The firm Dring and Fage were active from 1790 to 1940 in London and were manufacturers of hydrometers and mathematical instruments they became established in London in 1790 by John Dring, who was a brass worker and hydrometer maker, and William Fage. Dring and Fage manufactured also saccharometers and other instruments used to measure the strength of alcohol. These instruments were primarily used to calculate excises. They traded at various addresses in London and they were at 56 Stamford St. between 1903 and 1938. By 1850 the company was owned by Edward Hall and Edward Jenkin and in 1940 the company became Dring & Fage Ltd, trading till the 1960s. Historically, gauging has meant measuring a volume, these gauging instruments were used by Customs and Excise and manufacturers for determining the volume and contents of liquid containers. For Customs the determination and collection of duty on imported goods which has had a very long history. Chaucer was a Customs Officer as was his father and grandfather, excise was first officially introduced in 1643, with the aim of maintaining military forces raised by the English Parliament at that time. Excise was initially a duty on home produced alcoholic beverages and soap but being easily applied, spread rapidly to a wide range of goods including imports of varying kinds. The government departments of Customs and Excise merged only in 1909 and it is from around this time that our instrument was made and used. The item demonstrates a long social history of the practice of Government's collecting duty on alcoholic beverages and thereby makes this item historically significant as it was used locally at Port Fairy by the ports Customs agents. Gauging rod or bung rod; ullaging gauge. Long brown wooden gauging rod with brass tips and sliding brass marker. Measurements are marked along the length of the rod. Used for measuring volume of liquor in casks in order for Customs to calculate excise (tax) on the contents. Made by Dring & Fage, London.Engraved “Dring & Fage 56 Stamford St London flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, gauging rod, ullaging rods, measuring instruments, customs tax, dring & fage, alcohol measurement

Lamp chrome for table has filigree pattern on base. Glass Chimney of lamp is missing.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Container metal round with hinged lid, handle at top & lock at front painted cream.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

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 (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 licensed 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.The shotgun is not in pristine condition and is not very significant historically or valuable, although made by a well known and respected manufacturer of firearms there are many better examples of Issac Hollis and Sons shotguns in collections and for sale. This particular example is of a standard pattern for utilitarian use of which many were made.Shotgun, double barrel, 12 gauge, with cleaning rod. Right barrel has been cut shorter and has sharp edges on the muzzle. Metal stock extension, cleaning rod comprising 3 pieces that screw together. Gun is stored in a black painted, wooden case with hinged lid. Inscribed "I. HOLLIS & SONS", SN 84245. "I. HOLLIS & SONS". SN on stock “84245”. Badge on both sides “Crown [symbol] / BV”. “Crown [symbol] / NP”, “12G inside Diamond [symbol]”, “NITRO PROOF”, “STEEL 84245” Paper note included with gun, written in felt tip pen “ENTERPRISE”. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shotgun, double barrel shotgun, isaac hollis and son, birmingham, i hollis and sons, gun makers, sporting firearm, south african firearm market, rifles for british government, hollis, bentlely and playfair

Axe head Butterfly pattern or Bow-Tie.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, axe head

No contextual information available at this time give the items usual design and no makers markings writer believes item is from the 1860s either American, British or could be of continental origin.An early tool significant because of it's unique design writer cannot find one like it during researching the item.Metal Brace possibly for gas fitter has leather in centre, (owner installed)Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Ring Auger, Double Twist with Lead Screw. Square shaft with chamfered edges, Bit 2" 630mm L .flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Ring Auger, Double Twist with Lead Screw, bit �" length 585mmflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Tin snips metal scissor shaped object flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Pincers metal hand forgedflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Marcelling is a hair styling technique in which hot curling tongs are used to induce a curl into the hair. Its appearance was similar to that of a finger wave but it is created using a different method. Marcelled hair was a popular style for women's hair in the 1920s and 30s often in conjunction with a bob cut. For those women who had long hair, it was common to tie the hair at the nape of the neck and pin it above the ear with a stylish hairpin or flower. Accounts vary about the invention of the style, but Marcel Grateau (1852–1936) is widely credited with inventing the hair styling technique in the 1870s. He started with a small salon in Montmartre, Paris where his clients were the poorer classes. As he developed the waving method that would later become the Marcel wave, using heated curling irons, The inventor and stylist emigrated to the United States and changed his name to François Marcel Woelfflé, sometimes reported as François Marcel. He was granted U.S. patents for implements for performing the technique; the first, U.S. patent 806386, entitled "Curling-Iron", was published in 1905, and the second, entitled "Hair-Waving Iron", for an electric version, under the name François Marcel, was published in 1918. His obituary appeared under the name Francois Marcel Grateau in 1936. Originally the irons had to be heated in the fire, but hair easily got burnt until 1924 when electric irons were invented and the temperature could be regulated. A significant item that gives us a snapshot not only into women's hairstyles of the 1920s and 1930s but a look into the social norms of that era. Therefore the item is of social interest in regards to the story it tells and the development of women's fashion in hair styling.Marcel Tongs, metal, used to impart a hair wave by heating and crimping the hairNoneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, tongs, curling tongs, hairdressing

Ring Auger, Double Twist with Lead Screw, �" bit, 580mm long, with shaped wooden handle.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Printers clamp.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Bevel gauge for a bench saw - large metal semi circular attached to a straight wood handle. Device shaped like a protractor flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Box wooden with rope handles & hinged lid 970mm x 440mm x 440mmflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Spirit level, small, wood with metal around the ends and the glass levels. Comprises both verticle and horizontal levels. Horisontal level is divided into 2 by metal surround. Imperial measurements are impressed into wood on both sides of the ruler.Impreial measurements are impressed into the wood on both sides.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, spirit level, cabinet making, wood working, wood working tool, building tool

Bevel Gauge - woodenflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Hacksaw all metal with hollow handle and USA stamped on the side. Has a knurled pattern with an eagle motif in middle.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Mitre Square all metal large. Disston stamped on handle.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

This file would be used by a tradesperson or home handyman to smooth the edges of the wooden piece he or she was working on. The surfaces of the file would be of different abrasiveness to suit different stages of the job. A file would be part of a woodworker's tool kit.The design of a file hasn't altered significantly over the last century. This file is an example of an early 20th century file but would be at home in the workshop today.Large file with wooden handle. Brass collar sits between handle and file.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, file, woodworking, carpentry, tool, trade

Gentleman's Bit Brace, metal with wooden handle screw in chuck & wingnut. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Gauge screw at end. Screw is missingflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Hacksaw with wooden handle. Handle attached to metal body by one rivetflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Soldering iron small round and fine pointflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Bullets for early firearms were made as lead balls in iron scissor moulds. The moulds had scissor action, with ends shaped as a hollow half-sphere that formed a ball when the handles closed. Melted lead was poured into a small filling hole in the top of the closed mould. When the lead was set the handles were opened and the ball was released from the mould. Excess lead was trimmed using the cutting edge of the mould. The task of pouring the melted lead into the mould had to be performed slowly so that air pockets didn’t form. The shot would have a join line around it, which would make it inaccurate; the join needed to be carefully filed to make the ball into a smooth sphere. Larger quantities of lead shot were often cast in a multi-bullet mould that was used in a similar way. Lead shot mould; cast iron, scissor type metal object with sphere shaped mould at end used to make lead shot balls for a shotgun. Mould has a cutting edge to trim off excess lead.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, firearms, bullet, cast bullet, lead ball, lead shot, scissor mould

This large compass is well made. It is now pitted and scratched, indication much use. Compasses were used to measure and mark out the head of the barrel by coopers. Very large compasses were used by block, spar and pump makers to help shave off angles left by axes and other tools on mast sides. Also they were used by blacksmiths in their work draftsmen, carpenters, engineers and navigators.This compass is an example of a drawing instrument that could have been used in the 19th and early 20th century by coopers and blacksmiths as well as navigators and ship smiths.Compass; large metal compass, 90-degree angle, two pointed arms hinged at the top. Inscription on the top of one arm.Stamped into the metal " J J E " ( or J J F )flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, compass, drawing instrument, measuring instrument, scientific instrument, draftsman, technical drawing, navigation, engineering, blacksmith, cooper, plumber

This file would be used by a tradesperson or home handyman to smooth the edges of the wooden piece he or she was working on. The surfaces of the file would be of different abrasiveness to suit different stages of the job. A file would be part of a woodworker's tool kit.This design of this file has been used since at least the early 20th century and can be found in stores today.File; small metal three-sided file with wooden handle.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, file, three-sided file, carpentry, woodwork, guilding, tradesman

This marking gauge has a round head. It is a hand-powered tool and is used to measure and mark a scribed line onto the surface of the wood for the purpose of cutting or aligning. It would have been used by a tradesperson such as a cabinet maker, wood worker or carpenter. The hand tool shows signs of much use. It appears to be appreciated as a tool due to the initials carved into the side of the block. The marking gauge is an example of a hand powered woodworking tool used over the past few centuriesMarking gauge: wooden staff with half-round block secured by a wedge. there is a metal marker on one end. Inscription "WS" crudely engraved in end of block.Carved "W.S."flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, hand tool, woodwork, marking gauge, w.s., measuring tool

Brad Awl, wooden handled and blade, L 14.8cm. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

This small metal plane was manufactured in 1909 by Spiers-Stewart, Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland. Stewart Spiers began making planes in Ayr in around 1840. The business continued successfully as a small operation until the mid-1930s.This plane is an example of tools made overseas and used in the 1900's. Box plane; hand operated small metal plane with round wooden knob. Plane has separate blade and blade cap. Inscription on blade cap is indecipherable. Originally marked as made by Spiers."SPIERS"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime-museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, tradesman's tool, plane, box plane, tool, spiers-stewart, early 20th century, scotland, hand tool, stewart spiers, spiers, woodworking