(Source: The First One Hundred Years by R.S. Medew and I.M. Bowman - A History of The Medew Family in Victoria - page 11 extracts) - Charles Turner Medew (1829-1915 ) arrived in Victoria from England in 1857. He eventually settled in Ringwood as the original purchaser of Crown Allotment 32, Section C, where he built his own home in 1888 and became well known locally "for his fine building work and stone masonry." ... "In his retirement, Charles Medew experimented with model helicopters. About 1910, at the age of 80 years, he was able to raise these helicopters to such a point of efficiency that, just with an elastic wound propeller, when released they could fly upwards to the height of the large oak trees." ... "(Also) In 1910, Charles obtained plans and made a model of the Wright Brothers' biplane entirely of wood, with laminated wood propeller and driven by twisted elastic bands." This model remained in his workshop for many years after his death and with his family's permission was eventually placed in the Melbourne Science Museum.3 pencil drawings showing assembled parts and sectional views of a model helicopter.

A penknife, or pen knife, is a small folding knife. It was originally used to describe a knife used for cutting or sharpening a quill to make a dip pen nib. Originally, penknives were used for thinning and pointing quills to prepare them for use as writing instruments and, later, for repairing or re-pointing the quills. They did not necessarily have folding blades, but resembled a scalpel or wood knife by having a short, fixed blade at the end of a long handle. Today a penknife can have single or multiple blades, and with additional tools incorporated into the design. The most famous example of a multi-function penknife is the Swiss Army knife A folding pen-knife with 2 stainless steel bladeson long blade end; STAINLESS / MADE IN / SHEFFIELDpen-knife, scouts, cheltenham, moorabbin, bentleigh, tools, early settlers

The Butcher Mr Bill Ellin delivering meat to Mrs J.L.Smith in front of the house Law Muir Den 510 Centre Rd Bentleigh c 1915. Groceries, Ice, Milk, Bread, Eggs, Poultry were delivered to housewives by the traders in horse drawn carts, Also Hawkers and Pedlars plied their wares by visiting the cottages. John Logan Smith 1860-1932 , the son of Irish immigrants James and Marianne Smith was born at their home near the 'Toll Gates' on Point Nepean Road and Dendy Street. East Brighton. At that time the area had many orchards that were later replaced by market gardens. J.L.Smith at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered 1909 following the death of Tommy Bent, J/L Smith was nominated for Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin. WW1 1914 - 18 both John and Mary Ann supported local War Relief Auxiliaries and their son Vic served as a Signaler in AIF. As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. The Grain Store was managed by family until 1930. In 1932 JL Smith assisted a man whose car had broken down, pushing it to the garage and sadly suffered a heart attack and died. He is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery. J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.A Black and white photograph c 1915 showing the Butcher delivering meat to Mrs J.L Smith Bentleighsmith j l, smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, bent thomas, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards, william ellin, butcher

John Logan Smith 1860-1932 , the son of Irish immigrants James and Marianne Smith was born at their home near the 'Toll Gates' on Point Nepean Road and Dendy Street. East Brighton. At that time the area had many orchards that were later replaced by market gardens. J.L.Smith at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered 1909 following the death of Tommy Bent, J/L Smith was nominated for Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin. WW1 1914 - 18 both John and Mary Ann supported local War Relief Auxiliaries and their son Vic served as a Signaler in AIF. As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. The Grain Store was managed by family until 1930. In 1932 JL Smith assisted a man whose car had broken down, pushing it to the garage and sadly suffered a heart attack and died. He is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery. J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.Black & white photograph of the Hay & Grain Store of John Logan Smith 1860-1932 on the corner of Jasper Rd and Centre Rd Bentleigh ( East Brighton) c1910. A Horse drawn cart loaded with hay and another outside the first building used by J L Smith

John Logan Smith 1860-1932 , the son of Irish immigrants James and Marianne Smith was born at their home near the 'Toll Gates' on Point Nepean Road and Dendy Street. East Brighton. At that time the area had many orchards that were later replaced by market gardens. J.L.Smith at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered 1909 following the death of Tommy Bent, J/L Smith was nominated for Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin. WW1 1914 - 18 both John and Mary Ann supported local War Relief Auxiliaries and their son Vic served as a Signaler in AIF. As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. The Grain Store was managed by family until 1930. In 1932 JL Smith assisted a man whose car had broken down, pushing it to the garage and sadly suffered a heart attack and died. He is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.Black & White photograph of J L Smith Hay & Grain Store and Crushing Mill Jasper Rd / Centre Rd Bentleigh 1916. A veranda has been added to the store, new signage attached and a Gas light and hitching post are in foreground. 3 Horse drawn carts loaded with grain bags and drivers sitting on top of loadV. Smithgas street light, hitching posts, smith vic, photography, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

John Logan Smith 1860-1932 , the son of Irish immigrants James and Marianne Smith was born at their home near the 'Toll Gates' on Point Nepean Road and Dendy Street. East Brighton. At that time the area had many orchards that were later replaced by market gardens. J.L.Smith at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered 1909 following the death of Tommy Bent, J/L Smith was nominated for Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin. WW1 1914 - 18 both John and Mary Ann supported local War Relief Auxiliaries and their son Vic served as a Signaler in AIF. As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. The Grain Store was managed by family until 1930. In 1932 J L Smith assisted a man whose car had broken down, pushing it to the garage and sadly suffered a heart attack and died. He is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery. J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.2 x Black & White photographs showing horse drawn carts loaded with (a) Hay and (b) bags of grain outside J.L.Smith Grain & Chaff Store Centre Rd Bentleigh c1920smith frank, smith arch, smith tom, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

A gimlet is a hand tool for drilling small holes, mainly in wood, without splitting. A gimlet is always a small tool made of a piece of steel of a semi-cylindrical form, hollow on one side, having a cross handle at one end and a worm or screw at the other. A similar tool of larger size is called an auger. Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant as they established their farms and built their homes using tools like this gimlet. 2 x small hand tool with a screw point, grooved shank, and cross handle for boring holes early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, tools, blacksmiths

A coping saw is a type of hand saw used to cut intricate external shapes and interior cutouts in woodworking or carpentry. It is widely used to cut mouldings to create coped rather than miter joints. It is occasionally used to create fretwork though it is not able to match a fretsaw in intricacy of cut, particularly in thin materials. Coping saw blades are always thicker and much coarser cutting than typical fretsaw blades. A coping saw consists of a thin, hardened steel blade, stretched between the ends of a square, c-shaped, springy-iron frame to which a handle is attached. The blade is easily removed from the frame so that the blade can be passed through a drilled hole in the middle of a piece of wood. The frame is then re-attached to the blade and the cut starts from the middle of the piece. Long cuts perpendicular to the edge of the material are possible but the shallow depth of the frame rather limits how far from the edge one may cut. The much deeper frame of the fretsaw is more useful for cutting well away from the edge but conversely cannot manage the thicker materials commonly cut by the coping saws. The coping saw blade is installed with the teeth pointing towards the handle. Unlike a hacksaw, which has the teeth pointed away from the handle, the coping saw cuts on the pull stroke. The coping saw blade is removable by partially unscrewing the handle. The blade is prevented from rotating by means of the short, steady bar provided where the blade is attached. Loosening the handle also allows the blade to be rotated relative to the frame as desired. Carefully aligning the finger steady bars at the top and bottom of the blade ensures that the thin blade is straight and not twisted along its length. Re-tightening the handle tensions the blade and locks it at the desired angle relative to the frame. The short steady bar nearest the handle is held securely between finger and thumb while the handle is tightened to ensure the blade remains at the desired angle. Unlike the fretsaw the coping saw blade has holding pins which lock securely into the angled slots of the rotatable blade holders. Gentle curves are achieved by slowly turning the whole frame by means of the handle while continuing to cut steadily. A coping saw with wooden handle but no bladetools, saws, steel , clamps, metalwork, woodwork, carpentry, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, fretsaw, coping saw, bowsaw, blacksmiths,

A smoothing plane is typically used after the work piece has been flattened and trued by the other bench planes, such as the jack, fore, and joiner planes. Smoothing planes can also be used to remove marks left by woodworking machinery. When used effectively alongside other bench planes, the smoothing plane should only need a handful of passes removing shavings as fine as 0.002 inches (0.051 mm) or less. The work piece is then ready to be finished, or can be further refined with a card scraper or sandpaper. The smoothing plane is usually held with both hands, and used in a similar manner to the other bench planes. Though designed for smoothing, a smoothing plane can be used as an 'all-round' bench tool and for rougher work depending on how it is set up. Being smaller than other bench planes, the smoothing plane is better able to work on smaller work pieces and around obstructions. Since the 1700s wooden smoothing planes have predominantly been 'coffin shaped' wider in the middle and slightly rounded making them more manoeuvrable. It has also been claimed that the coffin design exposes more end grain, enabling the plane to better adjust to changes in humidity. Henry Boker Maker: Heinrich "Henry" Böker of Reimschied-Solingen, Germany and his family was making tools in the 17th century. In 1829 Hermann and Robert Böker added sabres to the company's offerings, in 1837 they emigrated to New York City and established a firm to import German cutlery. H. Boker sabres would be eventually supplied to some American soldiers during the Civil War. Heinrich Boker in 1869 , a relative of Hermann and Robert, established a cutlery firm in Solingen, a centre of industry and cutting tool manufacturing in Germany. The company became a leader in the manufacture of razors, scissors and eating utensils. As early as 1900 the majority of tools produced by Boker were distributed in the U.S. market by the New York branch of the family, and pocket knives became the company's most important product line. During WWII the Solingen factory was destroyed and all the equipment and inventory was lost. After the war the factory was rebuilt and the company resumed operations, but in the early '60s the company was sold to the scissors manufacturer Wiss & Sons, and in the early 70s Wiss sold out to Cooper Industries. At some point Heinrich Boker adopted the Americanised version of his name, Henry Boker and was used as a brand name for the company's products. A vintage smoothing plane of the Bismark pattern made by Henry Boker the this plane is now regarded as a collectors item and is an example of vintage woodworking tools used in the manufacture of wooden products.Smoothing Plane Bismark design. Blade marked Henry Bokerflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, smoothing plane, heinrich boker, carpenters tool, cabinet makers tool

black and white photograph, view across mining area showing at least 9 poppet heads. At least 11 chimneys and many buildings associated with the mines. Centre to left, flume, wood stacks, mullock heaps. In image ' Duchess Tribute' on weatherboard building at centre. On back '12' Devonshire gorup' in ball point pen. MNG 1.buildings, commercial, devonshire group of mines

Brace and eyed auger bits were used for boring deep holes into timber, providing space for mechanical fasteners, such as bolts or spikes. Made of iron, the pictured tool comprises a Jennings type, double twist auger bit with a threaded point to draw the bit into the wood. The other end of the shank is shaped as an eye and fitted to a hand brace. Sometimes simple cross-bars were used instead of a brace. The eye design provides greater strength than a standard auger bit. This tool’s cradle further secures the bit, preventing unwanted twisting during use. Since the late 1800’s, brace and eyed auger bits such as this were used for boring holes in fence posts, bridge building and other heavy construction.Bit bolted on and held with hook. Brace probably blacksmith made. Bit commercially made. May have been used vertically. Surface pitted.auger, fencing, brace, blacksmith, tool, tools, farm, farming, churchill island

Auger bits fit into the jaws of a hand brace (brace and bit), which is used to bore holes into wood. The tapered end, or tapered shank, fits into the brace, while the twisted shank and twisted point draw the bit into the wood. The twisted shank guides the bit into the wood, helping to remove chips produced by the cutters and enabling the user to bore deep straight holes. The collection pictured here includes two common patterns of twist bits: the ‘Jennings’ double twist pattern; and the ‘Irwin’ single twist pattern. Their finely pitched threaded points are typically used to cut hardwood timber.Set of thirteen auger bits, with tapered proximal ends and corkscrew spiraled distal ends. Some with tight and loose spiral patterns. Paint spots and surface rust.[size of each bit stamped on]churchill island, tool, auger bits

The Skylark 4, the final in the Slingsby Skylark series, dates from 1961. The design heralded a trend towards the use of plastics in the construction of gliders. Slingsby incorporated GRP (glass reinforced plastic) panels to achieve a streamlined fuselage nose and cockpit area while retaining the more traditional wood techniques for the rest of the aircraft. Another notable feature was the smooth wing surface that was obtained using a Gaboon ply skin across the ribs. Best glide performance of 1:33 was found to be comparable with the early full GRP glider designs. The Museum’s example (VH-GTB – C/N 1382) was built in 1963 and originally owned by Chuck Bentson of the UK. It was brought to Australia in 1967 by Jeremy Picket-Heaps and flown at various places including Benalla, Cooma and Gundaroo. In 1970 the glider was transferred to the New England Soaring Club. Many flights were made from Armidale and Bellata in Northern New South Wales. On one occasion, the glider was kept aloft for 8 hours 45 minutes and on another the pilot took it around a 500 kilometre triangle in nearly 8 hours. In 1980 it was sold to Ralph (“Feathers”) Crompton and was flown extensively in South Australia until 1988. The final owner before the glider was given to the Museum in 2004 was Ross Dutton of Melbourne. The last recorded flight occurred in 1992. The glider at that point had logged over 2000 hours flying time from about 2000 launches. The airframe is currently being restored to flying condition. Technically this aircraft represents the state of the art at the stage that sailplane design was changing from traditional wood construction to composites (GRP) The Slingsby Skylark 4 is high wing single seat sailplane of mainly wooden construction with plywood and fabric covering. However, the cockpit and forward part of the fuselage consists of glass reinforced plastic which was innovative at the time that the type was designed. The cockpit provides for a semi reclining position for the pilot protected with a full Perspex canopy. The wings are made up of a centre section with constant chord and tapered wing tips. The aircraft has a conventional arrangement for the tail stabiliser / control surfaces. The sailplane bears construction number 1382 and is registered in Australia as VH-GTBaustralian gliding, glider, sailplane, skylark, slingsby, bentson, picket-heaps, crompton, new england soaring club, dutton

Bendigo Advertiser "The way we were" from Monday, February 21, 2005. Easter: many entrants in the annual Easter parade in Bendigo rely on the generosity of businesses to enter their floats. In the late 1940s, general carrier and wood merchant, Eric Finch, donated his services to the Bendigo Benevolent Home. The float is photographed travelling around the fountain at View Point.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

1. Piano key from the wreck of the "Scammell". 2. Shavings of hull timber from the "Scammell" and few pieces of plywood contained in glass jar. 3. Shavings of hull timber from the "Scammell" plus small block of wood in large glass jar.1. "Key from piano of wrecked 'Scammell' / Point Danger Torquay 1891". 2. "From the wreck of the Joseph H. Scammell / May 8 1891 Torquay". Written in pen on both sides of key.joseph h. scammell, piano key

AMF Certificate of discharge dated 23/7/1946 - VX148982 Private William Thomas LAWSON 12/32 Aust Infantry Battalion - CMF 5/1/42-11/4/44 - AIF 12/4/44-23/7/46 AMF Interim discharge certificate dated 25/5/1954 - 3/401136 L/CPL W.T. LAWSON AMF Service in Australia or Abroad certificate of discharge dated 22/6/1954 - 3/401136 Lance Corporal William Thomas LAWSONThree cream coloured laminated certificates with black type below crest.Discharge Certificate L/Cpl W.T Lawsonwilliam lawson, vx148982, 14/32 aust inft battalion, woods point

These small heavy flat irons were used to iron clothes prior to electric irons being invented. They were heated on a wood fire stove top and used quickly before they lost heat to iron items of clothing and other small items. These irons were very heavy so that they retained the heat when heated by a wood fire stove top prior to electricity being connected to houses. Flat irons were used in the 1800's and in the early 1900's.Heavy black small flat iron with handle on top. Iron tapers from flat wide base to rounded point. It has a round logo on front under the handle.Unreadable round possibly manufacturers logo.social history, irons, ironing, domestic items, 1800's

Kurth's kiln used creek water in a series of waterpipes to cool the charcoal below the flash point for extraction during the charing processA cylinder of wood fitted on a 1" waterpipe, secured by an elbow and a 1" locknut. A 10cl long piece of pipe is fitted on the other side of the elbow. The assembly could be part of the kiln water-cooling system

The bale hooks were used on the Dennys Lascelles building's show floor by the donor's father Maurice Dalton. Maurice was the foreman of the show floor of the Dennys Lacscelles building until his retirement after 34 years with the company and also worked as a wool classer in rural Victoria and New South Wales.Wood handle with curved rusted metal hock ending in a sharp point. One Hook is plain but longer. One hook is shorter and has inscription M.DALTON. on each side of handle. Third hook is much shorter, has dual hooks and a shaped handle.Handle of bale hook. Mirrored. Wording: M.Dalton.

Collection of Latrobe Regional GalleryCURTIS, J.W. Born England 1839 Died Australia 1901Signed l.r., ink "JCW". Not datedlandscape with horse and cart

Originating from Scotland pre-1950, this wool winder is ornately decorated featuring a male figure at its peak and a cherub at its base. Wool Winders are practical objects typically with minimal decoration; however, Wool Winders with ornate design features do exist. Scrimshaw (whale ivory) was a popular choice of material in the 18th and 19th century. It is smooth, preventing yarn from getting caught when unwinding, as well as having artistic beauty. Wool winders require a heavy base, as to not topple over when in use. It is popular to decorate these bases on more elaborate winders, such as shown in this example. The bows featured to tie the wood segments together is another feature of more elaborate models of wool winders, also highlighted in this example. This winder began life in the possession of Annie Crawford. The Crawford name has a strong connection with the town of Paisley, Scotland, and its Woollen Mills. The Crawford name can be seen working at the Woollen Mills in the 1851 Scotland Census, with Robert and his brother’s James and John working as Wool dyers. Their father Alexander also worked as a Loom Weaver. The winder immigrated with Annie when she, her husband and 3 children travelled to Australia, ready to start a new life. Most of their possessions were left behind in Scotland. This winder accompanied the family on their journey; so it stands to reason that the winder was special to them. Annie Crawford passed the winder onto her eldest daughter Joan Crawford. Joan did not have any children and so she passed the winder onto the eldest female grandchild, Fiona Crawford. Fiona Crawford continued the connection of the Crawford name with textiles, with an exhibition titled "When you go looking for me, I am not there". Utilising medieval embroidery tradition of ‘Punto Assisi, the exhibition was a reflection on the lack of women recorded in history, particularly their contribution to the domestic arts. Her work investigates both the absence of women while also honouring the unknown female makers of this now highly desired art. The Wool Winder was donated to the National Wool Museum in 2021 by Dianne Crawford, the sister of Fiona Crawford. Umbrella swift style wool winder made of metal, wood, and ribbon. Decorated at its highest point with a sculpted man standing on one leg, holding what is perhaps a rolled newspaper as though he may be bidding at an auction. Or perhaps he is holding a hank of wool. The man stands upon a three-tier platform of decreasing size and design which leads to the central metal shaft. At the base, the winder is decorated with an engraved cherub. Both figures have a small hole in one of their hands, indicating that they originally held something. Unfortunately, it is not known what this is. From the central metal shaft, this winder has 2 rows of 6 arms radiating out. These arms cross in the middle to form an X. These arms are also connected horizontally with additional arms which cross. This all forms an intricate web design, tied together with ribbon. The size of the web these arms create is adjustable, to accommodate yarns of different length. Beneath the second row of arms is a locking screw which holds this row at the desired height and width. This entire top section, beginning at the central metal shaft, can be unscrewed from its base for easier storage. The base begins in a wooden circular shape growing into a smaller ornately designed raise on which the cherub sits. From the head of the cherub the central metal shaft begins.paisley, scotland, wool winder, immigration

Made by internees at camp 3, using wood sourced from under the barracks ie : stumps. Used for wood workingAwl and wooden handle with metal ferrule at end, thin metal shaft , slightly bent coming to a sharp point. Spare handle in a light wood with a brass ferrule.kazenwadel, blacksmith, wood, tools camp 3, chisels, mallets

A tilt-top Sphairistike lawn tennis racquet, with solid concave throat, leather crown protector, and white leather handle grip wrapped along almost the whole length of the shaft. Impressed inscription along throat and shaft on obverse: FRENCH & CO./46 CHURTON ST./LONDON/SPHAIRISTIKE. This historical racquet was literally one of the first lawn tennis racquets - sold as part of a lawn tennis set - to be produced by French & Co., upon the order of Major Wingfield, in anticipation of the patenting and publication of his game rules. Once the patent was granted, Wingfield had his rules published in two days, and had copies slipped into the already constructed French & Co. tennis sets, and from that point, the lawn tennis craze began. Materials: Wood, Lacquer, Glue, Metal, Gut, Leather, Inktennis

A real tennis racquet, with tilt-top head, and solid convex throat, manufactured by Brouaye, and presented as a trophy. Manufacturer's name is across crown on obverse.The throat piece is wrapped in a blue coloured piece of parchment, and is gold embossed with decoarative floral designs. Amongst these designs on the obverse, is the date '1860'. The handle is wrapped in padded pink velvet, and is framed by a braided silver collar around the shaft, and a braided silver butt cap. Engraved inscription across the silver collar: JUNIOR PRIZE RACQUET/WON BY/B.M. DAVIES ESQ./1860. Davies was an undergraduate student at Oxford from 1860-62, and won this, the Junior Prize in 1860, and later, the Senior Prize in 1862. A point of interest, the 1862 racquet trophy was once owned by Australian tennis champion, Lew Hoad. Materials: Wood, Lacquer, Glue, Metal, Gut, Ink, Hide, Velvettennis

An late 18th century court tennis racquet, made from two pieces of interlocked wood, secured with two screws. One is the handle/throat, the other is the shoulders/head. The latter unfortunately had, at some point in the past, split at the crown, and whipping was applied to reinforce it. The gut stringing is three-way. The throat and lower shoulders have been hand painted, with both linear and floral designs. Across the thoat on the obverse is the monogram which reads 'BWB'. Materials: Wood, Lacquer, Metal, Gut, Paint, Stringtennis