The firm Dring and Fage were active from 1790 to 1940 in London and were manufacturers of hydrometers and mathematical instruments they became established in London in 1790 by John Dring, who was a brass worker and hydrometer maker, and William Fage. Dring and Fage manufactured also saccharometers and other instruments used to measure the strength of alcohol. These instruments were primarily used to calculate excises. They traded at various addresses in London and they were at 56 Stamford St. between 1903 and 1938. By 1850 the company was owned by Edward Hall and Edward Jenkin and in 1940 the company became Dring & Fage Ltd, trading till the 1960s. Historically, gauging has meant measuring a volume, these gauging instruments were used by Customs and Excise and manufacturers for determining the volume and contents of liquid containers. For Customs the determination and collection of duty on imported goods which has had a very long history. Chaucer was a Customs Officer as was his father and grandfather, excise was first officially introduced in 1643, with the aim of maintaining military forces raised by the English Parliament at that time. Excise was initially a duty on home produced alcoholic beverages and soap but being easily applied, spread rapidly to a wide range of goods including imports of varying kinds. The government departments of Customs and Excise merged only in 1909 and it is from around this time that our instrument was made and used. The item demonstrates a long social history of the practice of Government's collecting duty on alcoholic beverages and thereby makes this item historically significant as it was used locally at Port Fairy by the ports Customs agents. Gauging rod or bung rod; ullaging gauge. Long brown wooden gauging rod with brass tips and sliding brass marker. Measurements are marked along the length of the rod. Used for measuring volume of liquor in casks in order for Customs to calculate excise (tax) on the contents. Made by Dring & Fage, London.Engraved “Dring & Fage 56 Stamford St London flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, gauging rod, ullaging rods, measuring instruments, customs tax, dring & fage, alcohol measurement

The Australian Customs Service, Melbourne, donated a set of gauging instruments, and Port Fairy Customs donated another instrument, the Sike’s Hydrometer, to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, all of which were no longer required. However these ullaging tools were in use for many years by Customs officials, called Gaugers. Ullaging is a term describing the measurement of the amount of liquid remaining in a container of spirits such as a cask or barrel. It can also measure the free space or head space remaining. The primary role of customs officers in Victoria was to calculate the tariff or excise duty payable on goods imported into Victoria. (Excise duty is a tax on goods produced within a country, and customs duty is imposed on imports.) Customs officers spent a great deal of their time measuring and weighing goods, and then calculating the amount of duty to be paid by the importer. The tariffs for different products varied, and officers consulted published lists. Calculating the duty payable on a barrel of brandy was a detailed task. The gauger had to measure the barrel to determine its volume. Barrels were irregular in shape, and finding the volume required several measurements and checking tables of figures. Alcoholic content was then measured with a hydrometer. The duty paid varied according to the alcoholic strength of the spirits. Uniform national customs and excise duties were operative in Australia from October 1901. These tools were still being used in Australia in the 1950’s. The Federal Government still imposes excise taxes on goods such as cigarettes, petrol, and alcohol. The rates imposed may change in February and August each year in response to changes in the consumer price index. ULLAGING TOOLS (1) Head Rod - this instrument measures the diameter of the heads (top and bottom ends) of a cask or barrel. The shaped brass pieces on the head rod enable the diameter of a barrel to be measured inside the chimes at the head end. The slide rule could then be used to calculate the internal volume of the barrel. On the reverse side is a set of ullaging scales, used like those on any ullaging rule, to calculate the volume of liquid in a partially filled barrel. (2) Bung Rod – this instrument measures the diameter of a cask or barrel when it is lying on its side. It is a rod that fits into the ‘bung’ hole of a cask and is long enough be extended to reach the opposite side of the cask. The brass sliding pointer can be moved to mark the ‘wet’ line. When the rod is removed the bung measurement can be read from the scale on the rod. (3) Long Calipers - this instrument measures the length of the cask between the heads. It has two rules sliding beside each other, each end having another piece of wood fixed firmly at right angles downwards then turned inwards at the ends so as to reach over the heads of the casks without touching the projecting ends. The centre pieces enable it to extend or contract, changing the distance between the two other parallel sides, the distance they are apart being shown by the rule on the sliding pieces. (4) Cross Calipers – this instrument is used to take the bung diameters of casks, or "the Cross " as it is called. This instrument has two rules sliding beside each other, each end having another piece of wood fixed firmly at right angles downwards, together forming a 3 sides of a rectangle with the centre pieces enabling it to extended or contracted, changing the distance between the two other parallel sides, the distance they are apart being shown by a the rule on the sliding pieces. (5) Sike’s Hydrometer – this instrument is used to gauge the strength of different alcoholic spirits when fitted with the different weights in the set. Every set is individually calibrated to ensure that it meets the exact Standard Weight and Measure compliance, then every piece in that set is stamped with the same number by the Calibrator, to ensure that the measurements are taken using the same hydrometer set. [References: A Handbook of Practical Gauging, Janes Boddely Keene of H.M. Customs, 1861, F. Pitman, London; Customs Act, Volume 2, No. 1, April 1999; Old Customs House website ] Head Rod, ullaging gauge. Long wooden rod made of three joined sections, brass hook on end, sliding centre section with hook, measurements marked along each section as on a slide rule. Used for measuring diameter of heads of casks in order for Customs to calculate excise (tax) on the contentsflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, head rod, gauging rod, ullaging rods, measuring instruments, customs tax

Woolen rugs were essential to the nomadic culture in Tibet, providing warmth and durability on the high-altitude plateau. They were handwoven from yak wool on a small loom, using the traditional slit-loop technique involving looping the yarn under a warp attached to the loom, and then drawing it toward the weaver and over a metal gauge rod before returning it to the rug and looping around another warp. When a row was finished, the loops of yarn were cut to form a pile.Traditionally rug weaving was not merely a manufacturing process but a cornerstone of Tibetan culture, blending artistic expression with spiritual symbolism and daily practicality. Handwoven coarse brown yak wool rug, sewn by hand from four strips and decorated with tassels of yak hair.everyday life, yaks, products made from yaks

This item was 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) of 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 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 drill, has a short barrel-shaped cylinder, known as "the eye" welded across the main rod and is 30mm in circumference. It also has a hole drilled to allow a screw to be fastened onto the hand stock ( not available).The main rod is solid for 400mm and then has been flattened and coiled (Helical screw blade) for another 200mm. At the end of the larger screw blade there is a smaller gauged starter blade with a pointer thread 15mm long. This Auger produces a 1/8th inch hole (metric measurement not used at time of manufacture) See KVHS 0469 for 3/4 inch hole and KVHS 0471 for another 1/8th inch hole.A number 5 stamped on the flat sideauger, hand drill, fencing, tool, rural trades, brace & bit

This item was 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) of 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 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 drill, has a short barrel-shaped cylinder, known as "the eye" welded across the main rod and is 30mm in circumference. It also has a hole drilled to allow a screw to be fastened onto the hand stock ( not available).The main rod is solid for 400mm and then has been flattened and coiled (Helical screw blade) for another 200mm. At the end of the larger screw blade there is a smaller gauged starter blade with a pointer thread 15mm long. This Auger produces a 1/8th inch hole (metric measurement not used at time of manufacture) See KVHS 0469 for 3/4 inch hole and KVHS 0470 for another 1/8th inch hole.auger, hand drill, fencing, tool, rural trades, brace & bit

Marking Gauge, wooden with brass tightening screw on top-rod section has imperial increments marked. 230mmL x 55mmHflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

This 'Dayton Scale' was used in a grocery shop in Moorabbin Shire in 20thC to measure grain, sugar, fruit, vegetables, lollies, etc as required by the shopkeeper for the purchase by customers. The Dayton Scale Company, originally known as the Computing Scale Company, built and marketed the first computing scale in 1891. It was part of the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company formed in 1911, and became an IBM division in 1933. The Dayton Scale Division was eventually sold to the Hobart Manufacturing Company when IBM decided to stop marketing scales to retail stores. The Computing Scale Company of Dayton was operated from 1891-1914 by two businessmen from Dayton, Ohio who purchased patents on the recently invented computing scale. It was merged with other companies to become the forerunner company for IBM. On July 20 1897 Mr CC Hobart & Herbert L. Johnson formed the Hobart Electrical Manufacturing Company in Troy, Ohio USA. 1915 Hobart continues its growth into the World market, opening a sales office in Australia. Dayton grocery scales, capacity 2 pounds, Imperial Measure. It is made from white painted steel with a large metal scoop that sits on 2 steel rods attached to a balance beam connected to a recording mechanism that displays the ‘weight’ in a glass framed gauge. In window of glass framed gauge ; DAYTON SCALE CO. / OHIO USA ; Computed from 0 – 2LB in 1oz sections weights, measures, shops, scales. balances, grocery stores, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, dayton scales company, ibm pty ltd., hobarrt electrical manufacturing company, hobart c.c., johnson herbert l, computing scale company ohio

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

NRT1 - Ruston & Hornsby Diesel Locomotive Built in 1951 to a gauge of 3', this Ruston diesel locomotive or rail tractor operated on the State Electricity Commission of Victoria’s Kiewa scheme. Some years later, it was regauged to 2'6" and was operated by the Melbourne & Metropolitan Board of Works. NRT1 is a Ruston & Hornsby diesel locomotive, built in England in 1951 to a gauge of 3 feet, and was initially employed by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. It was later re-gauged to 2' 6" and ended it's working life in 1977 when it was transferred to Puffing Billy. In 1977, it was taken to the P.B.P.S. Steam Museum and stored until 1978 when it was taken to the Emerald Carriage Workshops. Later in 1983 it was returned to service as NRT1 following the V.R. classification procedure as a narrow-gauge rail tractor, but it had number plates installed and was painted Hawthorn green. It will eventually be painted the red of V.R. rail tractors with the number & class painted on in black. This type of locomotive was popular in many industrial locations, with their unique clutch-less 3 speed gearbox meaning the driver could control them whilst walking alongside, a bonus when shunting. Adjustable tie rods meant that as the axles moved on the springs, they followed the radius of the drive chains, reducing the chances of chain snatch LOCOMOTIVE DETAILS NRT class No. originally constructed : No. in service : 1 No. stored: Wheel arrangement : 0-4-0DM Roadworthy weight : 9T 3cwt. Maximum axle load : 4T 15cwt. Tractive effort (85%) : Length overall: 15' 6" Height overall: 10' Driving wheel diameter: 18" Date of manufacture: 1950 Manufacturer : Ruston Hornsby Place of manufacture: Lincoln, England Locomotive type : Diesel Mechanical Manufacturers classification : 48 DL Historic - Industrial narrow Gauge Railway - Ruston & Hornsby diesel locomotive used by State Electricity Commission of Victoria - NRT1 - Ruston & Hornsby Diesel Locomotive NRT1 - Ruston & Hornsby Diesel Locomotive made of steel NRT1 ruston & hornsby diesel locomotive, nrt1 diesel locomotive, nrt1, puffing billy

The NQRs were the standard Medium open goods wagon. Generally the sides and ends were removable thus providing a totally flat truck. Three long drop-down doors formed the sides thus allowing easy loading and unloading. 218 of these goods vehicles were built between 1898 and 1914 ? numbered 1 - 218​. Originally, these wagons carried the code letter R​ as they were built with sides and ends. They later had the R removed. Unlike the Broad Gauge, VR's 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow gauge network never had four-wheeled wagons (aside from a handful of trolleys). Because of this, a single design of open wagon emerged and this was the only type of wagon ever used on these lines. This was the NQR class, a wagon with the same length and loading capacity as a Broad Gauge four-wheeled open wagon to make transferring freight between the gauges easier. The wagons, numbered 1 through 218, were built between 1898 and 1914. The wagons used the same underframe as most other non-locomotives on the VR Narrow Gauge. Letters and numbers were originally painted only on the end bulkheads and doors, both of which could be removed as traffic dictated, and this made wagon identification difficult until the decals were transferred to the underframes of each wagon In the 1910s some NQRs were provided with removable wood and steel frameworks with canvas roof canopies and side curtains, and internal seating to supplement the rest of the passenger stock during busy holiday periods. Puffing Billy has re-created these for emergency capacity. Five more NQRs, numbered 219-223​, were built between 1990 and 1992 initially for passenger use so were fitted with the removable frames Vehicle Length 25 feet 2 inches ( 7671 mm) Coupled Length 27 feet 4 inches (8330 mm) Width 6 feet 3 inches (1905 mm) Weight 5 tons Capacity 11 tons Built 1898 - 1915 (1992) Number Built 218 (223) In use 14 To be restored 6 216 NQR - Open Medium Truck 15/ 1/1914 NWS Built new VR Service History *NQR 216.VA - 15/ 1/1914 NWS Built new - / /1926 - To NQ 216.VA - Puffing Billy Service History or Notes April 2016 - Trial fitting of brake rigging May 2016 - Riveting of the draw gear castings in progress July 2016 - Riveting of the draw gear castings in progress. Truss rods threaded ready for fitting Aug 2016 - Rivetting of the draw gear castings in progress. Draw gear and couplers being evaluated. Sept 2016 - Riveting of the draw gear castings in progress. Draw gear and couplers being overhauled. Oct 2016 - Riveting of the draw gear castings completed, brake piping installed. Nov 2016 - Floor installed, under framing welding completed, fitting of side doors, hand brake fitted Dec 2016 - Car Workshop - Side panels fitted, end panels to be fitted Jan 2017 - Couplers fitted, brake rodding connected, transferred to Emerald for bogie work and sign writing. Feb 2017 - At Emerald - Tyres machined, braking system being prepared Historic - Victorian Railways - Narrow Gauge Rolling Stock - NQR Open Medium Truck216 NQR - Open Medium Truck made of Steel and metal216 NQRpuffing billy railway, pbr, rolling stock , 216 nqr - open medium truck, victorian railways, nqr - open medium truck