Box of dip pen nibs made by William Mitchell Calligraphy dating back to late 19th or early 20th century when dip pens with steel nibs were the main writing instruments. The pen nibs are shaped to fit into a slot in the base of a wooden or Bakelite pen holder. The hole at the front of the nib is for collecting ink from a well, which is then stored in a reservoir at the back of the nib. The nibs are stamped with their nib size and Pedigree (what type of nib it is) and maker’s details. William Mitchell Calligraphy still makes these nibs today with a slightly difference finish. (ref: Sales and Marketing Director of William Mitchell Calligraphy in 2016). HISTORY of the Ink Pen Quills and ink were common writing tools until the early 19th century when the pen trade began mass producing steel nibs and pens. The steel nibs each have a hole in the middle that acts like a well for the ink. When the nib is dipped into the ink well the writer needs to ensure that it is dipped to only just past that well. India Ink was one of the most popular inks used with the nib pens, notable for its satin-like smooth flow. This ink is composed of a particularly fine carbon mixed with water; it can also be obtained as a dry stick that is then crushed and mixed with water as required. The Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham had the largest concentration of independent jewellers in Europe. Birmingham became the centre of the world’s pen trade for many years -, during the 1800’s over 100 factories, employing 1000s of skilled workers, manufactured the ‘Birmingham Pen’. ABOUT WILLIAM MITCHELL CALLIGRAPHY LTD.* (*The following text is quoted from the William Mitchell Calligraphy website) British based William Mitchell Calligraphy has been designing and manufacturing exceptional pens for almost 200 years. The William Mitchell heritage in making pen nibs began whilst working with his brother John Mitchell in the early 1820s. William Mitchell established his own business in 1825 to become one of the leading nib manufacturers and famous for lettering pens. Almost 100 years later William Mitchell merged with Hinks, Wells & Co, another pen manufacturer, to form British Pens, employing around 1000 people in the Bearwood Road area of Birmingham. During the early 1960s British Pens acquired the pen business of other pen manufacturers Perry & Co and John Mitchell, once again reuniting the two brothers. Joseph Gillott, who were famous for their artist drawing and mapping nibs, amalgamated with British pens in 1969. William Mitchell and Joseph Gillott established in Birmingham during the early part of the nineteenth century and [their products] are still proudly made here. British Pens were subsequently purchased by its current owner Byron Head, the owner of William Mitchell (Sinkers) in 1982, and was subsequently renamed William Mitchell (calligraphy) Ltd. Established in 1827 Joseph Gillott was one of the pioneers of mass steel pen nib manufacturing. The company was particularly strong in the American market, prompting Elihu Burrit, the American consul, to write “In ten thousand school houses across the American continent between two oceans, a million children are as familiarly acquainted with Joseph Gillott as with Noah Webster” (The compiler of the famous American dictionary). The company consequently received visits from many notable Americans, including president Ulysses S Grant. Email on file, from Mike Chappell, Sales and Marketing Manager, William Mitchell Calligraphy, “20161122 - William Mitchell re pen nibs” How to use a dip pen to create modern calligraphy, https://thepostmansknock.com/how-to-use-a-dip-pen-to-create-modern-calligraphy/ India Ink, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_ink birmingham Pen Trade, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham_pen_trade The Pen Museum, http://penmuseum.org.uk/ The early 19th century invention and later mass production of pen nibs such these in our collection had a large impact on education and literacy because the nibs could be produced in great numbers and affordable prices.Box of patent Mitchell nibs containing 48 "Pedigree" nibs. Box depicts picture of William Mitchell on lid, and picture of nib pen on lid and side. Made in Birmingham, England. Nib “0505 Wm MITCHELLS PEDIGREE ENGLAND” Box “PEDIGREE / MAINFOLD SLIP”, “WILLIAM MITCHELL / BIRM - - - - - - LOND” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, william mitchell calligraphy ltd, pen nib, writing implement, writing accessories, dip pen, birmingham manufacturer, communication in writing, mass produced pen nibs

This mechanical candle snuffer tool was made in Birmingham, England, by Harris and Sheldon Ltd. The candle snuffer was part of the original furnishings of the St Nicholas' Mission to Seamen's Church at 139 Nelson Street, Williamstown, Victoria. It was donated to Flagstaff Hill and is part of the St Nicholas Seamen's Church Collection The enterprise of Harris and Sheldon was established in 1880 by Sydney Harris. They made shop fittings such as cabinets, shelving, cupboards, tables and stationery. During WWII, they made aircraft parts, ammunition boxes and pumps. THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History): - The Missions to Seamen was an Anglican charity in Great Britain that has served the world's seafarers since 1856. Its symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today, there are centres in over 200 ports worldwide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria, the organisation began in Williamstown in 1857 as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’ in an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. It soon became part of the Missions to Seamen, Victoria. In 2000, the organisation, now named Mission to Seafarers, still operated locally in Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings. The Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild was formed in 1906 to support the Missions to Seamen in Melbourne and other centres, such as Williamstown. Two of the most significant ladies of the Guild were founder Ethel Augusta Godfrey and foundation member Alice Sibthorpe Tracy (who established a branch of the Guild in Warrnambool in 1920). The Guild continued its work until the 1960s. In 1943, a former Williamstown bank was purchased for the Missions to Seamen Club. The chapel was named St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church and was supported by the Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild, the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and the League of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Friends. It ceased operation in 1966. A Missions to Seamen Chapel and Recreation Room was a significant feature of ports during the late 1800s and 1900s. It seemed appropriate for Flagstaff Hill to include such a representation within the new Maritime Village, and the Melbourne Board of Management of Missions to Seamen Victoria gave its permission on 21st May 1979 for the entire furnishings of the Williamstown chapel to be transferred to Flagstaff Hill. The St Nicholas Seamen’s Church was officially opened on October 11, 1981, and resembles the Williamstown chapel. This candle snuffing tool is significant historically for its origin in the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's Church in Williamstown, established in 1857 to cater for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of seafarers. It originated in Bristol, England when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. It is also significant as a rare Candle snuffer tool. A bamboo and brass pole with a spring-action handle that operates a brass pinching mechanism at the other end. The mechanism has been inserted into the hollow bamboo handle. Maker's inscription on the pinching mechanism. Made in Birmingham, England, by Harris & Sheldon Ltd. This is one of the original items in our st Nicholas Seamen's Church Collection."HARRIS & SHELDON LTD.", "BIRMINGHAM"religious service, harris and sheldon ltd, birmingham manufacturer, sydney harris, sailors rest, ladies harbour light guild, mission to seamen williamstown, library tool, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, religion, bethel sailors’ church, bethel floating church, joy club for fighters, ladies lightkeepers’ auxiliary, mission to seafarers, flying angel’s club, st nicholas seamen’s church williamstown, st nicholas seamen’s church flagstaff hill, candle snuffer, candle extinguisher, flame snuffer, flame extinguisher, lighting, domestic lighting, extinguisher

In 1887 the long established steel toy business of Richard Timmins and Sons of Pershore Street Birmingham was sold to W C Wynn & sons, of Commercial Street Birmingham. They proceeded to extend their works and eventually concentrated on the amalgamation of both businesses under the name of Wynn and Timmins at the one address in Commercial Street. In 1892 they were incorporated as a Limited Company and by 1914 were known as the manufacturers of hand tools for all trades, iron and steel stampers, die sinker, and in the process of press working in sheet and metal for various items. The company around this time employed 200 people and the directors of the company in 1914 were W. H. Wynn, H. S. Wynn, W. L. Wynn. In 1929 they were producing tools under the heart brand until in 1969 the company was taken over by Balfour and Darwins of Sheffield, and the manufacturing facility in Birmingham was closed.An early manufacture of tradesman's tools, from 1900 into the late 1960s the company was a major suppler of tools to various industries and pioneered a number of improvements for individual hand tools for specific industries.Steel snub nosed pliers designed for a specific use unidentified at this time."WYNN & TIMMINS" stamped into the steel handle tools, pliers, metal pliers, wynn & timmins, birmingham manufacturer, tool manufacturer, richard timmins, sheet metal manufactures

The two cards of nibs are retail display cards of the dip pen nibs that William Mitchell Calligraphy produced, dating back to around the 1920’s, which was the time of the Great Exhibition in the UK. At that time dip pens with steel nibs were the main writing instruments. British Pens Ltd. had recently formed as a company and its subsidiaries included the the company William Mitchell, which is why British Pens Ltd. is named on the cards as well. One card (1) has the Round Hand nib, which is widely used today for calligraphy scripts. The other card (2) has the Script nib that has round upturned points for monocline or unshaded lettering that is also used for calligraphy. The nibs also have a detachable reservoir. The pen nibs are shaped to fit into a slot in the base of a wooden or Bakelite pen holder. The hole at the front of the nib is for collecting ink from a well, which is then stored in a reservoir at the back of the nib. The nibsare stamped with their nib size and Pedigree (what type of nib it is) and maker’s details. William Mitchell Calligraphy still makes these nibs today with a slightly difference finish. (ref: Sales and Marketing Director of William Mitchell Calligraphy in 2016). HISTORY of the Ink Pen Quills and ink were common writing tools until the early 19th century when the pen trade began mass producing steel nibs and pens. The steel nibs each have a hole in the middle that acts like a well for the ink. When the nib is dipped into the ink well the writer needs to ensure that it is dipped to only just past that well. India Ink was one of the most popular inks used with the nib pens, notable for its satin-like smooth flow. This ink is composed of a particularly fine carbon mixed with water; it can also be obtained as a dry stick that is then crushed and mixed with water as required. The Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham had the largest concentration of independent jewellers in Europe. Birmingham became the centre of the world’s pen trade for many years -, during the 1800’s over 100 factories, employing 1000s of skilled workers, manufactured the ‘Birmingham Pen’. ABOUT WILLIAM MITCHELL CALLIGRAPHY LTD.* (*The following text is quoted from the William Mitchell Calligraphy website) British based William Mitchell Calligraphy has been designing and manufacturing exceptional pens for almost 200 years. The William Mitchell heritage in making pen nibs began whilst working with his brother John Mitchell in the early 1820s. William Mitchell established his own business in 1825 to become one of the leading nib manufacturers and famous for lettering pens. Almost 100 years later William Mitchell merged with Hinks, Wells & Co, another pen manufacturer, to form British Pens, employing around 1000 people in the Bearwood Road area of Birmingham. During the early 1960s British Pens acquired the pen business of other pen manufacturers Perry & Co and John Mitchell, once again reuniting the two brothers. Joseph Gillott, who were famous for their artist drawing and mapping nibs, amalgamated with British pens in 1969. William Mitchell and Joseph Gillott established in Birmingham during the early part of the nineteenth century and [their products] are still proudly made here. British Pens were subsequently purchased by its current owner Byron Head, the owner of William Mitchell (Sinkers) in 1982, and was subsequently renamed William Mitchell (calligraphy) Ltd. Established in 1827 Joseph Gillott was one of the pioneers of mass steel pen nib manufacturing. The company was particularly strong in the American market, prompting Elihu Burrit, the American consul, to write “In ten thousand school houses across the American continent between two oceans, a million children are as familiarly acquainted with Joseph Gillott as with Noah Webster” (The compiler of the famous American dictionary). The company consequently received visits from many notable Americans, including president Ulysses S Grant. The early 19th century invention and mass production of pen nibs such these in our collection had a large impact on education and literacy because the nibs could be produced in great numbers and affordable prices.Pen nibs; 2 cards of steel dip pen nibs from the 1920’s. The steel nibs are attached to cards by 2 rows of entwined cotton cord. Reverse sides of cards have some hand written marks. Manufacturer; William Mitchell, Birmingham, England. Card issued by British Pens Ltd. Nibs have shaped ends, a hole in the centre with a well on the underside, and the tops are shaped approximately quarter circle. Inscriptions are pressed into each nib. The script pens have detachable reservoirs made of a metal different to the nib. (Card 1) Round Hand Pens, 11 nibs remain from card of 12. Printed on card “Round Hand Pens for Beautiful Writing, Twelve degrees of point, Square points. William Mitchell, Birmingham, England. This card is issued by British Pens Ltd. MADE IN ENGLAND” Also printed on top left of card is a pen drawing of a person writing at a desk, background of decorative 3-paned window in brick wall. (Card 2) Script Pens; 11 nibs remain from card of 12. “Script pens fitted with detachable reservoir. William Mitchell, Birmingham, England. This card is issued by British Pens Ltd. MADE IN ENGLAND” Also printed on top right of card is a pen drawing of a person writing at a desk, background of decorative 3-paned window in brick wall. On Card 1, - each nib is stamped with its size, and “Wm MITCHELLS / PEDIGREE / ROUND HAND / ENGLAND” - hand written on front bottom of card in ball point pen “Lettering 5 times size of nib” - hand drawn on back of card in red and blue ball point pen are scribbled lines On Card 2 - each nib is stamped with its size, and “WILLIAM / MITCHELLS / SCRIPT PEN / ENGLAND” - a black circle corresponding to the nib is printed on the card above each nib. - hand written on back of card in black felt tip pen are numerals - hand drawn on back, 4 parallel lines in red ball point pen with the numbers “10” between 2 of the lines flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, william mitchell calligraphy ltd, british pens ltd., pen nib, writing implement, dip pen, round hand nib, script nib, birmingham manufacturer, communication in writing, mass produced pen nibs

Henry Stainsby (1859-1925), Supt. of the Birmingham Royal Institution for the Blind, (later General Secretary of the British & Foreign Blind Association) along with Birmingham manufacturer Albert Wayne, introduced their Shorthand Braille Writer, circa 1910-1940. Used at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. These machines were often supplied with a case, to deaden the sound when in use. The machine was designed to take down verbatim reports from dictation. As the strip of paper passes automatically through the machine, no time is needed to adjust the paper or the machine for each line. Speeds of 80 - 140 words per minute can be obtained.Contained in a dark blue case which folds down to reveal the keys, this portable Braille writer has six flat keys in front and a space key, attached to a marking device at the back. A roll of thin white paper is mounted on an attachment to the side of the machine, and the paper is threaded along a channel at the top of the machine and comes out the other side in a continuous roll. A red round rubber guard is just behind the keys. Royal National Institute for the Blind label attached.braille equipment, royal victorian institute for the blind

Henry Stainsby (1859-1925), Supt. of the Birmingham Royal Institution for the Blind, (later General Secretary of the British & Foreign Blind Association) along with Birmingham manufacturer Albert Wayne, introduced their Shorthand Braille Writer, circa 1910-1940. Used at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. These machines were often supplied with a case, to deaden the sound when in use. The machine was designed to take down verbatim reports from dictation. As the strip of paper passes automatically through the machine, no time is needed to adjust the paper or the machine for each line. Speeds of 80 - 140 words per minute can be obtained.Black metal typewriter which has seven keys and a small reel of paper415 Stainsby-Wayne Embossed Shorthand Typewriter Patented * Alfred Wayne * Birm, ENGbraille equipment, royal victorian institute for the blind

This bellows was used at the Warrnambool Racecourse by Master Farrier, Brian Chapman (1931-2017), during the 1970s but its history before then is still being investigated. The bellows have continued to be used from 1978 at Flagstaff Hill's blacksmith's workshop. Even today, in 2021, this same bellows are used by a volunteer blacksmith as he demonstrate the skills and tells of the importance of the blacksmith trade to colonial Australia. This 1860s double-action bellows is a typical form of blacksmith's or shipsmith's bellows. The end is forge-fitted with an iron nozzle or tube, called a tuyere or Tue iron, which concentrates the air to fan the fire or furnace. Tuyeres were traditionally made of cow horn. The double-action design of this bellows efficiently moves air both in and out of the chambers in the one movement of the long handle. The bellows was manufactured by John C. Onions of Birmingham, England, between 1862 and 1875. The stamp with the text, Gold Medal 1862, was also used on the business’ advertising. In 1875 the company was registered and began using the name John C. Onions Limited. JOHN C. ONIONS - John C. (Collingwood) Onions (1841-1904) was the son of a bellows maker of the same name. Onions (born 1841) and his wife Helen married in 1867 and they named one of their children John Collingwood Onions (1868-1913), as was the family tradition. He was well known as a Birmingham manufacturer of patented bellows and other forge-related equipment. He sold to the wholesale and retail markets for both local and overseas customers, including the British colonies. An 1862 advertisement points out that John C. Onions was a “Bellows manufacturer and contractor to Her Majesty’s Honourable Board of Ordinance” and His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of the French [Napoleon Bonaparte]”. The advertisement includes a sketched portrait of the Emperor Napoleon III, and an Imperial Autograph Letter dated May 23, 1854, from Napoleon, Palace of the Tulleries to Mr J C Onions of Bradford Street, Birmingham. In 1863 the company registered a patent on portable forges. In 1871 there were eight employees. John C. Onions Limited became a registered company in 1875. In 1876 an advertisements included that the company were smiths for hearths and tools in general and showed a row of six medallions including one with “Napoleon III, Emperor” and his portrait, and another “ _ _ _ 1862 MEDAL”. Their advertising motto was “For Excellence of Quality”. In 1885 the company merged with William Allday and Sons to become Allday and Onions. This mid-19th century bellows has local historical significance as it were once used by blacksmiths at the Warrnambool Racecourse in the annual racing event that continues today. This bellows is significant as a working example of equipment used in the 1800 and 1900s in the trace of blacksmiths and other metal working smiths. The bellows is technologically significant as it shows the progress from simple bellows to the double-action bellows, a time saving and efficient improvement. The manufacturer John C. Onions is historically significant as a family business that began in the 1600s and continued up until the 1980s.Bellows; large, oval, mechanical double-action smith’s bellows, manually operated, in working condition. The paddles of wood that form the top, middle sections and base of the bellows have flexible leather pieces attached firmly between them, forming airtight double lungs. Cut-outs in the panels allow the bellows to fill with air then force it out. A long handle is connected to pump the bellows and control the quantity and force of the air. The blasts of air are forced through the metal nozzle or tuyere at the end of the bellows and into the forge’s fire. Inscriptions are impressed into the wood on the upper paddle or board of the bellows. There are three circular stamps containing text. Text impressed in the wooden upper paddle of the bellows has been assumed to read “JOHN C. ONIONS, PATENTEES & MANUFACTURERS, BIRMINGHAM””?” “EXTRA” “AWARDED FOR EXCELLENCE OF QUALITY”, made from the following readable text :- “JOHN C ONIONS“ “PATENT - - - & MAN - - - - - - - - -“, “BIR - - - - HAM“, “ _ ERA - - - - “- XTRA-“, “- - - - - - - FOR EXCELL-“ “OF - - - - ITY” Text in the stamp “ - - ECE - - “, “ - - - - - / 1862 / MEDAL”, “- ITY” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, john collingwood onions, john c onions, allday and onions, bellows, smith’s bellows, 19th century bellows, double-action bellows, double-acting bellows, double lung bellows, double chamber bellows, blacksmith tools, blacksmith trade, blacksmith craft, blacksmith equipment, forging equipment, john c onions patented double-action bellows, brian chapman, warrnambool racecourse, blacksmith, shipsmith, iron smith, mechanical bellows

The Stainsby Braillewriter was utilised by Braille tutors and volunteers as well the blind and visually impaired. Stored in a brown cardboard lockable case and this complete kit consists of a metal Braille writing machine; a long slim rectangular device with carriage and six silver keys and a bell, a metal board to attach Braille writer, a metal hinged Braille paper clamp and an instructional booklet. Henry Stainsby (1859-1925), Supt. of the Birmingham Royal Institution for the Blind, (later General Secretary of the British & Foreign Blind Association) along with Birmingham manufacturer Albert Wayne, introduced their portable brailler writer around 1903. An "improved" version, featuring aluminum parts and a paper clamp allowing accurate interpointing or interlining, was announced in "Outlook for the Blind" as early as 1927 and available generally by 1933 in the RNIB catalog. By 1978, RNIB sold the Improved Stainsby in a number of formats, including a large version available with interlining and inter-pointing board, and a small version with a folding board. Both large and small models came in ordinary and reverse keyed versions. Silver Brailler, rectangular with six silver keys and a bell, with paper board and clip, in cardboard suitcaseM8839 M88 (Brailler) M 8839 (Board) On the outside of the suitcase an address label reads "Braille Library, 31-51 Commercial Road, South Yarra". braille equipment, assistive devices

This type of large, brass tap is typical of the plumbing fittings manufactured in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The tap has encrustations and concretion inside, showing that it had been in the sea for quite some time. The pipe leading to the spout is squashed, nicked and appears to have been sawn or broken off. It could have once been part of the plumbing from a ship, perhaps from one of the boilers used in the kitchen, for bathing or for laundry or cleaning. The name “BEST” on the tap signifies that it could have been made by Robert Best who began his Birmingham brass foundry c. 1840, and even though The information from the donor is that tap was given to her father (1906-1982) who lived in the Warrnambool district. It was likely given by a cray fisherman or diver, who said that the tap came from the Loch Ard shipwreck, wrecked on Mutton Bird Island, east of Port Campbell, Victoria, on 1st June 1878. This could easily be the case but there is no provenance for it. ROBERT BEST, BRASS FOUNDRY Circa 1840 Robert Best founded his brass foundry business and was referred to as a Brass Chandelier of Birmingham”. In 1864 an advertisement in the Journal of Gas Lighting, Water Supply, & Sanitary Improvement announces Best and Hobson, late Robert Best, 100 Charlotte Street Birmingham, manufacturers of Chandeliers, Brass and iron fittings, Steam and Water-cocks etc. gas apparatus of every description, Plumber's brass foundry, with works at Birmingham and Great Bridge, Staffordshire. In 1867 Best & Lloyd was formed, after Best and Hobson went into liquidation, manufacturing at the Cambray Works of Wattville Road, Handsworth. It was a light industrial engineering works and one of the owners was Robert Dudley Best’s father. Robert Dudley Best (1892-1984) later took over the business of Best & Lloyd. The company is still in business at Downing Street, Smethwick, Birmingham. In 1878, brass ship furniture and bell fittings stamped “BEST” was made by William Udal & Co., who advertised as manufacturers of BEST cast and stamped brass foundry goods. This large brass tap is typical of industrial tapware of the mid-late 19th and 20th centuries. The location of the tap, when found, is associated with the Warrnambool district and could have easily been from a shipwreck due to the encrustation found inside the tap. Due to its design and manufacturer, the tap is associated with the mid-late 19th and early 20th-century manufacture of plumbing fittings. Tap, brass, heavy-duty, with butterfly handle. The design and style are typical of the plumbing of the late 1800s. Inscription pressed into the handle, within rectangular border "BEST". Encrustation and concretion are inside the tap spout. “BEST” on one side of the tap handle (Also, a label from the donor attached to the tap “from the wreckage of the LOCH ARD")flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, robert best brass foundry, best and hobson, best & llyod, birmingham brass foundry, brass tap, best brand tap, heavy duty brass tap, industrial brass tap, boiler tap, 19th century plumbing, 19th century tapware, 19th century plumbing fitting, tap with butterfly handle, tap salvaged from shipwreck, brass fittings, steam engine fittings, water-cock fitting

Sets of scales similar to these were very common in households throughout Australia in the 19th and 20th centuries. Avery of Birmingham were a British manufacturer of weighing machines. The company was founded in the early 18th century and took the name W & T Avery in 1818. The company produced a wide range of scales ranging from industrial scales and weighbriges to small scales for domestic use, such as these scales. At the time of the death of the last Avery family member in 1918, it employed over 3,000 people and had businesses all over the world. Today it has evolved to become part of the conglomerate, Avery Weigh-Tronix.Domestic scales such as these were common throughout Australian homes. They are now primarily superceded by plastic items, often electronic.Metal balance table scales and a set of imperial weightsOn weights "AVERY/ B'HAM"weights and measures australia, domestic scales

business records/correspondenceAbbott Collection: 1885 correspondence between J. H. Abbott and suppliers (all handwritten correspondence, but difficult to decipher): 2403.100a 3 June 1885 - J. D. Atkinson, Flinders Lane Melbourne, leather factor - sheep and kangaroo hides 2403.100b 17 & 31 Jan 1885 - The Apollo Company Limited, Collins St Melbourne, Stearine Candles & Soap Manufacturers, Oil & Glycerine Refiners 2403.100c June-July 1885 - Briscoe & Co., Melbourne, Wholesale Ironmongers, Iron & Machinery Merchants; copper rivets & washers 2403.100d April-May 1885, 4 documents (1 invoice and 3 letters) - Birchard & Raspe, London & Hamburg 2403.100e Feb-June 1885, 7 invoices, William Dean & Co., Oil & Color Merchants, White Lead, Paperhangers and General Importers 2403.100g 5 invoices Feb-Oct 1885; Gavin Gibson, Melbourne, importers of Boots & Shoes, Leather & Grindery, Machinery, etc. 2403.100h 3 invoices Mar-Jun 1885; Guthridge Power & Co., East Melbourne, Wholesale Saddlers, Saddlers, Ironmongers & Importers. 2403.100i 2 invoices, Jan & Apr 1885, J. Hodges. Little Bourke Street West, Melbourne; American Hame & Saddle Tree Manufacturers. 2403.100j 1 invoice, Apr 1885, Alfred E. Hobbs, Elizabeth Street Melbourne, Rope Manufacturers 2403.100k 2 invoices, Mar & July 1885, Andrew Jack & Co., Flinders Lane West, Melbourne; Importers and Wholesale Stationers. 2403.100l 3 invoice, Apr-Jun 1885, J. Kitchen & Sons & Apollo Company, Flinders Lane West, Melbourne, Sterine Candle, Soap & Soda Crystal Manufacturers Glyuerine & Oil Refiners. 2403.100m 1 invoice, Feb 1885, Lister Henry, Flinders Lane West, Melbourne. 2403.100n 1 invoice, Jun 1885, Thomas Mitchell, Little Bourke Street West Melbourne, Paint & General Brush Manufacturer. 2403.100o 4 invoices, Feb-Jun 1885, New Zealand Loan & Mercantile Agency Company Limited; Colins Street West, Melbourne; Melbourne Wool & Grain Warehouses. 2403.100p 1 invoice & 2 letters, Jan-Apr 1885, T. J. & T. Powell, Lime Street London. 2403.100q 3 letters, Feb -Mar 1885, W. Shammon. Mosley Street, Birmingham, Whip Manufacturer, Cach & Saddler Ironmonger. 2403.100qq 1invoice, May 1885, James C. Steel, Kensington Tannery, Hotham. 2403.100 r 3 invoices, Jan-Mar 1885, G. V. Sydenham, Lonsdale Street West Melbourne, importers of Saddlers' Ironmongery, Hodskins, Patent Leather, etc. 2403.100s 1 invoice, May 1885, Frederick Tate, Market Street, Melbourne, Tate's Parcel Post Express. 2403.100t 2 invoices, Feb & Apr 1885, Taylor & Currie, Bourke Street West Melbourne. 2403.100u 1 invoice, Mar 1885, Eliza Tinsley, Iron Merchant & Manufacturer of Nail Chains, Patent Wrought Nails, Rivets etc. 2403.100v 1 invoice, Mar 1885, Reid & Marshall, Hawthorn Tannery, Melbourne, Tanners & Curriers, Kangaroo Leather Manufacturers. 2403.100w 17 invoices, 2 reports & 18 letters, Jan-Dec 1885, Ullathorne & Co. Lonsdale Street Melbourne and Lincolns Inn Fields, London; Leather Shoe Mersey, Grindery Merchants, etc. Importers of Tanners and Curriers Tools, oils, Dyes & Twines, Shoe and Saddlers Thread, Silks, etc. 2403.100x 62 invoices, Jan-Dec 1885, compiled by J. H. Abbott & Co., Edinburgh Tannery.sales of australian leather, shipments ofhides to england, shipments from melbourne & england

Alfred Frederick Samuel Genton was born in Switzerland around 1869 and arrived in England, date unclear. By 1901, the Kelly’s Directory of Birmingham had listed the Genton & Kessler company as manufacturers of all kinds of ship and railway lamps, fog horns and general ship fittings, with their factory listed as the Bingley Works, King Edward Place, Birmingham, UK, which is listed in 1896 as being owned and run by J E & H Player. Then in February 1905 it appears the partnership of Alfred F S Genton & Julius Rudolf Kessler was dissolved and Alfred F S Genton continued to carry on the business on his own. The company continued to be managed by family members until 1961, when it ceased trading.A marine lamp made by a significant maker in Birmingham, England, in the early part of the 20th century. This item is now regarded as a collector's item. Brass lamp marked 'Port', with two small chains and hook locking mechanisms, and a hinged lid. It has a clear ribbed glass front with a red lens filter. The fuel tank and wick burner were removed. Inscriptions marked on the lamp. Manufacturer: Seahorse in Great Britain.Stamped: "Seahorse GB trade mark" "No. 54987" "PORT"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, alfred frederick samuel genton, birmingham, genton & kessler, ship lamp, bingley works, j e & h player, alfred f s genton, navigation lamp, port lamp, bow side lamp, lighting device, navigation, seahorse, great britain, genton & kessler ltd.

In times past the only way to measure a ship’s speed was to throw a wood log into the water and observe how fast it moved away from the ship. In the 16th century, the log was fastened to a rope knotted at set intervals. The log was thrown over the stern (back) of the vessel and a crew member counted the number of knots that were paid out in a set time. From this, they could estimate the vessel's speed through the water. This was known as streaming the log and is also the derivation of the knot as a measurement of nautical speed. Various manufacturers of nautical equipment had sought over the years to perfect the operation of determining a ship's speed and it wasn't until Thomas Walker and his son Ferdinand developed a mechanical system that eventually made this task became easy for marine navigators. Thomas Walker & Son were internationally renowned in the manufacturing of ship logs the founding father, Thomas Walker (1805–1871), an engineer in Birmingham, patented his mechanical log in 1878 which was a recording instrument that attached to a rail at the stern of a vessel connected by a long cord with a rotor which was towed behind the ship. The instrument dial then recorded the distance travelled. Thomas Walker first went into business to manufacture stoves at 58 Oxford Street Birmingham. Walker’s self-feeding stove was widely lauded at the Paris Exhibition of 1855, winning a prize medal and kickstarting the first of many notable innovations for the Walker family's manufacturing business. However, it wasn’t until working on an earlier ship’s log model invented by his Uncle that Thomas Walker became interested in the further development of this device, used to ascertain a ship’s speed. Walker continued to improve on the common log for the company of Massey & Sons and these improvements were deemed revolutionary. This log became a firm favourite of the West India Association (a British-based organisation promoting ties and trade with the British Caribbean), being the most common log in use for two generations. It took until 1861 for Thomas Walker and his son, Thomas Ferdinand Walker (1831-1921) to patent the first Walker log of many. Together, with the introduction of the A1 Harpoon Log two years later, they established the Walker Log Business as a force to be reckoned with. By his passing in 1871, Thomas Walker Snr had not only founded a family business with considerable staying power but also instilled a tradition of public service. Having sat as a representative on the Birmingham Town Council for 15 years and played an active role in public works, he was soon given the nickname of ‘Blue Brick Walker’. Much like his father, Thomas Ferdinand Walker changed the face of the maritime industry. His patent of 1897, the ‘Cherub’ log, was a notable departure from the past providing a far more accurate reading and replacing the majority of logs of the age. They were the first to produce an electric log (Trident) and the Walker factory was one of the first to introduce the 48-hour work week for employees.The ship log was invented and made by a significant marine instrument maker and innovator of machinery. It demonstrates the huge leap taken to improve navigational accuracy at sea with an instrument that was in use for decades.Ships Log, Walker Trident electric motor, in wooden box with instructions inside box. The motor dial with electric cord is still inside box.Inscription "Admiralty patent number 3332" and "Walker Trident Electric Ship Log (Mark III), 15-25 volt". On top of lid, hand written, is "G TAYLOR"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, ships log, thomas walker & son, electric ships log, marine navigation, thomas ferdinand walker, ship log

A weight made in England by W&T Avery a British manufacturer of weights and weighing machines. The company was founded in the early 18th century and took the name W & T Avery in 1818. The undocumented origin of the company goes back to 1730 when James Ford established the business in the town of Digbeth. On Joseph Balden, the then company’s owner’s death in 1813 William and Thomas Avery took over his scale making business and in 1818 renamed it W & T Avery. The business rapidly expanded and in 1885 they owned three factories: the Atlas Works in West Bromwich, the Mill Lane Works in Birmingham and the Moat Lane Works in Digbeth. In 1891 the business became a limited company with a board of directors and in 1894 the shares were quoted on the London Stock Exchange. In 1895 the company bought the legendary Soho Foundry in Smethwick, a former steam engine factory owned by James Watt & Co. In 1897 the move was complete and the steam engine business was gradually converted to pure manufacture of weighing machines. The turn of the century was marked by managing director William Hipkins who was determined to broadening the renown of the Avery brand and transforming the business into specialist manufacture of weighing machines. By 1914 the company occupied an area of 32,000m² and had some 3000 employees. In the inter-war period, the growth continued with the addition of specialized shops for cast parts, enamel paints and weighbridge assembly and the product range diversified into counting machines, testing machines, automatic packing machines and petrol pumps. During the second world war, the company also produced various types of heavy guns. At that time the site underwent severe damage from parachute mines and incendiary bombs. Then from 1931 to 1973, the company occupied the 18th-century Middlesex Sessions House in Clerkenwell as its headquarters. Changes in weighing machine technology after World War II led to the closure of the foundry, the introduction of electronic weighing with the simultaneous gradual disappearance of purely mechanical devices. The continued expansion was partly achieved through a series of acquisitions of other companies. After almost a century of national and international expansion, the company was taken over by GEC in 1979. Keith Hodgkinson, managing director at the time, completed the turn-around from mechanical to electronic weighing with a complete overhaul of the product range of retail sales of industrial platform scales. In 1993 GEC took over the Dutch-based company Berkel and the Avery-Berkel name was introduced. In 2000 the business was in turn acquired by the US-American company Weigh-Tronix, who already owned Salter, and is today operating as Avery Weigh-Tronix. An item used used by grocers and merchants to weigh store bought goods around the 1950s. This item gives an insight into social history of the time.Weights, metal, silver electroplated, 1 x 2lb, 2 x 4lb, 1 x 7lb. (4) all government stamped, made by Avery Ltd.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, weight, imperial weight, imperial standard weights and measures, imperial standard weight

A weight made in England by W&T Avery a British manufacturer of weights and weighing machines. The company was founded in the early 18th century and took the name W & T Avery in 1818. The undocumented origin of the company goes back to 1730 when James Ford established the business in the town of Digbeth. On Joseph Balden, the then company’s owner’s death in 1813 William and Thomas Avery took over his scale making business and in 1818 renamed it W & T Avery. The business rapidly expanded and in 1885 they owned three factories: the Atlas Works in West Bromwich, the Mill Lane Works in Birmingham and the Moat Lane Works in Digbeth. In 1891 the business became a limited company with a board of directors and in 1894 the shares were quoted on the London Stock Exchange. In 1895 the company bought the legendary Soho Foundry in Smethwick, a former steam engine factory owned by James Watt & Co. In 1897 the move was complete and the steam engine business was gradually converted to pure manufacture of weighing machines. The turn of the century was marked by managing director William Hipkins who was determined to broadening the renown of the Avery brand and transforming the business into specialist manufacture of weighing machines. By 1914 the company occupied an area of 32,000m² and had some 3000 employees. In the inter-war period, the growth continued with the addition of specialized shops for cast parts, enamel paints and weighbridge assembly and the product range diversified into counting machines, testing machines, automatic packing machines and petrol pumps. During the second world war, the company also produced various types of heavy guns. At that time the site underwent severe damage from parachute mines and incendiary bombs. Then from 1931 to 1973, the company occupied the 18th-century Middlesex Sessions House in Clerkenwell as its headquarters. Changes in weighing machine technology after World War II led to the closure of the foundry, the introduction of electronic weighing with the simultaneous gradual disappearance of purely mechanical devices. The continued expansion was partly achieved through a series of acquisitions of other companies. After almost a century of national and international expansion, the company was taken over by GEC in 1979. Keith Hodgkinson, managing director at the time, completed the turn-around from mechanical to electronic weighing with a complete overhaul of the product range of retail sales of industrial platform scales. In 1993 GEC took over the Dutch-based company Berkel and the Avery-Berkel name was introduced. In 2000 the business was in turn acquired by the US-American company Weigh-Tronix, who already owned Salter, and is today operating as Avery Weigh-Tronix. An item used used by grocers and merchants to weigh store bought goods around the 1950s. This item gives an insight into social history of the time.Weight, brass, Stamped F27, 2lb.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, weight, brass weight

Thomas and James Middleton owned the Britannia Bedstead Works and were based at the Victoria Iron Foundry in Smethwick’s Rolfe Street Birmingham England. The Britannia Bedstead Works was not a particularly large employer by local standards in 1851 it employed 80 men but it was profitable enough to enable James Middleton and his wife Elizabeth to live in a house in New Street, North Harborne, and to employ a servant. The foundry had been in production from before 1830 or possibly earlier and had become specialist manufacturers in the Birmingham area by the 1840s making many other cast iron items at the foundry, weights being one. An item made in England around 1850-1860 by a renowned company making items various cast iron items at its foundry in Smethwick, Birmingham. Weight cast iron disc black colour4lb "Middleton"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

This Tangye B-size, single-cylinder, horizontal steam engine was likely manufactured in England around the mid-1880s. It was distributed by Melbourne machinery merchants Cameron & Sutherland, which also operated in Bendigo and Ballarat. A local cheese maker once used the engine to drive factory equipment. It was later donated to the Warrnambool Technical School, which then donated it to Flagstaff Hill to add to its historical steam engine collection. Between its manufacture and its donation to Flagstaff Hill, the governor had been replaced by the current Pickering governor. This engine design was very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When connected and powered up, the engine could drive an overhead line shaft via a flat belt off its flywheel. The line shaft would then drive the machinery via flat belts. It could drive virtually any type of machinery, such as water and sewerage pumps, mine elevators, winches, cranes, metal forges, air blowers, and marine machinery. This engine features a mechanical governor, which controls the speed of the engine regardless of whether it is under load. It also has a water pump built into the valve rod, which is used to supply the boiler with water. Steam enters the cylinder via a slide valve and applies pressure to the piston; it is like a modern internal combustion engine, but in the case of the steam engine, the pressure is exerted in turn on either side of the piston. In other words, the connecting rod is pushed by steam via the piston and piston rod and then pulled back again by steam pushing on the opposite side of the piston. Thus, power is exerted almost continuously, except at the end of each piston stroke, when it reverses direction. In the 1880s, many local butter and cheese manufacturers installed Tangye steam engines to power their machinery. A comprehensive article in the Gippsland Mercury in September 1889 extolled the magnificence of the Farnham Butter Factory in Dennington, Warrnambool, and described how one Tangye engine was used to drive several machines in the cheese- and butter-making processes. A report in the Warragul Guardian in December 1890 notes that the newly opened Warrnambool Butter Factory used a Tangye steam engine to pump water from a 60-foot well. Tangye: Richard Tangye (1833–1906) and four of his brothers—James, Joseph, Edward, and George—were the sons of Joseph Tangye, a Quaker Cornish miner. In 1857, they founded the engineering firm Richard Tangye & Brothers in Birmingham, UK. In 1860, the firm became Tangye Brothers and moved to Cornwall Works in Birmingham. The business encouraged inventors to join the company and develop their patents there, as happened with Weston’s differential pulley block, invented by the Englishman Thomas Aldridge Weston in 1854. Tangye bought the patent in 1858, giving the firm the sole right to manufacture it. The design received a medal for “original application, practical utility and success” at the 1862 International Exhibition in London. Also in 1858, the Tangye firm was commissioned by Brunel’s shipping company to manufacture hydraulic lifting jacks, or rams, to launch the steamship SS Great Eastern. The success of this project brought favourable attention to the firm, and it became involved in other notable projects, including the erection of Cleopatra’s Needle in London in 1878 and work on the Forth Road Bridge in Scotland. The firm underwent several name changes over the years, including James Tangye and Brothers (1857), Tangye Brothers and Price (1859), Tangye Brothers (1860), Tangye Brothers & Holman (1876), Tangye Brothers (by 1878), Tangye Ltd. (1881), and then simply Tangye. Its machinery and equipment were exported worldwide. In 1884, a branch with showrooms, offices, and a warehouse was opened in Melbourne at Cornwall House, Collins Street West. The firm was well known for producing high-quality machinery for agriculture and industry. Even today, new Tangye machinery is available for a subsidiary of Allspeeds. An extensive account of the firm’s history, names, inventions, and further references is available in Grace’s Guide, which also includes references to and diagrams of the Tangye horizontal steam engine. The horizontal steam engine was made by the well-known engineering firm Tangye, known for its high quality of manufacture. It was an important development in machinery because it helped improve productivity. Engines of this type are still used in some parts of the world today. This engine is a good example of a late 19th-century steam engine used in industry and agriculture and adapted for many different purposes. It is also important locally because it was connected to a local cheese making business and part of the thriving western district dairy industry. It may have been one of the Tangyes engines used at the Farnham butter factory or the Warrnambool Butter Factory, which was reported to be one of the most important in the Colony. It is also connected to the Warrnambool Technical School, established in 1968. Steam engine: stationary Tangye Size B, single-cylinder, horizontal Mill type steam engine. It has a 4-inch diameter cylinder with an 8-inch stroke. The body is painted green, and the Pickering governor is red. It was manufactured in Birmingham, England, in accordance with Tangye's Patent 238930, and distributed by Cameron and Sunderland, Melbourne, in the mid-1880s. TANGEYS PATENT BIRMINGHAM B SIZE 238930 CAMERON & SUTHERLAND MELBOURNE THE PICKERING PORTLAND . GOVERNOR . CONN. U.S.A.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, machine, invention, engine, steam, steam engine, horizontal steam engine, tangyes horizontal steam engine, stationary steam engine, single cylinder steam engine, manufacturing, farming, pumps, lifting equipment, engines, machine tools, hydraulic rams, hydraulic pumps, steam pumps, differential pulleys, mill type steam engine, 4 inch cylinder, weston’s differential pulley, thomas aldridge weston, 1862 international exhibition in london, brunel, ss great eastern, cleopatra’s needle, forth road bridge, cornwall house, collins street melbourne, agricultural machinery, industrial machinery, allspeeds, dairy, pump, richard tangye & brothers, james tangye and brothers, tangye brothers and price, tangye brothers, tangye brothers & holman, tangyes ltd., tangye, richard tangye, james tangye, joseph tangye, edward tangye, george tangye, cornwall works, birmingham, pickering governor, pickering portland connecticut usa, 19th century, dairy plant, steam power, tangye's patent 238930, tangye b size engine, cameron & sutherland, machine merchants, 1880s, mid-1880s, cheese manufacturer, butter manufacturer, diary industry, warrnambool technical school, belt driven machinery, agriculture, mechanical governor, farnham butter factory, warrnambool butter factory

The subject item was made in England by W&T Avery a British manufacturer of weights and weighing machines. The company was founded in the early 18th century and took the name W & T Avery in 1818. The undocumented origin of the company goes back to 1730 when James Ford established the business in the town of Digbeth. On Joseph Balden, the then company’s owner’s death in 1813 William and Thomas Avery took over his scale making business and in 1818 renamed it W & T Avery. The business rapidly expanded and in 1885 they owned three factories: the Atlas Works in West Bromwich, the Mill Lane Works in Birmingham and the Moat Lane Works in Digbeth. In 1891 the business became a limited company with a board of directors and in 1894 the shares were quoted on the London Stock Exchange. In 1895 the company bought the legendary Soho Foundry in Smethwick, a former steam engine factory owned by James Watt & Co. In 1897 the move was complete and the steam engine business was gradually converted to pure manufacture of weighing machines. The turn of the century was marked by managing director William Hipkins who was determined to broaden the renown of the Avery brand and transform the business into specialist manufacture of weighing machines. By 1914 the company occupied an area of 32,000m² and had some 3000 employees. In the inter-war period, the growth continued with the addition of specialized shops for cast parts, enamel paints and weighbridge assembly and the product range diversified into counting machines, testing machines, automatic packing machines and petrol pumps. During the second world war, the company also produced various types of heavy guns. At that time the site underwent severe damage from parachute mines and incendiary bombs. Then from 1931 to 1973, the company occupied the 18th-century Middlesex Sessions House in Clerkenwell as its headquarters. Changes in weighing machine technology after World War II led to the closure of the foundry, the introduction of electronic weighing with the simultaneous gradual disappearance of purely mechanical devices. The continued expansion was partly achieved through a series of acquisitions of other companies. After almost a century of national and international expansion, the company was taken over by GEC in 1979. Keith Hodgkinson, managing director at the time, completed the turn-around from mechanical to electronic weighing with a complete overhaul of the product range of retail sales of industrial platform scales. In 1993 GEC took over the Dutch-based company Berkel and the Avery-Berkel name was introduced. In 2000 the business was in turn acquired by the US-American company Weigh-Tronix, who already owned Salter, and is today operating as Avery Weigh-Tronix.An item used by grocers and merchants throughout the then British colonies of England to weigh store-bought goods around the mid to late 19th century. This item gives an insight into the daily lives of early colonial settlers and is a significant part of the era’s social history of the time.Balance scale and weights with removable dish, two round weights glued to tray 4oz and 8oz. Scales 'to weigh up to 28lb. Printed in gold on black labels each side "W & T AVERY LTD", "BIRMINGHAM" warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, scale and weights, food preparation equipment, w t avery ltd, balance scale, grocers scales, james ford, william & thomas avery, birmingham uk

Isaac Sherwoods Ltd were manufacturers of oil lamps and burners in Birmingham, in 1904 they were trading as Isaac Sherwood & Son Ltd. but by 1920 they had taken over Linley & Co. of 73-75 Great Lister Street, makers of `American' pattern lamps to become Sherwood-Linley at Nechells Park Works, Eliot Street. The company were a leading manufacturer of oil and candle lamps exporting their goods all over the world. The subject lamp is operated with a candle, which is inserted on the underside, it is sprung and as the candle burns the spring keeps the candle pushed upwards keeping the flame burning until the candle is extinct. Sherwoods invented and patented this innovation for candle lamps.The subject item is incomplete however it has some significance as it was designed to be used in a sea going vessel, as a result is quite rare also the item is made by a well known manufacturer.Spring loaded candle Lamp, brass, with gimbal wall attachment for use on a ship, shade and mount missing. Candle-stop has the words "Sherwoods Limited, trademark sound".flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, candle lamp, gimbal spring, sherwoods limited

The proof marks on the barrels (a crown and letters BV) denote that the shotgun design was made from the year 1904, and that it was nitro-proof tested in Birmingham, England. David Melville Carrison (1895 to 1960) of Port MacDonnell was the previous owner of this Isaac Hollis & Sons double-barrel shotgun. His grandfather, Adam Kerrison Carrison (1833-1903), was an early settler who worked as a fisherman in that once-bustling seaport. His uncle John was a a horse-breaker, a boat hand, and a member of the lifeboat crew, receiving a medal for his part in saving the crew of a French barque. Currently, no connection has been made between the gun, its owner, and the note with the word “Enterprise”: a New Zealand-built, two-masted schooner that was wrecked in Lady Bay, Warrnambool, in 1950. Gun makers, ISAAC HOLLIS & SONS: The Hollis Brothers were first recorded as operating from 11 Weaman Row in 1840, although evidence suggests the business may have commenced before then. Over time, the firm became known as Isaac Hollis & Sons, with claims of its establishment dating back to 1814. This earlier date is supported by records of Richard and William Hollis trading in Bath Street, Birmingham, between 1814 and 1818, which raises the possibility that Isaac and Frederick Hollis were their descendants. The principal brothers involved in the business were Isaac Hollis, born in 1815, and Frederick Hollis, whose birth date remains unknown. Frederick’s life was cut short when he died on 20 December 1839. According to the 1841 census, Isaac Hollis resided in Weaman Row and was listed as a 25-year-old gun and pistol maker. He was married to Emma, who was born in 1821, and together they had two children: Isaac, born in 1837, and Henry, born in 1839. Following Frederick’s death, Isaac continued to operate under the name Hollis Brothers until 1845, after which he renamed the business Hollis Brothers & Co. This entity remained active up to 1848. In 1844, Isaac Hollis entered a brief partnership with William Tranter at 10 & 11 Weaman Row, likely to fulfil a specific contract or to supply parts. This partnership continued until 1849. In 1848, Isaac Hollis formed a partnership with Isaac Brentnall Sheath, establishing the firm of Hollis & Sheath and expanding their operations into 10 Weaman Row. The partnership saw Hollis & Sheath become licensed manufacturers of percussion breech-loading guns, positioning the company as a notable presence in the industry. In 1861, Sheath left the partnership and emigrated to New Zealand, where he conducted several enterprises and was elected as a provincial councillor. He died in Christchurch on 19th May 1897. In 1861, after Isaac Sheath left, the business name became Isaac Hollis & Sons. By approximately 1870, Isaac Hollis and Henry Hollis had assumed responsibility for the daily management of the firm, with Isaac overseeing the overall management and marketing of the company's products, and Henry managing the manufacturing processes. During this period, the company became known for producing large volumes of affordable trade guns and sporting guns, catering to customers in South Africa and the British colonies. In 1870, Isaac Hollis & Sons opened a retail location at 44a Cannon Street in London, and in 1871, it operated at 83 Cheapside Street. Isaac Hollis Jnr passed away in October 1875 in Birmingham at the age of 37, having never married. In 1876/1877, Henry Hollis registered a limited liability company under the name Isaac Hollis & Sons Ltd. However, by 1879, trading resumed under the name Isaac Hollis & Sons, and the London shop moved to 6 Great Winchester Street. From 1932 to 1933, the business operated in London as Hollis, Bentley & Playfair. The final closure of Hollis, Bentley & Playfair occurred in Birmingham in 1953. The shotgun was manufactured by Isaac Hollis & Sons, a firm with a strong reputation for producing firearms. This early 1900s example represents a standard pattern that was produced in large quantities for everyday use. This double-barrel shotgun is 12-gauge, complete with a cleaning rod and a wooden storage box. The firearm has been altered from its original configuration: the right barrel has been cut shorter, resulting in sharp edges at the muzzle, and a metal extension has been fitted to the stock. The cleaning rod consists of three separate segments that screw together for use. The shotgun is housed in a black-painted wooden case with a hinged lid showing inscriptions for the maker and Serial Number. Maker was I. HOLLIS & SONS, Serial Number SN 84245. David Melville Carrison of Port MacDonnell was the previous owner. A handwritten note that had the word 'Enterprise' was with the gun. "I. HOLLIS & SONS". SN on stock “84245”. Badge on both sides “Crown [symbol] / BV”. “Crown [symbol] / NP”, “12G inside Diamond [symbol]”, “NITRO PROOF”, “STEEL 84245” Paper note included with gun, written in felt tip pen “ENTERPRISE”. flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, firearm, gun, double-barrel, shotgun, cleaning rod, gunsmith, smithed, 12 gauge, sn 84245, serial number 84245, david melville carrison, early 1900s, richard and william hillis, herbert & co., herbert & co. london, hollis & sons, isaac hollis & sons, isaac hillis & sons ltd., hollis bentley & playfair., isaac hollis, frederick hollis, isaac brentnall sheath, isaac sheath, william tranter, gun manufacturer, pistol manufacturer, gun and pistol maker, birmingham, military supplies, enterprise, 1904

The Hollis Brothers were first recorded as operating from 11 Weaman Row in 1840, although evidence suggests that the business may have commenced prior to this date. Over time, the firm evolved and became known as Isaac Hollis & Sons, with claims of its establishment dating back to 1814. This earlier date is supported by records of Richard and William Hollis trading in Bath Street, Birmingham, between 1814 and 1818, which raises the possibility that Isaac and Frederick Hollis were their descendants. The principal brothers involved in the business were Isaac Hollis, born in 1815, and Frederick Hollis, whose birth date remains unknown. Frederick’s life was cut short when he died on 20 December 1839. According to the 1841 census, Isaac Hollis resided in Weaman Row and was listed as a 25-year-old gun and pistol maker. He was married to Emma, who was born in 1821, and together they had two children: Isaac, born in 1837, and Henry, born in 1839. Following Frederick’s death, Isaac continued to operate under the name Hollis Brothers until 1845, after which he renamed the business Hollis Brothers & Co. This entity remained active up to 1848. In 1844, Isaac Hollis entered a brief partnership with William Tranter at 10 & 11 Weaman Row, likely to fulfil a specific contract or to supply particular parts. This partnership continued until 1849. In 1848, Isaac Hollis formed a partnership with Isaac Brentnall Sheath, establishing the firm of Hollis & Sheath and expanding their operations into 10 Weaman Row. The partnership saw Hollis & Sheath become licensed manufacturers of percussion breech-loading guns, positioning the company as a notable presence in the industry. In 1861, Sheath left the partnership and emigrated to New Zealand, where he conducted several enterprises and was elected as a provincial councillor. He died in Christchurch on 19th May 1897. Following the departure of Isaac Sheath in 1861, the business underwent a name change to Isaac Hollis & Sons. By approximately 1870, Isaac Hollis and Henry Hollis had assumed responsibility for the daily management of the firm, with Isaac overseeing the overall management and marketing of the company's products, while Henry managed the manufacturing processes. During this period, the company became known for producing large volumes of affordable trade guns and sporting guns, catering to customers in South Africa and the British colonies. In 1870, Isaac Hollis & Sons opened a retail location at 44a Cannon Street in London, subsequently relocating to 83 Cheapside in 1871. Isaac Hollis Jnr passed away in October 1875 in Birmingham at the age of 37, having never married. In 1876/1877, Henry Hollis registered a limited liability company under the name Isaac Hollis & Sons Ltd. However, by 1879, trading resumed under the name Isaac Hollis & Sons, and the London shop moved to 6 Great Winchester Street. From 1932 to 1933, the business operated in London as Hollis, Bentley & Playfair. The final closure of Hollis, Bentley & Playfair occurred in Birmingham in 1953. This firearm serves as an exemplary representation of the type of weapon distributed to the colony’s military forces in 1861. It was specifically manufactured by Isaac Hollis & Sons, a prominent gunmaker of the period, to meet the requirements of military use. Distribution was facilitated through Hebbert & Sons, an established military supplier based in London. Before it arrived in Tasmania, Australia, around 1861, the firearm was likely issued from the Hythe Armoury, which functioned as a British military training facility. Probably, the gun was originally allocated to British troops or police before being transferred for use in the colony. Gun: Percussion Carbine, .577 Cal. Colonial Tasmanian issue Artillery carbine, Pattern 1861. Muzzle-loading "Cap and Ball" musket. Wood stock and ramrod. Inscriptions are on the stock and breech. Gun was made for Herbert & Co., London, by Isaac Hollis & Sons, Birmingham.Stamped on stock "SOLD 95", " ISAAC HOLLIS & SONS" "GUN & PISTOL MANUFACTURES" "BIRMINGHAM" "J ASTON ARMOURER HYTHE" "MANUFACTURED EXPRESSLY FOR HEBBERT & CO LONDON". Stamped on breech "25", and "25C ---05"flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, firearm, gun, percussion, carbine, .577 cal, colonial tasmanian issue, artillery carbine, military gun, pattern 1861, muzzle-loading, muzzle-loading musket, cap and ball, musket, wood stock, 1861, percussion breech-loading guns, richard and william hillis, herbert & co., herbert & co. london, hollis & sons, isaac hollis & sons, isaac hillis & sons ltd., hollis bentley & playfair., isaac hollis, frederick hollis, isaac brentnall sheath, isaac sheath, william tranter, gun manufacturer, pistol manufacturer, gun and pistol maker, birmingham, j aston armourer, hythe, hythe armoury, military supplies

Philip Webley was born in 1813, he was the younger brother of James Webley who was born in 1807. Both were born in Birmingham. Towards the end of the 1800s, the firm claimed establishment in 1790, this must have been the date James and Philip's father or grandfather originally established a bullet or gun implement making business. It was not, as is often stated, the date William Davis established his business. Philip Webley was apprenticed in 1827 to Benjamin Watson. James Webley also seems to have been apprenticed but to who is not known. In 1834 James and Philip established their partnership as percussioners, lock filers and gun makers at 7 Weaman Street,Birmingham which was William Davis' old premises Davis, a gun implement maker, mould and toolmaker, died in 1831 and his wife Sarah inherited the business at 84 Weaman Street which she ran with her daughter, Caroline. On 5 January 1838 Philip Webley married Caroline. Philip was recorded at 84 Weaman Street from 1838 as a gun percussioner, lock filer and gun maker and this is when the partnership was last recorded, but the brothers apparently continued to co-operate until 1845 when Philip reportedly sold his interest to James and used the money to purchase Sarah Davis' business. Even then, they worked together particularly about the design and manufacture of percussion revolvers. Philip Webley was recorded in the 1851 census as a 38-year-old gun and pistol implement manufacturer living at 84 Weaman Street with his wife Caroline they had four sons and one daughter Thomas William, Emma, and Philip Jnr, and two other sons, James, and Henry and Philip's cousin, also lived with the family probably as a nurse, Sarah Haywood. On 4 February 1853 Philip Webley registered patent No. 335 for a hinged revolver and on 14 September 1853 he registered patent No. 2127 for improvement for the first muzzle-loading percussion cap and ball revolver which became known as the "Longspur". In 1859 Philips son Thomas William, aged 21, was made a partner in the firm, which then changed its name to P Webley & Son and described itself as "Gun and Pistol Makers and Patent Revolving Pistol Makers", probably exploiting Philip Webley's patent No. 305 of February 1853 for a revolver frame and lock, and its improvement under patent No. 2127 of September 1853. Thomas later went on to managed the shotgun side of the business. From about 1863 up to the First World War, the firm made rook rifles for Holland & Holland. From the 1890s they supplied magazine rifles. In 1863 and 1864 the firm's address was given as 83-84 Weaman Street, but from late 1864 to 1875 their address was 84 Weaman Street. By 1874 the firm had a showroom in London at an unknown address. In 1875 the firm expanded into 82-84 and 88-89 Weaman Street. The item is an early muzzle loading sporting shotgun not in very good condition and is unusable as a firearm and not very significant historically or valuable, although made by a well known and respected manufacturer of firearms there are many better examples of shotguns made by P Webley and Son in collections and for sale. This particular example is of a standard pattern for utilitarian use of which many were made. Shotgun, black powder, muzzle Loading, double barrel, percussion cap. P Webley & Son maker on left and right lock and P Webley & Son James St London on top of barrel. Barrel split in two. Has 14 stamped under each barrel with Birmingham proof marks for black powder shotguns. on undersides of both barrels. Proof marks used are early metal parts have decorative engravings of a gun dog flushing a birdwarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, gun, shotgun, double-barrel shotgun, firearm, muzzel loading shotgun, philip webley, black powder, percussion cap, hunting weapon, birmingham gun manufactures, w & c scott & son

This music stand set of shelves is one of many 19th century items of furniture, linen and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by, Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with the Giles Family and are known as the “Giles Collection”. Many of the items of furniture, linen and crockery in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage were donated by Vera and Aurelin Giles and mostly came from the simple home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton) whose photos are in the parlour. They married in 1880. Henry, born at Tower Hill in 1858, was a labourer on the construction of the Breakwater before leaving in 1895 to build bridges in N.S.W. for about seven years. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook. She attended Mailor’s Flat State School where she was also a student teacher before, as family legend has it, she became a governess at “Injemiara” where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family of six, some of whom were born at Mailor’s Flat and later children at Wangoom, lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940. THE SHELVES During the years 1869-1935 there were well over 250 registered bamboo furniture producers in Britain. The earliest recorded firm was Hubert Bill of 14 Little Camden St, London N.W., who claimed to have been established in (1869 the first bamboo furniture maker), while Daniel Jacobs & Sons of Hackney Road, London, were still in business in 1915, after 45 years of production. Design, quality, price and methods of construction were fairly consistent throughout the whole period, but it was the imaginative and often eccentric choice of subject matter that marked the differentiation between the various firms. While most produced standard tables, stands and fire-screens, the more adventurous offered for sale items such as Corner shelve units, charcoal barbecue grills and musical tea tables. Shelves were often covered with embossed leather paper designs, at first imported from Japan and then later produced in England. Some firms incorporated the knobbly roots of the bamboo stems into their designs, generally to form feet. Occasionally handles to drawers and cupboards were made with these roots although they were more commonly carved as imitations. Handles were mostly of cheap metal or brass. The ends of the bamboo canes were capped with stamped metal or turned bone, ivory or wooden discs. Methods of construction fell into three categories. First and most common is that of pegging. Bamboo stems being hollow, thick dowels can easily be glued into the joints. Some firms farmed out this work of `plugging' the ends of the canes to part-time workers at home. The second method, that of pinning, was far less satisfactory as bamboo tends to split lengthwise and therefore the jointed pieces eventually disintegrated. The most efficient method was that patented in 1888 (patent No 2383) by the firm of W. F. Needham in Birmingham. It consisted of metal shoes and covers for all joints which were made by wrapping a metal strip around the stems and soldering the overlapping ends. Some joints were further strengthened by a small pin or screw. Needham was by far the largest and most successful manufacturer and their individual and superior method of construction undoubtedly gained them their reputation. A. Englander & Searle of 34 Gt Eastern St and 31 Mare St, Hackney, London, were a firm particularly concerned with methods of construction. Although they seem to have entered the bamboo furniture market at a comparatively late date, about 1898, they produced inexpensive bamboo, aimed particularly at the export trade. The company stated in their catalogue that bamboo furniture “can be exported in one piece or it can be exported in pieces and put together again. The fixing up is much facilitated by a system of marking and numbering. Further, no glue is required for putting together as the screw system only is applied”. This method of construction best fits the Etagere in the Flagstaff collection and it is believed to have been made by A Englander & Searle, exported in a knock down form to Australia, purchased in kit form from a dealer hear and put together by the owner. The Etagere is a significant item as it highlight furniture fashion of the late Victorian era. This item was highly sort after in its time and although mass produced, not many examples remain, so this example is a valuable addition to the Flagstaff collection. It is believed that the construction method used is by a notable and respected maker of bamboo furniture and that its production was aimed at the export market and probably came to Australia in kit form.Bamboo shelves: decorative free standing Etagere comprising three large shelves and one small shelf. Shelves are made of wood used to store either orange or bacon boxes (as there are no knots in the wood, imported from South America and cheap to recycle). Shelves are covered with embossed leather paper. Frame is made from tortoise shell bamboo (brown lacquer applied to simulate tortoise shell appearance). Ends of bamboo canes are covered with metal shoes and fixed with a pin. Other bamboo joints are fixed with round head steel screws. This item is part of the Giles Collection.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, bamboo shelves, bamboo etagere, victorian furniture, furniture, bamboo furniture, embossed leather paper, simulated bamboo, tortise shell, a englander & searle, giles collection, henry giles, tower hill, cooramook, warrnambool breakwater, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century furniture

William Harvie was granted a patent in 1868 for improvements in the manufacture of lamps, lanterns and lenses for ships navigation and signal lamps 1868. Production began at 222 Broomielaw street Glasgow Scotland. Another patent was issued in 1873 for additional improvements to the companies lamps. Records show that in1873 William Harvie was in partnership with Malcolm Graham & Co, grease manufacturers and rosin distillers at 50 Anderson Street Gallowgate Glasgow. It appears around this time the business was transferred to George Moffat of 128 Garthland Drive Dennistoun Glasgow to continue under the same name (William Harvie & Co at premises situated at 100 East John St Gallowgate Glasgow. It is unclear but at some point W T George & Co were one in the same with William Harvie & Co. W T George made lamps with the trade name “Meteorite” and after gaining a patent for improvements to his lamps in 1941 the patent numbers were affixed to his lamps. In the Scottish Post Office annual Glasgow Directory 1900-1902 William Haveie & Co. Ltd is listed with two addresses; 222 Broomielaw and 24 McAlpine Streets, Glasgow. In the early 20th century the business moved to Birmingham until 1983 when the company went into voluntary liquidation after a meeting was held at Newhall Street Birmingham on the 10th January 1983 for WT George and William Harvie. This meeting was for the purposes regarding the insolvency of a company as set out in Sec 294 & 295 of the companies Act 1948 as a result Harvie & Co cease production of their products.An item made by a company that was an innovator of significant improvements in the manufacture of marine signal and navigation lamps during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Lamps made by this manufacturer are now sought after collector's items that are of significant value. Navigation lamp, round ship's lamp with clear glass and a red filter, handle at top, fitted with hinged and catch section at top to service lamp. Bracket at back for hanging lamp item painted red with black handles.Black nameplate is unreadable. Front reference plate reads " Meteorite" then "Meteorite No. 92276" warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, lamp, meteorite, william harvie, navigation lamp, kerosene lamp, signal lamp, marine equipment, marine navigation, w t george & co, george bocock & co, william harvie & co. ltd.

WT George & Co of Sherlock Street Birmingham were makers of ships lanterns under the trade name “Meteorite”. In 1941 Thomas George writer assumes a relative of WT George was granted a patent number GB546575 relating to improvements to his lamps. After this date a plate was affixed with this number. What's confusing with the companies records is that they show that in Birmingham three companies are listed making lamps together and the writer is assuming under a partnership agreement. First in 1983 W T George & Co with William Harvie & Co went into liquidation with G Bocock & Co, together, then in 1992 George Bocock and Harvie Ltd were in liquidation. Although these companies seem to have different addresses in Birmingham they were linked together given they were all liquidated at the same time for two of them. They all appear to have been partners in some way making marine lamps under the William Harvie banner. William Harvie & Co. Ltd advertised as being electric light and power engineers, and patent ship lamp manufacturers, as early as 1901-1902, as listed in the Post Office annual Glasgow Directory 1901-1902.An item made by a company that was an innovator of significant improvements in the manufacture of marine signal and navigation lamps during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Lamps made by this manufacturer are now sought after collector's items that are of significant value. Lamp, round ship's copper lamp with clear glass, handle at top, fitted with hinged and catch section at top to service lamp. Bracket at back for hanging lamp. Stamped "Meteorite 110560" Bottom stamped "Patent no GB546575 and others pending".warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, lamp, round ship's lamp, kerosene marine lamp, w t george & co, william harvie & co, george bocock & co

In 1832 William McGeoch & Co., Ltd was established, by William McGeoch senior at 113 Argyle St Glasgow as hardware merchants and exporters, and later were manufacturers of lamps and electrical fittings for ship, railway and domestic use. In the 1900s the company had expanded and had offices at 28 West Campbell Street Glasgow with a factory and warehouse located at the Warwick Works, 46 Coventry Rd, Birmingham. In 1922 the company had expanded and were employing 400 to 500 people. William seniors three sons had joined their father in establishing the business around 1888. The business was run by William McGeoch senior with Williams three sons Alexander, William and Andrew also taking an active part in the day to day running of the company. The company had expanded to such a degree that they were now manufacturing a variety of ships' hardware. This included metal cabin furnishings, signal lamps, ships' oil and candle lamps, motor lamps, switches, switchboards, electrical accessories and fittings. In 1982 William McGeoch & Co., Ltd was acquired by Bowthorpe Holdings Ltd.A lamp made by a significant manufacturer of marine equipment that made fittings for many famous ships including the Titanic.Marine oil Lamp with glass panels. Front panel missing. Access through glass panel door at side flat metal back. Metal fuel reservoir and no burner. Metal rounded chimney on top. Embossed McGeogh Maker Glasgowwarrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, lamp, ships lamp, wm mc geoch ltd, hardware merchants, ships outfitters

Before the introduction of electricity, lighthouses had a clockwork mechanism that caused the lens to rotate with a light source inside that was either powered by Kerosene or Colza oil. The mechanism consisted of a large weight attached by a cable through the centre of the lighthouse to the top where the cable wrapped around a barrel, drum or wheels that controlled the speed of the lights rotation by a clockwork mechanism. The keeper would crank the clockwork mechanism, which would lift the weight ready for the next cycle similar to an old grandfather clock mechanism. Once the weight lifted to its apex at the bottom of the first landing, the keeper would let it fall, which would pull on the cable, which would, in turn, operate a series of gears activating the rotation of the Fresnel optical lens, which would then rotate to create the lighthouse’s unique light speed of rotation characteristic. Creating a specific characteristic required a way to regulate the speed of the rotation, and was important as sailors could identify a particular light by its speed and time between flashes. The weight had to fall at a certain rate to create the proper rotation speed of the lens and a regulator within the mechanism accomplished this. History: From 1851, Chance Brothers became a major lighthouse engineering company, producing optical components, machinery, and other equipment for lighthouses around the world. James Timmins Chance pioneered placing lighthouse lamps inside a cage surrounded by Fresnel lenses to increase the available light output these cages, are known as optics and they revolutionised lighthouse design. Another important innovation from Chance Brothers was the introduction of rotating optics, allowing adjacent lighthouses to be distinguished from each other by the number of times per revolution the light flashes. The noted English physicist and engineer, John Hopkins invented this system while employed at Chance Brothers. Chance Brothers and Company was a glass works and originally based in Spon Lane, Smethwick, West Midlands England. The company became a leading glass manufacturer and a pioneer of British glass making technology. The Chance family originated in Bromsgrove as farmers and craftsmen before setting up a business in Smethwick near Birmingham in 1824. They took advantage of the skilled workers, canals and many other industrial advances taking place in the West Midlands at the time. Robert Lucas Chance (1782–1865), known as 'Lucas', bought the British Crown Glass Company's works in Spon Lane in 1824. The company specialised in making crown window glass, the company ran into difficulty and its survival was guaranteed in 1832 by investment from Chance's brother, William (1788 – 1856). William owned an iron factoring business in Great Charles Street, Birmingham. After a previous partnership that Lucas had dissolved in 1836, Lucas and William Chance became partners in the business which was renamed, Chance Brothers and Company. Chance Brothers invented many innovative processes and became known as the greatest glass manufacturer in Britain. In 1848 under the supervision of Georges Bontemps, a French glass maker from Choosy-le-Roi, a new plant was set up to manufacture crown and flint glass for lighthouse optics, telescopes and cameras. Bontemps agreed to share his processes that up to then had been secret with the Chance Brothers and stayed in England to collaborate with them for six years. In 1900 a baronetcy was created for James Timmins Chance (1814–1902), a grandson of William Chance, who had started the family business in 1771 with his brother Robert. Roberts grandson, James became head of Chance Brothers until his retirement in 1889 when the company became a public company and its name changed to Chance Brothers & Co. Ltd. Additional information: Lighthouses are equipped with unique light characteristic or flashing pattern that sailors can use to identify specific lighthouses during the night. Lighthouses can achieve distinctive light characteristics in a few different ways. A lighthouse can flash, which is when brief periods of light interrupt longer moments of darkness. The light can occult, which is when brief periods of darkness interrupt longer moments of light. The light can be fixed, which is when the light never goes dark. A lighthouse can use a combination of flashing, oscillating, or being fixed in a variety of combinations and intervals to create individual light characteristics. It is a common misconception that a lighthouse's light source changes the intensity to create a light characteristic. The light source remains constant and the rotating Fresnel lens creates the various changes in appearance. Some Fresnel lenses have "bulls-eye" panels create beams of light that, when rotated between the light and the observer, make the light appear to flash. Conversely, some lenses have metal panels that, when rotated between the light and the observer, make the light appear to go dark. This Dioptric clockwork apparatus used to turn a lighthouse optical lens is very significant as it is integral to a lighthouses operation, we can also look at the social aspect of lighthouses as being traditionally rich with symbolism and conceptual meanings. Lighthouses illustrate social concepts such as danger, risk, adversity, challenge and vigilance but they also offers guidance, salvation and safety. The glowing lamp reminds sailors that security and home are well within reach, they also symbolize the way forward and help in navigating our way through rough waters not just on the oceans of the world but in our personal lives be it financial, personal, business or spiritual in nature. Nothing else speaks of safety and security in the face of adversity and challenge quite the way a lighthouse does. Revolving dioptric clockwork apparatus used to turn a Fresnel optical lighthouse lens. A cylindrical cast metal pillar and cabinet painted green with 3 glass doors enclosing the top section. Inside the pillar/cabinet is a large clockwork mechanism used to turn and regulate a lighthouse light by means of weights and a chain attached to same. One door has the name "Adams Mare" in metallic dots similar to "Braille" to the inside edge of door frame.shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, flagstaff hill, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, revolving dioptric mechanism, dioptric mechanism for lighthouse, lighthouse clockwork timing mechanism, acetylene lighthouse light mechanism, 19th century lighthouse mechanism, kerosene light, fresnel lenses, colza oil, chance brothers

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

Arthur E. Woodley donated the WW1 Military Carbide Signal and General Purpose Lamp to Frankston RSL. It was given to Arthur E. Woodley of Crib Point during the 1960s by Captain Ivan E. Layton MBE who was then the Executive Officer of Melbourne Legacy. During WW2 Ivan Layton was secretary to General Blamey. Ivan Layton died on 15th September, 1979. The carbide workings of the lamp were removed because of corrosion, otherwise it is almost complete.WW1 Military Carbide Signal and General Purpose Lamp which is round and made of brass. The lamp has a latched and hinged brass top. Brass and wood hinged handle with knurled access knob which is situated at the top of the lamp. In between the handle uprights is a round chimney flu which allows heat to escape. Approximately one third down from the top of the lamp there is a brass side handle. Immediately to the left of the handle is a rectangular curved view port with brass cover. Directly opposite the side handle is a convex glass window. Air vents are located at the bottom of the lamp. Inside the top half of the lamp is a chamber which contains the carbide lamp and perpendicular sleeves for the insertion of coloured glass panels. The bottom half of the lamp contains the carbide.Manufacturers Stamp, 'PLAYER & MITCHELL LTD', 'SENTINEL WORKS' 'BIRMINGHAM'ww1, military, brass, lamp, world war 1, round, great war, carbide, signal lamp, player mitchell, birmingham

This item has applications in teaching Physics and Chemistry - obtaining information about the atomic structure of the light-emitting substance. An optical instrument that employed a monochromatic light source, a prism (missing), and viewing lenses mounted in a tube that can be in any radial position with respect to the vertical axis of the prism. House in a polished timber carry box.Manufacturers' and suppliers names stamped on the vernier disc: "Made by W. & J. George Ltd, Birmingham, England" and "For H.B. SELBY & Co, SYDNEY & MELBOURNE. No 266"scientific instruments, surveying, microscope, physics, chemistry, atomic structure, spectroscope