.M.LEGGO & CO LTD." On the side,"Reg.No 9376"

Found on Gabo island or in the sea or on the beach. This is identified as a typical nineteenth century rum bottle.Whatever their provenance, they have an association with an event or activity on Gabo Island and for this reason have second level contributory significance for their potential to yield information relating to the cultural history of the lightstation. Thick dark green glass bottle. Scratches over surface of bottle. It has a lip (for a cork), slightly bulbous neck, rounded shoulders and a tall tapered body.

Found on Gabo Island. The screw top bottle is the property of Nugget Polish P/L, Oxford brand shoe polish. The firm, which was a branch of the London firm, Nugget Polish Co., was located at 16-20 Kanowna Street, Williamstown from 1909. The age of the bottle is unknown.Brown glass bottle, long body, short neck for screw top. Wide at front curved to narrow sides.On front"OXFORD / THE PROPERTY OF NUGGET POLISH PTY. LTD"

The glazed stoneware pot is an oyster jar made by Powell potteries, Bristol, probably between 1860 and 1880. Pickled oysters were a regular food of the poor in England in the 19thc. Sam Weller, Charles Dickens’ character in Pickwick Papers (1836-37) commented that ‘Poverty and oysters always seen to go together’. In England, pickling oysters for transport to inland towns and long voyages became an industry. The jar was found in sand near the jetty in 1999.Whatever their provenance, they have an association with an event or activity on Gabo Island and for this reason have second level contributory significance for their potential to yield information relating to the cultural history of the lightstation.Ceramic jar. Squat shape, body of jar is cream coloured. Spots of mildew on side. The jar has a pronounced lip, short neck, sloping shoulders and rounded body. Just below the shoulder, the glaze colour changes from brown to stone."POWEL &DB Stol"

Used to measure wind speed at Gabo Island. Max gust register and wind speed indicator were interconnected to anemometor also on display. Registor and speed / direction indicator redundant due to transition to radio transmitter and computer data recorder. This instrument for measuring wind speed by knots was made by Paton Electrical, Sydney, a radio receiving manufacturing firm which operated until c.1956. It was used in conjunction with the manual anemometer. An instrument now redundant to modern weather forecasting, it is a good example of its kind and has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lightstation. It is a good example of its kind and has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lightstation.Knots wind speed indicator. Housed in a black & grey metal box shaped enclosure. The front is sloped with a guage and indcator dial. Around this are eight clear orange plastic knobs with directions inscribed next to each knob.Around front in clockwise direction,"N/360, NE/45, 90/E, 135/SE, 180/S, SW/225, W/270, NW/315" On dial, 0 - 70's in 10's, "KNOTS WIND SPEED / STOCK No 6660' - 66-118-7294 / PATON ELECTRICAL SYDNEY"

Used on Gabo Island to measure maximun gust over previous 3 hours or between weather observations. Information on the back of the device implies that it was battery powered and indicates that it was used in conjunction with a Synchrotac brand anemometer. Its particular function was to measure maximum wind speed over three hours between weather observations. Like the other weather recording instruments in the collection, it became redundant to the Bureau of Meteorology’s needs. It is a good example of its kind and has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lightstation.Black metal box with grey metal front. Two chrome plated handles at front. Red plastic square, greenish coloured knob at front with inscriptions under them.On front,"MAXIMUM GUST REGISTER / KNOTS / READ" On back, "for use with a synchrotac anemometer / ANEMOMETER / RESET" On 2 black plastic discs at back, "BATTERY x 4 "

From accompanying interpretive sign,"Early life jackets and life- rings were made using cork for bouyancy. A poignant reminder of the risks facing seafarers". Triangular and rectangular pieces of cork are from old life jackets. Curved piece with canvas remnant and white paint is a section of an old life ring. The piece with hole and split is a float off a fishing net. As cork is also used to provide buoyancy to fishing nets, further information on these fragments, such as their degree of rarity, and the historic use of cork for buoyancy in relation to lightstations and rescue equipment would be helpful. They will have second level contributory significance if it can be established that they are historically associated with the functions of the lightstation. 1. Triangular shaped piece of cork, has holes and cracks. 2. Rectangular shaped piece of cork, has large holes through piece. Remains of white textile covering on two sides (long sides). Piece is slightly convex. 3. Rectangular pieceof cork. Corners are rounded . Rough pitted surface. 4. Tube shaped section of cork. Has hole through middle with split in one side extending to hole. Around outside there are even lines extending horizontally.

Wreckage from unknown ship. Found on "big beach" at Telegraph Point. 2002. Made of wood with corroded metal fragments, the hatch is undated wreckage from an unknown ship. The remnants of shipwreck fabric have second level contributory significance for their interpretive and historic value as artefacts that highlight the distinctive history of the Gabo Island Lightstation.Timber & steel hatch cover from ship.(wrekage) Rectangular shaped piece of wood with a circular shape cut from centre. Corroded metal fragments have adhered to the wood.

Used on Gabo Island lightstation.This portable first aid kit comes in a lockable metal box and includes an instruction manual, smelling salts, eye cleaner, dressings, cotton wool and burns dressing. It was made in September 1976.Supplement to Royal flying doctors service of Australia.The kit has first level contributory significance for its relative completeness, historic value and provenance to the lightstation.1. White, two hinged lid, metal first aid kit. Containing: 2. Instruction manual. 3. Smelling salts. 4. Eye cleaner. 5. 6 x sterilised dressings. 6. Cotton wool. 7. Large burn dressing. (padded gauze). Lock on lid. rusted slightly on top and sides. Five screws on right side. Four screws on left back lid. Metal hinged handle on left side. Metal compartment on inside.

Whale bones found in harbour area. Dr Imlay operated a whaling outpost in Santa Barbara Bay in the early 1800's. John Morris ventured into whaling in 1848. The success of these ventures is not known. Retrieved from the Gabo Island Harbour in 1999, the collection’s two venerable whalebones are reminders of the whaling industry that was associated with Gabo Island prior to construction of the lightstation. Evocative relics of this long ceased activity, they are now also symbolic of today’s concern for protecting and saving whales. The whalebones are the only known artefacts in the collection that illustrate the period when European sealers and whalers intermittently used the island for their activities. The Imlay brothers, who operated from Twofold Bay, Eden NSW, used the island as a base and lookout up until about 1846, and several huts were erected.Whaling was last associated with the island in 1848, when John Morris surreptitiously ventured into this activity while being paid to erect lightstation buildings for the NSW government. Gabo’s historic jetty store, which stands as the oldest structure on the island, was thought to be built by Morris and is possibly associated with the activities that led to his dismissal. The whalebones were recovered from the harbour, close to the location of the store and the site of the former whaling outpost. The bones have first level contributory significance as evidence of the island’s whaling activities, which pre-date the history of the lightstation.1. Whale vertebrae, bleached white. 2. Whale bone, (rib) bleached white.

Part of ships’ hull, floor beam, found on the beach or in the sea.Curved piece of wood with several copper nails protruding from base. Blackened (as if burnt but may be tar). Ends taper. Floor beam from boat.

Rusted wheel rims and axel were recovered from scrub near the ‘Eastern Landing’ in 2002. The two large wheel rims are made of flat iron. The axel is a long metal shaft with built up sections at either end. They are possibly from a WWI, horse drawn gun carriage used to carry stores from the jetty to the lightstation. Images show the carriage in use in 1943. The items have second level contributory significance for their historic value and provenance to the lightstation. .1 & .2, Large rusted, circular, metal wheel rims. Made of flat iron. .3, Rusted metal axle. long shaft with built up sections at either end.

Steel hand rail from stone steps at house 3/4 recovered from grass near "Eastern Landing" in 2000.Steel tube shaped length bent at middle and curved at one end. 12 metal dowells attached to this rail, but unattached at end. Varying lengths. Rusted with some white paint residue.