The 8/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles enjoyed a long friendship with members of the 13th Australian Light Horse Regiment (AIF) Association, hosting an annual visit. This pewter was presented to the 13th Light Horse President on such a visit and was returned to the 8/13th in 1980 when the 13th ALH Association closed.Rare example of the close affiliation between a regiment of World War 1 (1914-1918) and its descendent regiment in the post World War 2 (1939-1945) era.Silver plated mug with handle and inscribed on both sides.On one side "13th Australian Light Horse Regiment A & C Squadron, 8/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles dated 9th May 1959" and on the other side "This cup is to be held by the current President of 13th Light Horse ( AIF ) Association. It is to be returned by the last surviving President to the 8/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles"13th, light horse, vmr

This type of inkwell would have been used in public places such as banks, offices and on ships.Ink well, pewter, capstan design.Flat disc with ink well and pen/quill holders in centre, hinged lid to cover removable well.White ceramic ink well included. Base, well and lid are all decorated with concentric rings. Maker's stamp on base. Circa 19th century. Stamped into base "MADE IN ENGLAND" and another indentifyable symbol. warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, ink well, pewter ink well, writing equipment, stationery accessory, communication

Ron White's Collection. Possibly a gift as this type of container was popular.Ron White. See KVHS 1282Round pale green 'pumpkin' shaped porcelain container decorated with 'hand painted?' red, blue, yellow flowers and green leaves. The lip & handle are steel. The lid is pewter with a decorated ring on top. The steel wire handle is vertical then bent to join at the centre. The bends have decoration on their inside.Nilron white' collection, porcelain container

Shield shaped varnished wooden plaque with large pewter Royal Australian Armoured Cops badge screwed in to its centre. The badge has a Mark IV tank above a boomerang marked with" Australia". The tank is forward of crossed Guidons and is surrounded by a wattle wreath. The badge is capped with a queens crown.royal australian armoured corps, wark vc club, plaque

Based in the Wales county of Montgomery Shire, Edward and Maureen Ann Story Jones produced crafted silver plated on pewter giftware under the range name The Silver Scenes in 1984. Well made, high quality and durable they produced items from 1984 - 2005. These items were probably gifts from visiting council representatives. Desk set of magnifying glass (0447.1) and paper knife (0447.2) with ornate handle, both sides featuring grapes and vines motifs.Both pieces are signed by hand 'MASJ © 93' (?) at top of handle. Paper Knife has 'Silver Scenes' engraved on blade.city of greater bendigo corporate gift

BHS CollectionSmall metal jug (possibly made of pewter). The jug has a decorated handle. The lid has what looks like a bird of prey, on three leaves, a snake is sliding out behind the bird. On the bottom what's looks like an H has been scratched on. From George Harris estatedomestic equipment, containers, jug

The Royal Irish Rifles was a British Army Infantry Regiment. It dates back to the reign of King George 111. In 1793 the British Army raised 2 new Regiments to meet the commitmentd of the war with the French First Republic. In 1881 under the Childers Reforms these 2 regiments were amalgamated to form the Royal Irish Rifles,it saw service in the Second Boer War, Great War. In 1921 it was renamed the Royal Ulster Rifles. Quis Separabit = "Who shall seperate us" (Latin) In 1968 under reforms of the army, was amalgamated with The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the Royal Irish Fusiliers to form the Royal Irish Rangers. More information on this Regiment can be found on Wikipedia under Royal Ulster RiflesThis Royal Irish Rifles Hat badge appears to be a Pewter type alloy with brass clip. At top a Crown. Centre is harp shaped. Left side of harp has the figure of a siren her wings join to the right side of the harp which is a bar? adorned with raised decor. Bottom is a scroll with the lettering- Qius Separabit.Royal Crown Harp -Siren on left, wings joining to the right side with raised decor Scroll has - Quis Serarabithat, ww1, collection, royal, badge, a j, roddy, irish, rifles, pte2, james, ulster

The vanity set was owned by a local woman who lived in the Harbour Master's house at Warrnambool after it was decommissioned. The set was possibly a wedding gift from her mother-in-law, Caroline Edwards, a local business woman who was an importer of 'china and fancy goods' along with her husband Thomas Myers Edwards. The Edwards owned Staffordshire House, a business in Timor St (and later Liebig St) from 1876. The vanity set is an example of a valued possession of women at the time and could signify social standing. It was also a functional accessory used on a daily basis.The item is significant socially as an example of accessories available to and used by women in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Historically, it is linked to a local import business ‘Staffordshire House’ in Timor and later Liebig St Warrnambool, where it most likely came from. A pewter (or possibly silver-plated) three-piece vanity set that includes a hand mirror, hair brush and comb. All pieces feature a beautiful ornate moulded rose/flower design on the back, handles and edge of the comb. The hair brush no longer has bristles and is purely ornamental. The comb teeth and hair brush insert are most likely made of celluloid.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, vanity set, hand mirror, brush, comb, pewter, celluloid, silver plate, toilet set, harbours master's house, staffordshire house, hair brush, hairbrush

Tea was one of the first goods to be packaged in metal containers. Early import/export companies shipped it in metal-lined wooden crates. Pewter (widely used in England) was used one of the earliest metals used to fashion oriental style tea containers. Tin plated iron was made into tea canisters as early as 1790, often hand painted with places of the tea's origin. This tin has been adapted for use as a money box.In the mid-nineteenth century custom branded tins developed as a tasteful form of advertising. They were often cheap and decorative and found their way into households as gifts, often being kept as ornaments and storage boxes.They have survived well in many homes. A cylindrical metal Lipton's tin. The lid has a slot cut into it. The front panel has "LIPTON'S" above a red drawing of a tea factory and plantation with" TEA" below it. The print is white. There are panels framed in bamboo around the tin."Lipton tea, coffee and cocoa planter: Tea merchant by special appointment to his majesty King George V"tea-caddy lipton's container

Used for stirring a multitude of kitchen produced food, especially jam, scones, cakes, and soup. Also used by the mother as a threat to naughty children. The word spoon derives from an ancient word meaning a chip of wood or horn carved from a larger piece.[1] Wooden spoons were easy to carve and thus inexpensive, making them common throughout history. Wooden spoons have been made in virtually every nation on earth and (compared to silver or pewter or gold spoons) represent the ordinary artisan and reflect the life of ordinary folk: this is their "folk art". Source: www.wikipedia.org An essential item found in the kitchen. One piece wooden spoon. Turned marble-shaped decoration at end of handle.kitchen, food, spoon, wooden, stirring, mixing, jam, cakes, batter

Object. Pewter like metal medal with 2mm hole drilled at top and 1.5mm hole on lower RHS(Obverse). Obverse: Engraved around edges ''QUEEN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM MARRIED FEB 10TH 1840''. Engraved in the centre: ''AND EMPRESS OF INDIA BORN MAY 24TH 1819, ASCENDED THE THRONE JUNE 29TH 1837. Reverse: In the centre a head profile engraving of Queen Victoria - crowned and veiled. Engraved around the edge, ''VICTORIA REG. JUBILEE YEAR 1887.numismatics, medals - commemorative, queen victoria jubilee medal 1887

A rubber teat would be attached to the top of this nipple shield for breast feeding. From 1801 onwards, nipple shields were available in a variety of materials, such as pewter, horn, bone, ivory, wood, glass and silver. They varied in shape from a bell to a flatter, cap shaped appliance. With the application of the nipple shield, the baby was able to take milk from the breast without giving added trauma to the nipples. In the ante partum period the nipple shield could be worn to assist in drawing out flat nipples; or, as it was known during this period, for the formation of "new nipples". (Fildes, Valerie. 'Breasts, Bottles & Babies - A History of Infant Feeding', 1986) Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920. She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993. Glass nipple shield. Shape resembles that of a bell.infant feeding, midwifery

A rubber teat would be attached to the top of this nipple shield for breast feeding. From 1801 onwards, nipple shields were available in a variety of materials, such as pewter, horn, bone, ivory, wood, glass and silver. They varied in shape from a bell to a flatter, cap shaped appliance. With the application of the nipple shield, the baby was able to take milk from the breast without giving added trauma to the nipples. In the ante partum period the nipple shield could be worn to assist in drawing out flat nipples; or, as it was known during this period, in the formation of "new nipples". (Fildes, Valerie. 'Breasts, Bottles & Babies - A History of Infant Feeding', 1986) Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920. She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993.Glass nipple shield. Shape resembles that of a bell.midwifery, infant feeding

Object. Pewter like metal medal with 2mm hole drilled on the top crest. A piece of 8mm orange ribbon is threaded through the hole. Obverse: Engraved around the edge, "To Commemorate the visit of HRH Prince Alfred Duke of Edinburgh KG to Australia''. In the centre of the medal is an engraving of a sailing ship. Below the ship are the words ''HMS GALATEA 1867''. Reverse: A pattern of a trailing vine is engraved around the edge of the medal. In the centre is a head and shoulders profile of Prince Alfred. Around the profile are the words ''HRH DUKE OF EDINBURGH''.numismatics, medals - civil, prince alfred visit medal 1867

Fob (or pocket) watches were developed in Europe in the 16th century and gained wide usage during the mid 18th century until World War 1 when the wristwatch was invented. These watches were designed to be carried in a small pocket and attached through the means of a 'fob' which could be a chain or made from a variety of materials such as leather. Their popularity peaked in the nineteenth century where they were an important part of middle and lower class society as well.This item is of social significance as fob / pocket watches were valued as an essential object in all levels of society. For some occupations, such as the railroads, it was a necessary tool of the job. Steel York Lever open face pocket / fob watch dated between 1940-1960. The dial has an inner pewter circle, outer minute divisions and a circular insert and hand to show the seconds. The numbers are finely edged with a black line and the hands are two coloured. The back of the watch is patterned with fine lines and three rectangle shapes. The words 'ANTIMAGNETIC' are on the front of the watch. Anti-magnetic watches began to be made at the beginning of the 20th century as mechanical watches were affected by magnetic fields. The 'lever' set on watches was a requirement for railroad watches. It required a two step process for the hands to be adjusted. The front dial of the watch has the words 'YORK LEVER', 'ANTIMAGNETIC' and 'MADE IN GERMANY'. flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, fob watch, pocket watch, watch, horology, time keeper, york lever, anti-magnetic, made in germany

François Boullier of France and Isaac Hunt of England both took credit for inventing the cheese grater in the 1540s. Ingredient supplies, mainly milk, ebbed and flowed in both France and England, as they have in the United States during this coronavirus pandemic. Boullier originally aimed to use up an overabundance of cheese in Paris. An avoidance of meat led French farmers to convert their meat herds (often boys) to dairy-producers (girls), which led to more milk and even too much milk, which led to a market flooded with cheese. Boullier made his first cheese grater out of pewter to grate hard, sometimes dried out cheeses, which turned them into a sort of condiment. Pewter is known as a rather soft metal, and Boullier’s original grater is reportedly on display in a museum in Le Havre, France. Isaac Hunt wanted to stretch cheese due to a shortage in England, so he grated and melted it for Welsh rarebit and other dishes. Grating cheese allowed more even distribution of the cheese to melt it in cooking and still does. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Philadelphia cheesemonger and entrepreneur Jeffrey Taylor also wanted to stretch cheese for to bulk up cheese features, including vegetables, to make them look like more filling food during difficult economic times. Taylor read about Boullier’s invention and made his own by sharpening the holes of a metal shower drain. For the last century, many companies have tried to improve the cheese grater and invent a new “latest” one that we all must-have. Graters are now made of all sorts of materials including bamboo, wood, and various metals. Some are decorated with clowns’ heads, some are shaped like plastic frogs, while others bear knuckle protectors. They vary in size, shape, and function. Grating slots come with different angles and shapes of slots and can grate everything from zucchini, onions and cheese, to cooked eggs, coconut, potatoes, cabbage, and lemon and orange peel, and possibly even create wood shavings. Smaller graters grate ginger and garlic. https://www.cheeseprofessor.com/blog/antique-cheese-gratersThe grater has been used for hundreds of years and has proved its worth in the kitchen throughout history.Grater metal (3 parts) Tripartite with hinges for folding.None.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, grater

Milton Arthur Williamson was born in Clunes, Victoria and enlisted at 22 years and 5 months on 29/3/1915. He embarked for Alexandria on 30/8/1915. He was injured during duty and had continual problems with his knee. He was returned to Australia on 10/9/1917 following several appearances before the Medical Board of the Australian Military Offices of London and Kent in the United Kingdom. The termination of his appointment was effected on 4/3/1918 and he was medically discharged from the AIF. L-R .4 The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 was instituted in 1949 to recognise the service of members of the Australian Armed Forces and the Australian Mercantile Marine during World War II. .3 The Victory Medal was awarded to prescribed classes of persons who entered a theatre of war on duty between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. .2 The British War Medal instituted by King George V in 1919 to mark the end of World War I and record the service given. *PTE SS WILLIAMSON 1 The 1914–15 Star was authorised in 1918 and was awarded for service in specified theatres of war between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915.4 MEDALS : L-R WITH RIBBONS .1 BRONZE : STAR SHAPED MEDAL 1914-1915 ON BANNER. BACK 1112 SPR M A WILLIAMSON 2/ DIV SIG COY AIF .2 PEWTER - ROUND MEDAL FACE OF GEORGE V 0 BACK 1914-1918 NUDE MAN ON HORSE WITH 2 FEET OFF GROUND. RIM : 636 PTE SS WILLIAMSON 8 BN AIF .3 ROUND MEDAL ANGEL IS HOLDING A PALM BRANCH. BACK : ENCIRCLED BY WREATH - THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILISATION 1914-1919 .4 ROUND SILVER MEDAL PROFILE OF GEORGE VI. BACK : AUSTRALIAN COAT OF ARMS ENCIRCLED BY THE AUSTRALIAN SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945 RIM : W 71800 A M WILLIAMSON RIBBON NAVY, RED, BEIGE, SKY BLUElocal history, numismatics, medals, military

Reckitt & Sons' opened a branch in Sydney in1886. Brasso was developed by Reckitt & Sons in 1905. In 1938 Reckitt and Sons merged with J. and J. Colman to become Reckitt and Colman Ltd.Brasso was used by most Housewives for cleaning and polishing Kitchen Equipment in the City of Moorabbin during 20thC Metal container with blue sun burst effect, with a red circle with 'BRASSO' printed, in white and blue, inside. The instructions are printed on the back. FRONT: 'BRASSO' Back: Picture of the Royal Coat of Arms - By appointment to Her Majesty Queen ElizabethII. Suppliers of Metal Polish Reckitt & Colman Ltd. BRASSO Metal Polish for polishing Brass, Copper, Zinc, Steel, Pewter etc. SHAKE WELL Apply with a soft cloth. Polish off with a dry, soft cloth preferably before the polish has completely dried. DO NOT PLACE THIS TIN CLOSE TO THE FIRE Made in Australia by Reckitt & Colman (Australia) Ltd. No. 6 - Contents 6½ Fl oz when packed. brasso, metal polish

Ron White was born in 1920. He received a Diploma of Mechanical Engineering at Footscray Technical School in 1946. He started work as a laboratory assistant and after several promotions was appointed Senior Operator in 1948. In 1949, he was Engineer, Grade 1 (Hydro Areas). After further promotions he became Assistant Area Engineer, Rubicon at new Eildon Power Station and Area Engineer, Kiewa in commissioning Mt Beauty Terminal Station and West Kiewa Power Station.. By 1956, he was the Area Operations Engineer at Kiewa and four years later the Kiewa Electrical Superintendent (Operations and Maintenance) . In 1961, he was officially recognised as deputy for the General Superintendent, Kiewa. In 1966 he was appointed General Superintendent Kiewa and Kiewa became 'a branch of the Transmission Department'. In 1974, the Rubicon / Eildon Area was also under Ron's control. His title was "Principal Hydro Engineer, Hydro Division, Transmission Operations Department. He held this position until his retirement in 1985.Ron White was an important identity in his role as Principal Hydro Engineer from 1966 to 1985 after the completion of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. His long period of service involved him in the construction, operation and maintenance of the SECV's Hydro Electric Schemes and administration of related catchment areas. He had a close association with the local communities and care for the welfare of employees. He lived in Mt Beauty and was well respected in the community and beyond. He passed away on 30 September 2019, aged 99 years.A) History of Ron White's Working Life: including papers relating to "Promotion & Staff Appointment" B) Ron White's Retirement - 11th Jan. 1985: papers, cards, letters, photos, disc/plaque C) Ron White's Certificates: Diploma of Mechanical Engineering; First Aid; D) Ron White's Correspondence - miscellaneous E) Ron White's History of the 'Kiewa Scheme' from 1936- 1966. Written 1986 F) Ron White's Photo album Includes photos of him and the 2003 bushfires G) Miscellaneous Photos (not labelled) from Ron's photo album. Possibly relatives including nieces and nephews. H) Pewter Mug presented to Ron - Water Board I) Wall hanging presented to Ron - Scouts J) Ron White's Slide Ruler & Mathematical Instruments K) Collection of 7 books owned by Ron L) Starting Pistol Caps box M) Ice-cream serverF) One photo of Ron with 'Ken Connors'. One photo with 'l to r: Norm Middleton, Graham Napier, Ron White, Les Peart.' G) 2003 fires has a note re time, date and whereabouts of fires H) "Presented To / Ron White / In Appreciation For Service / To The / Kiewa Valley / Water Authority / And / Its predecessor Bodies / December 1994 I) Wall hanging: On emblem - "Lord Baden-Powell Society / The Scout Association of Australia". On Name Plate below - Ronald K. White 1989" J) mathematical Instruments have 'R. W' embossed in red on the corner of the cover M) 100 Straitline, Starting Pistol Caps N) National Ice-cream Server with stainless steel spring Size 20 ron white, hydro engineer, kiewa hydro electric scheme

The Bedpan Toilet device is a special tool designed for people who are unable to get out of bed to use the bathroom. It helps them go to the toilet comfortably and conveniently without having to leave their bed. The device is placed under the person's bottom, and it has a container that collects urine or stool. It is easy to clean and can be emptied into a toilet or sink. The Bedpan Toilet device allows individuals who are confined to bed due to illness or injury to maintain their dignity and independence by providing them with a practical solution for using the bathroom while staying in bed. The word bedpan was first seen in the literature of John Higgins in 1572, and one of the oldest known bedpans is on display in the Science Museum of London. It is a green, glazed earthenware bedpan that has been dated to the 16th or 17th century. At that time, bedpans were made from materials including pewter, brass, pottery, glass, and porcelain. Bedpans were not a commonplace item in hospitals until the late 1800s. Florence Nightingale, who worked as a nurse in the United Kingdom from the mid to late 1800s, recorded death rates and causes for soldiers in military hospitals during the Crimean War and then correlated them to corresponding sanitisation procedures. As a result, Nightingale proposed several methods to improve the sanitary conditions in both military and civilian hospitals, including the addition of bedpans in order to reduce infection exposure from urine or faeces. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Bedpan The use of bedpans is significant, as it allows a patient who cannot move much, to remain in bed and perform toilet functions.Bed pan ceramic white glaze with handle. Labelled "The New Slipper Bed Pan". Has specific instructions for use under the maker's label.‘THE NEW SLIPPER BED PAN. This slipper should be passed under the patient in front between the legs. If a flannel cap is made for the blade fastened by strings under the handle considerable comfort will be afforded.’ flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, nursing, bedpans, hygiene

White catalogue with dark blue printing titled Chinese Treasures. Sale held in the Malvern Town Hall on 17th October, 1944 under instructions from The National Trustees Company as Trustees in the Estate of the Late Mrs. W. T. Liley . A Rare Collection of Chinese Objects d'Art which were brought to Australia by the Late Capt. W. T. Liley who was a resident in China for many years. The Antiques, China, Furniture and Drapes were removed from 'YOU-MA-TI', Morris St., Williamstown for Convenience of Sale. Auction held by F. J. Andrew Pty. Ltd. In conjunction with J. H. Curnow & Son. (H. J. Lowe, Auctioneer). Front page has a blue shade photo of a statue of a man. Also a black & white photo of Lot 47 - one of a set of 6 Old Chinese Painted Lacquer Chairs, Another page has black & white photos of Lot 72 - Carved Coconut and Pewter Wine Set of 6 pieces, Lot 43 - Famille Rose Wine Bowls, Lot 168 - Cloisonne Vase, and Lot 179 - Pair of 16th Century Flower Vases. The next page has a black & white photo of Lot 42 - a Hand Carved Chinese Rosewood Writing Table.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - chinese treasures, chinese objets d'art, f j andrew pty ltd, j h curnow & son, the national trustees company, mrs w t liley, you-ma-ti, capt w t liley, h j lowe, stillwell & stephens pty ltd

Portrait of King George V (Duke of Kent) 1935Presented to the 6th Battalion Royal Melbourne Regiment by an Allied Battalion the Royal Fusiliers as a toke of friendship and esteem. This Portrait would have hung pride of place in the officers mess from 1935-? The portarait is also signed by the artist, an M.C reciepient, as well as the the reigning monarch, and colonel in chief of the presenting unit. It is supported by a letter from the colonel of the Presenting unit, Maj Gen Hill CB.CMG.DSO, and as such is hghly provinanced Colour print of His Magesty King George V wearing the unaiform of the the Royal Fusilliers, Read coat with decorations and blue sash under a navy blue over coat. The print is signed in lead pencil by the artist and by King George V on the lower edge. A regimental badge is present in the top right of the image. The picture is framed in a pewter coloured frame with ornate leaf mouldings in the corners. On the lower edge of the frame is a plaque which states " From the Colonel and Officers of the Royal Fusilliers 1935" Also included with the portait is a letter on Royal Fusiliers letterhead dated October 23 1935 " From - Maj-Gen. W.P.H. Hill. CB. CMG. DSO., Colonel. The Royal Fusiliers Dear Armstrong I am forwarding to you under a separate cover an engraving of a portrait of His Majesty, King George V, Colonel - in - Chief, the Royal Fusiliers, in the uniform of the Regiment, This portrait was painted by Captain Oswald Birley, M.C., late Royal Fusiliers, and presented to the Regiment by Lord Wakefield to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the raising of the Regiment of Fusiliers at the Tower of London in 1685. His Majesty has graciously signed this copy for presentation to your Regiment from the Corps of the Royal Fusiliers, and we trust that you will accept it as a token of friendship / and esteem .... and esteem we feel for our Allied Battalion, the 6th Battalion, the Royal Melbourne Regiment Yours Sincerely W.F.H. Hill Lieutenant-Colonel C.E. Armstrong , Comdg. 6th Bn. The Royal Melbourne Regt., Carlton, Victoria, Australia" This letter is supported by framing card , which has some water damage on the lower right corner and right side signed by King George and the artist From the Colonel and Officers of the Royal Fusilliers 1935" 5/6 rvr, officer's / sergeant's mess, 6th battalion, royal melbourne regiment, king george v, royal fusiliers

Pens, nib pens and later fountain pens, with suitable inks, were commonly used for writing communications from the 18th century to the mod 20th century. Fountain pens continue to be used and enjoyed. Dip pens with a wide variety of nibs are used for calligraphy writing, a hobby enjoyed by many people. The quality of the pen handle, the nib and the ink all work together to produce fine handwriting that expresses the character and mood of the writer. This Bakelite ink case has been specifically moulded to snugly contain an ink bottle, with just enough room to wrap the bottle with a padding or card or blotting paper. The screw top lid fits the case well and this container would be a good way to travel with ink because any spillage would be kept within the waterproof case. The Bakelite material is lightweight and strong. Ink bottle cases, or travelling cases, have been made as an accessory for nib pen writers. The first patent for a “pocket-case for bottles”, a wooden case, was applied for in the US in 1891. Other materials such as steel, pewter and aluminum as well as Bakelite have also been used. The British Museum has an elaborately decorated bronze ink pot holder that is inlaid with turquoise. Today ink bottle cases are even available in fabric with loops to attach to a belt. Bakelite, the material used for this ink bottle case, is made from synthetic materials and is an early form of plastic, developed in 1907 and used extensively until the 1940’s. It is still in used today for specific applications but has been largely replaced by more modern forms of plastics. This ink bottle case carries the imprint of Mabie, Todd & Co. (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. This form of company name was used from 1938 to the mid 1950’s. The Swan ink bottle’s information says it was made by Mabie, Todd & Co. Ltd., London and Sydney, so dates the ink bottle from about 1908 until 1934. (Australian newspapers display advertisements dated 1908 until 1934 for Sydney wholesalers and agents for Mabie, Todd & Co. Ltd.) ABOUT PERSONAL FOUNTAIN PENS (FOUNT PENS) A 1917 newspaper advertisement recommends that the owner of a “Swan” doesn’t lend it to anyone else to use due to its qualities of it personalised to the owner. It reads “Don’t lend your “Swan” fountpen, recommend it, but don’t let other people use it. You see, a good pen doesn’t wear, but its “tamper” (or spring) works into the writer’s pressure and manner of holding. Another person with a dashing style of writing may strain it do that it will no longer feel just like your own.” This personalisation of nib pens may be the reason that legal documents in the past being acceptable only if they were signed using a ‘wet ink’ pen. Forgeries of signatures could be easily detected as the nib takes on the character of the pen’s owner. A ballpoint pen was not acceptable. This is a strong contrast to modern times when a digital signature is widely accepted. ABOUT MABIE TODD Pty Ltd. The American company Mabie Todd began by making pencil cases in New York in the 1860’s. The Bard Brothers, makers of Gold nibs, joined Mabie Todd and the company was established in the 1870’s as Mabie Todd and Bard. In 1878 the company filed a patent for the design of a fountain pen and in 1884 the first Swan fountain pen was released. In 1884 a Mabie Todd and Bard office and showroom was established in London. In 1906 the company’s name changed to Mabie Todd & Co, New York. The UK offices also used this new name and in 1907 the UK began producing their own Swan pens. Manufacturing was going so well in England that New York sold their rights to European and Colonial business to the new Mabie Todd & Company Ltd of England. By the end of the 1930’s all components for the pens were being made in the UK; the pens in the London factory, the gold nibs in Birmingham and the ink in Liverpool. Newspaper articles from 1934 stated that Mabie Todd were large buyers of Tasmanian iridium, which had been welded with gold and used since 1834 for the tips of nib and fountain pens. Fountain pen points were the largest market buyers for Tasmanian iridium, which was classed as “the best in the world”. Production growth continued up until WWII times, when the headquarters and main factory were destroyed. Mabie Todd & Company Ltd of England rebuilt out of the inner city and by 1946 pen production began again. The market for nib and fountain pens was diminishing by this time, with people beginning to use the new ballpoint ‘Biro’ pens. The Mabie Todd bought shares in Biro Pens and in 1952 became Biro Swan. They went on to make more ballpoint pens than any other manufacturer in Britain. The ink refills that Biro-Swan produced came in five different viscosity or thickness xhoices, depending on the season and location of where the pen would be used . Along with the ballpoint pens, Biro-Swan also introduced a range of Calligraph pens to attract those following the new trend for italic writing. In 1948 Mr. T. Burke, a director for Mabie Todd & Co. (Aust.) Pty Ltd., announced that there would be a £40,000 factory built in Sydney in 1949 for the manufacture of ink. The plant for the factory would be imported from overseas. Sadly the company struggled against competition and in 1956 Mabie Todd closed business and no more Swan pens were produced. The ink bottle and container was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the family of Doctor William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material once belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) as well as Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. ABOUT THE “W.R.ANGUS COLLECTION” Doctor William Roy Angus M.B., B.S., Adel., 1923, F.R.C.S. Edin.,1928 (also known as Dr Roy Angus) was born in Murrumbeena, Victoria in 1901 and lived until 1970. He qualified as a doctor in 1923 at University of Adelaide, was Resident Medical Officer at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 1924 and for a period was house surgeon to Sir (then Mr.) Henry Simpson Newland. Dr Angus was briefly an Assistant to Dr Riddell of Kapunda, then commenced private practice at Curramulka, Yorke Peninsula, SA, where he was physician, surgeon and chemist. In 1926, he was appointed as new Medical Assistant to Dr Thomas Francis Ryan (T.F. Ryan, or Tom), in Nhill, Victoria, where his experiences included radiology and pharmacy. In 1927 he was Acting House Surgeon in Dr Tom Ryan’s absence. Dr Angus had become engaged to Gladys Forsyth and they decided he further his studies overseas in the UK in 1927. He studied at London University College Hospital and at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and in 1928, was awarded FRCS (Fellow from the Royal College of Surgeons), Edinburgh. He worked his passage back to Australia as a Ship’s Surgeon on the on the Australian Commonwealth Line’s T.S.S. Largs Bay. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1929, in Ballarat. (They went on to have one son (Graham 1932, born in SA) and two daughters (Helen (died 12/07/1996) and Berenice (Berry), both born at Mira, Nhill ) According to Berry, her mother Gladys made a lot of their clothes. She was very talented and did some lovely embroidery including lingerie for her trousseau and beautifully handmade baby clothes. Dr Angus was a ‘flying doctor’ for the A.I.M. (Australian Inland Ministry) Aerial Medical Service in 1928 . Its first station was in the remote town of Oodnadatta, where Dr Angus was stationed. He was locum tenens there on North-South Railway at 21 Mile Camp. He took up this ‘flying doctor’ position in response to a call from Dr John Flynn; the organisation was later known as the Flying Doctor Service, then the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A lot of his work during this time involved dental surgery also. Between 1928-1932 he was surgeon at the Curramulka Hospital, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. In 1933 Dr Angus returned to Nhill and purchased a share of the Nelson Street practice and Mira hospital (a 2 bed ward at the Nelson Street Practice) from Dr Les Middleton one of the Middleton Brothers, the current owners of what previously once Dr Tom Ryan’s practice. Dr Tom and his brother had worked as surgeons included eye surgery. Dr Tom Ryan performed many of his operations in the Mira private hospital on his premises. He had been House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital 1902-1926. Dr Tom Ryan had one of the only two pieces of radiology equipment in Victoria during his practicing years – The Royal Melbourne Hospital had the other one. Over the years Dr Tom Ryan had gradually set up what was effectively a training school for country general-practitioner-surgeons. Each patient was carefully examined, including using the X-ray machine, and any surgery was discussed and planned with Dr Ryan’s assistants several days in advance. Dr Angus gained experience in using the X-ray machine there during his time as assistant to Dr Ryan. When Dr Angus bought into the Nelson Street premises in Nhill he was also appointed as the Nhill Hospital’s Honorary House Surgeon 1933-1938. His practitioner’s plate from his Nhill surgery is now mounted on the doorway to the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Warrnambool. When Dr Angus took up practice in the Dr Edward and Dr Tom Ryan’s old premises he obtained their extensive collection of historical medical equipment and materials spanning 1884-1926. A large part of this collection is now on display at the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool. In 1939 Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool where he purchased “Birchwood,” the 1852 home and medical practice of Dr John Hunter Henderson, at 214 Koroit Street. (This property was sold in1965 to the State Government and is now the site of the Warrnambool Police Station. and an ALDI sore is on the land that was once their tennis court). The Angus family was able to afford gardeners, cooks and maids; their home was a popular place for visiting dignitaries to stay whilst visiting Warrnambool. Dr Angus had his own silk worm farm at home in a Mulberry tree. His young daughter used his centrifuge for spinning the silk. Dr Angus was appointed on a part-time basis as Port Medical Officer (Health Officer) in Warrnambool and held this position until the 1940’s when the government no longer required the service of a Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool; he was thus Warrnambool’s last serving Port Medical Officer. (Masters of immigrant ships arriving in port reported incidents of diseases, illness and death and the Port Medical Officer made a decision on whether the ship required Quarantine and for how long, in this way preventing contagious illness from spreading from new immigrants to the residents already in the colony.) Dr Angus was a member of the Australian Medical Association, for 35 years and surgeon at the Warrnambool Base Hospital 1939-1942, He served with the Australian Department of Defence as a Surgeon Captain during WWII 1942-45, in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W., completing his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. During his convalescence he carved an intricate and ‘most artistic’ chess set from the material that dentures were made from. He then studied ophthalmology at the Royal Melbourne Eye and Ear Hospital and created cosmetically superior artificial eyes by pioneering using the intrascleral cartilage. Angus received accolades from the Ophthalmological Society of Australasia for this work. He returned to Warrnambool to commence practice as an ophthalmologist, pioneering in artificial eye improvements. He was Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist to Warrnambool Base Hospital for 31 years. He made monthly visits to Portland as a visiting surgeon, to perform eye surgery. He represented the Victorian South-West subdivision of the Australian Medical Association as its secretary between 1949 and 1956 and as chairman from 1956 to 1958. In 1968 Dr Angus was elected member of Spain’s Barraquer Institute of Barcelona after his research work in Intrasclearal cartilage grafting, becoming one of the few Australian ophthalmologists to receive this honour, and in the following year presented his final paper on Living Intrasclearal Cartilage Implants at the Inaugural Meeting of the Australian College of Ophthalmologists in Melbourne In his personal life Dr Angus was a Presbyterian and treated Sunday as a Sabbath, a day of rest. He would visit 3 or 4 country patients on a Sunday, taking his children along ‘for the ride’ and to visit with him. Sunday evenings he would play the pianola and sing Scottish songs to his family. One of Dr Angus’ patients was Margaret MacKenzie, author of a book on local shipwrecks that she’d seen as an eye witness from the late 1880’s in Peterborough, Victoria. In the early 1950’s Dr Angus, painted a picture of a shipwreck for the cover jacket of Margaret’s book, Shipwrecks and More Shipwrecks. She was blind in later life and her daughter wrote the actual book for her. Dr Angus and his wife Gladys were very involved in Warrnambool’s society with a strong interest in civic affairs. He had an interest in people and the community They were both involved in the creation of Flagstaff Hill, including the layout of the gardens. After his death (28th March 1970) his family requested his practitioner’s plate, medical instruments and some personal belongings be displayed in the Port Medical Office surgery at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and be called the “W. R. Angus Collection”. The ink bottle case is significant for its association with writing methods commonly used during the colonisation of Australia until the mid-20th century. The protective Bakelite case demonstrates the value placed on caring for the user’s supply of ink and protecting other belongings of the user, enabling writers to easily carry and safely transport their ink without the concern of spilling it. The case’s design is a good example of the use of new technology. The properties of Bakelite have enabled its moulded design and make it waterproof and lightweight, easily cleaned, closely fitted to the shape of the ink bottle within and lid and base join together using a smooth screwing action. The maker’s marks have also been moulded into the Bakelite, therefore not distracting from the simple but elegant design. This ink bottle case also represents the period of early to mid-20th century when handwriting materials for writers using ink and nib pens were imported into Australia and developed for the Australian market and sold by wholesalers on behalf of overseas companies. Vintage brown Bakelite travelling ink bottle case (or holder, pot, well) containing glass ink bottle and original textured cardboard liner, made by Swan Ink, Mabie, Todd & Co. (Aust) Pty.. Ltd. The Bakelite container is shaped to fit snugly around the ink bottle. It still retains its original shiny finish, the lid screws on and off perfectly. The maker’s name is embossed on lid and base of the Bakelite container. The inkwell contains a glass Ink bottle with a tiny amount of dried up ink Swan triple filtered ink inside. The bottle is cylindrical with curved shoulders tapering to a neck of around 2cm. The white metal screw-on lid and the white and red paper label on the side of the bottle both have a printed description of the ink and maker. Circa 1934-1950’sBAKELITE INK CASE - embossed on either side of the lid “ “SWAN” INK / ”SWAN” INK “ - embossed into base, written in a circle “MABIE TODD & Co (Aust.) PTY. LTD.” GLASS BOTTLE – printed on lid “SWAN”/ [corporate logo combining letters ‘M, T, co’]/TRIPLE FILTERED/ INK.” - printed on label “SWAN” INK /FOR FOUNTAIN & / STEEL PENS / A BLUE BLACK INK OF/ THE FINEST QUALITY/ MADE IN ENGLAND/ MABIE. TODD & CO LTD …….. LONDON. SYDNEY/ Makers of “SWAN” Pens, Gold Pens & Ink“ - moulded into the base of the ink bottle and written around the bottom outside edge of the bottle are the words “THIS BOTTLE ALWAYS REMAINS THE PROPERTY OF/ MABIE TODD/AUST”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, ink bottle holder, ink bottle case, ink bottle pot, travelling inkwell, portable inkwell, travelling ink pot, travelling ink bottle case, ink bottle, inkwell, ink well, swan ink, bakelite, dip pen ink, nib pen ink, fountain pen, fontpen, writing methods, stationery, mabie todd & co, swan fountain pens, biro-swan

James Leslie Balchin No 4656 24th Battalian AIF enlisted on the 13.3.1916 aged 26 years. He was hospitalised twice and then was Wounded in Action on 3.10.1918 and was discharged medically unfit from the AIF on 18.5.1919.Medal set, court mounted, set of (2) re J.L Balchin. 1. War Medal 1914-19. 2. Victory Medal. Replica not engraved.1. "4656 PTE J.L.BALCHIN. 24 BN. A.I.F."metalcraft, medals, military