Showing 517 items
matching early trading
-
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Smoothing Plane, Johann Heinrich August Bleckmann, 1870 to 1920
Johann Elias Bleckmann (1784-1856) founded a steel goods shop in Ronsdorf near Düsseldorf Germany. After completing a business education in his father's business, his son Johann Heinrich August Bleckmann (1826-1891) gained further experience through travel in North and South America. When his father died, he took over the steel goods store and moved it to Solingen. He bought a hammer mill in Mürzzuschlag Styria (Austria) in 1862 and converted it into a modern crucible casting steel smelter. His "Phoenix Steel", which he produced himself, achieved worldwide renown. He then went on to establish a file and tool factory and later founded a steel and plate rolling mill. Apart from cutlery blades, the company's self-produced steel was also processed into tools, scythes, rifle parts, etc. His sons Eugen and Walter continued after his death in 1891 at the Phoenix steelworks. However, by the end of the First World War, the two brothers fell into economic difficulties as a result of eliminating a large part of their foreign trade. In 1921, the company was converted into a public limited company and merged three years later with the company Schoeller & Stahlwerke. Made by Johann Heinrich August Bleckmann a significant Austrian manufacture of cutlery and tools in a recognized area of Germany famous for the production of steel items. The item is giving a snapshot of early colonial and European trades persons tools and gives an interesting insight into the development and progression of European tool and steel development and innervation prior to and just after the First World War.Plane Smoothing type with flat base. Has wooden wedge and iron missing. Knob handle is set on top and at the front. Iron 1 3/5 inches wide. Marked "Bleckmann (symbol) Safingen" "GN".flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, plane -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Joiner, Jack or Smoothing Plane, Akin & Son, 1900 to 1966
The subject item is a smoothing plane traditionally wood planes were blocks of wear resistant hardwood, often beech or maple, which were worked to the shape of the intended moulding or had a flat blade use for achieving a flat and smooth finish to timber. The blade, or iron was likewise formed to the intended moulding profile or for smoothing and secured in the body of the plane with a wooden wedge. A traditional cabinetmakers shop might have many, perhaps hundreds, of moulding and flat bladed planes for a full range of work to be performed. Large crown mouldings required planes of six or more inches in width, which demanded great strength to push and often had additional peg handles on the sides, allowing the craftsman's apprentice or other worker to pull the plane ahead of the master who guided it. The maker Atkin and Sons were a prolific Birmingham plane maker, active from 1863 to 1900 when they became Atkin and Sons Ltd and traded until 1966. Their trademark was actually "BENEFACTUM" which is Latin for "well made."A well-made tool from the early 20th century from a well-known company that ceased trading in Birmingham in 1966, today this tool from this company is quite rare and sought after by collectors. It gives us a snapshot of how furniture and other decorative finishes as well as smoothing timber projects were created by the use of hand tools. Tools that were themselves handmade shows the craftsmanship used during this time not only to make a tool such as the subject item but also the craftsmanship needed to finish timber.Jointer or Jack Plane with fishtail handle, Size of iron 2 1/2 inches wide, Stamped GN inside W made by Akins and Sons Birmingham UKflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, jointer plane, plane -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Ships Navigation Lamp, William Harvie & Co, First half of the 20th century
William Harvie was granted a patent in 1868 for improvements in the manufacture of lamps, lanterns and lenses for ships navigation and signal lamps 1868. Production began at 222 Broomielaw street Glasgow Scotland. Another patent was issued in 1873 for additional improvements to the companies lamps. Records show that in1873 William Harvie was in partnership with Malcolm Graham & Co, grease manufacturers and rosin distillers at 50 Anderson Street Gallowgate Glasgow. It appears around this time the business was transferred to George Moffat of 128 Garthland Drive Dennistoun Glasgow to continue under the same name (William Harvie & Co at premises situated at 100 East John St Gallowgate Glasgow. It is unclear but at some point W T George & Co were one in the same with William Harvie & Co. W T George made lamps with the trade name “Meteorite” and after gaining a patent for improvements to his lamps in 1941 the patent numbers were affixed to his lamps. In the Scottish Post Office annual Glasgow Directory 1900-1902 William Haveie & Co. Ltd is listed with two addresses; 222 Broomielaw and 24 McAlpine Streets, Glasgow. In the early 20th century the business moved to Birmingham until 1983 when the company went into voluntary liquidation after a meeting was held at Newhall Street Birmingham on the 10th January 1983 for WT George and William Harvie. This meeting was for the purposes regarding the insolvency of a company as set out in Sec 294 & 295 of the companies Act 1948 as a result Harvie & Co cease production of their products.An item made by a company that was an innovator of significant improvements in the manufacture of marine signal and navigation lamps during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Lamps made by this manufacturer are now sought after collector's items that are of significant value. Navigation lamp, round ship's lamp with clear glass and a red filter, handle at top, fitted with hinged and catch section at top to service lamp. Bracket at back for hanging lamp item painted red with black handles.Black nameplate is unreadable. Front reference plate reads " Meteorite" then "Meteorite No. 92276" warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, lamp, meteorite, william harvie, navigation lamp, kerosene lamp, signal lamp, marine equipment, marine navigation, w t george & co, george bocock & co, william harvie & co. ltd. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Audio - Phonograph, Thomas A. Edison, Edison Laboratory, c.1909
The Edison Fireside Phonograph Combination Type A model phonograph was an open horn model. This machine was produced around 1909, just after the introduction of 4-minute record cylinders in 1908.; the selection lever on the front was either 4 or 2-minute choice. This Fireside model has a fluted octagonal horn that attaches to the reproducer on the machine and is suspended by on ring by a horn crane attachment. The phonograph machine is powered purely by mechanical means, winding the crank handle on the side of the machine to start the belt-driven, spring-loaded motor inside. The sound comes from a pre-recorded, vertical cut record cylinder, which slides over the Mandle, a smooth rotating drum. The reproducer, an all-in-one needle, amplifier and speaker, is lowered onto the cylinder, the needle picks up the sound and plays it on the speaker and the attached horn amplifies the sound. The phonograph machine was invented by Thomas Alva Edison in the late 19th century. Edison adopted the idea from the technology of the telegraph machine. He patented the phonograph in early 1878. It was able to record sound and play it back. This amazing invention opened up a whole new world of entertainment, where wax cylinders of pre-recorded sound could be purchased with a wide variety of music and played over and over. The first wax cylinders were white and used a combination of bees' wax and animal fax or tallow. By 1892 Edison was using 'brown wax' cylinders that ranged from cream through to dark brown. The Edison Phonograph Company was formed in 1887 to produce these machines. He sold the company in 1855 to the North American Phonograph Company but bought that company in 1890. He then started the Edison Spring Motor factory in 1895, and the National Phonograph Company in 1896. In 1910 the company became Thomas A. Edison Inc. In 1898 Edison produced the Edison Standard Phonograph, the first phonograph to carry his own trade mark. He began mass producing duplicate copies of his wax cylinders in 1901 using moulds instead of engraving the cylinders. The wax was black and harder than the brown wax. The ends of the cylinders were bevelled so that the title's label could be added. The last phonograph machine to use an external open horn was produced in 1912 due to the much more robust round records being invented. In 1913 Edison started producing the Edison Disc Phonograph. The company stopped trading in 1929.This Edison Fireside Phonograph model is significant for being one of the last models to have an external horn. It is also significant for its connection with the invention of the phonograph, which made music and sound available for domestic enjoyment. It was used for entertainment and education, even teaching languages. It signalled a new era of music that could be reproduced and played anywhere. It is also significant for its short time span of popularity, just a few decades, due to the growing use of records, which gave a much higher quality sound and were more robust.Phonograph; Edison Fireside Phonograph, Combination Type, Model A. It is in a wooden case with a domed lid, metal catches on each side and a folding wooden handle. It has a metal drum and a reproducer mechanism. The metal and wood crank handle starts the machine’s motor. A sliding lever at the front selects the speed for four- or two-minute cylinders. The inscribed plate has the maker, serial number, patents and other information. The reproducer also has an inscription. It has a curved metal open horn attachment. Made in Orange, New Jersey in c.1909. NOTE: the fluted octagonal horn is catalogued separately.Case front, in script, Edison’s early ‘banner’ decal “Edison” On the front of the machine “Thomas A Edison TRADE MARK” On the maker’s plate; "Edison Fireside Phonograph Combination Type" Serial number “14718” Around sound outlet; “C 4076” “REPRODUCER LICENCED FOR USE ONLY ON EDISON PHOTOGRAPHS SOLD BYT.A. EDISON INC.” At the front edge “4 MINUTES 2flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, gramophone, phonograph, music player, entertainment, audio equipment, edison, thomas a edison, horn, phonograph horn, amplifier, audio, sound recording, sound playback, phonograph machine, phonograph cylinder, external horn, edison phonograph company, wax cylinders, sound reproduction, edison spring motor factory, national phonograph company, thomas a. edison inc, crank-operated motor, open horn phonograph, 4 speed, 2 speed -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph, 31st October 1869
This photograph was taken at the scene of the fire on the LIGHTNING, in Corio Bay, Geelong on 31st October 1869. The American clipper ship LIGHTNING was a 3 masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her cargo listed early consignments of livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria. The LIGHTNING was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, of East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable, and one of the smartest ships known. The LIGHTNING set many speed records for her sea crossings, and became one of the most famous of the racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes and Mate ‘Bully’ Bragg, LIGHTNING made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record for all time. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon afterwards. He has been described as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright’s innovations was to publish a ship’s paper called The Lightning Gazette. (Captain Forbes had left to captain the SCHOMBERG.) In January 1855 Capt. Enright sailed the LIGHTNING from Liverpool with over 700 passengers and returned home carrying gold as her cargo. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the LIGHTNING was used as a troop ship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her run between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the LIGHTNING was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and she continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of LIGHTNING, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the LIGHTNING. Efforts to extinguished the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the shoals in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The area is now known as Lightning Shoals. The LIGHTNING is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S415. She is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built, the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and being the worst shipping disaster in Geelong's history. It spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia.Black and white photograph of the burning of the clipper Lightning in Corio Bay Geelong, Sunday Oct 31st 1869. Photograph shows the Lightning in the process of burning, smoke billowing above the deck. Another sailing ship, plus several small boats, are in the bay, with a crowd on the pier.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, corio bay geelong, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, historic photograph of shipwreck lightning, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, clipper lightning, photograph -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph, Lightning, 31st October 1869
This photograph shows the remains of the clipper ship LIGHTNING as it continues to burn to its end in Corio Bay, Geelong, 31st October 1869. The American clipper ship LIGHTNING was a 3 masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her cargo listed early consignments of livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria. The LIGHTNING was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, of East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable, and one of the smartest ships known. The LIGHTNING set many speed records for her sea crossings, and became one of the most famous of the racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes and Mate ‘Bully’ Bragg, LIGHTNING made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record for all time. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon afterwards. He has been described as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright’s innovations was to publish a ship’s paper called The Lightning Gazette. (Captain Forbes had left to captain the SCHOMBERG.) In January 1855 Capt. Enright sailed the LIGHTNING from Liverpool with over 700 passengers and returned home carrying gold as her cargo. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the LIGHTNING was used as a troop ship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her run between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the LIGHTNING was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and she continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of LIGHTNING, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the LIGHTNING. Efforts to extinguished the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the shoals in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The area is now known as Lightning Shoals. The LIGHTNING is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S415. She is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built, the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and being the worst shipping disaster in Geelong's history. It spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia.Black and white photograph of the burning of the sailing ship LIGHTNING, 31st October 1869 in Corio Bay, Geelong. The photograph shows the ship with only 2 masts remaining, still billowing smoke. Below the photograph is the photograph's title.Title hand written 'LIGHTNING"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, corio bay geelong, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, burning of the lightning, historic photograph of shipwreck lightning -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Postcard - Ship, Monkbarns, ca. 1924
This photograph of the Monkbarns was taken prior to 1927 before the sailing ship was converted for use as a hulk. The steel-hulled, 3-masted fully rigged ship was built in 1895 by Archibald McMillan & Son at Dumbarton in Scotland. It was 267 feet long, 40.1 feet wide and 23.5 feet deep. In 1914 John Stewart & Co. owned ten sailing vessels, one of which was the Monkbarns, but by the end of the first World War, the fleet had only four vessels survived the war, including the Monkbarns. The Monkbarns traded across the world. Some of the destinations included Port Adelaide, Table Bay in South Africa, Liverpool, Sydney, London and New York. Her last commercial voyage was in 1926. Overall, the ship traded for 32 years before it was converted in Spain in 1927 for use as a hulk for carrying coal. There were several owners of the ship over its lifetime. They were - 1895, first owner, Charles Webster Corsar, Liverpool - 1902, the owner was D. Corsar & Son, Liverpool - 1909, owned by John Hardie & Sons, Glasgow - 1911, John Stewart & Co., Liverpool - by1915, James A. Young, London - 1926, L.H. Wilson, Liverpool - 1927, Ballener Espando (Brunn & van Lippe, Tonsberg).The postcard shows and example of the sailing ships that traded across the seas and into Australia in the late 19th and early 20th century.Black and white postcard of a sailing ship, fully rigged, at sea. Handwritten on front of card is "Monkbarns"Handwritten on front "MONKBARNS". monkbarns, postcard, sailing ship, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, newccastle, hulk -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Chisel, 1940-1962
William Marples junior joined his father's joinery making business in 1821. In 1860 William's sons joined him and the firm became William Marples and sons. Over the years they acquired John Moseley & Sons a London plane maker and Thomas Ibbotson & Co a Sheffield edge tool maker. Growing to become the most prolific and best known Sheffield tool maker. Their large factory was known as the Hibernia Works. Their trademark was a shamrock that appeared on some of their tools, in 1961 they had about 400 employees. In 1962 the record Tool Company and William Ridgway acquired a fifty percent interest in the company and in 1972 the companies merged with several others to form Ridgway Tools Ltd. After 116 years at its Hibernia Works, the company was moved to Dronfield. A 1982 takeover by A G Bahco of Sweden was short-lived and in 1985 Record Ridgway returned to British ownership first as Record Marples Woodworking Tools Ltd. In 1988 then as Record Holdings PLC in 1993. In 1998 the company accepted a bid from American Tool Corporation, subsequently trading as Record Irwin. The Irwin company itself was acquired by Newell Rubbermaid in 2002 and renamed Irwin Industrial Tool Co. Both the Marples and Record names were re-branded "Irwin" However the name has since been resurrected as Irwin/Marples and applied to wood chisels and table saw blades now made at their new facility in Udine, Italy. As a footnote, William Marples was the uncle of Robert Marples and Joseph Marples, both of whom established competing tool making businesses in Sheffield. The Robert Marples firm disappeared early in the 20th century. After several changes in the company's ownership tools are now made under the Ridgway name but in China.A tool made by a company with a long family history of tool making in Sheffield England, with a member of the Marples family, Joseph Marples establishing a competing tool company which continues today to manufacture quality products for the joinery and shipwrights trades.Socket chisel with 1/2" blade."Marples & Son" stamped on bladeflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, hand tool, ward chisel, woodwork chisel, marples and sons, cabinet makers tools, william marples and sons -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Pipe Brush
This ship's boiler pipe brush would have been used to keep the steam boiler pipes in good working order. The bristles are arranged in a round shape to fit against the sides of the boiler pipe and clear away debris. The brush has a loop for storing it on a hook so the bristles won't become damaged. The ship's boilers created steam to power the ship's engines. Some larger steamships had several boilers and therefore several funnels. Early steamships also have masts and sails, giving them the option of steam power or wind power. The first successful steamboat trial in America was in 1787 when John Finch displayed its features on the Delaware River in Philadelphia. The first steamboat in Australia was the Sophia Jane, which arrived in Sydney in 1831. The ship traded cargo and passengers between Sydney and Newcastle. This ship's boiler pipe brush is unique in our collection and an essential item in the maintenance of steam boilers. It is connected to the era of steamships, which in Australia began in 1831 with the arrival of the first steamship in Sydney. Pipe brush; long twisted wire handle with stiff bristles around the base section, arranged in a cylindrical shape, and a loop at the other end. Used for cleaning pipes of a ships boiler.warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, steam boiler, steam boiler brush, boiler maintenance, boiler brush, pipe brush, steam boiler pipe, steamship, steamboat, steam power -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Gun, Mid 19th Century
... Hollis Brothers were first recorded trading from 11 Weaman... trading a little earlier. The firm later became Isaac Hollis ...Hollis Brothers were first recorded trading from 11 Weaman Row in 1840 but appear to have started trading a little earlier. The firm later became Isaac Hollis & Sons and claimed establishment from 1814. Richard & William Hollis were recorded trading in Bath Street Birmingham from 1814 to 1818 so it may be that the Hollis brothers were descended from them. The brothers were Isaac Hollis (b.1815) and Frederick Hollis (birth date unknown), but Frederick died 20 December 1839. Isaac was recorded in the 1841 census living in Weaman Row. He was a 25-year-old gun and pistol maker, married to Emma 1821. They had two children, Isaac (1837), and Henry (1839). After Frederick died, Isaac carried on trading under the name of Hollis Brothers until 1845 when he re-named the business Hollis Brothers & Co who traded up to 1848. In 1844 Isaac entered into a short term partnership with William Tranter at 10 & 11 Weaman Row, presumably to complete a particular contract or supply certain parts. This partnership lasted until 1849. In 1848 Isaac took in Isaac Brentnall Sheath as a partner, and the firm of Hollis & Sheath was established, expanding into 10 Weaman Row. Hollis & Sheath were licenced makers of percussion breech-loading guns. In 1861 the firm changed its name to Isaac Hollis & Sons on the departure of Isaac Brentnall Sheath. Isaac Sheath died in July 1875. By about 1870 Isaac Hollis and Henry Hollis had taken over the day to day running of the business. Isaac Hollis was responsible for the overall management and the marketing of the firm's products. Henry was responsible for manufacturing. The firm became volume producers of inexpensive trade guns and sporting guns for the South African and the British colonies. In 1870 the firm opened a shop at 44a Cannon Street in London; in 1871 this moved to 83 Cheapside. Isaac Hollis Jnr died October 1875 in Birmingham aged 37. He was never married and in 1876/1877 Henry registered a limited liability company, Isaac Hollis & Sons Ltd, but by 1879 they were again trading as Isaac Hollis & Sons. From 1879 the London shop was at 6 Great Winchester Street. From 1932 to 1933 the London business traded as Hollis, Bentley & Playfair Hollis, Bentley & Playfair finally closed in Birmingham in 1953. This gun is a typical example of the type of firearm issued to the colony's military in 1861. Specifically made by Isaac Hollis and Sons for the military market of the time and sold through contractors Hebbert & Sons, military suppliers, in London. The gun was probably issued from the Hythe Armory to British troops (a training facility) or police prior to coming to Tasmania Australia around 1861.Gun; Percussion Carbine, .577 Cal. Colonial Tasmanian issue Artillery carbine, Pattern 1861. Muzzle loading "Cap and Ball" musket. Wood stock and ram rod. Inscriptions are on the stock and breech. Gun was made for Herbert & Co. London by Isaac Hollis & Sons, Birmingham.Stamped on stock "SOLD 95", " ISAAC HOLLIS & SONS" "GUN & PISTOL MANUFACTURES" "BIRMINGHAM" "LASTON ARMOURER HYTHE" "MANUFACTURED EXPRESSLY FOR HEBBERT & CO LONDON". Stamped on breech "25", and "25C ---05"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, firearms, gun, muzzle loading musket, isaac hollis and son, hebbert & sons, military supplies, lee enfield -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Lifebuoy, John Murch, 1922
Lifebuoy is from the ketch Reginald M, built in Port Adelaide by John Murch in 1922. Lifebuoys were part of the emergency lifesaving equipment carried on vessels in the late 19th and early 20th century. The ring was made of strips of cork wood joined together to make the ring shape then covered in canvas and sealed usually with white paint. Four evenly spaced canvas reinforcing bands would be added for strength and for a place to thread a rope or line. A lifebuoy, or life-preserver, is used as a buoyancy device often thrown to an endangered or distressed person in the water to keep them afloat while they receive help. It is usually connected by a rope to a person in a safe area such a nearby vessel or on shore. Lifebuoys is a made from a buoyant materials such as cork or foam and ae usually covered with canvas for protection and to make it easy to grip. The first use of life saving devices in recent centuries was by the Nordic people, who used light weight wood or cork blocks to keep afloat. Cork lifebuoys were used from the late 19th to early 20th century. Kapok fibre was then used as a filling for buoys but wasn’t entirely successful. Light weight balsa wood was used as a filler after WW1. In 1928 Peter Markus invented and patented the first inflatable life-preserver. By WW2 foam was combined with Kapok. Laws were passed over time that has required aeroplanes and water going-vessels to carry life-preservers on board. The Reginald M 1922- The two-masted coastal trading ketch Reginald M was built by John (Jack) Murch in Port Adelaide, South Australia, in 1922 and it was launched there in Largs Bay in the same year. It is thought that the keel was hewn from two telegraph poles - its owner was a regular visitor to salvage yards. Its cargo at times included Guano, Barley, Wool, Horses, Cattle, Timber, Explosives, Potatoes, Shell Grit and Gypsum. At one time the vessel was used as a customs boat, renamed 'HMC No. 3, Pt Adelaide'. In 1969 she was used by a mining and railway company as a barge to carry explosives. In 1972 the vessel was renamed 'T.S. Macquarie' and planned to be used for sea cadet training.; this did not eventuate. It was sold again and went to Melbourne to be used for pleasure sailing, and again sold for use as a ferry. Late in 1975 Flagstaff Hill purchased the vessel to be used as an exhibit at the Maritime Village where many visitors enjoyed being able to board and explore a real ship with a long history. Sadly, in late 2016, the decision was made to 'decommission' the vessel due to the continuing high cost of maintenance and the risk to public safety. Many of the components of the vessel are held as part of Flagstaff Hill's collection.The lifebuoy is an example of equipment carried on vessels in the late 19th and early 20th century to help preserve life. There were many lives lost in Australia’s colonial period, particularly along the coast of South West Victoria. The lifebuoy is significant for its connection with the Australian built, 1922 coastal trader, Reginald M. Lifebuoy, round , cork, filled, white canvas cover with four red tabs. Text is printed in black on quarters 1 and 3. This lifebuoy once belonged to the vessel 'Reginald M' , Pt Adelaide. "REGINALD M / Pt ADELAIDE".flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, lifebuoy, lifesaving, ship equipment, reginald m, life rings, safety ring, life-saving buoy, ring buoy, life preserver, personal floating device, floatation device, safety equipment, coastal trader, john murch, reg webb -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Saw, 1905-1913
This crosscut saw was originally part of the equipment on the barque Marjorie Craig, which brought New Zealand timber into Warrnambool from about 1908 to 1912 for the local merchants P J McGennan & Co. The toolbox was donated by a member of a local family connected with the La Bella rescue in 1905. The toolbox has carvings and markings that make it unique and connect it to the Marjorie Craig. The Craig Line of sailing ships was from Auckland, New Zealand, and traded in timber and some coal from New Zealand ports to Australia, including Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Warrnambool. They returned with produce from Australia as ballast. In 1912 the Craig fleet included the Ihumata, Inga, Jessie Craig, Marjorie Craig, Louisa Craig and Joseph Craig. The steel barque Marjorie Craig, 500 ton, was built in 1891 as the 'Hirotha', in Ardrossan, Scotland for Norwegian owners. The ship was sold to Auckland’s Donald Ross and others in 1900, then in 1905 it was sold, registered by J.J. Craig in Auckland, New Zealand and renamed Marjorie Craig. Marjorie Craig’s commanders included Master R A Campbell in 1907, J MacFarlane in 1909 and Master R.G. Holmes in 1913. From February 1908, the Marjorie Craig was regularly seen in the Port of Warrnambool with loads of timber for merchants P J McGennan & Co. In February 1912 Marjorie Craig delivered white pine for P J McGennan & Co. In April of the same year, she brought 500,000 feet of timber for McGennan & Co and again in May 1912. On May 12 1912 Marjorie left the Port of Warrnambool with 500 tons of flour for New Zealand; it seems that this was her last time at Warrnambool. Prior to 1908, the vessel Speculant brought in timber from New Zealand for the McGennan firm. The Marjorie Craig had a strong reputation for being a ‘Fast Flyer’, breaking the sailing records for voyages between New Zealand and Australia. It was reported that she made passages with a speed equal to steamboats on several occasions. One of her records was from Warrnambool to Hokianga, NZ in eight-and-a-half days. The ship broke the record in October 1913 for the time from Adelaide to Auckland, sailing in 28 days, even with a damaged ship, and the owner presented Captain Holmes with a gold watch and chain. By the end of December 1913, the Craig Line’s last two surviving sailing ships, Marjorie Craig and Jessie Craig, had been purchased by Huddart, Parker & Co. Ltd. to work as coal hulks, one in Melbourne and one in Hobart.The saw is significant for being created for use in 1905 when the steel barque Marjorie Craig was purchased by J J Craig and given that name. The saw would be part of the sip's equipment and could have been used for the timber carried as cargo on the Marjorie Craig. The saw is significant for its association with the well-known Marjorie Craig, a frequent visitor to the Port of Warrnambool 1908 to 1912, a supplier of New Zealand timber for the local firm P J McGennan & Co, and one of the fastest inter-colonial sailing ships that broke numerous records for its speed including the fastest sailing from Warrnambool to Hokianga. Crosscut saw; blade attached to wooden handles by wingnut each end. The saw has 63 teeth. Also has a tag attached with an inscription. The saw was ship's equipment on the barque, Marjorie Craig.Handwritten on tab: "From sailing ship Marjorie Craig early 1900 Port of Warrnambool"flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shiopwreck coast, woodworking tool, crosscut saw, shipwright tool, saw, marine trade, carpenter, marjorie craig, j j craig, craig line, 1905-1912 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Ship Rope Block, Russell & Co, Circa 1886
This double-sheaved wooden ship’s block or pulley is a mechanical device used for lifting and moving heavy objects. It has two grooved wheels joined together, each with an axle between the cheeks or sides of the grooved wheel. Blocks and tackle are included in a ship’s rigging. These pulleys and ropes are used for the mechanical advantage they provide for lifting, moving and re-arranging the setting of the sails, which are very heavy work. Blocks are also used to load and unload the ship’s cargo. The FALLS of HALLADALE- The sailing ship Falls of Halladale was an iron-hulled, four-masted barque, used as a bulk carrier of general cargo. She left New York in August 1908 bound for Melbourne and Sydney. In her hold was general cargo consisting of roofing tiles, barbed wire, stoves, oil, and benzene as well as many other manufactured items. After three months at sea and close to her destination, a navigational error caused the Falls of Halladale to be wrecked on a reef off the Peterborough headland on the 15th of November, 1908. The captain and 29 crew members survived, but her cargo was largely lost, despite two salvage attempts in 1908-09 and 1910. The Court of Marine Inquiry in Melbourne ruled that the foundering of the ship was entirely due to Captain David Wood Thomson's navigational error, not too technical failure of the Clyde-built ship. The Falls of Halladale was built in1886 by Russell & Co., at Greenock shipyards on the River Clyde, Scotland for Wright, Breakenridge & Co of Glasgow. The ship had a sturdy construction built to carry maximum cargo and was able to maintain full sail in heavy gales, one of the last of the 'windjammers' that sailed the Trade Route. She and her sister ship, the Falls of Garry, were the first ships in the world to include fore and aft lifting bridges. The new, raised catwalk-type decking allowed the crew to move above the deck in stormy conditions.This artefact is important as it is an example of the materials and design of late-19th century ship’s rigging equipment. The object is also significant for its association with the historic sailing ship Falls of Halladale, wrecked in local waters in the early 20th century. The clipper ship Falls of Halladale shipwreck is of historical significance and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, No. S255. She was one of the last ships to sail the Trade Routes. She was one of the first vessels to have fore and aft lifting bridges. The vessel is an example of the remains of an international cargo ship and also represents aspects of Victoria’s shipping industry.Ship's block; a double-sheave wooden block with thick concretion on it. The rope block was recovered from the wreck of the sailing ship, Falls of Halladale.Noneflagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, falls of halladale, shipwreck, peterborough, 1908 shipwreck, peterborough shipwreck, russell & co., greenock, wright breakenridge & co. glasgow, clipper ship, machine, mechanical advantage, block, wooden block, pulley, tackle, sheave, ship rigging, double-sheave, twin sheave, captain david wood thomson, iron ship, four-masted ship, sailing ship, windjammer, clyde, wright, breakenridge & co of glasgow, fore and aft lifting bridges -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Dry Measurement Container, Late 18th to early 19th century (before the standardised measurement was introduced in England in 1824)
The peck has been in use since the early 14th century when it was introduced as a measure for flour. The term referred to varying quantities until the modern units of measurement were defined in the 19th century. Cities in England used to have official standard weights and measures for that city or area. These containers were marked with the city's name and emblem, merchant’s weights and measures would then be checked against this to make sure they weren't trying to cheat their customers. The item in the collection is a standard measure approved by Bristol City and used by that City’s grocers to measure dry goods such as peas, beans, sugar, flour, meal etc., and its metal banding ensures that the measure cannot be reduced in size to cheat customers. Additional Information: The British Imperial System evolved from the thousands of Roman, Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, and customary local units employed in the middle Ages. Traditional names such as pound, foot, and gallon were widely used, but the values so designated varied with time, place, trade, product specifications, and dozens of other requirements. Early royal standards were established to enforce uniformity took the name Winchester, after the ancient tenth century capital of Britain. King Henry VII reaffirmed the customary Winchester standards for capacity and length and distributed royal standards throughout the realm. This process was repeated about a century later in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. In the 16th century, the rod (5.5 yards, or 16.5 feet) was defined (once again as a learning device and not as a standard) defined by the length of the left feet of 16 men lined up heel to toe as they emerged from the church. By the 17th century usage and legal statute had established the acre, rod, and furlong at their present values together with other historic units such as the peck. Establishment of the System: The Weights and Measures Act of 1824 and the Act of 1878 established the British Imperial System based on precise definitions of selected existing units. The 1824 act sanctioned a single imperial gallon to replace the wine, ale, and corn (wheat) gallons that were in general use. The new gallon was defined as equal in volume to 10 pounds avoirdupois of distilled water weighed at 62°F with the barometer at 30 inches, or 277.274 cubic inches (later corrected to 277.421 cubic inches). The two new basic standard units were the imperial standard yard and the troy pound, which was later restricted to weighing drugs, precious metals, and jewels. In 1963 an act of parliament abolished archaic measures as the rod and chaldron and a metric system was adopted. An early example of a dry measuring container giving a snapshot of how imperial weights and measures developed in England to evolve the British measurement system into the metric arrangement that most countries have adopted today including Australia. It has social significance as an item that was in everyday use by grocers and other merchants to measure dry goods in the late 18th to early 19th centuries and used specifically in the Bristol region of England as an officially recognised measurement.Wooden measurement container with iron banding and hand made rivets container is a Quarter Peck official measurement container. Inscriptions are impressed into the sides of the wooden body. The container has the official crown and emblem of the City of Bristol, indicating this item was the Bristol City standard quarter peck measurement.Impressed into the timber on the front, a crown emblem over "C B G / CITY OF BRISTOL / QUARTER", on one side "HALF" , another side "PECK". Handwritten in white chalk on the base is "1458"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, weights and measures, quarter peck, measurement container, dry grocery measure, bristol city measurement standard, city of bristol, british weights and measures, 18th and 19th centure standard measures -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Concertina, Lachenal and Co, 1879-1933
Louis Lachenal manufactured concertinas for C Wheatstone & Co. from around 1848-1858 in a combined home and manufactory in Cheswick, England. He then establish up his own business 'Lachenal's' at 8 Little James Street in London. In 1863 the firm began advertising both 'Anglo and English concertinas, which were more expensive. Lachenal passed away in 1861, so his wife Elizabeth took over the business. The firm was sold to a group of five businessmen in about 1873 and in 1874 the firm became ‘Lachenal & Co.’ A Trade Mark application was made by Richard Ballinger on behalf of Lachenal & Co. on 31st August 1878 and the Number 19,555 was published in the Trade Mark Journal January 8, 1879. The symbol was an English-style reed-shoe with the words 'Trade Mark' and 'English Make'. It was stamped on the right-hand rail (handle) of the Lachenal Anglos, to distinguish them from the German-made ones. It seems that the company ceased business in 1933.This concertina, made in the late 19th to early 20th century, represents the portable musical entertainment of the early settlers in the colony of Australia. Concertina, six sided, 21 buttons, with fitted case. Wooden ends have carved cut-outs and leather straps attached to brass buttons. Five-fold bellows have light coloured sides with reinforced edges and corners. Constructed with steel reeds and bone key-buttons. Wooden, black fabric-covered hexagonal case with triangular metal catch, two brass hinges, leather handle and faded red lining. Inscriptions on label inside lid and on wooden ends of bellows. Lachenal, Anglo design, made by Lachenal & Co. of London. Label within oval cut-out "LACHENAL & Co / PATENT CONCERTINA / MANUFACTURERS / LONDON", Label inside lid " - CHENAL -", Impressed into wood STEEL REEDS", "ENGLAND", "TRADE MARK ENGLISH MAKE [reed-shoe symbol]" , (originally marked with Number "98030" )flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, concertina, squeeze box, musical instrument, london, english make, trade mark 15222, english-style reed, richard ballinger, louis lachenal, concertina manufacturer, reed-shoe, lachenal anglo, lachenal & co, lachenal -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Medal - Token, Richard Parker, ironmonger, Mid-to-late 19th century
This copper penny token was issued in Geelong by ironmonger R. Parker. Richard Parker was an early settler in Victoria. He had a general store in Elizabeth Street, then Collins Street, Melbourne for five years before moving to Geelong in 1844. He soon established several branches of his ironmonger business in towns around Victoria. He encouraged trade by providing customers with the small change of penny tokens in exchange for their more valuable and less convenient silver coins. The token carried a surcharge and was overstamped with the mane of W. Kernot. William Charles Kernot was a chemist at Chillwell, Geelong. The token is of historical significance, representing a form of currency used in Australia's colonial era before Australia had official currency.Token coin; a round copper one penny token. Obverse had promotional text and a sketch and was overstamped with a name. Reverse had the image of a woman holding up a set of balance scales in one hand and a cornucopia in the other, standing beside the sea, with a three-masted sailing ship in the background, There is a formed hole in the metal; on the obverse, it is on the top of the design, on the reverse it is on the bottom of the design. It advertises R. Parker, Ironmonger, Moorabool Street, Geelong, overstamped with the name W. Kernot.Embossed on the obverse: "R. PARKER / IRONMONGER. / MOORABOOL STREET / GEELONG" "W. KERNOT" Embossed on reverse: "AUSTRALIA"warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, medallion, coin, token, promotional medallion, one penny, r parker, ironmonger, moorabool street geelong, w. kernot, richard parker, currency, australian currency -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Wood Sample, c. 1854
This piece of wood is from the American clipper ship LIGHTNING was a 3 masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her cargo listed early consignments of livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria. The LIGHTNING was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, of East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable, and one of the smartest ships known. The LIGHTNING set many speed records for her sea crossings, and became one of the most famous of the racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes and Mate ‘Bully’ Bragg, LIGHTNING made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record for all time. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon afterwards. He has been described as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright’s innovations was to publish a ship’s paper called The Lightning Gazette. (Captain Forbes had left to captain the SCHOMBERG.) In January 1855 Capt. Enright sailed the LIGHTNING from Liverpool with over 700 passengers and returned home carrying gold as her cargo. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the LIGHTNING was used as a troop ship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her run between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the LIGHTNING was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and she continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of LIGHTNING, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the LIGHTNING. Efforts to extinguished the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the shoals in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The area is now known as Lightning Shoals. The LIGHTNING is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S415. She is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built, the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and being the worst shipping disaster in Geelong's history. It spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia.Sample of wood from the wool clipper LIGHTNING, 1854-1869, The sample has a label and a card with information about the ship and a person. Card, typewritten, "PIECE OF TIMBER FROM FAMOUS WOOL CLIPPER / "LIGHTNING". BUILD IN DONALD McKAY'S SHIPYARD / IN BOSTON, U.S.A.. SHE WAS BURNT TO TOTAL LOSS / IN GEELONG IN 1869"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, wood sample from lightning -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Diving compressor and helmet, 1944
Siebe Gorman & Company Ltd was a British company that developed diving equipment and breathing equipment and worked on commercial diving and marine salvage projects. The company advertised itself as 'Submarine Engineers'. It was founded by Augustus Siebe, a German-born British engineer chiefly known for his contributions to diving equipment. Siebe Gorman traded as an engineering firm for over 180 years from 1819 to 1999. The early success of the business was due to its founder, the Prussian immigrant Christian 'Augustus' Siebe (1788-1872). For business reasons, he applied for and was granted British citizenship in 1856. He was a gifted engineer who was able to translate theoretical problems into practical, working products. During the industrial Victorian period, the business traded as 'A. Siebe' at 145 High Street Holborn London, but in 1828 new premises were acquired at 5 Denmark Street, Soho. The family firm produced a wide range of manufactured goods including paper-making machinery, measuring machinery, water pumps, refrigeration equipment, and diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe specialised in submarine engineering early on and the company gained a reputation for the manufacture of safe, reliable diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe is best remembered for the development and manufacture of the ‘closed’ Diving Dress based on the ideas of Charles and John Deane, George Edwards, and Charles Pasley. Apart from some small modifications to valves and diver communications, the basic 12 bolt ‘closed’ diving dress remained relatively unchanged after the 1870s. Later company successes were also based on innovation, with new products that could be successfully developed and manufactured to high standards. This was largely attributed to the inventive nature, foresight, engineering, and entrepreneurial skills of Robert Henry Davis (1870-1965). In 1882, RH Davis joined the company of 'Siebe & Gorman' as a young 11-year-old office boy and he was to remain with the company until he died in 1965. Augustus Siebe retired in 1869 and handed over the company to a new partnership of Henry H. Siebe (1830-1885) and William A. O'Gorman (1834-1904). The new firm traded as 'Siebe & Gorman' (1870-1879) from premises in and around Mason Street, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London. The two partners soon recognised the potential of R.H. Davis and in 1894, aged 24, he became General Manager of Siebe & Gorman. Davis increasingly ran the company until the surviving partner (W.A. Gorman) died in 1904. The firm was disposed of to the Vickers (armaments) family and a new company 'Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd.' (1905-1998) was formed. Under the chairmanship of Albert Vickers, R.H. Davis was kept on as Managing Director, and the company forged ahead. However, after WW1, the Great Depression caused manufacturing output and share prices to slump. In 1924 Robert Davis made a deal with the Vickers Board and acquired control of the company through majority shares. Under his leadership, the Siebe Gorman Company flourished and within time, four of his sons also joined the firm. The company gained a worldwide reputation for the manufacture of diving apparatus, decompression and observation chambers, and safety breathing apparatus of all types for use on the land, in the air, and under the sea (including mine rescue, tunneling, aircraft, diving, submarine escape and in other hazardous environments). Close research and development links with the MOD (especially the Admiralty), also provided a lucrative outlet for the company products. In 1932, Robert Davis was knighted by King George V, principally for his invention of the ‘Davis Submerged Escape Apparatus’ (D.S.E.A.). Siebe Gorman essentially remained a family firm from the beginning (under A.Siebe) until it became a public company for the first time in 1952. However, following WW2, British manufacturing stagnated through stifled investment and post-war austerity, and there was little innovation. Siebe Gorman's fortunes began to decline as an aging Sir Robert Davis failed to invest, or change the company's business and management practices. In 1959, Siebe Gorman was acquired by the “Fairy Group” and the ailing Sir Robert was made Life President. Consequently, nothing changed and the slow decline continued until Sir Robert's death in March 1965. Around 1960, Siebe Gorman acquired the diving apparatus manufacturer C E Heinke, and for a brief period, it manufactured some diving equipment under the combined name of Siebe Heinke. Around 1964, Mr E. 'Barry' Stephens was appointed as the new Managing Director to modernise Siebe Gorman. Changes were made, including a move to a new factory in Wales in 1975. The new company concentrated on fire-fighting breathing apparatus and escape equipment, and the move coincided with the loss of many of the older, traditional craft skills. Between 1985 and 1998, Siebe expanded through acquisitions, and several other companies were acquired. The Siebe Gorman (diving apparatus) company has therefore traded as A. Siebe (1819-1870); Siebe & Gorman (1870-1879); Siebe Gorman & Co (1880-1904); Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd (1905-1998). (For information regards the diving helmet & Frank King see Notes Section at the end of this document)The items are very significant as a snapshot into marine history and the development of diving equipment generally especially that used for salvage operations before and during WW2. The company that made the equipment was a leading inventor,developer and innovator of marine equipment with its early helmets and other items eagerly sought after today for collections around the world. The items in the Flagstaff Hill collection give us an insight as to how divers operated and the dangers they faced doing a very necessary and dangerous job. Frank Kings' diving helmet and compressor (communication pipe stored separately). Compressor is hand cranked. US Navy diving helmet, Mark V. Two maker's plates attached. Made in 1944.On rear "WATER SUPPLY" On front 'PATENT" " Logo: Images (Lion, Crown, Horse, Shield within an oval) "SIEBE, GORMAN & Co. Ltd. SUBMARINE ENGINEERS, LONDON.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, great ocean road, us navy diving helmet, commonwealth government salvage, diving helmet, marine salvage, frank king, diver, siebe. gorman & co ltd, submarine equipment, diving equipment, communication under water, hand cranked, diving compressor -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Wood Sample, c. 1854
This sample of wood is from the American clipper ship LIGHTNING was a 3 masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her cargo listed early consignments of livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria. The LIGHTNING was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, of East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable, and one of the smartest ships known. The LIGHTNING set many speed records for her sea crossings, and became one of the most famous of the racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes and Mate ‘Bully’ Bragg, LIGHTNING made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record for all time. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon afterwards. He has been described as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright’s innovations was to publish a ship’s paper called The Lightning Gazette. (Captain Forbes had left to captain the SCHOMBERG.) In January 1855 Capt. Enright sailed the LIGHTNING from Liverpool with over 700 passengers and returned home carrying gold as her cargo. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the LIGHTNING was used as a troop ship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her run between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the LIGHTNING was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and she continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of LIGHTNING, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the LIGHTNING. Efforts to extinguished the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the shoals in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The area is now known as Lightning Shoals. The LIGHTNING is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S415. She is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built, the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and being the worst shipping disaster in Geelong's history. It spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia.Sample wooden rectangular from the clipper Lightning, which burned out at Geelong 31 Oct 1869.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, wood from sailing ship, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, lightning -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Chronometer
First State Watch Factory: This factory was founded in 1930 under orders from Joseph Stalin, the "First State Watch Factory" was the first large-scale Soviet watch and mechanical movement manufacturer in the USSR. Via its USA-based trading company (Amtorg), the Soviet government bought the defunct Ansonia Clock Company of Brooklyn, New York in 1929, and the "Dueber-Hampden Watch Company of Canton", based in Ohio. The soviets moved twenty-eight freight cars full of machinery and parts from the USA to Moscow in order to establish the factory. Twenty-one former "Dueber-Hampden" watchmakers, engravers and various other technicians helped to train the Russian workers in the art of watchmaking as part of the Soviet's first five-year plan. The movements of very-early products were still stamped "Dueber-Hampden, Canton, Ohio, USA" (examples of these watches are very collectible today). In 1935 the factory was named after the murdered Soviet official Sergei Kirov. During the second world war, as the Germans closed in on Moscow in 1941, the factory was hurriedly evacuated to (Zlatoust USSR). By 1943 the Germans were in retreat, and the factory was moved back to Moscow, adopting the "First Moscow Watch Factory" name. In 1947 the first wristwatches under the brand name "Pobeda" and the first Marine Chronometers and Deck watches were produced. By 1951 the production of wristwatches had increased to 1.1 million. In 1975 new machinery and equipment for manufacturing complex watches were imported from Switzerland. The first chronograph called "Okean" (3133) was produced for the space station "Soyuz-23."The Chronometer is of recent manufacture and an excellent example of the type of instrument used to navigate the seas in the 19th century. It is of good quality and of a type regarded as very accurate and well made. The maker, First Watch Factory, has a dept that is still producing the "8916" standard Chronometer for horologists and collectors. Marine chronometer of Russian make in wooden case, metal handles on sides, inscription on a metal plaque on the front of the case. Polished square wooden outer case with green felt lining and, a leather carrying strap and buckle. Outer case is hinged and has a metal latch on the front. Outer case has a red velvet covering with a button and loop closure. Inscription on box are in Russian & translate as follows: ХРОНОМЕТР, = CHRONOMETER МОРСКОЙ, = NAUTICAL ГОСТ, 8916-77 = Gost ЛОЛ ЕТ, on dial face = LOL ETflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, chonometer, russian, watch factory, marine, navigational instrument -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Student Exercise Book, Audrey Sack, student, Commercial Principles, 1938-1939
... commenced trading in the early 1900’s; and the typewriter was used... commenced trading in the early 1900’s; and the typewriter was used ...This exercise book was owned by Audrey Sack and was donated by David Sack at the same time as a typewriter in its case plus accessories (refer to RN 3087). It has hand written notes of Commercial Principles class lessons from Warrnambool High School, written by Audrey Sack including pages dated 1938 and 1939. Audrey was the daughter of William Sack, owner of the business Sacks Jewellers at 115 Liebig Street, Warrnambool. William commenced trading in the early 1900’s; and the typewriter was used by Audrey in the business from the late 1930’s through to about 1996 when the business was sold. William and his wife June had three children, Eric, Audrey and David. The children were owners/partners of Sack’s Jewellers after William’s passing in 1976. Eric and David were ‘owners of the business’, with Audrey carrying out much of the clerical work. Eric died in about 1984 and David sold the practise in 1996. During the 65 years of business the typewriter was used for all the normal applications of a jeweller’s; preparing invoices, guarantees, taxation records. But in addition the four members of the Sack family were very involved in Church activities, particularly in lay administration and lay preaching in the Baptist Church, and the typewriter gained a lot of after-hours use. The family actively supported overseas Missions in India, SE Asia, and Africa. After the sale of the business in 1996, Audrey took the typewriter home for her community activities (David got a computer). In the 1980’s David volunteered as the Clock Repairer at Flagstaff Hill for the historical instruments. In the early days this took some long hours to get the clocks working, but in recent years he has just been ‘on call’ if needed. He is an alert 85 year old and just in the last 12 months has given up a busy schedule of Sunday Lay Preaching around the district. (2015)The exercise book is associated with a typewriter and text book, which is of local significance, being previously owned and used in a local business established for about 100 years.Book, student's exercise book with brown paper cover over soft cover. White pages have printed blue lines. Notes written in script with nib pen. Correction marks are on some pages. The book has entries from front to just past the centre pages, the turned upside down and written from back to almost centre pages. It belong to Autrey Sack, who was a Commercial Practices student at Warrnambool High School. Handwritten ink pen inscriptions are on the front cover and within the book. Notes are dated as 1938 and 1939."Commercial Principles" "Audrey Sack /. Commercial / W.H.S."flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, commercial principles, warrnambool high school, sack’s jewellers warrnambool, william sack, david sack, audrey sack, sack’s jewellers, exercise book, student notes, business education -
Federation University Historical Collection
Unknown - Model, Roof and Chimney Model
An important part of apprenticeship training involved building detailed models using required techniques. This model was constructed by a Ballarat School of Mines student enrolled in the Plumbing course. This model of a roof and chimney was made by a plumbing student in the early days of the School of Mines Ballarat. The School of Mines was a trade and mining school located in the historic gold rush town of Ballarat. The model is made from 3 Ply timber. The students were often required to build these models to demonstrate their level of knowledge of what they had been taught at trade school. Although they were often made there are not many of these models intact and in this condition. The oldest Technical School in Australia and is celebrating 150 years in 2020Cut away section model made of 3-ply and timber. The roof is blue and the chimney is brown. trades, apprentice, ballarat school of mines, plumbing, model -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Ballarat School of Mines and Industries Handbook, 2004, 2004
The Ballarat School of Mines was a predecessor institution of Federation University. It was established in 1870 through initiatives of the Ballarat Mining Board which felt there was a need for such a institution because of the declining number of mine managers for the goldfields. Classes i Surveying, Mathematics and Chemistry began in 1871. With the decline in goldmining in the early part of the century, the direction of the College changed and broadened. The Art School was established in 1907, and in 1912 trade classes commenced in carpentry, fitting and turning, plumbing and telegraphy. In 1913 the Ballarat Junior Technical School became part of SMB. In 1970 the tertiary sector of the college was formed and became Ballarat College of Advanced Education when it separated from SMB in 1976. In the same year SMB became a regional College of Technical and Further Education (TAFE).White two ringed folder with an image of the Ballarat School of Mines on the cover. It contains a history of the Ballarat School of Mines and Industries, courses, apprenticeships, and further information. handbook, ballarat school of mines, trades, apprentices, tafe, ron sutton, julie schmock, ann mccaffrey, alister heighway, david flintoft, mary molloy, mark bevelander, rocky hazlett, colin mccurry -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - photograph - black and white, Dana Street Primary School, c1857
In February 1913 the Ballarat Junior Technical School opened its doors to its 86 pupils. The old bluestone building in the grounds of the Dana Street Primary School became their temporary for eight years. In its early years the school offered only a two-year course. The first year was of a general nature giving a thorough grounding in Mathematics and Instrumental Drawing, and introducing students to the various branches of trade work. The second-year students studied for the Junior Technical Certificate and specialized in a course of their choice - either a trade (Woodwork or Fitting and Turning) or a course leading to higher studies at the School of Mines. From In 1926 and from 1948 until the 1960s this bluestone building was used at the Ballarat Teachers' College. Black and white photograph of Dana Street Primary School, Ballarat. ballarat junior technical school, dana street primary school, bluestone, ballarat teachers' college, education, school, dana street national school -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Kitchen Equipment, cutlery knife, 20THC
A stainless steel table knife with a bone handle used for main meals by early settlers in Moorabbin Shire c1900. Most early settlers brought their cutlery with them when they traveled from England and Europe.A typical table knife used by settlers in Moorabbin Shire c1900A kitchen table knife with stainless steel blade and bone handle on blade; FL..........& CO. LTD. SHEFFIELD / TRADE 'SHREWSBURY' MARK / STAINLESS / ............cutlery, stainless steel, sheffield, england, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, moorabbin shire, -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Kitchen Equipment, cutlery butter knife, c1930
WALTER THORNHILL SP London The firm established in 1734 by Joseph Gibbs changed its style in early 19th century to Morley & Thornhill. The firm changed to Thornhill & Co (1820), Walter Thornhill (1850), Walter Thornhill & Co (1875) Walter Thornhill & Co Ltd (1895) and Walter Thornhill & Co (1905). Advertisement in The Argus, Saturday January 22 1921 FOY & GIBSON'S Pty Ltd. Smith Street Collingwood Summer Fair Bargains Thornhill. Bednal, and Co.' Ivoride Handle TABLE KNIVES, stainless steel blades, 35/- per ½ dozen. Per TROVE A butter knife with stainless steel blade and bone handle on blade ; TRADE 'ORIS' MARK / THORNHILL, BEDNAL & CO. / SHEFFIELD ENG. / STAINLESS STEELbutter knife, sheffield england, cheltenham, moorabbin, bentleigh, early settlers, pioneers, cutlery, stainless stell, thornhill bednal & co -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photograph - Washing Day at 'Law Muir Den' Mrs J L Smith c1910, c1910
Mrs J.L.Smith and Ada Smith in the backyard of the house Law Muir Den 510 Centre Rd Bentleigh c 1910. . The early settler women usually devoted a whole day to washing as it was very labourious. A fire was lit in a stone pit and a large tub of water boiled. Soap that had been made, usually in the previous Autumn, from fat drippings and caustic soda, was flaked into the tub to form suds. The clothes were moved around in the tub with a long wooden paddle that was also used to lift the clothes out of the tub into another tub of cold rinsing water..Stains were removed by scrubbing soap on the cloth against a scrubbing board. Clothes were wrung by hand or a mechanical wringer and hung on the clothes line to dry. Mary Ann Smith was married John Logan Smith 1860-1932 who at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.Photograph, Black & White, showing 2 women washing clothes in a large tub, set over a fire in a stone pit, in the back yard. Clothes are hanging from a rope line strung between 2 trees and held up with a wooden 'prop' -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photograph - Black & White, Crofts Grocery 395 Centre Rd Bentleigh c1937, c1937
After the extension of the Railway line from Caulfield to Mordialloc 1880's the shopping centre moved from the Tucker Rd end to around the East Brighton (Bentleigh) Station area of Centre Road. A variety of shops, forges, estate agents, Coles' and Fossey's variety stores, a Hoyts picture theatre, butchers, traded in Centre Rd. Crofts was one many grocery stores along the strip. Crofts Stores was established by Archibald Crofts (1875-1942) as a single grocery store in South Melbourne. It eventually expanded to include 137 branches throughout Victoria, trading as Crofts Stores. The Lees family had established a Seedling Nursery in Thomas St that has continued until the land sold 2018 for housing development.Crofts Grocery Store was one of the shops in the Centre Road Bentleigh shopping strip that were established after the arrival of the train line 1881Black & White photograph of 3 men outside Crofts Grocery Store 395 Centre Rd Bentleigh c 1937 Mr Jack Lees is centre.Handwritten informationcrofts grocery store bentleigh, lees jack, mordialloc railway line, centre road bentleigh, smith j l, smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photograph , Black & White Opening McKinnon Progress Hall c 1925, c1925
McKinnon was a small community in East Brighton settled mainly by market gardeners but it had a State School, Churches, a hotel opened by Thomas Bent's father, Post Office and some shops. After WW1 land close to the railway line began to be sold and new homes and various shops were built. A Progress League was well supported and new hall built. McKinnon Rd Shopping precinct did not prosper as expected and some attribute this to the failure to secure the Hoyts picture theatre c 1925. Hoyts instead built the theatre in Centre Rd Bentleigh and this took a lot of trade away from the shops in McKinnon Rd.McKinnon was settled by market gardeners and after the train line arrived more houses and shops were built so that the small community developed through the 20thCBlack & White photograph showing the crowd of local residents celebrating the opening of the McKinnon Progress hall c1925mckinnon progress league, mckinnon railway station, ormond state school, hoyts picture theatres, centre road bentleigh, wyles jim, mckinnon hotel, gardeners arms hotel, bent james, smith j l; smith , chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photograph, Black & White Horse drawn scoops earthwork in Moorabbin Shire c1900, c1900
The, horse drawn metal scoop ,guided by a man, was used to clear earth for road making. Well before the introduction of motorised, mechanical graders and trucks the painstaking, labour-intensive work was undertaken by large teams of sturdy men using strong horses such as the draught horse. Roads were needed by the market gardeners to transport their produce to market. Later as the heavy wagon loads continually caused ruts and general degradation of the roadways a Plateway system was installed so that the wagon wheels could roll along the rails thus protecting the roadways. August 31st 2021 Ron Nash, from WA, informs us "The men and horses pulling earth scoops in the photo are not moving earth for road making - they are excavating an "earth tank", or dam, as described in common nomenclature today. This skill was known as "tank sinking", and tank sinkers were active in many rural and remote areas in the 1800's and early 1900's, establishing sizeable dams for important water reserves for community and farm and railway use. With the advent of mechanised equipment such as bulldozers, the trade of tank sinking was still carried out, but on a faster basis. I am a former tank sinker and earth moving contractor, now long retired." Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to build the roads, plateways, drains, as the settlement of the land, in Dendy's Special Survey 1841 Brighton, spread and market gardeners need to transport their produce to market. Their most valuable possession was the draught horse that was used for ploughing, drawing carts and these scoops.Black & White photograph showing many horses pulling metal scoops guided by men to move earth for road making in Moorabbin Shire c 1900Back Handwritten Informationplateway, roadworks moorabbin shire, draught horses, metal scoops, paviers, box alonzo, smith j l; chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards