Showing 3712 items
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Trafalgar Holden Museum
Tool - chipping tool
used by boot makers during ca 1900tool used by cobblers during ca1900metal chipper with brass head and rosewood handle OUN MANcobblers, tool -
Bendigo Military Museum
Footwear - BOOTS - AB - ARMY, Post 1955
Pair of black leather army boots - known as "AB"- ankle boots - with black cotton laces. Rubber soles with maker's label imprinted on sole.Imprint on sole - makers label - indiscernible.uniform, footwear, boots, army -
Rutherglen Historical Society
Image, c April 1958
Booklet - Rutherglen heritage walk : a self-guided tour of Rutherglen's Historic Streetscapes / by Rutherglen Wine Experience. 2009, p. 5 - states that the Red Boot Shop was "demolished sometime after WWII, and no trace remained until a wild storm uncovered the tiled entrance in the mid 2000's."Black and white photograph of the front of a café, with a central door flanked by two display windows. In tile, in front of the door, is the sign "The Red Boot Shop".On back of photo: "Ozone Café Main St Rutherglen | approx. April 1958 | purchased by Harold Hall March 1958 from McKinlays. | owners after H. Hall | McCarthy | Alan Zotti"main street rutherglen, red boot shop, ozone cafe, harold hall, alan zotti, mccarthy -
Trafalgar Holden Museum
Tool - Sealing tool
boot makers sealing tool used during ca1900boot makers sealing tool used during leather marking as requiredmetal head with wooden handle with different size grooves on headGROOVES MARKED 8 AND 9 N KADERAW - PRAHAN - 12cobblers, sealing tool -
National Wool Museum
Machine - Wrap Reel
Wrap reel manufactured at Valley Worsted Mill and possibly used in the laboratory. "Wrap reels were used to check the yarn count in a spinning mill. A set length of yarn was wound off several test bobbins and weighed, if the weight was not the correct amount expected the spinning machines draft could be re calculated and the machine draft wheel ( cog ) changed to achieve the required count". - Greg AldridgeA small hand operated wrap reel. The reel is on a wooden base, the winding mechanism is metal and turned by a wooden handle. There is a metal plaque on the base inscribed MAKERS VWM. A wood and metal yarn feeder has broken off its mount.MAKERS/ VWMtextile machinery textile production weaving, valley worsted mill valley worsted mill, warping machinery, textile machinery, textile production, weaving, wrap reel, skein winder -
Port Fairy Historical Society Museum and Archives
Domestic object - Cruet
items from Mr McGregor's the boot maker Port Fairycut glass cruet set, 5 pieces, 1 lid and glass traylocal history, domestic items, food & drink consumption, mcgregor -
Mont De Lancey
Domestic object - Teaspoon, Unknown
The spoon belonged to John T RobhhA single silver teaspoon with engraving on the top of the handle and a maker's mark underneath.'JTR' and a decorative pattern is engraved on the length of the handle as mentioned above. An indecipherable maker's mark is on the back of the handle.spoons, teaspoons, cutlery -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Equipment - SCOTT Ski Boots
The sport of skiing was revolutionized with a technical innovation from Ed Scott. His invention of the first tapered aluminium ski pole immediately replaced the sport's existing use of bamboo and steel. One of Ed Scott’s key associates was Charley French, a former aeronautical engineer who began working with him in Sun Valley, Idaho, USA in 1970. The first project that tackled together was to improve the design of ski boots. From there they progressed to ski goggles. This led to the design of goggles for motorcross. For Charley a natural progression led to the development of the aerodynamic handlebar and mountain bike suspension systems. In 1997, the SCOTT company introduced a technical winter sport apparel line and in 1998 was also producing skis. In 2009 their new Crusair quickly became the benchmark ski for the freeride mountaineering market. SCOTT continue to be innovators for the development of sports equipment and their designs are often worn by champions in skiing, cycling and athletics. These boots were donated by Julian Newton Brown. Stickers were attached to advertise his lodge at Falls Creek. The boots were lightweight allowing a lot of ankle flex, and good support when turning due to stiff cuffs. This type of boot was popular with free skiers.These boots are significant because they demonstrate a stage in the evolving technology of designs for the ski sport industry and also bear the sticker of Julian's Lodge, an iconic business in Falls Creek, Victoria.Lime green plastic, single clip racing boot.Sticker on front of both boots: Julian's Lodgeski equipment, ski boot design, scott ski products, julian's lodge, julian newton brown -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Uniform - Canvas Gaiters, c1940
During the early stages of the Vietnam conflict, Australian troops wore this pattern of gaiters with Australian Army issued Ankle Boots (AB's) until they were replaced by the General Purpose (GP) boot.This type of gaiters were manufactured in Australia and used by the Australian Army from the mid 1940's until the late 1960's. Each gaiter has a pair of buckles and straps on the side and a buckle and leather strap at the bottom that is fitted under the sole of the boot. On the inside bottom of both gaiters is a single metal tab and double bracket for the tab to slide into.On inside of right leg: ^ FP SA 1968 SIZE 8 R On inside of left leg: ^FP SA 1968 SIZE 8 Lgaiters, military, vietnam conflict -
Bendigo Military Museum
Footwear - BOOTS - AB - ARMY, Aust Dept of Defence, 1962
Pair of black leather army boots - known as "AB" - ankle boots with no laces. Leather soles with maker's label imprint. Nail heads visible.Makers label - imprint on sole - "1962/7.5/DID"uniform, footwear, boots, army -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Decorative object - Silver toned Link Chain Necklace from the Sarah Coventry Jewellery Range c. 1970s-1980s
Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St. in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s. As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the necklace has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.Silver toned, wide link chain necklace from the Sarah Coventry Jewellery range, featuring circular makers mark tag.On circular makers mark tag, "SC", on reverse "(c) Sarah Cov". sarah coventry, jewellery, wodonga, costume jewellery, vintage fashion jewellery, necklace, necklaces -
Trafalgar Holden Museum
Tool - Eyelet tool
Used circa 1900 for boot makers to put lace holes in leather boots/shoesused during the late 19th and early 20th centuries for boot makingeyelet tool with wooden and metal hook bent to 90 degrees for pressing eyelet holestool, cobbler, hole making -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
boots, 1930 circa
Officer's stable boot worn by Brigadier Geoffrey Austin Street MC who served in WWI at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. Following the war he was placed on the Reserve of Officers. He returned to military service in 1931 as Squadron Commander in the 4th Light Horse. He was promoted to the command of the regiment after l8 months' service, and finally to the command of the Third Cavalry Brigade which included the 8th Light Horse Regiment. Brigadier Street had entered Federal Parliament in 1934 and in November 1938 was seconded from military duties to serve as Minister for Defence in the Lyons Government . He was serving in this capacity in the Menzies government when he was killed in an air crash near Canberra on 13 August 1940.Representative example of officer's stable boots from the 'between the wars' period. Well preserved example of the boot makers art, complete and in good condition. Owned by well known Australian soldier and politician tragically killed at commencement of Second World War.Leather and canvas boots with leather boot and canvas upper calf legging. Leather strap at instep and leather stiffened back seam to canvas section; Leather edging at top of canvas upper legging together with adjustable strap. Foot of boot is stabilised by a metal 'Dasco' insert. On metal heal protector "704603"boot, street geoffrey a brigadier -
Bendigo Military Museum
Footwear - BOOTS - GP - ARMY, Department of Defence, Post 1960
Pair of black leather army boots - known as GP's - "General Purpose" with black cotton laces. Top inside boots - cotton label with Department of Defence Size and Fitting information. Rubber sole with imprint of maker's label.Top inside boot - black print on cotton label "COMFRT WEAR 13/8/ SIZE 6/6 FITTING/ R B" - handwritten in black ink "191/148". Rubber sole - imprint - maker's label “COMFORTWEAR/ WEST AUST/ BP VULVANISED RUBBER/ SOLE & HEEL". uniform, footwear, boots, army -
Clunes Museum
Photograph
PHOTOGRAPH OF FIRE BRIGADE VOLUNTEERS & BAND TAKEN IN FRASER STREET, CLUNES. SHOPS IN BACKGROUND- RED BOOT, L.HYMAN,SOUTH WARD &SUMPTION, GROCERS..1 TWO LARGE COPIES OF PHOTOGRAPH OF CLUNES VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE ABOUT 1868 .2 SMALL COPIES OF .1 .3 SMALL ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH OF THE CLUNES FIRE BRIGADE IN FRONT OF SOUTHWARDS & SUMPTON, WHOLESALE FAMILY GROCERS, AND RED BOOT IN LOWER FRASER STREET.1 CLUNES VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE. ABOUT 1868 .3 ON BACK CLUNES FIRE BRIGADE SHIRE OF TALBOT AND CLUNES VICTORIA AUSTRALIAlocal history, photography, photographs, shops, red boot shop, south ward & sumption wholesale family grocers., fire brigade -
Mont De Lancey
Clothing - Leather Boots, Wandin Thomas Sebire JP
Wandin Thomas Sebire JP (1867-1960) learnt boot-making as a young man. In a small workshop on his property in Sebire Avenue, Wandin he made boots for family, friends & neighbours. He also repaired boots & made other small leather articles. Bootmaking is a complex process requiring a variety of tools. The leather is cut to shape, glazed & burnished (polished) with heated irons. The pieces are stretched onto, & nailed to, a wooden last to form the boot. Once attached to the insole, the boot is finished on a metal last. Uppers are stitched with waxed thread through holes made with an awl. Heels comprise pieces nailed together & neatened with a heel shave. Metal plates, short nails or hob nails driven into the sole & heel, often in a pattern, improved durability.2 pairs of handmade, adult brown leather boots, with decorative stitching, eyelets and stitched with waxed thread. Soles covered with hob nails in a decorative pattern. 1 handmade child's brown leather boot, with decorative stitching, metal eyelets, heel has patterned nails.bootlaces, boots -
Bendigo Military Museum
Footwear - BOOTS - REPLICA, Lawrance .................Sydney, Australia, 2010
Replica leather boots - WW1 Army.Pair of light brown leather boots with brown leather laces. Leather sole. Makers stamp on sole.Makers stamp imprint on sole of boots - oval shape with crossed swords in centre. "Lawrance ......../SYDNEY AUSTRALIA"uniform, footwear, boots -
The Cyril Kett Optometry Museum
Georgian silver spectacles, early 19th century
These silver spectacles are of a design widely used through the early to mid-19th century. They may have been used by several generations after the original owner. They are part of a major donation to the Kett collection by Mrs Wantrup, widow of optometrist Charles Wantrup.These silver spectacles have significance to the collection as part of a major donation to the Kett collection by Mrs Wantrup, widow of optometrist Cyril Wantrup.Silver oval eye Georgian spectacles with saddle bridge and glass lenses. Sliding sides with small loops at ends for a riband. Partial hallmarks: lion passant and IP (maker's mark)on front and each side.Stamped with lion passant and maker's mark 'IP'.silver, spectacles, glasses, georgian spectacles -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Marking Gauge, Believed to be homemade around the 1940s given no makers marks and the naivety of its construction
... Believed to be homemade around the 1940s given no makers ...A marking gauge, also known as a scratch gauge, is used in woodworking and metalworking to mark out lines for cutting or other operations. The purpose of the gauge is to scribe a line parallel to a reference edge or surface. It is used in joinery and sheet metal work operations. The gauge consists of a beam, a headstock, and a scribing or marking implement, typically a pin, knife, pen or wheel. The headstock slides along the beam and is locked in place by various means: a locking screw, cam lever, or a wedge. The marking implement is fixed to one end of the beam. These types of gauges have been in use for many centuries and have not changed much in their design.An item that has not changed in use since its inception many hundreds of years ago. These types of marking gauges used by cabinet and joinery makers to mark or scribe their work for cutting are still produced and used today in many sizes by professional cabinet makers and individuals.Cabinet makers marking gauge, wooden, adjustable staff secured be a wedge through the block. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, cabinet makers tools, woodworking tool, marking gauge, mortise gauge -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Boot Silk
From the Betty McPhee sewing collectionWooden reel of yellow boot machine silk used in boot manufacture and repair..C.R. Rickards Bell Bush Mills Via Leedshandcrafts, equipment -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Artefact, Ear Syringe, Late 19th to Early 20th centuries
This instrument is an ear syringe that would have belonged either to a doctor or to a medical clinic or hospital. When it was first donated to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society in 1972 it was described as a throat syringe but this does not appear to be correct. This ear syringe, in our collection for 45 years, is a fine example of a medical instrument in use 100 years ago or more. It will be retained for display purposes and also for its aesthetic appeal.This is a brass ear syringe. It has a barrel with a plunger that is ridged at both ends and a handle with three rings for the user to enclose three fingers and a syringe tip tapering to a point. There is an oval brass plaque attached to the barrel and this contains information on the maker of the instrument and the maker’s crest. ‘Mayer & Meltzer, Makers, London’ ‘ To the University College Hospital’ ‘To the Hospital for Deseases (sic) of the Throat’ ‘To the Hospital for Women’ ‘To the Middlesex Hospital’medical instruments of the past, history of warrnambool -
Australian National Surfing Museum
Photograph, Unknown, Jack McCoy and Lightning Bolt Surfboard, circa 1975
Jack McCoy is a famous surfer and surf film maker from Hawaii. In this photograph he can be seen holding a brand new Lightning Bolt single fin surfboard.Jack McCoy is recognised as one of the world's great surf film makers.During the seventies Lighting Bolt were one of the most famous surfboard companies in the world. The fact both 'were' born in Hawaii makes this photograph interesting and significant.Black and white photograph of surf film maker Jack McCoy holding a Lightning Bolt surfboard.Lightning Bolt logo on surfboardjack mccoy, lightning bolt surfboards, -
Hand Tool Preservation Association of Australia Inc
Boot jack
This item is part of the Thomas Caine Tool Collection, owned by The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and curated by the Hand Tools Preservation Association of Australia.boot jack -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Memorabilia - Realia
Boot and Shoe Toe and Heel Protectors. Jar of Tacks. Paper packet of Boot Protectors.stawell -
Federation University Historical Collection
Images - black & White, Eight Hours' Anniversary Sports, 1892, 21/04/1892
Digitised copy of a sports programme for the Eight Hour Day Anniversary Sports in Ballarat. Advertisements for: J. Whykes Merchant and Tailer, F. Jago Ballarat Boot Palace, Hamburger Watch and Clock Maker, Walker's Hat Warehouse.eight hours day, eight hours day procession, h. josephs, captain palmer, t. davies, r. surtees, w. brwon, r. carling, r. goolhooley, r. phillipson, t. rowell, w. baxter, w. tweedale, w. trotman, w. bennett, w. perkins, r. young, j. wilson, j. whykes -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Boot Last x2
A last is the solid form around which a shoe is moulded. The fit of a shoe depends on the design, shape, and volume of the last. Used by boot makers and shoe makers to construct a pair of boots or shoes or to mend them.Used by residents of the Kiewa ValleyCast iron with three foot sizes on each and each facing different directions.boot last, shoe last, bootmaker -
Seaworks Maritime Museum
Lifejacket- Prop, Melbourne
Intact pale fabric lifejacket made by Smith & Co makers in melbourne.Side 1: ADULT OR CHILD/ GUS? SMITH & CO MAKERS MELNOURNE. Side 2: BOARD OF TRADE. STANDARD/ LIFE JACKET. Inside of Side 2: F.S. On shoulder: ???? INSEPCTED.lifejacket -
National Wool Museum
Book, Finishing Machinery
"Finishing Machinery" - James Bailey, Textile Machine Maker, Huddersfield, c. 1926. Catalogue of machinery for fulling, scouring, carbonising, dyeing and finishing woollen and worsted and other types of textiles.Catalogue of textile finishing machinery from James Bailey, textile machine maker, Huddersfield, c.1926.textile machinery textile finishing, james bailey, textile machine maker, milling, scouring, carbonising, dyeing, raising, textile machinery, textile finishing -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Photograph - Card Box Photographs, Busch Bros. Shop, Sebastopol circa 1890
The shop was located on Albert Street. The Busch Bros. were painters, grainers and paperhangers and also were R.V. Williams boot makers.busch bros., albert street, sebastopol, building, shop, commerical -
Puffing Billy Railway
Double Headed Rail, circa 1872 - 1883
Double Headed Rail from Ravenswood Station Siding which was dismantled circa 1987 the two rails were stored for a time at Maldon before being donated to Puffing Billy Museum Bearing makers marks of Wilson & Cammell - Dronfield- Steel works Wilson & Cammell made Steel rails at their Dronfield Steel Works, in Dronfield, North East Derbyshire, England from 1872 - 1883 Double-headed rail In late 1830s Britain, railway lines had a vast range of different patterns. One of the earliest lines to use double-headed rail was the London and Birmingham Railway, which had offered a prize for the best design. This rail was supported by chairs and the head and foot of the rail had the same profile. The supposed advantage was that, when the head became worn, the rail could be turned over and re-used. In practice, this form of recycling was not very successful as the chair caused dents in the lower surface, and double-headed rail evolved into bullhead rail in which the head was more substantial than the foot. Info from Wikipedia - Rail Profile https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_profile The first records of double headed rail being used In Victoria by Victorian Railways was in 1859, the rails, chairs, oak and trenails were imported from UK. After the 1870’s the Victorian Railways went over to using flat bottom rails, but they still needed replacement double headed rail for lines already laid and this continued up to at least 1883 Wilson & Cammell - Dronfield- Steel works Wilson & Cammell made Steel rails at their Dronfield Steel Works, in Dronfield England from 1872 - 1883 Mount Alexander & Murray River Railway The Melbourne, Mount Alexander & Murray River Railway Company received parliamentary assent in February 1853 to build Victoria's first inland railway from Melbourne to Williamstown, and Melbourne to Bendigo and Echuca. Construction commenced in January 1854 with work on a pier at Williamstown but lack of funds slowed progress, eventually prompting the company to sell out to the government. The 100-mile (162 km) section to Bendigo opened in October 1862. Its cost of £35,000 per mile made it the most expensive railway ever built in Australia. In 1864, the line was extended to Echuca, tapping into the booming Murray-Darling paddlesteamer trade. info from Museums Victoria - Victorian Railways https://museumsvictoria.com.au/railways/theme.aspx?lvl=3&IRN=450&gall=456 1863 Ravenswood Station open on the 1st Feb 1863 Victorian Railways - purchased and imported the Rail and Chairs from Raleigh, Dalgleish, White and Co. London Importation of railway plant : abstract of a return to an order of the Legislative Assembly dated 27th June 1860 for - Copies of the advertisements calling for tenders, the names of the tenderers and the accounts and correspondence with Mr Brunel relating thereto GP V 1859/60 no. C 15 http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1859-60NoC15.pdf Report from the Select Committee upon the Importation of Railway Plant : together with proceedings of the Committee, minutes of evidence and appendix GP V 1859/60 no. D 38 (2.9 MB) http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1859-60NoD38.pdf Ravenswood Siding When the Victorian Railways were established in 1856 they adopted one of the popular British permanent way standards - heavy 80lb (36.3kg) double-headed rail held up right in cast iron chairs attached to transverse timber sleepers by wooden pegs called trenails. The Ravenswood Railway siding was constructed in 1862 with 12 feet wrought iron double-head rail held in cast iron chairs with Ransom and May patent compressed keys. Trenails held the chairs to the sleepers and the joints were secured in joint chairs. Joints were subsequently joined using fish plates. It formed part of the Melbourne to Echuca rail line, initially known as the Melbourne, Mt Alexander and Murray River Railway. George Christian Derbyshire, the first Engineer-in-Chair of the Victorian Railways was responsible for the design and construction of the works. No new lines were built in Victoria using double-headed rail after 1870. The siding was disconnected from the main line in 1988. The Ravenswood Railway Siding demonstrates the original 1856 philosophy of the Victorian Railways to adopt British permanent way technology. The siding demonstrates significant aspects in the development of permanent way technology in England and Victoria over the period from the 1830's to the 1880's. The chairs in the Ravenswood siding are physical evidence of early railway technology rendered obsolete 120 years ago, namely joint chairs at rail joints and trenails to secure the chairs to the sleepers. The double-headed rail demonstrates an important stage in the evolution of British rail technology in the 1830s. The old fish plates, square headed bolts and square nuts demonstrate the success of fishing the rail joins. The Ravenswood siding demonstrates the earliest form of rail joint technology developed in England, and existing in Australia, the joint chair. In part of the siding the sequence of joint and intermediate chairs is consistent with the 1856 specifications, that sequence is rare with the joints secured in joint chairs. The survival of chairs in this sequence is rare and almost certainly demonstrates that they remained in continuous use at the same location from 1862 to 1988. This remnant of the Ravenswood siding has survived 126 years. The siding has proved to be the most significant of extant remnant double-headed sidings in Victoria, containing a rare combination of early permanent way technologies. Construction dates 1862, Info from Ravenswood Railway Siding Victorian Heritage Database Report http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/4693/download-report The remaining section of this siding is significant at the State and National levels in that it demonstrates the use of chaired rail by the Victorian Railways Department for the Trunk Lines and, more particularly, the following stages in the evolution of this long obsolete method of permanent way construction: a) The use of joint chairs and intermediate chairs at regular intervals inferring that the original wrought iron rail lengths were 12 feet, as is known through documentary sources to have been the case. The survival of chairs in this sequence is unique and almost certainly demonstrates that they have remained in continuous use at the same location and in the same sequence from 1862 to 1988 . b) The use of joint chairs and intermediate chairs designed for use with trenails. c) The use of later intermediate chairs designed for use with steel pins and the use of fished joints with steel double head chaired rail, representing a second method of constructing the permanent way using chaired rail technology. info from Ravenswood Siding - Melbourne/Echuca Railway Line - Victorian Heritage Database Report http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/70103/download-report Addition to Citation for Melbourne to EchucaRailway Line 1/10/1990 Double Head Rail The surviving lengths of double head rail with chairs on this railway compare with one surviving similar remnant on the Geelong to Ballarat railway and are representative of permanent way construction techniques applied exclusively to the two trunk railways of the 1860's. In this respect they are rare survivors and may be unique at the national level and of technical importance at the international level to the extent that they enhance contemporary understanding of early railway building technology. Surviving lengths of chaired double head rail survive at Kyneton, Ravenswood and Bendigo on this railway and include a number of different types of cast iron intermediate and joint chairs with hardwood keys and metal pins. The Ravenswood siding is of special significance for the diversity of chair types and for the sequence of chairs recalling rail lengths known to be associated with construction of the line in 1862. Construction of the Railway Tenders closed on 24 March 1858 with no less than 133 tenders being received. A contract was let to Cornish and Bruce for £3,356,937 to commence work on 1 June 1858 and complete the line by 31 July 1861. Cornish and Bruce made quick early progress with the Melbourne to Sunbury section being officially opened on 13 January 1859. The line was officially opened to Bendigo (Sandhurst) on 20 October 1862 by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Henry Barkly. A great banquet was held for 800 guests and this was followed by a grand ball. The extension of the line to Echuca was a relatively simple matter as that part of the line was across plain country without any significant engineering challenges. Tenders were called for the work in 1863 and the work was completed in 1864 by contractors Collier and Barry Apart from the line contractors, other firms directly involved were J Shire law and Co (sleepers), R Fulton, Langlands Brothers and Co, William Crossley (water supply), B Moreland, Langlands Brothers and Co (platelayers lorries), E Chambers (iron pins, traversers), Miller and McQuinstan (luggage vans and steam engines) and various contractors for building works. Info from Engineers Australia Engineering Heritage Victoria Nomination for Recognition under the Engineering Heritage Australia Heritage Recognition Program for the Goldfields Railways - Melbourne , Bendigo & Echuca Railway Page 25 - .2.9.2 Statement from National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Listing number B5323 for Mt Alexander/Murray Valley Rail Line: Page 69 - Theme 3 https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/portal/system/files/engineering-heritage-australia/nomination-title/Melbourne_%20Bendigo_Echuca%20Railway%20Nomination.pdf The Melbourne, Mount Alexander and Murray River Railway Company was a railway company in Victoria, Australia. It was established on 8 February 1853 to build a railway from Melbourne to Echuca on the Victorian-NSW border and a branch railway to Williamstown. The company struggled to make any progress and on 23 May 1856, the colonial Government took over the Company and it became part of the newly established Department of Railways, part of the Board of Land and Works. The Department of Railways became Victorian Railways in 1859. Construction of the Bendigo line commenced in 1858, but this private consortium also met with financial difficulties when it was unable to raise sufficient funds, and was bought out by the Victorian colonial government. The design work was then taken over by Captain Andrew Clarke, R. E., Surveyor-General of Victoria, with bridge designs completed by Bryson and O'Hara The contract for the first stage of the line from Footscray to Sandhurst (now Bendigo), was let to Cornish and Bruce for £3,356,937.2s.2d ($6.714 million) with work commencing on 1 June 1858. Completion of the permanent way was to be by 31 July 1861 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne,_Mount_Alexander_and_Murray_River_Railway_Company Victorian Railways - purchased and imported the Rail and Chairs from Raleigh, Dalgleish, White and Co. London Importation of railway plant : abstract of a return to an order of the Legislative Assembly dated 27th June 1860 for - Copies of the advertisements calling for tenders, the names of the tenderers and the accounts and correspondence with Mr Brunel relating thereto GP V 1859/60 no. C 15 http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1859-60NoC15.pdf Report from the Select Committee upon the Importation of Railway Plant : together with proceedings of the Committee, minutes of evidence and appendix GP V 1859/60 no. D 38 (2.9 MB) http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1859-60NoD38.pdf Victorian Railways : report of the Board of Land and Works November 1862 GP V 1862/63 no. 21 (2.8 MB) https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1862-63No21.pdfHistoric - Victorian Railways - Double Headed rail Ravenswood Railway Station and Siding Victorian Heritage Database Reports Victorian Heritage Register VHR H1100 Victorian Heritage Register VHR H1786 National Trust VHR H1100 Mount Alexander and Murray River Rail way Line National Trust2 rail lengths of Double Headed Rail made of Iron makers marks : Wilson & Cammell - Dronfield - Steel and 20 joint chairs with metal rail pins Makers mark Wilson & Cammell - Dronfield - Steel (possible date 187? very hard to read ) puffing billy, double headed rail, wilson & cammell - dronfield - steel works, ravenswood station siding, melbourne to echuca rail line, initially known as the melbourne, mt alexander and murray river railway.