60lbs rail that was used throughout the Victorian rail network. In 1887 Gibbs, Bright and Co. had a contract with Victorian Railways for railway and canal construction and supply of Krupp Rails. Gibbs, Bright and Co were merchant bankers and shipping agents and merchants who where also Directors of the GWR ( Great Western Railway ) and the Ship The "Great Britain" in England Gibbs, Bright and Company had principally been involved in shipping and trading, mainly in the West Indies, but following the discovery of gold in Victoria they established an office in Melbourne and soon became one of the leading shipping agents and merchants in the Colony. They expanded into passenger shipping and soon established offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide and Perth as well as launching passenger services between England, Mauritius and New Zealand. Gibbs, Bright also held a number of financial agencies from British mortgage, finance and investment companies as well as representing several British insurance companies in Australia. In addition they conducted a growing import business as well as an export business that included livestock, dairy produce, wool and flour. Also the company played a substantial part in the development of Australia's mineral resources, starting with lead in 1895, and later venturing into tin, gold, copper, cement and super phosphates. In Australia, after WWI, many of the larger companies were managing their own import and export so Gibbs, Bright and Company tended to focus its Agency business on smaller companies while expanding their interest into other markets such as timber, wire netting, zinc, stevedoring, road transport, marine salvage, gold mining as well as mechanical, structural, electrical and marine engineering. The Company's shipping interests continued to grow as well and still formed a major part of its business. In 1948 the parent company in England took the major step from tradition when they changed the business from a partnership into a private limited company. The name was the same, Antony Gibbs and Sons Limited, and in practice the effect of the change was very little. Some of the firm's branches and departments had already become limited companies and the formation of a parent company simplified the structure. The Australian operation was in time changed to Gibbs Bright & Co Pty Ltd in 1963. In 1848 Alfred Krupp becomes the sole proprietor of the company which from 1850 experiences its first major growth surge. In 1849 his equally talented brother Hermann (1814 - 1879) takes over the hardware factory Metallwarenfabrik in Berndorf near Vienna, which Krupp had established together with Alexander Schöller six years earlier. The factory manufactures cutlery in a rolling process developed by the brothers. Krupp's main products are machinery and machine components made of high-quality cast steel, especially equipment for the railroads, most notably the seamless wheel tire, and from 1859 to an increased extent artillery. To secure raw materials and feedstock for his production, Krupp acquires ore deposits, coal mines and iron works. On Alfred Krupp's death in 1887 the company employs 20,200 people. His great business success is based on the quality of the products, systematic measures to secure sales, the use of new cost-effective steel-making techniques, good organization within the company, and the cultivation of a loyal and highly qualified workforce among other things through an extensive company welfare system. From 1878 August Thyssen starts to get involved in processing the products manufactured by Thyssen & Co., including the fabrication of pipes for gas lines. In 1882 he starts rolling sheet at Styrum, for which two years later he sets up a galvanizing shop. The foundation stone for Maschinenfabrik Thyssen & Co. is laid in 1883 with the purchase of a neighboring mechanical engineering company. In 1891 August Thyssen takes the first step toward creating a vertical company at the Gewerkschaft Deutscher Kaiser coal mine in [Duisburg-]Hamborn, which he expands to an integrated iron and steelmaking plant on the River Rhine. Just before the First World War he starts to expand his group internationally (Netherlands, UK, France, Russia, Mediterranean region, Argentina). info from The company thyssenkrupp - History https://www.thyssenkrupp.com/en/company/history/the-founding-families/alfred-krupp.htmlHistoric - Victorian Railways - Track Rail - made by Krupp in 1888Section of VR Krupp 1888 Rail mounted on a piece of varnished wood. Rail made of ironpuffing billy, krupp, rail, victorian railways

In 1879, James Griffiths established one of Australia’s first tea and coffee distribution companies at 30 Flinders St, Melbourne, which is now, occupied by the boutique Lindrum Hotel. Established with his brother John, recent immigrants from England, Griffiths occupied the highest position in the commercial world during their many years as distributors of tea, coffee, cocoa and other products throughout Victoria and Australia. The Griffiths brand was a guarantee for quality of product and service as it still is today. This extensive service was provided to customers via horse drawn carts serviced by rail from Melbourne. As a spirited entrepreneur, Griffiths made his company a household name through his pioneering use of outdoor advertising by installing the infamous blue and white enamel “Griffiths Tea” promotional signs affixed to the railway boundary fences highlighting to travellers the distance to or from Melbourne, indicating so many “— miles to Griffiths Tea”. These signs, much sought after today, were well known through out the eastern states. Photographs have been published of a sign erected by a Digger in France during the First World War with the words “1100 miles to Griffiths Bros”. Tragically, James and his wife Emily with friends died in a level rail crossing accident at Bayswater in 1925. Despite this unfortunate accident, Griffiths and its culture of innovation has survived as one of the few 100% Australian owned coffee roasters, with only three owners in 128 years. http://www.griffithscoffee.com.au/about-us/back-to-1879/ Sign - Advertising - Griffiths Tea Sign - 30 MilesHistoric - Sign - Advertising - Griffiths Tea Sign - used along side of Victorian Railway lines and at StationsSign - Advertising - Griffiths Tea Sign - 30 Miles Griffiths Tea sign made of Enamel paint on metal sign30 Miles to Griffiths Tea Sign puffing billy, sign - advertising - griffiths tea sign - 30 miles

This Honour Shield was the work of the school Sloyd pupils and Head Teacher. The honour book written by the Head Teacher Mr Thomas Kidman contains the names of 14 past students of Docker's Plains Primary School who served during the First World War. Handwritten summary of service pertaining to each past student including Nurse Alice M BYRNE who served in Egypt and France.Honour Board in the shape of a shield and carved from timber originally made by the Sloyd students and head teacher of Docker's Plains State School in 1921. The Honour Board centrally houses a casket with glass door containing a velvet covered book containing the names of 14 past students who served during World War 1. When the school closed in the 1940's resident were invited the take items and William Richardson, brother of Private Leslie George Richardson who died in June 1916 from meningitis prior to embarkation, chose the shield and framed photograph collection which his mother contributed to. After William died in 1964 and his wife in 1977 their daughter Clarice and husband Jim Tobias took on guardianship prior to donating to the RSL in 2003.An honour board in the shape of a shield ornamental carved ornamental from wood featuring a glass faced casket mounted in the centre,Our Boys Docker's Plains Honor Bookdocker plains, ww1, docker plains state school

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France was sent to his wife at home, 1917.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered pink flower and green foliate decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "From your husband" (embroidered) Back: "Write soon / Best Love / to West / do not forget to / send that / France / Jan 23/1/1917 / My Dear Alice / Just a P.C. to let you know I'm still well and hope you are all the same Best love / to all from Will xxxxxxxxxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, paris depose, fabrication francaise

Mirage. One of a collection of 25 model aircraft made by Brian Anthony DOWD Mirage is a name given to several types of jet aircraft designed by the French company Dassault Aviation (formerly Avions Marcel Dassault), some of which were produced in different variants. Most were supersonic fighters with delta wings.Green & brown fighter plane on a stand.A3-100model airplanes, mirage.

Commemorative scroll sent to the next of kin of Private Rupert James Cavanagh MOORE 6852 attached to the 3rd Machine Gun Battalion and who made the ultimate sacrifice.- killed in action on 13/7/1918 in France. MOORE was born in Wangaratta, Victoria and a Printer when enlisted on 6/2/1917.In 1922 a Memorial Scroll was presented to the next of kin of those soldiers, sailors, and nurses who died while serving in the Australian Imperial Force or Royal Australian Navy during the First World War. Later they were presented with a Next of Kin Memorial Plaque. The Memorial Scroll bears the Royal Coat of Arms and a message paying tribute to the soldiers who gave up "their own lives that others might live in freedom". Cream paper scroll with Coat of Arms above ten lines of black writing and two lines in red ink.Pte. Rupert James Cavanagh Moore 3rd M.G.Bn., A.I.F.pte rupert james cavanagh moore, kia, wangaratta, ww1

Four material sewing samplers made by Molly Burns, Form 2D, at Williamstown High School, possibly in the 1940s. Samples are of: french seam, patching and darning.williamstown high school, 1940s, needlework, molly burns, sewing

The Small Box Respirator (SBC) was a British gas mask of the First World War and a successor to the Large Box Respirator. In late 1916, the respirator was introduced by the British with the aim to provide reliable protection against chlorine and phosgene gases. The respirator offered a first line of defence against these. The use of mustard gas, was begun by the Germans; a vesicant ("blister agent") that burnt the skin of individuals that were exposed to it. Death rates were high with exposure to both the mixed phosgene, chlorine and mustard gas, however with soldiers having readily available access to the small box respirator, death rates lowered significantly. Light and reasonably fitting, the respirator was a key piece of equipment to protect soldiers on the battlefield.The Small Box Respirator ('SBR') proved to be the most effective gas mask produced during the First World War, and had a number of advantages over its French and German contemporaries.Canvas bag containing Small Box Respirator consisting of a rubberised fabric face mask, connected by a fabric covered rubber hose to a canister made of tin plate containing a chemical absorbent.gas mask, ww1

The 59th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army. Initially raised for service during World War I, the battalion fought on the Western Front in France and Belgium between 1916 and 1918, before being disbanded in 1919. In 1921, it was re-raised as a part-time unit of the Militia in Victoria. They remained in existence until 1942 when, due to a manpower shortage in the Australian economy, the decision was made to amalgamate the battalion with the 58th Battalion to form the 58th/59th Battalion. Together they remained linked throughout World War II, serving in New Guinea and Bougainville in 1943–1945. In 1952, the 59th Battalion was re-raised and subsequently was absorbed into the Royal Victoria Regiment in 1960.Brown timber frame containing cream coloured mount and photograph of large group of soldiers and bandsmenPlaque -59th Militia Circa 193959th militia, ww1, ww2, 1939

Tribute of honor from the Carboor Welcome Home Committee and surrounding district, to Mr and Mrs John Nolan in appreciation of the service rendered to the Empire by their son Pte Evan Nolan who made the supreme sacrifice.- dated 1st February 1921. Service number 3436 Pte Evan Nolan aged 21 years died of wounds on September 20th 1918 in hospital at Rouen France. He served with the 59th Battalion and is buried at St Sever Cemetery in Rouen. Black leather bound folder with gold coloured writing in centre front of border. Folder contains a tribute document and photograph of soldier.To Mr & Mrs John Nolan Carboor 1st February 1921.pte evan nolan, carboor, wwi, 59th battalion

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered beige, brown and yellow flower and foliate decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "From a loving heart" (embroidered) Back: "To my dear Alice / Best love from Will xxxxxx / xxxxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, paris depose, fabrication francaise

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered pink flower, green foliate and yellow rising sun decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "To my dear Wife" (embroidered) Back: "Best love from your loving / H[usband] ??????? France ???? 1919 / ???? presents / money on ??? to not / so you keep ?????"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered pink, purple flowers green foliate decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "To my dear Daughter" (embroidered) Back: "France / 23/1/1916 / To Dear Little Enid / From Daddy Dear / Best Love / xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home, 1917. Mentioned in postcard George Buse 2208 born Yarraville who enlisted on 10/9/1914 aged 21 years 3 months. He embarked on 20/10/1914 and returned to Australia in 1919. He was a Driver with the 10th ASC,Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered pink flowers, green foliate and blue winged butterfly decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "To my dear Wife" (embroidered) Back: "To Enid from dad xx / xxxxxx / France / Feb 26/2/1917 / My Dear Alice / Just a PC to let you I'm still well and hope are all the same I have not see Joe lately I may see him sometime or the other I hope you enjoyed yourself on your holidays they will do you good. I'm in a rest station I have not been too well I think I will be back with the battalion in a few days you can tell ??[ma]?? I met Pugger Loney he is in the 15 ambulance he looks well and it just as fat as ever I'm goin gover to see youn George Buse tomorrow well I have not much new to tell only all is well so I will now close with best love from loving husband Will xxxxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, william west 1268, george buse 2208

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered sailing boast with flying french flag and union jack. Also pink, blue flowers and green foliate decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "To my dear Wife" (embroidered) Back: "My dear Alice / France / Just a PC to let you know I'm well and hope you are all the same I have not see Joe yet over here but I believe he is alright so far well there not much news to tell you get more news over there than we do. I hope Jack and Father are working. I wrote to Jack he aut to have my letters by now well this all the news ???? as long as you know I'm well ?????? bye best love Will xxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered flowers and green foliate decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "I THINK OF YOU" (embroidered) Back: "Write Soon / O[ct]? / To Enid / From [Dad] / Best [lo]ve / xxxxx" wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered butterfly representing the flags and colours of different countries. Front: "FROM YOUR SOLDIER BOY" (embroidered) wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered yellow rising sun, crown, banner and foliate decoration. Handwritten message on backFront: "FROM 5TH PIONEER BATTALION FRANCE" "KEEP SMILING" (embroidered) Back: "To Enid best love from Dad xxxxxx / France June 28/6/1917" "My Dear Mary / just a pc to let you know I'm still well and hope you are all the same I have not seen Joe yet is is still warm over here yet we have been out shooting to day I feel tired. I wish it was all over I full up of it. I seen Dexter the other night he is looking well on it ?? I'm beginning to think it is never going to end well this all at present love Will love from your loving husband xxx / xxxx " wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard (portrait orientation) with embroidered cross representing flags and colours of different countries. Flower and foliate decoration beneath. Handwritten message on backFront: "THE CROSS OF THE ALLIES" (embroidered) Back: "to Enid from Dad / best love little girlie xxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered numbers representing flags and colours of different countries. Front: "1914 / 1915 / 1916 / 1917" "Souvenir from France" (embroidered)wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered yellow, orange, red, white rising sun badge, green banner and english maritime flags.Front: "AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH" "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces" (embroidered) Back: "To Alice best of love from loving husband Will xxxxxxx write soon"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered foliate and flowers, laurel wreath beneath oval union jack and crown. Handwritten message on back.Back: "To Enid From Dad / With best love / from France xxxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in Egypt to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered foliate and flowers bordering a message. Handwritten message on back.Front: "Remind / France" (embroidered) Back: "1268 2 of 5 Pioneers Battalion" "Egypt / May 28 1916" "My dear Alice just a PC to let you know I'm well and hope you are all the same I got a letter from you yesterday and Enid PC but I have not got the money yet did you ??? if you need not send enny more till I send for it well I have not seen joe since you say you are goin gto town for a trip it will not hurt you i wish I was going to will my eyes are a bit weak yet it is the sand and flys. well this is all at present. Best love to all from your loving husband Will xxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered flags. Handwritten message on back.Front: "Victory / and / Liberty" (embroidered) Back: "To Alice from Will / Best love / hope you are all well as it leave me at present / xxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered flags, foliate and flowers. Handwritten message on back.Back: "My dear Alice / just a PC to let you ???? Joe ??? well and hope you are all the same / plenty of beer / best love Will xxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered scene depicting two brown sail boats and vase of pink flowers. Handwritten message on back.Front: "To my Wife" (embroidered) Back: "My dear Alice just a PC to let you know I'm still well I heard Joe is in Hospital with a sore throught I have not heard from you latly this is all at present all well and hope you are all the same / best love Will xxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale