There is a brass plaque that states: THIS PLAQUE IS IN MEMORY OF DORA CHAPMAN daughter of William and Estelle Chapman CALLED HOME WHILE PLAYING THE ORGAN ON THE OCCASION OF THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SILVAN CHURCH. SEPTEMBER, 27TH 1936 DORA WAS A SISTER TO MR ERNEST CHAPMAN On another plaque it states: THIS ORGAN WAS A WEDDING PRESENT TO ERN AND BERYL CHAPMAN AND WAS DONATED TO MONT DE LANCEY IN THE YEAR 1994 BY MAVIS, BOB, LES AND ALBERT CHAPMAN The organ was a present from Mr Ernest Chapman and his bride on the occasion of their wedding on October 26th 1927. The organ was made in Meriden Connecticut USA by Wilcox and White in 1885. A date inside the organ indicates that it was last tuned June 16th 1900. A highly decorated, delicate ornate carved wooden pump organ with a round mirror set back into the front panel. It has a sheet music rest or shelf with an opening lid to store sheet music inside the cupboard. There are two side shelves with five knobs on each at the front. It has a keyboard with thirteen stops below. Next to the key stops above the keyboard is gold lettering with 'Wilcox & White Meriden. Connecticut. USA.There are two brass patterned pump foot pedals below: the left one has 'WILCOX' stamped on it, the right pedal has '& WHITE' stamped on it and the metal is damaged from use. There are two carved levers underneath the keyboard: the left one has a sticker saying "Grand Organ", the right one's sticker says, "Knee Swell". There is no stool.The brass covered left foot pump pedal has 'WHITE' stamped on it, the right pedal has '......' stamped on it. There are two carved levers underneath the keyboard: the left one has a sticker saying 'Grand Organ', the right one's sticker says, 'Knee Swell'. The manufacturer : WILCOX AND WHITE is printed in gold letters on ......The thirteen 'stops' all have different musical terms printed in a sticker. e.g...............parlour organs, cabinet organs, harmoniums, pump organs

This card table is part of a special bequest to the Mont De Lancey Museum of hand carved furniture and items made by Mr Franz Striezel by his grandaughter Mrs Dorothy Adamson. Dorothy was a friend of Nella Lord (nee Sebire). Dorothy passed away in 2007. It was to be known as The Franz Striezel Collection. Franz Streizel came from Germany in 1886 and was one of the three recognised craftsmen (Art Carvers) in Australia who contributed to the wood carvings in public buildings and honour boards throughout Australia. The National Gallery at their request had two small panels and a tobacco jar (some of his work), donated by Mrs D Adamson. They considered these pieces highly valuable.A handmade square wooden card table featuring an ornately patterned inlaid top of lighter coloured woods. It has a beautifully carved four legged base with a shelf at the bottom above the four clawed feet. The top lifts up to reveal a storage box below which is attached with screws to the base. The lid is attached with brass hinges and screws.furnitue, tables, card tables

This hand carved framed mirror is part of a special bequest to the Mont De Lancey Museum of hand carved furniture and items made by Mr Franz Striezel by his grandaughter Mrs Dorothy Adamson. Dorothy was a friend of Nella Lord (nee Sebire). Dorothy passed away in 2007. It was to be known as The Franz Striezel Collection. Franz Streizel came from Germany in 1886 and was one of the three recognised craftsmen (Art Carvers) in Australia who contributed to the wood carvings in public buildings and honour boards throughout Australia. The National Gallery at their request had two small panels and a tobacco jar (some of his work), donated by Mrs D Adamson. They considered these pieces highly valuable.An elaborately carved wooden framed mirror with two carved kookaburras, one with a lizard in its beak as well as some Australian flora - eucalyptus leaves, flowers and gumnuts around the edges of the frame.mirrors, functional objects, wall mirrors, objects

This hand carved framed mirror is part of a special bequest to the Mont De Lancey Museum of hand carved furniture and items made by Mr Franz Striezel by his grandaughter Mrs Dorothy Adamson. Dorothy was a friend of Nella Lord (nee Sebire). Dorothy passed away in 2007. It was to be known as The Franz Striezel Collection. Franz Streizel came from Germany in 1886 and was one of the three recognised craftsmen (Art Carvers) in Australia who contributed to the wood carvings in public buildings and honour boards throughout Australia. The National Gallery at their request had two small panels and a tobacco jar (some of his work), donated by Mrs D Adamson. They considered these pieces highly valuable.A rectangular beautifully carved wooden framed mirror featuring a gold painted carved lion head at the top and gold painted crest shaped ornamentation around the edges of the frame.mirrors, functional objects, wall mirrors, objects

This hand carved framed mirror is part of a special bequest to the Mont De Lancey Museum of hand carved furniture and items made by Mr Franz Striezel by his grandaughter Mrs Dorothy Adamson. Dorothy was a friend of Nella Lord (nee Sebire). Dorothy passed away in 2007. It was to be known as The Franz Striezel Collection. Franz Streizel came from Germany in 1886 and was one of the three recognised craftsmen (Art Carvers) in Australia who contributed to the wood carvings in public buildings and honour boards throughout Australia. The National Gallery at their request had two small panels and a tobacco jar (some of his work), donated by Mrs D Adamson. They considered these pieces highly valuable.An ornately hand carved rectangular wooden framed mirror with a shelf at the bottom and a carved ancient Egyptian style head in the middle of the frame at the top. There are two carved gargoyles on each top side. The mirror glass is shaped.mirrors, functional objects, wall mirrors, objects

These hand carved framed wooden pictures are part of a special bequest to the Mont De Lancey Museum of hand carved furniture and items made by Mr Franz Striezel by his grandaughter Mrs Dorothy Adamson. Dorothy was a friend of Nella Lord (nee Sebire). Dorothy passed away in 2007. It was to be known as The Franz Striezel Collection. Franz Streizel came from Germany in 1886 and was one of the three recognised craftsmen (Art Carvers) in Australia who contributed to the wood carvings in public buildings and honour boards throughout Australia. The National Gallery at their request had two small panels and a tobacco jar (some of his work), donated by Mrs D Adamson. They considered these pieces highly valuable.Two hand carved Indigenous busts in wood frames.1: A mother wearing a headband and striped gold, white blue and pink painted clothes draped over a baby. Only the face of the baby is depicted. 2: A father's upper body bust also has clothes draped over the baby he is holding. Both are framed using natural sticks which are painted brown on a white backfround.wood carvings, carvings, portraits, artworks, objects

This cabinet is part of a special bequest to the Mont De Lancey Museum of hand carved furniture and items made by Mr Franz Striezel by his grandaughter Mrs Dorothy Hilda Adamson. Dorothy was a friend of Nella Lord (nee Sebire). Dorothy passed away in 2007. It was to be known as The Franz Striezel Collection. Franz Streizel came from Germany in 1886 and was one of the three recognised craftsmen (Art Carvers) in Australia who contributed to the wood carvings in public buildings and honour boards throughout Australia. The National Gallery at their request had two small panels and a tobacco jar (some of his work), donated by Mrs D Adamson. They considered these pieces highly valuable. it was a wedding gift to Mr Franz Streizel's daughter Frieda Streizel approximately 1910. A heavily inlaid veneer two door cabinet with carved Egyptian style heads in the middle of each door set in a triangular pattern. There are two small drawers and one long drawer at the bottom of the cabinet. Keys are kept nearby in a wooden box in the same collection.cabinets, furniture, storage and display furnirure

This lockable wooden inlaid box is part of a special bequest to the Mont De Lancey Museum of hand carved furniture and items made by Mr Franz Striezel by his grandaughter Mrs Dorothy Hilda Adamson. Dorothy was a friend of Nella Lord (nee Sebire). Dorothy passed away in 2007. It was to be known as The Franz Striezel Collection. Franz Streizel came from Germany in 1886 and was one of the three recognised craftsmen (Art Carvers) in Australia who contributed to the wood carvings in public buildings and honour boards throughout Australia. The National Gallery at their request had two small panels and a tobacco jar (some of his work), donated by Mrs D Adamson. They considered these pieces highly valuable.A lockable rectangular handmade lidded wooden box with inlaid patterned wood panels on each side and the lid. It has red velvet lining inside the lid and inner base. There is a lift our red velvet lined wooden tray. The lid is attached with brass hinges. Keys for the inlaid cabinet in the same room are stored in the tray in this box.L W is written in grey pencil on the base of the box.boxes, objects, containers, storage boxes

This nursing chair is part of a special bequest to the Mont De Lancey Museum of hand carved furniture and items made by Mr Franz Striezel by his grandaughter Mrs Dorothy Hilda Adamson. Dorothy was a friend of Nella Lord (nee Sebire). Dorothy passed away in 2007. It was to be known as The Franz Striezel Collection. Franz Streizel came from Germany in 1886 and was one of the three recognised craftsmen (Art Carvers) in Australia who contributed to the wood carvings in public buildings and honour boards throughout Australia. The National Gallery at their request had two small panels and a tobacco jar (some of his work), donated by Mrs D Adamson. They considered these pieces highly valuable. An ornately hand carved dark wooden heavy nursing chair with a carved figure of a child and gargoyles on the front of the back rest. The seat is highly patterned too. The back and front legs are carved in one enclosed piece of wood with a gargoyle face and spirals on them.chairs, nursery furniture, nursing chairs, seating furniture

This magazine holder is part of a special bequest to the Mont De Lancey Museum of hand carved furniture and items made by Mr Franz Striezel by his grandaughter Mrs Dorothy Adamson. Dorothy was a friend of Nella Lord (nee Sebire). Dorothy passed away in 2007. It was to be known as The Franz Striezel Collection. Franz Streizel came from Germany in 1886 and was one of the three recognised craftsmen (Art Carvers) in Australia who contributed to the wood carvings in public buildings and honour boards throughout Australia. The National Gallery at their request had two small panels and a tobacco jar (some of his work), donated by Mrs D Adamson. They considered these pieces highly valuable.A highly decorated wooden hand carved rectangular magazine holder. The back of it is plain. functional objects, magazines, magazine holders

Used by manufacturer to display his goods, harness dressing.As imported and sold by Holden and Frost Ca 1900wooden box no lid with inscriptions on front and backFront panel, "world harness dressing" pictured on diagram of two horsesdressing, harness, box

A rectangular cream Ivory style relief carved panel of ten Ancient Greek figures playing and listening to musical instruments played outdoors. They are wearing robes; some are standing and some are sitting on or near rocks and a plant. The artwork has a mottled wooden frame and gold painted cardboard mount. It is covered by celluloid or plastic to protect the carving. The backing is wooden with small screws holding it all together.The whole sculpture is carved in fine detail.relief engraving, objects of vertu, carved picture, ancient greece, carvings

Cupboard is original to Lighthouse. This nineteenth century cedar furnishing has two doors and one internal shelf. It remains in the lighthouse although its original location was probably the lantern room, where similar surviving cabinets are more typically found. It was purpose built for the lighthouse with a curved back to fit the proportions of the tower interior with the wood reputed to have originated from a partition in the assistant lightkeepers’ houses, and the cupboard doors possibly crafted at a different time. Curved cabinets similar to this example can be found at three other early lighthouses investigated by this study. It is possible that these specially designed cabinets were included in the standard complement of furnishings provided to the colony’s lightstations by the Victorian Public Works Department. Other similar cabinets with curved backs remain in the Point Hicks Lighthouse and at Cape Nelson (two examples )and Cape Schanck, which has a curved front as well as back .The Gabo Island cabinet has first level contributory significance for its historic value, uniqueness, provenance to the lightstation and clear association with the functions of the lighthouse lantern room.Two door wooden (cedar) cabinet. One internal shelf, panelled, curved back. Doors are attached. Frame has been stripped, doors are unpainted.

Wooden plaque with plastic facing with two information panelsIn commemoration of the 60th anniversary of VP Day. 15th August 1945 Presented by the Ringwood RSL and Phil Baressi Federal Member for Deakin with smaller panel displaying the Ode below

Inner Wheel was established in 1924, initially for the wives of Rotary Club members. The first Victorian club was established in Ballarat in 1931 closely followed by Bendigo in 1933. The South Bendigo Club formed in 1980 and is one of over 700 clubs in Australia.Wooden, tri-foldout honour roll of Inner Wheel Club, Bendigo South. . Names of Past Presidents inscribed in white. On centre panel: ' Inner Wheel Club of South Bendigo, Chartered 1980, Past Presidents, Donated by and in memory of P.P Eileen O'Shea' Names on board either side of centre panel: 1980-81 Elsie Twitt 1982-83 Judy Thomas 1982-83 Lorraine Foley 1983-84 Heather Bury 1984-85 Jenette Dawson 1985-86 Ruth Hill 1986-87 June Briggs 1987-88 Erma Hoare 1988-89 Kath O'Farrell 1989-90 Elizabeth Allen 1990-91 Patricia Johns 1991-92 Mary Johnson 1992-93 Anne Flood 1993-94 Eileen O'Shea 1994-95 Nancy Rashleigh 1995-96 Val Walton 1996-97 Beryl Adcock 1997-98 Tanya Lea 1998-99 Marta Birrell 1999-00 Elizaabeth Allen 2000-01 Thelma B eer 2002-02 lJenette Dawson 2002-03 Anne Flood 2003-04 Val Walton 2004-05 Erma Hoare 2005-06 Eileen O'Shea 2006-07 Joan Hellyer 2007-08 Verna Doak 2008-09 Anne Flood 2009-10 Eileen O'Shea and Val Walton 2020-11 Val Walton 2022-12 Juana Van Leeuwen Final Meeting 2nd July, 2013.organisation, community, inner wheel bendigo south

This late 19th century maritime lamp is an example of lighting on ships, wharfs and other outside areas around docks and shipyards as well as on vessels.Lamp, brass plated copper, with three flat glass panes, one side panel hinged for access, wooden grip on handle. The chimney lid flips upwards. The right-side door frame has a sliding latch, and the edge behind has a sliding panel to allow air flow. Ca. 1886.warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, ship lighting, maritime equipment, lamp, wall lamp, lantern

In April 2002, illustrative panels were set in place at Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park designed to inform visitors about significant aspects of the reserve and its tower. One of these deals with its indigenous story, another portrays its original 1920 memorial, a third has upon it Will Longstaff’s famous war painting, “Midnight at Menin Gate.” This sign establishes a connection with the First World War by way of the painting "Menin Gate at Midnight". (NL 144) The artist William Longstaff lived in Eltham; his son attended school at Kangaroo Ground. The orignal of his painting is on permanent display in the Australian War Memorial. Since this photograph was taken (date unknown) the information panel has been restored and re-erected by staff of the Shire of Nillumbik who replicated the wooden side frame pieces with the same wood-turn design as seen here in the original. Colour photographMENIN GATE AT MIDNIGHT Will Longstaff, 1927 Oil on canvas, Size 135cm high x 254cm wide Collection: Australian War Memorial The artist Will Longstaff was born in in Ballarat in 1879 and died at Littlehampton, Sussex, UK, 1953. Will Longstaff for many years lived in Eltham, his son Tommy, attending school at Kangaroo Ground. As an Official War Artist, will Longstaff depicted in his alegorical painting the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. The Memorial unveiled on 24th July 1927 honours by name over 50, 000 allied soldiers who fell in the Great War and have no known graves. The names of 6,208 men of the first Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.) are listed within the Memorial on stone tablets. The painting held huge emotional appeal to Australians when it arrived from England in 1928, attracting an estimated one million viewers, many of whom interpreted the field of red poppies in the foreground as the spirits of the dead rising from their unknown graves. The painting is to be found in the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.menin gate at midnight, william longstaff, kangaroo ground memorial, information panel, shire of eltham war memorial

Painted Glass, Hinged, Wooden Framed, advertising boards. All seem to be from the same location. 'Raymond V Kelly' studio. Two panels have been signed by N. Leves, Nth. Melb. All panels in quite good condition. 'Incorporating Raymond V. Kelly Studio' x 1 'High Art' x 3 (N. Leves N. Melb) in Bottom LH 'Portraiture' x 1 'Photographers' x 2 (one signed N Leves, N. Melbourne) Approx 1200 x 30cm 'Photographers' x 1 small LEVES. - On the 14th inst., at his residence, 117 Queensberry-street, North Melbourne, N. Leves, art decorator and glass embosser, late of Garratt- house, Surrey, England, and of Rothesay, Dunedin, aged 43 years. Ref: Family Notices. (1890, March 17). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.: 1848 - 1957), page 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8595014 DSC_0310 renamed to 7280.1 Item catalogued as 7230.1 stored in Box 301 Others to be catalogued as 7280.2 - 7280.5 s

John Neeson is a Postwar & Contemporary painter who was born in 1948. Numerous key galleries and museums such as Hill Smith Gallery have featured John Neeson's work in the past.Abstract composition in two panels. Left panel shows areas of three shades of grey. Right panel shows areas of grey, red and yellow. The centre image connects both panels with a triangular shape with red patterning, giving an appearance of flame and embers. Mounted in grey matt. In grey wooden frame with glass.Front: 1/25 (lower left) 73 (centre) John Neeson (lower right) (pencil) Back: (no inscriptions)

To honour 15 years of service provided, a bronze coloured medallion inset to a wooden column was awarded to individuals. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Vision Australia Foundation Tilly Aston Award' and below this '15 Year Award'. On the back of some awards is a printed panel: 'Tilly Aston, at the age of 21 years and herself blind, founded the Association for the Blind in 1895. Visionary, administrator, teacher and poet, Miss Aston brought together sighted and blind people in a partnership of action to improve the lives of blind people. This award recognises the continuing accord and tradition of friendship and selfless service which she initiated.'1 maroon wooden stand with bronze tone inlaid medallion, with illustrations15 Years Awardvision australia foundation, awards, john wicking

To honour 35 years of service provided, a bronze coloured medallion inset to a wooden column was awarded to individuals. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Vision Australia Foundation Tilly Aston Award' and below this '35 Yeard Award'. On the back is a panel: 'Presented to John Wicking, 39 Years Volunteer Service, Board Member 18 years, President 12 years.' 'Elizabeth Maxwell 2004' 'Neil Maxwell OAM 2004' 1 maroon wooden stand with bronze tone inlaid medallion, with illustrations35 Years Award Back: Presented to John Wicking, 39 Years Volunteer Service, Board Member 18 years, President 12 years. Back: Elizabeth Maxwell 2004 Back: Neil Maxwell OAM 2004vision australia foundation, awards, john wicking, neil maxwell, elizabeth maxwell

To honour 15 years of service, a gold coloured medallion inset to a wooden column was awarded to individuals. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Association for the Blind Ltd. Tilly Aston Medal' and below this '15 Year Honorary Service'. On the back of some awards is a printed panel: 'Tilly Aston, at the age of 21 years and herself blind, founded the Association for the Blind in 1895. Visionary, administrator, teacher and poet, Miss Aston brought together sighted and blind people in a partnership of action to improve the lives of blind people. This award recognises the continuing accord and tradition of friendship and selfless service which she initiated.'1 blonde wooden stand with gold tone inlaid medallionJohn O. Wicking, Presented 17.9.93 Mardi McCann 18.5.2000 Neil Maxwell 27.02.98 Elizabeth Maxwell Presented 16.10.92association for the blind, awards, john wicking, mardi mccann, neil maxwell, elizabeth maxwell

Nancy Malseed was born in Victoria in 1913. She was a printmaker and artist.Three separate images of birds. Top image is six large abstract birds with 12 birds in background (upper centre). Centre panel contains 3 birds in flight, brown against a grey background. Lower panel contains 3 walking birds, black and white against a brown background. Mounted in a dark green matt, in a black wooden frame with glass glazing.Front: 3/20 Etching and roll-up (lower left) "Bird Trip (centre) N. M. Malseed (lower right) (pencil) Back: (no inscriptions)female artist, female artists, women, malseed, 1970s

This object is believed to be associated with training at the Parkville Secondary Teaching College during the 20th Century.Related to objects 450 and 452This rectangular wooden resistance decade box features four large dials for controlling resistances. The dials are mounted atop a black plastic panel, each with a square base. Three smaller dials are mounted to the right of the large dials.Embossed plaque at front: 'J. L. WILLIAM / SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS / SERIAL No 3960 / TYPE RB4DS / MELBOURNE / AUSTRALIA' Engraved and filled white on top plate from left to right: 'ABSOLUTE OHMS AT 20 C / MANGANIN' Logo reading: 'J. L. WILLIAM / SCIENTIFIC / INSTRUMENTS / MELBOURNE / SERIAL No 3960' 'ZERO RESISTANCE / 0.004 OHM' Engraved on back edge of top panel: 'SECONDARY TEACHER COLLEGE PARKVILLE' Dials are labelled underneath with unit measurements for resistance settings, engraved and in-filled white.j. l. william, decade box, electrical equipment, resistance decade box, scientific instruments

Related to objects 451 and 452Resistance decade box constructed with a rectangular wooden body and black plastic top displaying five large dials and fifteen smaller dials. Unit measurements are inscribed beneath each dial.Left to right on top panel surrounding dials: 'INT / OHMS AT 20 C MANGANIN / PURCHASED BY UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION / J. L. WILLIAM MELBOURNE' Adhered label at center of top, between dials: 'Part 2 W B S' Long front side has an metal panel with paper label and PVC covering demonstrating setup that has 'SERIAL No 416' engraved along upper edge. j. l. william, scientific instruments, resistance decade box, electrical instruments, decade box

Wooden box with brass top and 24 knobs (22 larger and 2 smaller) on the right-hand side. In addition there are two extra knobs on the right side of the top, as well as two removable oval access panels with handles on each of the ends.Stamped on top of box: a coat of arms 'HARTMANN OF BRAUN A/M' 'RICHTIG BEI / 20 / GRAD CELSIUS' increments for measurement On front side: Sticker labelled 'NATURAL PHILOSOPHY LABORATORY / NO 7 / UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE' Stamped on end of metal top: 'No. 2665'hartmann of braun, resitance decade box, resistance box, electical instruments, frankfurt, natural philosophy laboratory

Hand sewn and printed blue and gold wall hanging inviting Mayor and Mayoress Giudice to the Return Ball. The text is printed on the blue central fabric panel which has a gold fringe and tassels. At the top of the fabric to enable it to hang on wall the fabric is sewn around a wooden rod with attached gold braid.The citizens of Bendigo present their compliments / to / HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR (Cr. M. G. Giudice) / AND MAYORESS, (Mrs Giudice) / and request the pleasure of their company at / THE RETURN BALL / at the / Town Hall, on Tuesday, 17th July, 1923 / E.M. Vains, Chairman J. Denton, Hon, Treasurer / Bendigo, 27th June, 1923giudice, mayoress giudice, city of bendigo town hall, city of greater bendigo ceremonial item, city of bendigo mayoress, city of bendigo mayor, city of greater bendigo events

This bellows was used at the Warrnambool Racecourse by Master Farrier, Brian Chapman (1931-2017), during the 1970s but its history before then is still being investigated. The bellows have continued to be used from 1978 at Flagstaff Hill's blacksmith's workshop. Even today, in 2021, this same bellows are used by a volunteer blacksmith as he demonstrate the skills and tells of the importance of the blacksmith trade to colonial Australia. This 1860s double-action bellows is a typical form of blacksmith's or shipsmith's bellows. The end is forge-fitted with an iron nozzle or tube, called a tuyere or Tue iron, which concentrates the air to fan the fire or furnace. Tuyeres were traditionally made of cow horn. The double-action design of this bellows efficiently moves air both in and out of the chambers in the one movement of the long handle. The bellows was manufactured by John C. Onions of Birmingham, England, between 1862 and 1875. The stamp with the text, Gold Medal 1862, was also used on the business’ advertising. In 1875 the company was registered and began using the name John C. Onions Limited. JOHN C. ONIONS - John C. (Collingwood) Onions (1841-1904) was the son of a bellows maker of the same name. Onions (born 1841) and his wife Helen married in 1867 and they named one of their children John Collingwood Onions (1868-1913), as was the family tradition. He was well known as a Birmingham manufacturer of patented bellows and other forge-related equipment. He sold to the wholesale and retail markets for both local and overseas customers, including the British colonies. An 1862 advertisement points out that John C. Onions was a “Bellows manufacturer and contractor to Her Majesty’s Honourable Board of Ordinance” and His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of the French [Napoleon Bonaparte]”. The advertisement includes a sketched portrait of the Emperor Napoleon III, and an Imperial Autograph Letter dated May 23, 1854, from Napoleon, Palace of the Tulleries to Mr J C Onions of Bradford Street, Birmingham. In 1863 the company registered a patent on portable forges. In 1871 there were eight employees. John C. Onions Limited became a registered company in 1875. In 1876 an advertisements included that the company were smiths for hearths and tools in general and showed a row of six medallions including one with “Napoleon III, Emperor” and his portrait, and another “ _ _ _ 1862 MEDAL”. Their advertising motto was “For Excellence of Quality”. In 1885 the company merged with William Allday and Sons to become Allday and Onions. This mid-19th century bellows has local historical significance as it were once used by blacksmiths at the Warrnambool Racecourse in the annual racing event that continues today. This bellows is significant as a working example of equipment used in the 1800 and 1900s in the trace of blacksmiths and other metal working smiths. The bellows is technologically significant as it shows the progress from simple bellows to the double-action bellows, a time saving and efficient improvement. The manufacturer John C. Onions is historically significant as a family business that began in the 1600s and continued up until the 1980s.Bellows; large, oval, mechanical double-action smith’s bellows, manually operated, in working condition. The paddles of wood that form the top, middle sections and base of the bellows have flexible leather pieces attached firmly between them, forming airtight double lungs. Cut-outs in the panels allow the bellows to fill with air then force it out. A long handle is connected to pump the bellows and control the quantity and force of the air. The blasts of air are forced through the metal nozzle or tuyere at the end of the bellows and into the forge’s fire. Inscriptions are impressed into the wood on the upper paddle or board of the bellows. There are three circular stamps containing text. Text impressed in the wooden upper paddle of the bellows has been assumed to read “JOHN C. ONIONS, PATENTEES & MANUFACTURERS, BIRMINGHAM””?” “EXTRA” “AWARDED FOR EXCELLENCE OF QUALITY”, made from the following readable text :- “JOHN C ONIONS“ “PATENT - - - & MAN - - - - - - - - -“, “BIR - - - - HAM“, “ _ ERA - - - - “- XTRA-“, “- - - - - - - FOR EXCELL-“ “OF - - - - ITY” Text in the stamp “ - - ECE - - “, “ - - - - - / 1862 / MEDAL”, “- ITY” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, john collingwood onions, john c onions, allday and onions, bellows, smith’s bellows, 19th century bellows, double-action bellows, double-acting bellows, double lung bellows, double chamber bellows, blacksmith tools, blacksmith trade, blacksmith craft, blacksmith equipment, forging equipment, john c onions patented double-action bellows, brian chapman, warrnambool racecourse, blacksmith, shipsmith, iron smith, mechanical bellows