The sickle was used to cut crops and grass and vegetable matter. It has been in use for a very long time but has probably been superceded by electric tools in developed countries.This sickle was used by a resident of the Kiewa Valley.A curved steel edged blade fixed to a short wooden handle. It is used for harvesting the crops, grass and cutting other vegetative matters. The previous KVHS committee referred to it as a '"Hand Craft Cutter".sickle, farm tool, garden tool

A mortise axe is a specialist axe designed for hewing sills and notches in joints. The axe has a long, narrow head, making it easier to work on large logs. The shape enables the user to hew a long way down into the notch, where otherwise a chisel would be used. This tool has one blade, which may be pushed, swung or struck with a mallet. Others, have two, one of which is used for separating the fibres, and the other for levering out the waste.This is an example of a common woodworking tool used by the early settlers in the Orbost district.A long wooden handled axe used to cut mortises in posts for post and rail fences. The blade is made of iron and is quite long.axe mortise-axe fencing timber farm-tool

During early farming in Australia (before motorised whipper snippers) the hand held sickle was used to cut long grass, in this case in or around railway tracks. The inside of the blade's curve was sharp, so that the user can either draw or swing it against the base of the grass, catching the stems in the curve and slicing them at the same time. Historic - Railway Permanent Way and Works - track equipment - Grass SlasherWrought iron sickle with extended with wooden handle.puffing billy, extended sickle, farm tool, reaping hook, curved blade, grass cutting

An antique machine made forged steel pulley block with a hook at the top which moves sideways. It has a slot on the cylindrical section for the rope or chain. It is an old farm tool from the 19th or 20th century.MAKERS PATENT SNATCHpulleys, tools, lifting equipment, pulley blocks, steel

Old farm kitchen tool used for mincing meat manually.Used at Tawonga, in the Kiewa Valley, by resident Des WartonCast iron with dull smooth surface consisting of a tap to screw it onto a table, a barrel enclosing the auger that turns when the handle is wound around and forces the meat to spill out of a circular grinder. The hand crank is curved with a wooden knob . The outlet is oval shaped.Embossed on barrel: "Universal" Embossed on outlet "2" Embossed on handle "L.F. & c - New Britain Conn U.S.A."household tool, kitchen, meat mincer, grinder, universal no. 2

James Reid was born in Scotland near Glasgow and came to Victoria as a young man in 1854. Shortly after arriving he came to Bacchus Marsh where he lived until his death in 1902 at the age of 74 years. For most of these years he conducted a wheelwrights and coach builders business in Bacchus Marsh. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, wheelwrights and blacksmiths played an essential role in the functioning of the whole community. Before the industrialisation of manufacturing, wheels and other components of vehicles for transport, all metal objects, including farm implements, building requirements and domestic utensils were made by hand. As mechanisation of industry increased, the smith commonly performed the role of farrier in the times when horse power was pivotal to all aspects of society. Complementing this work, the forge was often allied with a wheelwright's shop. These premises also acted as a meeting place for the men of the town, where news was shared and friendships forged.Small sepia 'carte de viste' style unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the album, 'Photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll'. An image depicting a wheelwright and blacksmith's shop, with a group of men, boys and a woman shown in front. Two men are wearing the work clothes of the blacksmith, including the split leather apron worn by farriers to enable them to work on the hooves of the horses needing shoeing. Two young boys are standing by the door. A portly gentleman in formal clothes stands before the shop. The house shown at the rear was James Reid's residence. Two people, an elderly gentleman and a younger woman, are seated in a jinker on the road to the side of the shop. A collection of wheels and farm tools leans on the walls. A triple-tiered sign above the shop reads: JAMES REID WHEELWRIGHT BLACKSMITH. TIMBER - YARD PAINTS, OILS & GLASS.Printed On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME. On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun. Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE.wheelwrights, james reid 1828?-1902, stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district

In 1992 Shire of Eltham Historical Society member and Kangaroo Ground resident, Bruce Ness became aware that the old school teacher residence at Kangaroo Ground School was no longer being used. Over the years Bruce had been storing a growing collection of the Society's artifacts and objects including various machinery and farm tools. He proposed that this might present an opportunity to set up a museum with the Society's objects. It was proposed that a board be appointed containing representatives of the Society, the School Council, Shire of Eltham and "Friends of the Andrew Ross Museum." As a consequence, most of the Society's objects were transferred to the museum and the Society became more focused on documents, maps and photographs, etc.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsFuji 100shire of eltham historical society

In 1992 Shire of Eltham Historical Society member and Kangaroo Ground resident, Bruce Ness became aware that the old school teacher residence at Kangaroo Ground School was no longer being used. Over the years Bruce had been storing a growing collection of the Society's artifacts and objects including various machinery and farm tools. He proposed that this might present an opportunity to set up a museum with the Society's objects. It was proposed that a board be appointed containing representatives of the Society, the School Council, Shire of Eltham and "Friends of the Andrew Ross Museum." As a consequence, most of the Society's objects were transferred to the museum and the Society became more focused on documents, maps and photographs, etc.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsFuji 100shire of eltham historical society

In 1992 Shire of Eltham Historical Society member and Kangaroo Ground resident, Bruce Ness became aware that the old school teacher residence at Kangaroo Ground School was no longer being used. Over the years Bruce had been storing a growing collection of the Society's artifacts and objects including various machinery and farm tools. He proposed that this might present an opportunity to set up a museum with the Society's objects. It was proposed that a board be appointed containing representatives of the Society, the School Council, Shire of Eltham and "Friends of the Andrew Ross Museum." As a consequence, most of the Society's objects were transferred to the museum and the Society became more focused on documents, maps and photographs, etc.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsFuji 100shire of eltham historical society

In 1992 Shire of Eltham Historical Society member and Kangaroo Ground resident, Bruce Ness became aware that the old school teacher residence at Kangaroo Ground School was no longer being used. Over the years Bruce had been storing a growing collection of the Society's artifacts and objects including various machinery and farm tools. He proposed that this might present an opportunity to set up a museum with the Society's objects. It was proposed that a board be appointed containing representatives of the Society, the School Council, Shire of Eltham and "Friends of the Andrew Ross Museum." As a consequence, most of the Society's objects were transferred to the museum and the Society became more focused on documents, maps and photographs, etc.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsFuji 100shire of eltham historical society

In 1992 Shire of Eltham Historical Society member and Kangaroo Ground resident, Bruce Ness became aware that the old school teacher residence at Kangaroo Ground School was no longer being used. Over the years Bruce had been storing a growing collection of the Society's artifacts and objects including various machinery and farm tools. He proposed that this might present an opportunity to set up a museum with the Society's objects. It was proposed that a board be appointed containing representatives of the Society, the School Council, Shire of Eltham and "Friends of the Andrew Ross Museum." As a consequence, most of the Society's objects were transferred to the museum and the Society became more focused on documents, maps and photographs, etc.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsFuji 100shire of eltham historical society

In 1992 Shire of Eltham Historical Society member and Kangaroo Ground resident, Bruce Ness became aware that the old school teacher residence at Kangaroo Ground School was no longer being used. Over the years Bruce had been storing a growing collection of the Society's artifacts and objects including various machinery and farm tools. He proposed that this might present an opportunity to set up a museum with the Society's objects. It was proposed that a board be appointed containing representatives of the Society, the School Council, Shire of Eltham and "Friends of the Andrew Ross Museum." As a consequence, most of the Society's objects were transferred to the museum and the Society became more focused on documents, maps and photographs, etc.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsFuji 100shire of eltham historical society

In 1992 Shire of Eltham Historical Society member and Kangaroo Ground resident, Bruce Ness became aware that the old school teacher residence at Kangaroo Ground School was no longer being used. Over the years Bruce had been storing a growing collection of the Society's artifacts and objects including various machinery and farm tools. He proposed that this might present an opportunity to set up a museum with the Society's objects. It was proposed that a board be appointed containing representatives of the Society, the School Council, Shire of Eltham and "Friends of the Andrew Ross Museum." As a consequence, most of the Society's objects were transferred to the museum and the Society became more focused on documents, maps and photographs, etc.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsFuji 100shire of eltham historical society

In 1992 Shire of Eltham Historical Society member and Kangaroo Ground resident, Bruce Ness became aware that the old school teacher residence at Kangaroo Ground School was no longer being used. Over the years Bruce had been storing a growing collection of the Society's artifacts and objects including various machinery and farm tools. He proposed that this might present an opportunity to set up a museum with the Society's objects. It was proposed that a board be appointed containing representatives of the Society, the School Council, Shire of Eltham and "Friends of the Andrew Ross Museum." As a consequence, most of the Society's objects were transferred to the museum and the Society became more focused on documents, maps and photographs, etc.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsFuji 100shire of eltham historical society

In 1992 Shire of Eltham Historical Society member and Kangaroo Ground resident, Bruce Ness became aware that the old school teacher residence at Kangaroo Ground School was no longer being used. Over the years Bruce had been storing a growing collection of the Society's artifacts and objects including various machinery and farm tools. He proposed that this might present an opportunity to set up a museum with the Society's objects. It was proposed that a board be appointed containing representatives of the Society, the School Council, Shire of Eltham and "Friends of the Andrew Ross Museum." As a consequence, most of the Society's objects were transferred to the museum and the Society became more focused on documents, maps and photographs, etc.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsFuji 100shire of eltham historical society

In 1992 Shire of Eltham Historical Society member and Kangaroo Ground resident, Bruce Ness became aware that the old school teacher residence at Kangaroo Ground School was no longer being used. Over the years Bruce had been storing a growing collection of the Society's artifacts and objects including various machinery and farm tools. He proposed that this might present an opportunity to set up a museum with the Society's objects. It was proposed that a board be appointed containing representatives of the Society, the School Council, Shire of Eltham and "Friends of the Andrew Ross Museum." As a consequence, most of the Society's objects were transferred to the museum and the Society became more focused on documents, maps and photographs, etc.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsFuji 100shire of eltham historical society

In 1992 Shire of Eltham Historical Society member and Kangaroo Ground resident, Bruce Ness became aware that the old school teacher residence at Kangaroo Ground School was no longer being used. Over the years Bruce had been storing a growing collection of the Society's artifacts and objects including various machinery and farm tools. He proposed that this might present an opportunity to set up a museum with the Society's objects. It was proposed that a board be appointed containing representatives of the Society, the School Council, Shire of Eltham and "Friends of the Andrew Ross Museum." As a consequence, most of the Society's objects were transferred to the museum and the Society became more focused on documents, maps and photographs, etc.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsFuji 100shire of eltham historical society

In 1992 Shire of Eltham Historical Society member and Kangaroo Ground resident, Bruce Ness became aware that the old school teacher residence at Kangaroo Ground School was no longer being used. Over the years Bruce had been storing a growing collection of the Society's artifacts and objects including various machinery and farm tools. He proposed that this might present an opportunity to set up a museum with the Society's objects. It was proposed that a board be appointed containing representatives of the Society, the School Council, Shire of Eltham and "Friends of the Andrew Ross Museum." As a consequence, most of the Society's objects were transferred to the museum and the Society became more focused on documents, maps and photographs, etc.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsFuji 100shire of eltham historical society

This anvil is typical of the type used by Blacksmiths in Moorabbin Shire c1850 - 20thC Blacksmith were needed to make machinery, tools, farm and household equipment, wheels and wagons, horseshoes and saddle irons.This anvil is an example of the type used by blacksmiths in Moorabbin Shire 1840- 20thC as early settlers developed the land. built homes, shops and schoolsSolid steel single horn shaped block used by a Blacksmith to make tools, horseshoes, kitchenware, farm equipment, wagon wheelsmarket gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, dendy special survey 1841, bentleigh, moorabbin, cheltenham, tools, anvils, steel, horses, wagons, washing pots, cooking pots, blacksmiths, county of bourke

The Blacksmith used these tongs to make repairs at his forge. He could mend wheel bands, tools, farm equipment and also fine tune generic sized horseshoes on site. He needed tongs to work on any heated metal as required at his forge A Blacksmith was an essential person for the maintenance and making of farm and household equipment, and shoeing horses, in the pioneer settlements of Brighton, Moorabbin, Cheltenham c1900 A pair of forged steel blacksmith tongsmarket gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, blacksmith, tools, metalwork, forges, ploughs, horse-drawn carts

The Blacksmith could take this portable 'leg vice' and make repairs away from his forge.He could mend wheel bands, tools, farm equipment and also fine tune generic sized horseshoes on site. He would build a fire and secure his leg vice to a stable point thus allowing him to work on any heated metal as required. A Blacksmith was an essential person for the maintenance and making of farm and household equipment, and shoeing horses, in the pioneer settlements of Brighton, Moorabbin, Cheltenham c1900Blacksmith's 'leg' vice. Sturdy blacksmith leg, post (vice). 15cm jawsblacksmith, vise, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, market gardeners, forges, tools, early settlers, pioneers, ploughs, carts horse-drawn, anvils

This tool appears to have been hand-assembled. It would have been used on a farm or saw mill or any place of work or home requiring wood to be cut up. This tool has no known local provenance but is retained as an example of a tool used 100 years ago or more,This is a metal small axe or wood splitter with a wooden handle. The metal section is pitted and worn and the oval-shaped handle is partly split and worn. vintage hand tools, wood splitter, history of warrnambool

This hack saw would have been used to cut metal. The blades were interchangeable according to the requirements of the job. The item could have been used on a farm or in industry. This item is retained as a good example of a tool commonly used in past times.This is a hack saw. It has a metal frame in a D shape with a metal blade on the straight side affixed with screws. The blade is finely serrated. Attached to the metal frame is a wooden handle. This hack saw also has an extra blade attached to the fixed blade with a piece of wire flex. The metal is somewhat rusty and the wooden handle is worn. vintage hand tools

Used to tighten fasteners. This wrench is large so may have been used for fasteners on farm machinery or in the SECV workshop.Used by residents and workers in the Kiewa Valley.Cast iron or steel - 1 and three sixteenth of an inch embossed on one side and 8 and a quarter inches long on the other. This wrench has a square hollow (box ring) at one end which is used ro provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying torque to turn objects - usually rotary fasteners, such as nuts and bolts - or keep them from turning.embossed measurement on the handlewrench, tool

Flies are plentiful and a problem especially in Australia's summer. Farms were a breeding ground for flies that bred in cow manure. Fly-wire was used to keep flies away from food as well as light cloth covers. Farmers could use this sieve to fill with sand etc. to sort the sizes and also to use for eg. wheat to sort the grain. Yabbies are trapped in the creek or river by leaving food in the net for the yabby to crawl into.Food covers were used by residents of the Kiewa Valley especially as many of them were dairy farmers. Farmers often made their own tools for a purpose such as sieving or for the family catching yabbies to eat or for fun.Tall triangular steel fly wire cover with a steel handle and frame. or The frame can be held in order to fill the sieve or to empty it. or the frame can hold bait for yabbiesfood cover, fly-wire, flies, sieve, handmade tool

Used to sharpen and polish straight edged razors or knives or chisels.Used by a resident of the Kiewa Valley possibly on the farm, in the kitchen or at the barber's shop.A flexible double - layered leather strop. This is a hanging strop which has two hooks which enable the top to swivel so that it can be turned over while hanging from a hook or peg. It has a metal ring with two hooks at one end and a padded stitched handle at the other forming a knob.A gold circle design at one end. At the other "The / Keen Edge / Strop"leather strop, razor tool

This item wasused before diesel, electric and battery drilling apparatus were used by farmers, and other trades requiring a portable yet reliable method of drilling holes. As this item is a 3/4 inch hole drill it would be suitable for fencing and providing holes for structural studs. As with all outdoor farm equipment, man power was required (be it the farmer or farm hands). Fitness of the operator was at a high standard but protective gloves were not highly thought of as it was before occupational, health and safety regulations became mandatory over all manual handling activities, be they on rural properties or town/city factories. This period was one where the male ego was at its pinnacle i.e. the harder the tasks the more of a man was required. Hard manual work was not only the "way to go" but also a necessity. Evolution of cheap portable electric/battery powered tools opened up a more efficient method available, especially to those with less muscle strength. This item personifies the rugged environment of the rural workplace. The Kiewa Valley with its main emphasis on farming and grazing provided ample opportunity to use this construction implement. The manufacturer being a Scottish tool company is very significant in the era when this hole maker was in high demand. British steel products were of high grade and had a good record of reliability. The reliability of any tool was a solid factor for farmers and tradesmen in this semi-isolated region (Circa early 1900s) within the Kiewa Valley and its regional area. This factor,although not as crucial, post 1960s, when Asian manufacturers entered the market place and produced cheaper tools and transportation and supplies was more frequent and reliable, the need for the more expensive British made tools diminished considerably. After the influx of tradesmen from war torn Europe (post 1945) and the increased availability of tradesmen in the Kiewa Valley and its region the price of tools was and still is not as crucial and the cost of all required tools has become a minimal part of the equation. It is only with the emerging younger trades person, farmer and grazier, who have more, "one eye on production costs" and no "old ties to the motherland" inert mind set that quality tools such as this auger and other hand tools "must be made to last a life time" is no longer part of the modern work environment.This cast iron, hand operated Auger has a short barrel shaped cylinder at one end (known as the "Eye") and at the other end a Helical screw blade (screws the cutting edge into wooden material, thereby creating a hole 3/4 inch diameter in the wood) . The barrel section at the top permits a metal or wooden leverage plank to be inserted. The main rod has a 180mm long cutting/screw blade running from the bottom up towards the "eye" end. From the end of the screw blade to the handle is 380mm and cylindrical, but this changes at 550mm from the "eye" end to a 14mm x 10mm rectangular shape shaft.This shaft end is welded to the "Eye".On the shaft below the "eye" is stamped " MATHESON GLASGOW" on the front side and a spade (cards) symbol on the back.auger, hand drill, fencing, tool, rural trades, brace & bit