Showing 9452 items
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Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Accessory - coin purse, early 20th century
This coin purse has no known provenance but it was a common item owned particularly by men in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It would have been attached to the chain of a fob watch or a trouser belt. It may have been owned by a person of some substance and standing in the community.This item is retained as an interesting example of a coin holder used over a hundred years ago.This is a silver-coloured metal purse, oval in shape. It has a hinged lid and a round clip at the top to attach the purse to a chain or a belt.The item is slightly tarnished. Inside there are two round recessed sections that depress to hold coins. One recessed area holds a threepence and the other holds a sixpence.vintage accessories, warrnambool history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - chronograph, early 20th century
This is an early 20th century example of a chronograph, a watch with stopwatch functions. Chronographs date from the early 19th century and were used particularly in aviation, astronomy, diving, automobile and other racing contests and artillery firing and with more sophisticated designs are still used today.This item has no known local provenance but is retained for display purposes because of its age and its exceptional qualityThis is a chronograph, a display watch which also has a stopwatch function. It has a white face with black markings and Roman numerals and a gauge around the outer circle with numbers from 0 to 300. The face is covered with a glass frame. One hand and its pin are loose in the glass. The watch case is gold-coloured with a heavy ornamental pattern around the sides. At the top of the case is a ring for attaching the watch to a chain or belt. The button on the side for working the stop watch mechanism no longer functions.Celebrated Chronograph Specially Examined Swiss Madevintage chronographs, warrnambool history -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Trouser, Bellbottom, Royal Australian Navy 1960's
, bell-bottoms did not become part of the standard uniform for the Royal Navy until the mid-19th century.These "bell-bottoms" were often just very wide-legged trousers, unlike the modern version of bell bottoms, which are cut with a distinct bell shapePart of complete uniform donated by H.M.A.S.Cerberus on Mornington Peninsula,Many sailors would have spent leave time in this cityA pair of sailor's white bellbottom pants as issued by the RAN for everyday work wear. W J READ WR 1584 not yet logged -
Vision Australia
Photograph - Image, RVIB building in St Kilda Road
The Asylum and School for the Blind, designed by Crouch & Wilson, was built on St Kilda Road in 1868, and later became the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. This photograph was most likely taken in the late 19th century, with white posts and wire fencing sectioning the driveway from the garden..B/W photograph of RVIB St Kilda Road buildingroyal victorian institute for the blind, crouch & wilso -
Mont De Lancey
Dress, 1890
A tea gown or tea-gown is a woman's dress for informal entertaining at home. These dresses, which became popular around the mid-19th century, are characterized by unstructured lines and light fabrics. Belonged to Louisa Hoadley, (Mrs. Thomas Carlyle Adamson) - daughter of Abel Hoadley. Black two piece satin ensemble - Tea gown. Long skirt with short fitted style jacket, with black lace trim on skirt and bodice.tea gowns, dresses -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Book - Book, Prayer, The Church Services, c1869
Newspaper cuttings and handwritten remarks in the Bible indicate this was family Bible of Weston, Scott, Smith and Ottenbach families. Emma Scott nee Weston was original Colonist of Mitcham area. Grandmother of late Chris Otterbach, former member of the Historical Society.Small Book of Church Services (ie Prayer Book) metal bound - clasp missing. Includes Morning and Evening Services, Communion Services, Psalms and the readings for daily use.Frontispiece inscription: ' On her 20th birthday Matilda Weston from her affectionate mother February 19th' and 'to Emma from her Sister Matilda Sept 6 1869' and inside back cover:|'From my dear sister Matilda to her sister Emma Watson for learning her English four hours daily. February the 6th, 1869'books, religion -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Flagon, R. L.Buller and Son Pty Ltd, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, 1970s
This flagon which once contained 750 ml. of tawny port was sold at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool in the 1970s and perhaps the 1980s as a souvenir of the village and Warrnambool. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village was opened in 1975 and is a re-created 19th century village and port built in the area of a Warrnambool historic precinct containing several original features from the 19th century. These include two operating lighthouses, lighthouse keepers’ quarters, chart room and a fortifications area with two cannons. As the village is a re-created port and includes a hotel called the Steam Packet Inn, the sale of a souvenir flagon of tawny port was most appropriate. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Museum still operate today. This flagon is retained as an example of the souvenirs sold in Warrnambool some years ago to tourists visiting Warrnambool and Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. This is a ceramic flagon with a cream body and a brown top and handle. The printing on the flagon is black and the flagon also has black printing of the logo of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The flagon has no stopper.‘Flagstaff Hill Mariner’s Tawny Port’flagstaff hill maritime museum, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet, Ron Best, Purnim Mechanics Institute Hall 1901, 2014
Brief history of Purnim Mechanics Institute HallThis is a paper back book of 24 pages. It has a white back cover and a grey/white front cover with a coloured photograph of the second Purnim Hall. The printed material is black on a white background. non-fictionBrief history of Purnim Mechanics Institute Hallpurnim, mechanics’ institutes, warrnambool -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Mansergh, Jessie et al, Tom and Some Other Girls by Jessie Mansergh (aka Jessie Bell, Mrs George de Horne Vaizey), 1907
A Public School story.Hardcover book with a green fabric cover. Black and gold image of two school girls on cover. 279 pages. 8 full-page original illustrations by Percy Tarrant.fictionA Public School story.jessie mansbergh, sydneham ladies school, violet knight, mrs. george de horne vaizey, fiction -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - BMTA COLLECTION: CONCERT PROGRAMS, 1959-1996
Bendigo Music Teachers Association music programs; Bendigo Music for the People 12th April 1959 Bendigo People's Music 20th March 1960 The Bendigo Concert Orchestra 5th August 1960 Orchestral Concert 22nd September 1961 Bendigo Teachers College Graduation Ceremony 1965 Bendigo Carols by Candlelight Christmas 1985 Bendigo Symphony Orchestra Family Concerts 27th October 1990 Preliminary printout of programme notes for Orchestra members information 12th March 1991 The Bendigo Symphony Orchestra in Echuca 27th October 1991 Bendigo Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert 10th November 1991 Bendigo Symphony Orchestra Inc. Youth Concerto Concert 4th-5th July 1992 Bendigo Symphony Orchestra Inc. Capital Theatre 25th October 1992 Bendigo Symphony Orchestra Inc. 4th April 1993 Bendigo Symphony Orchestra 8th August 1993 Bendigo Symphony Orchestra 14th November 1993 Bendigo Symphony Orchestra 27th March 1994 Bendigo Symphony Orchestra with Bendigo Youth Orchestra 14th August 1994 Bendigo Symphony Orchestra Programme 15th-16th 1986 A Christmas Concert Wirrana strings 14th December 1996 -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Footwear - Child's shoes
These shoes which would have been a child's first shoes are soft leather and possibly date from around the late 19th or early 20th century. We have no knowledge unfortunately as to whom they may have belonged. Baby's first shoes are often kept as a keepsake .These little shoes have significance from a social and historic viewpoint. A pair of leather maroon shoes with front straps which fasten in the front with a button. The inside of the shoes is cream in colour. The upper leather is quite soft . The sole is a harder substance possibly leather. Both shoes look to have pin holes in the soles.There is the remains of a small label inside one shoe. warrnambool, baby shoes, antique baby's shoes -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Comb, Early 20th century
No information is available on the history of this item but it was common in the 19th and early 20th centuries to have household items made from animal bone. Sometimes it was bone from more exotic animals from Asia and India. This item may have been used to attach a decoration to the hair. This item has no known local significance but it is of interest as an item used in the past and will be useful for display.This is a hair comb with a curved handle and a coarse comb section . It is made of some sort of animal bone and has one of the edges of the comb section broken off. It has three holes on the handle for attachment to other objects and there are several holes in the material, one around one of the holes in the handle.hair comb, warrnambool, bone hair comb -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Biros, Le couteur reunion, Late 20th Century
This is a reminder of the Le Couteur family who feature in the history of Warrnambool and district. George Le Couteur, a son of the pioneer Le Couteur family, was a chemist in 19th century Warrnambool and the family had a long association with the Nirranda district. Philip Le Couteur was a Rhodes Scholar in 1908. These biros are of some interest as a memento of the reunion held in 1991 of the Le Couteur family descendantsThese are three black biros without tops. The ‘LeCouteur Reunion’ inscription has been etched in white.LeCouteur Reunion, 1991 Bic, Australia le couteur family, bic biro -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book - Pompey Austin biography, Roy Hay, Albert 'Pompey' Austin - A Man Between Two Worlds, 2020
This book tells the biography of Pompey Austin an indigenousThis is a book of 266 pages. It It has a buff-coloured cover with 3 photographs and black printing. The pages contain printed text, maps, illustrations and photographs. non-fiction This book tells the biography of Pompey Austin an indigenous framlingham aboriginal mission, pompey austin -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book - Sunday Reading, Religious Tract Society of London, The Sunday At Home A Family Magazine For Sabbath Reading, 1877
Sunday readings including fiction and non fictionThis is a book of 828 pages with reprints of a religious magazine and several full page advertisements at the back. The pages contain stories, sketches, black and white and coloured illustrations, the latter on toned paper. The cover has a red based, mottled design on the front and the back and the leather covered spine has gold decoration and printing. The corners of the cover are reinforced with leather. The cover is scuffed. The pages are edged in a mottled pattern.fictionSunday readings including fiction and non fiction19th century sunday activities. -
Port of Echuca
Colour photograph, Approx.1979
This arch was built as a ceremonial arch. Plaque citation on the arch reads " Erected in 1884 by James Mackintosh, owner of local sawmill, for the visit of the Governor Sir H B Loch. This is the only known example in Victoria of a 19th century ceremonial arch, a type usually intended to be temporary.This arch is on the Historical Buildings register no.1092. It is the only known example of a temporary ceremonial arch still in existence in Victoria. The arch has recently (2014?) been restored and relocated but still at the enterance to Victoria ParkColour photograph (postcard size) of red-gum arch across the roadway at the entrance to Victoria Park, Echuca.Printed on reverse:"this paper manufactured by Kodak"echuca, red-gum arch, echuca, victoria park, echuca, echuca-history -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Book - Reference Teaching Infants, Royal School Series Royal Readers No. VI, circa 1889
A typical book of general education considered suitable for use in schools in the last two decades of the 19th century. It contains a variety of subjects e.g. Victorian Constitution, Australian Zoology, Life in Saxon England, and poetical pieces, with notes and questions on the text in each section for guidance of the teachers.It is doubtful that this book was used in any schools in the Kiewa Valley but is valuable as a resource to explore how and what topics were being taught in this era .Book, hard cover, dark blue in colour with embossing on the front cover. Spine cover has separated from most of book. There are pages missing from the back of the book.There is a red stamp on the first page and apart from 'Education Department' the remaining four lines are almost illegible. Above the stamp is handwritten in blue ink S.S. 2733. The front cover is embossed and is titled Royal School Series, and underneath this is Royal Readers VI. education, schools, 19th century -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Plan - Immigration sculpture, Beacon Cove, Orchard Design Studio, Mark Weichart, 1998
Mirvac, Beacon Cove developers, commissioned this sculpture. Orchard Design Studio contacted PMH&PS for 19th Century migrant ship names, to be handcarved into jarrah portion of sculpture, and for approval of 20th century ship names for the steel section. In return we requested a copy of these plans.Presentation plans (two sheets) for sculpture at Beacon Cove, designed by Orchard Design Studio of Pakenham. One in full colour, one a photocopy only. Subject: immigration.Photocopy signed by the artist, Mark Weichart.piers and wharves - station pier, immigration, transport - shipping, arts and entertainment - visual arts, mark weichart, mirvac, sculpture, orchard design studio -
City of Ballarat
Artwork, other - Public Artwork, Lions, c1890
David Ham (1830 - 1908) MLC donated the two marble lions in 1893. These were characteristic of grand entrances in 19th Century landscapes and the lions were also an emblem of the strength of the British nation. The lions are located inside grand entrance gates to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.The lions are of historic and aesthetic significance to the people of BallaratTwo large marble lions Presented by the Hon David Ham M.L.C 1893.19th century lions -
Kilmore Historical Society
Chatterbox, Chatterbox 1902, 1902
Chatterbox was a weekly British paper of stories for children published in the 19th & 20 centuries. It was also published as an annual for much of its run, both in the UK and US. Chatterbox was founded in 1866 by John Erskine Clarke who edited the paper until 1902. It ceased publication in 1955.Card & cloth-bound hard cover book. Cover intact, a little worn at corners, detached from body of book. Loose pages. Binding unravelling. Yellowing of pages. 412 pp. plus advertisements.P.1- 14/262 (hand written). P.3 'To Don,/ - Wishing you/ a merry Xmas./ 1907./ From E.M W.'childrens literature, kilmore mechanics institute library. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1919
Ian and Jean McDonald are the children of Mr and Mrs Norman McDonald of 42 Gladstone Street, Orbost. This photograph was taken in late January 1919 on the occasion of Jean's first day of school at the house of John Rowe, a former headmaster, who then lived opposite the school. Norman Alexander McDonald was a book-keeper at Macarthur‟s and was very musical. He was proprietor of the Capitol Cafe, Nicholson Street, Orbost, selling the business to Mr Coad on 4th December 1947.This is a pictorial record of a significant event in the life of the McDonald family of early Orbost.A black / white photograph of two children, holding their hats , standing in front of a tree outside a school fence. on back - "Ian & Jean McDonald opposite the school"mcdonald-ian mcdonald-jean orbost-education rowe-john -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, Battle of Beersheba - Limited Edition of 1917, Rememberance Day 2008
The battle of Beersheba took place on 31 October 1917 as part of the wider British offensive collectively known as the third Battle of Gaza. The final phase of this all day battle was the famous mounted charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Commencing at dusk, members of the brigade stormed through the Turkish defences and seized the strategic town of Beersheba. The capture of Beersheba enabled British Empire forces to break the Ottoman line near Gaza on 7 November and advance into Palestine.Decisive victory at Beersheba fell to one of the last great charges of mounted troops in history. As Australian Light Horse Divisions captured the town and secured crucial water wells, their success also marked the beginning of the end of the war in the Middle East. This end came exactly a year to the day after success at Beersheba.Rectangular shaped glass covered picture frame showing the Light Horsemen.Charge of the Light Horsemen The Battle of Beershebabeersheba, the light horse, lara r.s.l.,world war one, battle of beersheba, ww1 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Certificate - CERTIFICATE WW1, FRAMED, Post WW1
ANTHONY NEWMAN No 3243 enlisted in the AIF on 28.10.1914 age 22 years 5 months in the 1st reinforcements 2nd FAB AIF as a Gunner. Embarked for Egypt 22.12.1914, embarked for Gallipoli 30.4.1915, transferred to 3rd FAB 6.9.1915. Hospitalised with Jaundice serious enough to be transferred to Malta then England, returned to unit 10.3.1916. Transferred to 12th FAB 26.3.1916 then to 4th Div AHQ 31.3.1916. Embarked for France 2.6.1916, discharged from the AIF 10.5.1919 medically unfit.Timber frame, mid brown with glass front, dark green mount. Discharge Certificate for ANTHONY NEWMAN printed in black & red colour on cream coloured paper, features the Royal coat of arms mounted on 2 columns all in red ink. Illustrated in black is Britannia holding a Union Jack flag & facing 2 soldiers who are presenting arms. At the bottom is a scroll with the recipients name written in black ink. Block print label mounted within dark green mount, centre lower edge. Within the red scroll border: “Anthony Newman Australian Imperial Force Served with honour & was disabled in the Great War. Honourably discharged on 10.5.1919 George R I” Label centre lower edge: ANTHONY NEWMAN Regt No 3243 2nd FAB Enlisted 23.10.194 Discharged 10.5.1919 medically unfit. Donated by R Fair. Stamped at the bottom: V22526 documents - certificates, newman, disabled -
Montmorency/Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Medal - Commemorative Medallion, Issues began 1967
Medallion awarded to surviving members of Australian forces who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula during 25 April 1915 to January 1916. Recipient enlisted 07 June 1915 and was taken on strength of the 4th Australian Light Horse Regiment at ANZAC on 14 October 1915. He arrived at Alxandria on 27 December 1915. Subsequently served in France, and was discharged, in London, 24 January 1920. Returned to Australia, departing United Kingdom 06 May 1921. Cast bronze, approximately 75 mm high and 50mm wide. The obverse depicts Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier, with '1915' . It is bordered on the lower half by a laurel wreath above the word ANZAC. The reverse shows a map in relief of Australia and New Zealand superimposed by the Southern Cross. The lower half is bordered by fern leaves. The name and initials of the recipient is engraved on the reverse. The presentation box in black leatherette is lined with deep red velvet and deep red silk (lid)."W. R' Hawkins" -
Melton City Libraries
Photograph, Ann [Dowling] Myers, c.1918
Western Highway – north side Burnbank 1 – Cottage of Henri and Ann nee Dowling Myers side of road east of Myers Gully the junction of Reserve Rd. now known as Ryans Creek. Built c 1870. it remained in the family until a demolition order was placed on it in 1969 when vacated by Martha wife of Frederick 4th son of Ann and Henry. Her new house was built in McKenzie St on the south side near the corner of Smith St. Portrait photo of Annlocal identities, pioneer families -
Melbourne Legacy
Document - Document, letter, Re: Blamey House
Carbon copy of a letter from Legatee H.L. Berg dated 4th October 1974 to A.Quayle, Esq., Chairman of the Housing Steering Committee in which Legatee Berg confirms the completion of the Stage Two design for Blamey House. The plan was to be submitted to the Board of Management. Costs of $170,000 were estimated and the plans would also have to be submitted to Kew Council, which Legatee Berg undertook to do. See also Cat. No. 01696. In a file with documents pertaining to the residences. An example of the detailed work Melbourne Legacy did to house Junior Legatees.1 x carbon copy, black on white. Two holes punched for filing. residences, blamey house -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Standard measure, Mid to late 19th Century
The beginning of standardised weights and measures began In Victoria when the Melbourne Observatory received sets of standard weights and measures, which had been tested in Britain against the then British Imperial standards. These included the primary standard yard and pound for the Colony of Victoria. Other standards of weights and measure held by shires and the administrative body's within the colony could then be compared to these primary standards. A Weights and Measures Act was passed in Victoria in 1862, establishing local inspectors throughout the colony. By the 1870s each local council and shire in Victoria held a set of standards that were used to test scales, weights and dry measures used by wholesalers, factories and shops. Every ten years the councils’ standards would themselves need to be rechecked against the Victorian Standards. The checking was done by the Victorian Customs Department in the 19th century, but with the transfer of responsibility for customs to the Federal Government in 1901, weights and measures function was retained by the Victorian Government and was shifted to the Melbourne Observatory. In 1904, a new building was erected at the south end of the Great Melbourne Telescope House, where the standard weights and measures and testing equipment was installed. This room had a large whirling apparatus for testing air meters and became known as the Whirling Room. When the Melbourne Observatory closed in 1944, the Weights and Measures Branch was formed to continue and this branch remained at the Observatory site unit until 1995. J & M Ewan History: J&M Ewan was a Melbourne firm that began by selling retail furniture and wholesale ironmongery. They had substantial warehouses situated at the intersection of 81-83 Elizabeth and Little Collins Streets, the business was established by James M Ewan in 1852. Shortly afterwards he went into partnership with William Kerr Thomson and Samuel Renwick. When Ewan died in 1868 his partners carried on and expanded the business under his name J & M Ewan. The business was expanded to provide a retail shop, counting-house and private offices. Wholesale warehouses adjoined these premises at 4, 6 and 10 Little Collins Street, West. This company provided and sold a large and varied amount of imported goods into the colony that consisted of agriculture equipment, building materials, mining items as well as steam engines, tools of all types and marble fireplaces. They also supplied the Bronze measuring containers in the Flagstaff Hill collection and the probability is that these containers were obtained by the local Melbourne authority that monitored weights and measures in the mid to late 19th century. The company grew to employ over 150 people in Melbourne and opened offices at 27 Lombard St London as well as in New Zealand and Fiji. The company also serviced the Mauritius islands and the pacific area with their steamship the Suva and a brig the Shannon, the company ceased trading in 1993. Robert Bate History: Robert Brettell Bate (1782-1847) was born in Stourbridge, England, one of four sons of Overs Bate, a mercer (a dealer in textile fabrics, especially silks, velvet's, and other fine materials)and banker. Bate moved to London, and in 1813 was noticed for his scientific instrument making ability through the authority of the “Clockmakers Company”. Sometime in the year 1813 it was discovered that one Robert Brettell Bate, regarded as a foreigner in London had opened a premises in the Poultry selling area of London. He was a Mathematical Instrument maker selling sundials and other various instruments of the clock making. In 1824, Bate, in preparation for his work on standards and weights, leased larger premises at 20 and 21 Poultry, London, at a rental of four hundred pounds per annum. It was there that Bate produced quality metrological instruments, which afforded him the recognition as one of one of the finest and principal English metrological instrument-makers of the nineteenth century. English standards at this time were generally in a muddle, with local standards varying from shire to shire. On 17 June 1824, an Act of Parliament was passed making a universal range of weights, measures, and lengths for the United Kingdom, and Bate was given the job of crafting many of the metrological artifacts. He was under instruction from the renown physicist Henry Kater F.R.S. (1777-1835) to make standards and to have them deposited in the principal cities throughout the United Kingdom and colonies. Bate experimented with tin-copper alloys to find the best combination for these items and by October 1824, he had provided Kater with prototypes to test troy and avoirdupois pounds, and samples with which to divide the troy into grams. Bate also cast the standard for the bushel, and by February 1825, had provided all the standards required of him by the Exchequer, Guildhalls of Edinburgh, and Dublin. In 1824, he also made a troy pound standard weight for the United States, which was certified for its accuracy by Kater and deposited with the US Mint in 1827. Kater, in his address to the Royal Society of London, acknowledged Bate's outstanding experimentation and craftsmanship in producing standards of weights, measures, and lengths. An example of a dry Bronze measuring container made specifically for J & M Ewan by possibly the most important makers of measurement artefacts that gives us today a snapshot of how imperial weights and measures were used and how a standard of measurement for merchants was developed in the Australian colonies based on the Imperial British measurement system. The container has social significance as an item retailed by J & M Ewan and used in Victoria by the authorities who were given legal responsibility to ensure that wholesalers and retailers of dry goods sold in Victoria were correct. The container was a legal standard measure so was also used to test merchants containers to ensure that their distribution of dry goods to a customer was correct.Maker Possibly Robert Brettell Blake or De Grave, Short & Co Ltd both of LondonContainer bronze round shape for measuring dry quantities has brass handles & is a 'half-bushel' measurement"IMPERIAL STANDARD HALF BUSHEL" engraved around the top of the container. VICTORIA engraved under "J & M Ewan & Co London and Melbourne" engraved around the bottom of the container.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, standard measure, bronze, peck measurement, j & m ewan, victorian standard dry measurement, bronze container, victorian standards, melbourne observatory, robert brettell bate -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Standard measure, Mid to late 19th Century
The beginning of standardised weights and measures began In Victoria when the Melbourne Observatory received sets of standard weights and measures, which had been tested in Britain against the then British Imperial standards. These included the primary standard yard and pound for the Colony of Victoria. Other standards of weights and measure held by shires and the administrative body's within the colony could then be compared to these primary standards. A Weights and Measures Act was passed in Victoria in 1862, establishing local inspectors throughout the colony. By the 1870s each local council and shire in Victoria held a set of standards that were used to test scales, weights and dry measures used by wholesalers, factories and shops. Every ten years the councils’ standards would themselves need to be rechecked against the Victorian Standards. The checking was done by the Victorian Customs Department in the 19th century, but with the transfer of responsibility for customs to the Federal Government in 1901, weights and measures function was retained by the Victorian Government and was shifted to the Melbourne Observatory. In 1904, a new building was erected at the south end of the Great Melbourne Telescope House, where the standard weights and measures and testing equipment was installed. This room had a large whirling apparatus for testing air meters and became known as the Whirling Room. When the Melbourne Observatory closed in 1944, the Weights and Measures Branch was formed to continue and this branch remained at the Observatory site unit until 1995. J & M Ewan History: J&M Ewan was a Melbourne firm that began by selling retail furniture and wholesale ironmongery. They had substantial warehouses situated at the intersection of 81-83 Elizabeth and Little Collins Streets, the business was established by James M Ewan in 1852. Shortly afterwards he went into partnership with William Kerr Thomson and Samuel Renwick. When Ewan died in 1868 his partners carried on and expanded the business under his name J & M Ewan. The business was expanded to provide a retail shop, counting-house and private offices. Wholesale warehouses adjoined these premises at 4, 6 and 10 Little Collins Street, West. This company provided and sold a large and varied amount of imported goods into the colony that consisted of agriculture equipment, building materials, mining items as well as steam engines, tools of all types and marble fireplaces. They also supplied the Bronze measuring containers in the Flagstaff Hill collection and the probability is that these containers were obtained by the local Melbourne authority that monitored weights and measures in the mid to late 19th century. The company grew to employ over 150 people in Melbourne and opened offices at 27 Lombard St London as well as in New Zealand and Fiji. The company also serviced the Mauritius islands and the pacific area with their steamship the Suva and a brig the Shannon. Robert Bate History: Robert Brettell Bate (1782-1847) was born in Stourbridge, England, one of four sons of Overs Bate, a mercer (a dealer in textile fabrics, especially silks, velvet's, and other fine materials)and banker. Bate moved to London, and in 1813 was noticed for his scientific instrument making ability through the authority of the “Clockmakers Company”. Sometime in the year 1813 it was discovered that one Robert Brettell Bate, regarded as a foreigner in London had opened a premises in the Poultry selling area of London. He was a Mathematical Instrument maker selling sundials and other various instruments of the clock making. In 1824, Bate, in preparation for his work on standards and weights, leased larger premises at 20 and 21 Poultry, London, at a rental of four hundred pounds per annum. It was there that Bate produced quality metrological instruments, which afforded him the recognition as one of one of the finest and principal English metrological instrument-makers of the nineteenth century. English standards at this time were generally in a muddle, with local standards varying from shire to shire. On 17 June 1824, an Act of Parliament was passed making a universal range of weights, measures, and lengths for the United Kingdom, and Bate was given the job of crafting many of the metrological artifacts. He was under instruction from the renown physicist Henry Kater F.R.S. (1777-1835) to make standards and to have them deposited in the principal cities throughout the United Kingdom and colonies. Bate experimented with tin-copper alloys to find the best combination for these items and by October 1824, he had provided Kater with prototypes to test troy and avoirdupois pounds, and samples with which to divide the troy into grams. Bate also cast the standard for the bushel, and by February 1825, had provided all the standards required of him by the Exchequer, Guildhalls of Edinburgh, and Dublin. In 1824, he also made a troy pound standard weight for the United States, which was certified for its accuracy by Kater and deposited with the US Mint in 1827. Kater, in his address to the Royal Society of London, acknowledged Bate's outstanding experimentation and craftsmanship in producing standards of weights, measures, and lengths. An example of a dry Bronze measuring container made specifically for J & M Ewan by possibly the most important makers of measurement artifacts that gives us today a snapshot of how imperial weights and measures were used and how a standard of measurement for merchants was developed in the Australian colonies based on the Imperial British measurement system. The container has social significance as an item retailed by J & M Ewan and used in Victoria by the authorities who were given legal responsibility to ensure that wholesalers and retailers of dry goods sold in Victoria were correct. The container was a legal standard measure so was also used to test merchants containers to ensure that their distribution of dry goods to a customer was correct. Bronze round container with brass two handles used as a legal standard for measuring dry quantities & is a 'peck' measurement. "IMPERIAL STANDARD PECK" engraved around top of container with " VICTORIA" engraved under.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, standard measure, bronze, peck measurement, j & m ewan, victorian standard dry measurement, bronze container, victorian standards, melbourne observatory, robert bettell bate -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Standard measure, Mid to Late 19th Century
The beginning of standardised weights and measures began In Victoria when the Melbourne Observatory received sets of standard weights and measures, which had been tested in Britain against the then British Imperial standards. These included the primary standard yard and pound for the Colony of Victoria. Other standards of weights and measure held by shires and the administrative body's within the colony could then be compared to these primary standards. A Weights and Measures Act was passed in Victoria in 1862, establishing local inspectors throughout the colony. By the 1870s each local council and shire in Victoria held a set of standards that were used to test scales, weights and dry measures used by wholesalers, factories and shops. Every ten years the councils’ standards would themselves need to be rechecked against the Victorian Standards. The checking was done by the Victorian Customs Department in the 19th century, but with the transfer of responsibility for customs to the Federal Government in 1901, weights and measures function was retained by the Victorian Government and was shifted to the Melbourne Observatory. In 1904, a new building was erected at the south end of the Great Melbourne Telescope House, where the standard weights and measures and testing equipment was installed. This room had a large whirling apparatus for testing air meters and became known as the Whirling Room. When the Melbourne Observatory closed in 1944, the Weights and Measures Branch was formed to continue and this branch remained at the Observatory site unit until 1995. J & M Ewan History: J&M Ewan was a Melbourne firm that began by selling retail furniture and wholesale ironmongery. They had substantial warehouses situated at the intersection of 81-83 Elizabeth and Little Collins Streets, the business was established by James M Ewan in 1852. Shortly afterwards he went into partnership with William Kerr Thomson and Samuel Renwick. When Ewan died in 1868 his partners carried on and expanded the business under his name J & M Ewan. The business was expanded to provide a retail shop, counting-house and private offices. Wholesale warehouses adjoined these premises at 4, 6 and 10 Little Collins Street, West. This company provided and sold a large and varied amount of imported goods into the colony that consisted of agriculture equipment, building materials, mining items as well as steam engines, tools of all types and marble fireplaces. They also supplied the Bronze measuring containers in the Flagstaff Hill collection and the probability is that these containers were obtained by the local Melbourne authority that monitored weights and measures in the mid to late 19th century. The company grew to employ over 150 people in Melbourne and opened offices at 27 Lombard St London as well as in New Zealand and Fiji. The company also serviced the Mauritius islands and the pacific area with their steamship the Suva and a brig the Shannon. Robert Bate History: Robert Brettell Bate (1782-1847) was born in Stourbridge, England, one of four sons of Overs Bate, a mercer (a dealer in textile fabrics, especially silks, velvet's, and other fine materials)and banker. Bate moved to London, and in 1813 was noticed for his scientific instrument making ability through the authority of the “Clockmakers Company”. Sometime in the year 1813 it was discovered that one Robert Brettell Bate, regarded as a foreigner in London had opened a premises in the Poultry selling area of London. He was a Mathematical Instrument maker selling sundials and other various instruments of the clock making. In 1824, Bate, in preparation for his work on standards and weights, leased larger premises at 20 and 21 Poultry, London, at a rental of four hundred pounds per annum. It was there that Bate produced quality metrological instruments, which afforded him the recognition as one of one of the finest and principal English metrological instrument-makers of the nineteenth century. English standards at this time were generally in a muddle, with local standards varying from shire to shire. On 17 June 1824, an Act of Parliament was passed making a universal range of weights, measures, and lengths for the United Kingdom, and Bate was given the job of crafting many of the metrological artifacts. He was under instruction from the renown physicist Henry Kater F.R.S. (1777-1835) to make standards and to have them deposited in the principal cities throughout the United Kingdom and colonies. Bate experimented with tin-copper alloys to find the best combination for these items and by October 1824, he had provided Kater with prototypes to test troy and avoirdupois pounds, and samples with which to divide the troy into grams. Bate also cast the standard for the bushel, and by February 1825, had provided all the standards required of him by the Exchequer, Guildhalls of Edinburgh, and Dublin. In 1824, he also made a troy pound standard weight for the United States, which was certified for its accuracy by Kater and deposited with the US Mint in 1827. Kater, in his address to the Royal Society of London, acknowledged Bate's outstanding experimentation and craftsmanship in producing standards of weights, measures, and lengths. An example of a dry Bronze measuring container made specifically for J & M Ewan by possibly the most important makers of measurement artefacts that gives us today a snapshot of how imperial weights and measures were used and how a standard of measurement for merchants was developed in the Australian colonies based on the Imperial British measurement system. The container has social significance as an item retailed by J & M Ewan and used in Victoria by the authorities who were given legal responsibility to ensure that wholesalers and retailers of dry goods sold in Victoria were correct. The container was a legal standard measure so was also used to test merchants containers to ensure that their distribution of dry goods to a customer was correct.Maker Possibly Robert Brettell Blake or De Grave, Short & Co Ltd both of LondonContainer brass round for measuring quantities- Has brass handles & is a 'Bushel' measurement. 'Imperial Standard Bushel Victoria' engraved around container. Container bronze round shape for measuring dry quantities has brass handles & is a 'Bushel' measurement"IMPERIAL STANDARD BUSHEL" engraved around the top of the container. VICTORIA engraved under "J & M Ewan & Co London and Melbourne" engraved around the bottom of the container.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, standard measure, bushel, bushel measurement, j & m ewan, dry measurement, victorian measurement standard, bronze container, melbourne observatory, robert brettell bate -
Orbost & District Historical Society
picture, Cutty Sark
This print is one of a pair (Thermopylae). The original was painted by Arthur Chidley, an English artist from the late 19th Century. The Cutty Sark was a British clipper ship. Built on the Clyde in 1869 for the Jock Willis shipping line, she was one of the last tea clippers to be built and one of the fastest. , This item is an example of a piece of art likely to be found in a home where a framed print was considered to be an essential finishing touch. The Cutty Sark is the last tea clipper in existence and is considered a maritime treasure. Black framed print of "Cutty Sark" - ship in full sail. Ship is on rough seas. The wooden frame sections are simply mitred and nailed at the corners.Back- 4296picture cutty-sark chidley