This book and a number of others like it were owned by the mother and aunts of the donor, Mrs Dorothy Boyle. They were prolific producers of hand knitted and hand made items of clothing and also knitted and sewed for the armed forces during the Second World War. This booklet dates from the Second World War and was produced by G.J. Coles Ltd. It contains patterns for garments that can be knitted for the armed forces.Knitting Book (front cover) - "Coles present Knitting for the Forces", WWII.COLES / PRESENT / "Knitting / for the Forces" / Containing Complete Knitting / Instructions for ... / 3 PULLOVERS, 1 CARDIGAN, / BALACLAVA, MITTENS, / SOCKS, SCARF, SKULL CAPknitting handicrafts - history world war ii, g.j. coles and co. ltd, knitting, handicrafts - history, world war ii

This figurine of the drapery store owner himself, Oliver Gilpin, also represents the many similar figurines used within his chain stores to display hats and ties. in 1951, the Gilpin business and chain was purchased by G.J. Coles & Co. Ltd.Heavy, painted plaster figurine of man in grey coloured three-piece business suit. Head is of larger proportion, cigar end inserted in mouth. Approximately 15cm x 15 cm x 50cm.O. GILPIN / SPECIALoliver gilpin, drapery store owner, 1895, korumburra, gippsland, figurine