Although the exact creation of this pocket watch is unknown, the pocket watch was first invented in 1510, in Nuremberg, Germany. The inception of this invention can be attributed to Peter Henlein, a master locksmith who continued producing timepieces until the 16th century when their manufacturing expanded to other parts of Europe. During the 15th century, pocket watches served as a means of distinguishing between the lower classes and the affluent members of society since only the wealthy could afford them. In this era, an early version of the pocket watch was typically worn around the neck, as opposed to being attached to a pocket watch chain like the Albert T Bar chain. Furthermore, the increasing use of the railways during the latter part of the 1800s significantly accelerated the popularity of pocket watches.This pocket watch is significant as they relate to the social history within the Burke Museum's collection playing a vital role in narrating the history of Beechworth, demonstrating the past of the town through insights into its social, cultural, and economic dimensions.A silver pocketwatch with a leather strap attached at the clasp.A01153clock, pocketwatch, timepiece, burke museum

Wristwatches became popular after World War 1, where they were used to ensure soldiers could undertake operation at the same time over a last distance. In the 1920s the automatic watch was invented by John Harwood and the mass production of wristwatches began, allowing all members of society the ability to keep track of time.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.Small silver watch, with black and white number face, with the exception of a red ink 12. The watch has a small gold hand mechanism turner on the right side and a small silver spike sitting on the bottom of the watch.Clock is currently set on five past one. watch, horology, early 20th century

Calling Card Cases were used by the aristocracy in 18th Century Europe as it was requirement in genteel society to leave a calling card when visiting a household. According to the Hallmarks on the case it was made in 1774 by the Adie Brothers Ltd. in Birmingham, England.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A silver rectangular case that features an angled hinged lid.LID: Lion symbol / B (Hallmarks) LIP: A BROS LTD/ Anchor symbol / Lion symbol / B (Hallmarks) CASE BACK: A157418th century, european

Calling Card Cases were used by the aristocracy in 18th Century Europe as it was requirement in genteel society to leave a calling card when visiting a household. According to the Hallmarks on the case it was made in 1904 by the Williams Birmingham Ltd. in Birmingham, England.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small rectangular silver calling card case that has an ornate pattern etched into its front.FRONT: WB LD/ Anchor symbol/ Lion symbol/ e (Hallmark)early 20th century

Coin cases were commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a way to easily organise and carry money. These coin cases were often given as gifts.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A silver-plated coin case that is embossed with a floral design. The top of the case features 5 spring-loaded compartments where coins are stored. Each compartment is denoted a particular coin value: Florin, Half Crown, Sixpence, Shilling, Threepence. 2/~ 2/6 6 D~. 1/~ 3 D~.coins, numismatics, 19th century, 20th century

Specific historical and contextual information pertaining to this object is unknown. There are no hallmarks or documentation to indicate provenance or historical significance. This coin purse appears to have a covering made of mother of pearl. Evidence of interest from over 20,000 years ago mark Aboriginal groups in Australia as some of the first people to value the power and beauty of pearlshell, while evidence of Australian pearlshell being taken across the sea to other countries dates back as early as the 1500s. The 1850s-60s saw the beginnings of the Australian pearling industry. Following the popularisation of plastic for items such as buttons the pearlshell market waned in the mid-twentieth century but was soon after began to re-forge in Australia with a new industry of cultured pearl farms. Most of Australian's pearling industry was initially located in Western Australia and off the Torres Strait Islands. The Australian War Memorial notes on their website that many tokens made from mother of pearl were sent home to loved ones throughout World Wars One and Two from the Middle East, England, the South West Pacific, Australia and elsewhere, but that unfortunately provenance such as the manufacture and sale of many of these items is not recorded.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small rectangular purse with silver edging and half clasp, covered in white and cream coloured shell (mother of pearl?)A01154burke museum, social history, accessories, mother of pearl, nacre, australian industry

The hallmarks on this silver cigarette case indicate that the object was made in Birmingham (anchor hallmark), is Stirling silver (lion hallmark), and was made 1900 (a hallmark) by the Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. (makers mark hallmark). The Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. was established in 1890-1891 at Fenchurch Street, London, forming an alliance with Sheffield cutler R F Mosley in 1900 before later moving to Birmingham. Dates of the exact move to Birmingham differ from site to site.The hallmarks on this object make it significant in the representation of silver wares made by the Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. which, when added to the other pieces of information available about this manufacturer, add to the information and history available. As the Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. was based in England, this is of international significance. The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small rectangular case silver in colour, with gold wash on the inside. The case has a clasp along one edge, a swirling floral design on its top, and two brown elastic straps on the inside.AC [over] MCo / Anchor symbol / Lion symbol / a [Hallmark inside case, lower LHS] Lion symbol / a [Hallmark inside case, upper RHSD]accessories, social history, burke museum, silver

Stamp cases/holders began being produced in the late 19th century, commonly made of gold, wood, and silver. In this case, the item is made of sterling silver and has patterns and details etched into the metal sheets that make up the case. Sterling silver is the standard alloy used in jewellery and detailed metalworks with its physical properties making it maleable and corrosion resistant, therefore a favourable metal to work with both across many centuriesn the past and present. Stamp cases where popularised by James Allen of Birmingham who created and registered the stamp holders he made. As they gained popularity, it was common for stamp holders to consist of multiple compartments holding various small items such as matches, strikers and of course stamps. Metalwork and silverwork has been a prominent proffession and artform historically and socially for many years. There are many different types of metal work to specialise in and distinct patterns and inscriptions for identifying the provenance of the item. Hallmarking is this proccess of inscribing the item, and consissts of four main components (including assaying) which can indicate the date of creation. Unfortunately this item has no hallmark, therefore it is relatively unknown where, what, when and who created it.This item is of social and historic significance as it highlights the importance of preserving histoical items. This item display's the intricate and highly skilled trades of the past with a glimpse into the social and cultural aspects of the beechworths' history.A small, silver stamp holder with decorative details etched into the metal. It has a small loop on the left side of the case, indicating it could be connected and held by a chain or ring. A01145 (obejct number): A01145 [object number inside stamp case] / STERLING SILVER [inscription inside stamp case]metalwork, silver, silverware, sterling silver, stamp holder, stamp case, burke museum, social history, burke museum collection, beechworth

The hallmarks on this vesta indicate that the vesta was made in Birmingham, England in 1901 by Minshull & Latimer. Vesta cases are small containers used to keep matches dry and prevent them from being ignited. There three types of vesta cases but the most popular design was the pocket vesta which could be hung from a chain and featured a ribbed bottom to strike a match.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small silver container with a hinged lid that has a ring attached to the top of it. There is an engraved pattern across the surface with a set of initials on the obverse of the case. The bottom of the case features a ribbed design.TD/ [initials engraved on obverse] M/ &/ L/ anchor symbol/ lion symbol/ b/ [hallmarks] A1194/vesta case, birmingham, 20th century, minshull & latimer, matchbox

Vesta cases, also known as match safes, are small boxes that are used to carry matches and keep them safe from the elements. In the early 1800's, it was common to carry matches, since some type of portable fire was needed to light lanterns and stoves. The matches of that day were crude compared to today's standards, and were known to light when making contact with each other, and sometimes even spontaneously. In order to alleviate this potentially hazardous situation, it made good sense to utilize a Vesta case or match safe. One of the more interesting features of the vesta case or match safes is that they almost always include some type of rough or ribbed surface, usually on the bottom of the case that is used for striking the matches. This vesta case is a portable pocket vesta. These cases take their name from the virgin Roman goddess of fire, home, hearth and family. Usually Vesta was depicted as the fire in her temple. Only Vestals (her priestesses) were allowed into her temple. Her association with fire made her name the natural choice for British companies that manufactured matches. The hallmarking of sterling silver is based on a combination of marks that makes possible the identification of origin and age. The town mark identifies the Assay Office where the item was verified. The town mark on this piece is an anchor, so it is from Birmingham, England. The lion passant certifies the silver quality, as at least 925. The maker's mark, identifying the silversmith presenting the piece to the assay office is D&LS for David and Lionel Spiers. The date letter identifies the year the piece was verified, this item was verified in 1885. Lionel Spiers was a significant figure in the Jewellery Quarter and in 1906 was chairman of the Jewellers and Silversmiths Association. The item also has NHILL 1928 engraved on the front, this is likely a recent addition to the piece. Nhill is a town in Victoria so it could be that the previous owner lived here or it was gifted in commemoration. The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.Silver vesta case with ribbed strike plate at the end and an etched design. D&LS/ lion symbol/ anchor symbol/ l/ Sovereign head/ [hallmarks] CHH/ NHILL 1928/ [obverse inscription] A01198/burke museum, silver, vesta, fire, silversmiths

Vesta cases, also known as match safes, are small boxes that are used to carry matches and keep them safe from the elements. In the early 1800's, it was common to carry matches, since some type of portable fire was needed to light lanterns and stoves. The matches of that day were crude compared to today's standards, and were known to light when making contact with each other, and sometimes even spontaneously. In order to alleviate this potentially hazardous situation, it made good sense to utilize a vesta case or match safe. One of the more interesting features of the vesta case or match safes is that they almost always include some type of rough or ribbed surface, usually on the bottom of the case that is used for striking the matches. This vesta case is the portable pocket vesta which also has a bale (ring) near the hinge so that they can be suspended from a chain. These cases take their name from the virgin Roman goddess of fire, home, hearth and family. Usually Vesta was depicted as the fire in her temple. Only Vestals (her priestesses) were allowed into her temple. Her association with fire made her name the natural choice for British companies that manufactured matches. The hallmarking of sterling silver is based on a combination of marks that makes possible the identification of origin and age. The town mark identifies the Assay Office where the item was verified. The town mark on this piece, three wheat sheaves and a sword identify Chester, in Cheshire, England as the town of creation. The lion passant guardant certifies the silver quality, as between 925 and 1000. The maker's mark, identifying the silversmith presenting the piece to the assay office is W.N. for William Neale. The date letter identifies the year the piece was verified, this case being verified in 1903. William Neale and Sons was a firm was established by William Neale in 1850 in Birmingham. His mark was entered at the Birmingham assay office in April 1862 and in the Chester assay office in September 1882. The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A silver vesta case with a ribbed strike plate at the end, a ring to attach the case to a chain and a cover that can be pushed up to open. W.N/ lion symbol/ Three Sheaves of Wheat and Sword/ C/ [hallmarks] A01169/silver, silversmith, burke museum, england, fire, vesta, william neale

While the date of when this box was made is unknown, there is an inscription on the lid that indicated that the item was owned by a J. E. Huderric in 1767. A snuffbox is a small decorative box used to store scented tobacco powder and were commonly used by men and women in the 17th and 18th century.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A decorated small black box. It is rectangular and opens up with a lid. The lid is decorated on the outside corners and a centre diamond shape using opal coloured flaked gems.J. E. Huderric 1767/ [inscribed on the lid] A01197/box, drugs, tobacco, 18th century

Vesta cases are small containers used to keep matches dry and prevent them from being ignited. There three types of vesta cases but the most popular design was the pocket vesta which could be hung from a chain and featured a ribbed bottom to strike a match. It is unknown when this vesta case was created but the lettering on the front of the case suggest that it was create in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. Boulogne-sur-Mer is a costal city in Northern France and is known for its maritime and trade history.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small white rectangular box. There are 6 nails both on the top and bottom keeping it closed. There is a small inscription on top in cursive lettering. One end is covered in a material used for crating sparks.Boulogne smer/ A01148/matchbox

Scent bottles are vessels used to store perfume. Humans have used scent bottles throughout history with the oldest scent bottle dating back to 1000 BCE Egypt.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A square brass bottle with a spheric lid featuring a geometric embossed pattern.A01193perfume, scent

The markers hallmarks on this match case have become illegible, however the remaining hallmarks show that the case was made in Birmingham, England in 1901. Match cases are a decorative case that houses a cardboard matchbox.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A silver rectangular match case with an embossed top.[?]/ [?]/ anchor symbol/ lion symbol/ b/ [hallmarks] A01168/matchbox

This detailed example of a match holding Vesta was owned by someone with the initials GBW but is otherwise difficult to identify ownership. Vestas are the historical name for what are now known as matches. They were named for the Roman goddess Vesta whose domain was the hearth and home. The Swan company began production of short matches, mostly useful for lighting pipes and cigarettes due to their deliberately short length. Due to their small size it became convenient to carry these Vestas within a Vesta Case kept somewhere on the person, large enough to contain enough matches for a days use. The cases prevented their contents from becoming damaged and damp while also stopping them from accidentally striking if held loose in a pocket. This example of a Vesta case is particularly ornate.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A decorative silver coloured vesta or match book. It has detailed engraving across the obverse and reverse sides with delicate scrollwork and a monogram set in a circular setting in the centre. The vesta has a hinged top and side loop to allow for attachment.GBW/ A01171/burke museum, vesta case, vesta, matches, silver, social history, luxury

Vestas are the historical name for what are now known as matches. They were named for the Roman goddess Vesta whose domain was the hearth and home. The Swan company began production of short matches, mostly useful for lighting pipes and cigarettes due to their deliberately short length. Due to their small size it became convenient to carry these Vestas within a Vesta Case kept somewhere on the person, large enough to contain enough matches for a days use. The cases prevented their contents from becoming damaged and damp while also stopping them from accidentally striking if held loose in a pocket. This is a simple example of a Vesta Case.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A decorative silver coloured vesta or match book. It has a raised crosshatch pattern in a circular pattern on the obverse side. The vesta has a hinged top and side loop to allow for attachment.A01199/burke museum, vesta case, vesta, matches, silver, social history

The exact creation of this Cigar Cutter is unknown, however the vintage nature and style of this cutter indicate that it was made in the early to mid 20th century. This cutter closely resembles the V-cut style of cigar cutter. These cutters are the most common type of cigar cutters and have been historically widely used. They cut a 'wedge' into the cigar cap rather than removing the whole cap like guillotine cutters do. This type of cut allows the smoker to get a deep cut into the V shaped cigar. Social history objects held in the Burke Museum help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the town's social, artistic and cultural community. This cutter shows significance through it's vintage artistic style and it's ability to show the social habits within Beechworth's history. A small bronze metallic cigar cutter with cigar insert on one side of the object and handle on the other side. A01152beechworth museum, cigar cutter, bronze, burke museum, social history

A propelling pencil is a type of mechanical pencil.The lead is manually pushed down a tube of matching diameter, and is friction-fit. A small rod inside the pencil pushes the lead forward, as needed, usually with a twist an action mechanism.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small propelling pencil that features a stone handle.writing equipment, pencil, mechanical pencil

A propelling pencil is a type of mechanical pencil.The lead is manually pushed down a tube of matching diameter, and is friction-fit. A small rod inside the pencil pushes the lead forward, as needed, usually with a twist an action mechanism.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small silver propelling pencil with a diamond patterned handle.England/ V. S. Lead/mechanical pencil, writing equipment, pencil

Quolls are small carnivorous marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea. Tjilpa is the name given to the quoll amongst the Northern Arrernte language group of Australian Aboriginal people. Quolls are primarily nocturnal and spend most of the day in a den. Of the six species of quoll, four are found in Australia and two in New Guinea. The six species vary in weight and size, from 300g to 7kg. They live in coastal heathlands, sub-alpine woodlands, temperate woodlands and forests, riparian forests and wet sclerophyll forests. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from either the Trustees of the Australian Museum or from the amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880 and mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee around the same time. When all taxidermy mounts were completed, they were quickly put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.Small quoll with a small round head, long body, and long, thin tail perched on a branch attached to a wooden mount. The quoll has four skinny legs which have long, dark claws. The quoll's hair is a fawn colour with cream spots. There are two black eyes made of glass, two short pointed ears and black whiskers.On wooden mount: BMM5897 /taxidermy, quoll, animal, australia, burke museum, beechworth, reynell eveleigh johns, taxidermy mount, marsupial

The A1 Gold Mine is located north of Woods Point, near Jamieson, in the Upper Goulburn region of Victoria. Gold was discovered at the A1 site in 1861 and mining operations began in 1864. The A1 Mine Settlement refers to a small township known variously as Castle Reef, Castle Point, and Raspberry Creek, which developed in the 1860s around mining industry centred on a crushing machine that worked the three gold reefs in the area. Historically, the name "A1"referred to the high quality of gold found in the quartz reefs at depths of at least two thousand feet. Along with the Morning Star mine at Woods Point, the A1 gold mine produced almost sixty percent of Victoria's gold output in the 1950s to 1970s and continued operating until 1992 when it went into administration. Operations at the site were revived in 2016 and the A1 Mine is now considered one of Victoria's premier gold mines. The A1 mine is part of the extensive and prospective Lachlan Fold Belt, a north-west trending belt of tightly folded Early Devonian sedimentary rocks extending from New South Wales to Victoria. Mineralisation is hosted within or immediately adjacent to diorite dykes. Contemporary development of the 'Queens Lode' at the A1 mine signals a move from high-grade, narrow vein airleg mining into larger scale, mechanical mining designed to increase ore production volume. This original, undated photograph of the A1 Mine appears to depict an area or phase of disuse or abandonment. The aged and humble appearance of the cottage suggests association with the historical A1 Mine Settlement, therefore the image may have been taken prior to the 1950s-1970s revival period in which the A1 mine is known to have produced high gold yields. The photograph contributes to our understanding of the A1 Gold Mine's impact on the landscape and the social, environmental impacts of mining on communities and may be compared with others in the Burke Museum's extensive collection of mining photographs to deepen our understanding of mining in the Jamieson area.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on photographic paperReverse: 5577 / A1 Mine / Near Jamieson / Vic. /burke museum, beechworth museum, beechworth, gold fields, gold rush, victorian gold rush, mining tunnels, gold ming history, colonial australia, australian gold rushes, mining technology, beechworth historic district, indigo gold trail, indigo shire, upper goulburn shire, jamieson, woods point-walhalla goldfield, a1 gold mine, victorian high country, modern mining methods, orogenic gold province, gold mineralisation, devonian, dykes

This image shows the approach to Beechworth from the south-west via the Newtown Bridge. Numerous early buildings line the road as it bifurcates to become Ford and High Streets on the ridge above Spring Creek and Newtown Falls. The sloping, rocky terrain and water course along the gorge show evidence of the intense mining activity that occurred at the site. The Ovens Gold Rush at Beechworth started when gold was found at Spring Creek in February 1852, prompting an influx of miners from around the world. The population grew over 20,000 by 1857. While the earliest mining at Beechworth was similar to that in other Victorian goldfields like Ballarat and Bendigo, Beechworth is notable for its use of hydraulic sluicing as a major method of removing wash-dirt. Hydraulic sluicing employs high pressure jets of water to blast away large areas of earth and wash it down to be run through a sluice box. Gold gets caught in the sluice and the remaining slurry is washed away. This method of mining is extremely effective but causes significant environmental impacts and damage to waterways. Large water quantities were required for large-scale sluicing, and the long water races and deep tailraces that were constructed in the Beechworth area in the nineteenth century are nonetheless considered feats of engineering. The site in the photograph is associated with the Rocky Mountain Mining Company who constructed an eight hundred meter tunnel under the township between 1876-1880 to reduce water levels at Spring Creek, which had been subject to diversions since the earliest days of alluvial mining. Over four million ounces of gold (115 tones) were found at Beechworth between 1852 and 1868, and the wealth from the gold rushes built Beechworth and the nationally significant buildings that remain standing today.This image shows the early development of the Beechworth township above Spring Creek, where gold was discovered in 1852. Evidence of hydraulic sluicing, a uniquely predominant method at Beechworth, and water-works engineering are present in the landscape. By the 1870s, alluvial gold deposits were depleted and increasingly complex engineering was required so deeper shafts could reach bedrock. This image is significant for understanding changes to the landscape and the evolution of mining methods and engineering practices related to the extensive construction, manipulation and management of water networks. The shift from smaller scale alluvial mining to larger company dominance in the mining industry has implications for understanding wider social, economic, political and industrial changes in the region of Beechworth and within the context of the Victorian Gold Rush more broadly. A black and white rectangular reproduction photograph printed on photographic paper. burke museum, beechworth museum, beechworth, gold fields, gold rush, victorian gold rush, hydraulic sluicing, rocky mountain mining company, spring creek, netwown falls, mining tunnels, water races, tailraces, colonial australia, australian gold rushes, mining technology, beechworth historic district, indigo gold trail, migration, indigo shire, gold mining, gold mining history

This photograph depicts mining operations within the Beechworth area, in an unidentified valley where sluicing was utilised as a method for extracting gold from the environment. After gold was discovered in the region in 1851, sluicing became a characteristic of gold mining in the region - "Ovens miners carved intricate networks of races" throughout the region - involved the diversion of water in many channels, or water races, which contained inbuilt 'ripple devices' designed to trap gold for later extraction. By 1871, 900 miles of water races had been cut into the Beechworth Mining District. As suggested by the numerous figures involved in labouring along the water race, sluicing was a source of considerable employment within the region. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about sluicing and the methods used to find gold in the 1850s, and provides clues as to how sluicing and the widespread construction of water ranges changed the environment of the region. This image is important for current research into the history of the Ovens region in Victoria, which played such a prominent role in the early Australian gold mining industry. Therefore, this image has the capacity to be beneficial for research into society and the motivations of those living and working in this region during this period and therefore, has social significance. The Beechworth Burke Museum has additional images relating to gold sluicing and and the mining activities in the area more generally, which can be analysed and studied alongside images like this one.A black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperbeechworth, mining, miners, labour, water race, sluicing

After gold was discovered to be deposited "for miles along Woolshed Valley" in the early 1850s, the Woolshed became a major site of mining activity in the north-east . This region was divided into large claims of 80 yards long, one of which was the one depicted in this photograph, called 'Big Johnson's Claim'. Claims such as this utilised a range of technology, including water wheels, steam engines, sluices and toms, most of which would not arrive until after 1856 when this photograph was taken. The Woolshed initially became prosperous in 1855, and labourers, such as the ones depicted in this photograph, engaged in sinking work for 7 pounds a week, whilst other mining labourers could earn up to nine. The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray an open cut sluicing site can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about the operations of mining claims, particularly of the Woolshed Valley area that this photograph documents. This image is important for current research into the history of Woolshed, which was a major site of mining significance and operations. Therefore, this image has the capacity to be beneficial for research into society and the motivations of those living and working in this region during this period and therefore, has social significance. The Beechworth Burke Museum has additional images relating to gold sluicing and the Woolshed area which can be analysed and studied alongside images like this one. A black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 7791 / page 34. / 52% / Big Johnstone / Claim on Woolshed Goldfields / 1856 / Note canvas [illegible] building / Burke Museum /woolshed, mining, claims, mining claims, big johnson, gold

This photograph depicts the Great Southern Mine located in Rutherglen as it was during the 1900. After the initial Gold Rush of 1853-1854, Gold was discovered deeper under the surface of the earth in the 1860 after the discovery of another deep lead system. Due to the discovery of Gold in Rutherglen, Rutherglen developed into a community in its own right, possessing a population of 6600 by December 1860 and developed into a municipality in 1862. The Great Southern Mine depicted in this photograph required the use of a range of modern technologies, including the hydraulic pumps, in order to reach gold. This photo depicts the mining operations as they were undertaken around the turn of the century.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray a modern mining operation undertaken in the 1860s, can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about the methods used to extract gold in 1900. It is significant as most mining operations around the region, particularly earlier on in the period, used different technologies such as water races. This image is important for current research into the history of Rutherglen more generally, a town which developed singlehandedly due to the discovery of minerals and mining, as depicted here in this photograph, thus indicating an element of social significance as well as historic. The Beechworth Burke Museum has additional images relating to mining and Rutherglen which can be analysed and studied alongside images like this one.A black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: $ 3.00 19972503 / a02503 / Great Southern Mine Rutherglen 1900rutherglen mine, rutherglen, great southern mine, beechworth, mine, mining, post goldrush, victoria, gold, 1860s, sluicing, hydrolic sluicing

The photograph, captured around 1900, depicts a large group of minors located in Beechworth. Importantly, this photograph can provide information into the clothing and fashion of minors during this period of history. These men wear loose fitting shirts which are mostly a pale white colour, several wear vests and/or jackets and loose fitting trousers with boots. The majority of men wear wide brimmed hats to protect their skin and eyes from the sunlight. One man has a wooden pipe in his mouth and a few have ties/neckerchief's tied around their necks. The outfits of these miners has the potential to provide insight into their social status, these men are all dressed equally which provides the notion that they are of equal societal standing. The outfits of these miners dating to the 1900s is not dissimilar to photographs of those captured in the 1880s. The location of this photograph is not easy to interpret, but the photograph is recorded to have been taken in the Beechworth region. Displayed in this image is some wild shrubbery and grass where the men are standing/sitting and behind the group is a tin wall or even tin building. At the end of 1899, companies were continuing to search for gold in Beechworth and the surrounds but these attempts were not overly successful. In the early 1900's Quartz mining was occurring but this was done by individuals or smaller parties. It is unclear if these men are mining for gold or for quartz.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, the study of images like this one which portrays some of the miners who worked behind-the-scenes for these discoveries has the potential to reveal important information regarding society, fashion etc. The date when the photograph was taken is vague but it allows us to form a timeline of mining activities in the North East. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about society at the time, regarding fashion (which can potentially reveal social status) and mining in Beechworth in 1900. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on board.Reverse: BMM 8032/ Group(?) Beechworth Mines about 1900/ 80quartz, north east gold, sluicing, gold sluicing, hydraulic sluicing, mining, gold mining, north-east victoria, beechworth, burke museum, 1900, group, miners, hats, vests, ties, wild shrubs, tin, quartz mining

Sand goannas are the second largest species of carnivorous lizards found across mainland Australia. They can grow up to 160cm in length and can weigh as much as 6kg. Their common name is derived from "iguana", since early European bush settlers in Australia likened goannas to the South American lizards. Goannas retain special cultural and historic significance within Australian folklore and Indigenous culture. They were an important traditional native food source and are commonly represented in Aboriginal Dreamtime stories. In some Aboriginal languages, the sand goanna is called "bungarra"; a term also commonly used by non-Aboriginal people in Western Australia. In Pitjantjatjara and other central Australian languages, goannas are called "tingka". This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.Small goanna with a streamlined body and textured scaly skin in different shades of olive and brown. It has a long neck and a long tail which narrows towards the tip. The goanna has four short, stocky legs which meet with large, curled claws. Its mouth is slightly slightly open, and it has two black glass eyes.On tag: BMM / 5892 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, lizard, goanna, sand goanna, monitor lizard, various gouldii

There is no known information about the species of snake that this skin belongs to. However, generally speaking, Australia has over two hundred known species of snakes. They are elongated, legless and carnivorous reptiles with scaly, textured skin. Snakes are especially important in Aboriginal dreaming, representing one of the great and powerful forces of nature and spirit. In the Rainbow Serpent Dreamtime story, they are considered the great life giver and protector of water, which is their spiritual home. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.Caramel coloured long snake skin curled around in an oval shape.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, snake skin, snake, reptile

The Freshwater Crocodile can measure up to 3 meters and is generally not considered to be a threat to humans. They reside in Northern Australia, Western Australia and the northern part of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. They live in freshwater environments and make burrows among the roots of trees which fringe the waters they can be found in. This species of Crocodile mainly feed on invertebrate and vertebrate prey which includes insects, spiders, frogs, fish and small birds and mammals. They are also recognized as "cannibalistic" with the older Freshwater Crocodile occasionally preying on young hatchlings. These crocodiles are known for their "high walk" which they do to move on land. It is named "high walk" because the animal lifts their body off the ground using their long legs for height. They are able to walk considerable distances on land using this technique. In captivity, Freshwater Crocodiles are known to be hostile and aggressive to others of its species. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Freshwater Crocodile has a slender snout which is much smaller and thinner than its Saltwater counterpart. This specimen has dark grey and brown colouring with the darker colours concentrated around the face and upper torso of the Crocodile. There are darker stripes along the tail which features triangular scales and is long in length. The teeth are visible and bright yellow glass has been used to replace the eyes of this particular specimen. The crocodile has long but thin limbs which protrude from the sides of the body.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, crocodile, freshwater crocodile, johnstone's crocodile