This has been in Ken Turner's pantry for a long, long time These spice products were made by Robert Harper & Co Ltd., which was established in 1865 and originally located in Flinders Lane, East Melbourne. The company transferred its operations to Port Melbourne in 1888 and became a registered company in 1896. Harper's & Co manufactured starch and a wide range of food product.Harper's spice pack (Robert Harper and Co. Ltd.): 1 oz ground ginger ('Star Brand'), c1940s?industry - manufacturing, robert harper & co ltd, spice

This brand of starch was first manufactured before 1966 and covered the period when Australian made was the preferred clothing due to limited imports from England. This was a period when the demand for "home grown" produce was at its peak. This was in a time when by necessity and ease of supply and not by the "Buy Australian" campaign (of later years), was the major factor for the demand of these type of laundry goods. It was in a time when starch was used in formal clothing to put a "crisp" or fresh new appearance for clothes. This product was in the era and importantly the social more of "clothes make the person" in which starched shirts and dresses was the fashion vogue. Formality of dress was a strictly British "class" up-man-ship which from the 1950's onwards became less and less visible. The Australian "Ocker" or fair "dink'm" bloke became more entrenched after World War II. The national identity was slowly developing.This box of starch is very relevant to the Kiewa Valley because this box highlights the differences ,in this period, between city and rural social standards. Rural areas were deeply entrenched into colonial and the pioneer family structure viz- a-vie social and dress fashion standards. British values and norms lingered on well beyond the changes happening in city fashion. Tradition and English "ties" were the backbone of early colonies and it was only after World War II that these "ties" were becoming irrelevant. Early traditions lingered well past the independence sought by Federation, colony to statehood and trade with other nations eg. USA and Asia. The idea that a change in "status" would automatically change the social mores of Australians, especially in rural ares, was not fully grasped by the "law makers" and those wanting change.This box (capacity 12 ozs) has white(aged into cream) and blue printing and a "white star" on five sides, the sixth side has a laundry scene with two ladies, in early 1900's fashion. The package is made from 200 gsm thick cardboard. As manufacture was made before and during the two World Wars 1914 to 1945 the promotion was heavily focused on Australian made and Australian grown maize. One side of the box has instructions of use and all the other sides are promotional, detailing "the best in the world and won't stick to the iron""SILVER STAR", "THE BEST IN THE WORLD", "WON'T STICK TO THE IRON", "REQUIRES NO BOILING", INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE", "ROBERT HARPER AND COMPANY LIMITED", "INCORPORATED IN VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA", "NET WEIGHT 12 OUNCES", "LARGE BOX 12 OZS"domestic laundry essentials, cotton clothing preparations, household starch "crisp and neat appearances.

This item was used at a time when there was a limited range of spices available and sought after by domestic and commercial kitchens. The taste buds of the average Australian diner were limited to the basic English style dishes which had been delivered by the early colonial days. Rural areas where slower in experimenting with Asian and European cuisine. The influx of European cuisine from refugees fleeing both World War I and world War II brought a different appreciation of gourmet food. The increase in Asian spices was brought about by Australians becoming more aware of the Asian "scene" through the conflicts of Korean and Vietnam military action. The "standard" type spices such as Cinnamon, nutmeg and similar spices offered by Robert Harper and later other Food and Spices whole sellers and processors where a direct result of a greater influx of migrants from spices rich societies and resulted in a greater range of "Asian" spices This became more visible after demise of the "White Australian Policy" on immigration and the great media revolution of Televised cooking shows from the 1950s on. The sustainability of containers such as this re-useable tin and cardboard spice holder, which could be replenished and not thrown away after it was empty was it a time period well before the "throw away" society had crept into the Valley.This spice container was used mainly in domestic kitchen within the Kiewa Valley. Those European construction workers of the SEC Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme had brought their continental cuisine into the valley and that was the beginning of a new era in highlighting different tastes. This rural valley had a greater interaction with people from other nation's cuisines and by association became more infused with a broader range of spices and food preparations.This item (spice shaker) is constructed by using a thick cardboard cylinder with both ends closed by tin plated light steel lids. The bottom lid is not removable however the top lid is removable to allow the contents (Cinnamon Spice) to be refilled. The lid has thirteen small holes which allow the contents to be shaken out. The outer side of the cylinder has been covered (glued on) by a printed black and yellow label detailing contents , weight, and supplier.On the front side of the printed label outside of the label boundary is "To make a shaker of this tin - take the lid off and remove the paper from inside the lid" Within the marked horse shoe shaped boundary is" HARPER'S ground spices star brand" underneath "CINNAMON" underneath this is printed "1 oz. NET WEIGHT" and under this, within its own frame " ROBERT HARPER COMPANY LIMITED (incorporated in Victoria) AUSTRALIA." On the back within its own box is "HARPER'S star brand GROUND SPICES" and underneath "These Pure Spices are packed in the following Varieties". Below this is a list (going down) "CINNAMON CARRAWAYS CAYENNE MIXED CLOVES CASSIA CORIANDER GINGER MACE TURMERIC NUTMEGS PIMENTO"kitchen spices, spice shakers, food preparation

Harper & Climas Bottle. Clear glass bottle with neck broken off and missing. Base is 8 cm in diameter. Height is 23 cm. A large amount of writing is moulded into the bottle along with a pictorial representation of a poppet head. The word ''Registered '' is superimposed on the poppet head. Written vertically on either side of the poppet head are the words ''HARPER CLIMAS'' and across the top and below the poppet head are the words ''This bottle is the property of the ALPINE BREWING & CORDIAL COMPANY BENDIGO. Any person using this bottle will be prosecuted.'' On the base of the bottle is a Capital M.''ALPINE BREWING & CORDIAL COMPANY BENDIGO'' ''HARPER CLIMAS'' ''REGISTERED'' ''M''food technology, bottling, cordial bottle

Hexagonal coffee tin with round lid. Empire Compys. Oriental Brand. Reg June 21st 1883 Trade Mark Mel. Ad. Bris. Syd. Paper label attached. 2lb weight. - black background, colourful.tin harper troedel coffee

This has been in Ken Turner's pantry for a long, long timeHarper's spice pack (Robert Harper and Co. Ltd.): 1 1/8 oz ground cinnamon c 1960s? Green and black on white cardboard container, tin coverindustry - manufacturing, robert harper & co ltd, spice

This has been in Ken Turner's pantry for a long, long timeHarper's spice pack (Robert Harper and Co. Ltd.): 2 oz ground nutmeg 1960s? Brown and black on white cardboard container, tin coverindustry - manufacturing, robert harper & co ltd, spice

Robert Harper and Co. Ltd. was an Australian company involved with sugar refining and starch and oatmeal production. Silver Star Starch was a well-known product and starch was used extensively in most households, mainly for shirt collars, aprons, nurses’ uniforms, household linen, tablecloths, doyleys etc. This item is of some interest, both for display and as a good example of housekeeping methods of the past (up to about the 1970s). However, the starching of clothing does continue today, mainly for special purposes – theatre costumes, clerical and ceremonial garb etc. The item can be specifically used by the Warrnambool and District Historical Society in any display connected to the 1896-7 Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition as this exhibition had, as one of its competitions, the Silver Star Starch Ironing Competition (see pages 96-7, book, ‘The Great Warrnambool Exhibition’, by E. O’Callaghan, Collett, Bain and Gaspars, 2002)A box that contained 12 ounces of Silver Star starch for domestic use, mainly for ironing clothes. The box, a product of Robert Harper and Company Limited, Victoria, Australia, has several advertising captions – ‘Won’t Stick to the Iron’, ‘The Best in the World’. ‘Requires no Boiling’, and has directions for use. The front of the box has an illustration of two women from Victorian times using the product,warrnambool, silver star starch, robert harper & co ltd

Textiles. Calico bag - ''Harpers Flaked Oatmeal'' Star brand, Trademark Registered ''My Brekfus'' 7 lbs Net. Robert Harper and Company Limited Australia. Head and shoulders drawing of a blonde haired girl surrounded by wheat.On the other side of the bag is a blue and white picture of a box of ''Silver Star Starch''. Robert Harper and Co Ltd. Slogan written on box, '' The best in the world. Won't sick to the Iron''. Robert Harper and Company (1842-1919), businessman and politician, was born in Scotland. He migrated to Melbourne with his family in August 1856. He worked for J.F.McKenzie & Co., roasting and grinding millers. In 1865 he established Robert Harper & Co., trading in tea, coffee and spices from the East Indies and later in oatmeal and flour.textiles, domestic, robert harper and co calico bag

Mace is a spice and is stored in small jars and used for cooking. History of Robert Harper Company.Small round orange, white and black cardboard container with tin base and screw tin lid. Labelled 'Mace'mace; spice; robert harper company;

fictioncover advertising silver star starch and harper's star oatmeal.

Poolman's house became the manager's house for Harper's when that company took over the area of the former sugar mill. It was demolished late 1970s. Used for Council display purposes and still mounted with caption together with photo of Swallow and Ariell houses.(no.679)Photographic copy of a photo of blue stone two-storey house built for the Manager of the Victorian Sugar MIlls, Frederick POOLMAN. Labelled 'View of Poolman's house, Rouse Street' as part of a display prepared by Council.'131' in blue ink; 'Poolmans house?' in blue inkbuilt environment - industrial, built environment - domestic, frederick poolman, victorian sugar works, colonial sugar refineries

Textiles. Calico flour bag printed on one side in red and blue''EMPIRE SELF RAISING FLOUR 25 lbs nett weight. Contains phosphate Baking Powder. Robert Harper & Company Incorporated Victoria, Australia''. In the background is a lighthouse with three beams of light extending from each side. Printed on the light beams- ''LIGHT BREAD, LIGHT PASTRY, LIGHT PUDDINGS, LIGHT LABOUR, LIGHT HEARTS, LIGHT HOMES''. Robert Harper (1842-1919), businessman and politician, was born in Scotland. He migrated to Melbourne with his family in August 1856. He worked for J.F.McKenzie & Co., roasting and grinding millers. In 1865 he established Robert Harper & Co., trading in tea, coffee and spices from the East Indies and later in oatmeal and flour.textiles, domestic, robert harper & co flour bag

Letters - Notice - printed onto yellow paper titled "Notice to Passengers", with the ATMOEA apologising to the travelling public for a current dispute - dated July 1984. Concerned with the threat to terminate the employment of the union delegates for the Melbourne - Brighton Bus Company if a stop work meeting was held. Gives the reasons behind the dispute, involvement of the Bus Proprietors' Association. On the rear has a response by the Jim Harper State Secretary to The Age about an editorial dated 19/7/1984.trams, tramways, unions, public transport, disputes, buses, atmoea

The Kew Light Opera Company was formed in 1952, and mounted a number of musical and variety productions each year until it was subsumed in the "Q" Theatre Guild in 1957. A partial record of performances by the company includes: 1952 Florodora, 1953 The Cingalee - San Toy or The Emperor's Own, 1954 While the Sun Shines - A Country Girl - Our Miss Gibbs, 1955 The Toreador - The Arcadians, 1956 The Maid of the Mountains - Whiteoaks - Goodnight Vienna!, 1957 A Country Girl. Most of the Company's performances took place in the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, Kew. The scrapbook of annotated photographs, programmes, and newspaper reviews of which this item is a part was assembled by Marion Tilley, wardrobe mistress for, and performer in, productions by the Kew Light Opera Company and the "Q" Theatre Guild. It is significant as a remarkably complete document of theatre performances in Kew, Victoria during the 1950s and 1960s. The scrapbook, and the items individually catalogued within it, have artistic and aesthetic significance within the history of performing arts in Victoria in the middle of the 20th Century. They have social significance in that they reveal socio-cultural values and preoccupations during the period. The records also act as a history of arts activities in the Kew Recreation Hall and later in the Kew City Hall as entertainment and community arts and music precincts.Black and white photograph of female cast members in Sidney Jones' The Geisha by The "Q" Theatre Guild in 1957. The performance in the Kew Recreation Hall was produced by Beatrice Oakley with musical direction by John Trotter. The Kew Philharmonic provided the music during this series of performances. The scenery was constructed by the Company, while the costumes were sourced from the Princess Theatre. An annotation in the scrapbook identifies the following cast members from left: Rita Mandelbaum - Komurasaki San (Little Violet), Sally Wolters - O Kiku San (Chrysanthemum) , Val Breen - leading lady - O Mimosa San (Chief Geisha), Pat Stewart (O Kinkoto San (Golden Harp), Marion Smith - O Hana San (Blossom). Marion Tilley, the creator of the scrapbook, wrote the following names underneath the photograph: "Rita Mandelbaum, Sally Wolters, Val Breen - leading lady, Pat Stewart, Marion Smith"performing arts -- kew (vic.), scrapbooks, marion tilley collection, kew light opera company, kew recreation hall, musical comedy -- melbourne -- victoria

Document. White bi-fold paper program for ''The Broken Melody'', Princess Theatre, Monday 26th June 1905. Advertisers: Suttons Music Store. W.Thomas - Hairdresser. Mabel Boswell - Illuminating Artist. Alf E.Wallis - Auctioneer. Jack Coates - Bill Posting Company. E.B.Harris - Gold Buyer. T.Sayer - Undertaker. Bainelt's - Jeweller. Harp and Shamrock Hotel. Jubilee Park Races. Roeder Bros - Tobacconist. Roberts Golden Bar Butter. W.Benson - Tobacconist. H. Lorenz - Tailor. N. Cinquegrano - Umbrellas. Banfield & Co - Goldbrokers. John Davies - Queen's Hotel. F.Matthews - Fish and Chips. A.Frigerio - Wire Works. Haltorf's Hotel. Bright's - Fish and Fruit. Leslie's - Blacksmith. R.E.Walters - Hunting Supplies. Jack Francis Cafe. J.Dunne - Market Hotel. Miss May Maher - Florist. P.Drescher - Jeweller. B.Sciallero - Wine Hall.performing arts, elocution, theatre program

An extremely damaged, old and worn black covered booklet about ailments that people suffer with the title Doan's Dream Book. The front cover has an illustration of an ancient Egyptian woman sitting on a large stone chair with a child at her feet playing a type of harp. 'I wonder if Dreams Come True' is written at the bottom with the publisher details. It has many examples throughout of how these illnesses may be improved with advertising for products too. The back cover has lists of medication made by Doan's. p. 32. De Witt's 200 Year Calendar and Book of Horoscopes has a red, black, pink and cream front cover showing an oval with horoscopes drawn around the edges and a mountain with a yacht sailing on a river with 'The Quest for Health' written below. The title is written at the bottom of the cover. This booklet has the 200 year calendar at the front with dates from 1776 - 1976. Throughout the booklet are advertisements and information on various medications produced and sold by the company circa 1950's. p32.non-fictionA booklet on dream interpretation dispersed with advertisements and testimonials for Doan's medicines. Originally published in 1904, this likely is an early 1920's printing. Many booklets like this were produced as PR material to increase product sales between c. 1900 - 1915. They were given to the more affluent customers or clients by the local shopkeepers of the period and are interesting Australiana historical publications. They were anywhere between 8 to 32 pages. The De Witt's booklet is similar with advertisements and information on various medicinal products produced and sold by the company for ailments. p.32.dreams, medicines, ilnesses, horoscopes, calendars

A group of talented Ballarat young singers and players performed Bedazzled at the Mount Clear Technical High School theatre. Many of them have gone on to musical careers of note.4 pages of white paper with black text, and coloured cover silver with red textBedazzled, with program outline and players. The Ballarat Light Opera Company Present AN EVENING OF SONG AND DANCE FROM BROADWAY MUSICALS Dedicated to Richard Wagner ORCHESTRA Musical Director Mark Jones Pianist Meredith Gunthorpe Harp Kerry Hanrahan Cello Sue Dodd Synthesizer Paula Heenan Flute Mark Lacey Natalie Jones Percussion Andrew Payne CAST Felicity Counsel, Matthew Brooks, Elizabeth Dale, Andrew Dark, Jacqui Dark, Time Gay, Fiona Hanrahan, Trevor Harris, Kerrie Hanrahan, Mark Jones, Anne Hoppen, Mitchell Leviston, Natalie Jones, Colin Prato, Wnedy McCausland, Toney (sic) Rowenow, Leanne Squires, Jeff Smart, Geoff Wallis

Document. Two page advertising flyer for the Comic Opera Company, Masonic Hall, Bendigo. On the back page, ''Printed at the Bendigo Independant Office, Williamson St., Bendigo''. Advertisers: W.Parkinson and Co - Copper Plate Cleaners and gold refiners. Walter E.Ellis - Tobacconist. W.Bartle - Jeweller and Watchmaker. Mrs Newman's - Coffee Palace. Jas. Burston - Watchmaker, Jeweller and Optician. Lazarus Telegraph Hotel. H.Lorenz - Tailor. Mrs A. Keast - Dining Rooms. P. Drescher - Watchmaker and Jeweller. W A Parker - Hairdresser and Tobacconist. O'Hagan's Sandhurst Hotel. Leslie's Blacksmith. Mrs Leonard - Tobacconist. J Dunne - Market Hotel. Bright's - Fish and Fruit. E J Delaney - Harp and Shamrock Hotel. Banfield and Co - Goldbrokers. Swift and Rothberg - Tailors and Drapery. Hans Irvine - Wine Sales. T Sayer - Undertaker. Terminus Hotel. Jack Francis Cafe. A Frigerio - Wire Worker. Barnett's Jewellers. B Sluyterman - Electrical Engineer. T R Jones - Chemist. Jack E Coates - Scenery for Hire. Krast and Co - Gold Brokers. Sydney P Ewing - Dentist. H Nickson - Furniture Hire. Geo Jackman - S P Bookmaker.performing arts, elocution, theatre flyer

This mortice marking gauge has an adjustable sliding arm. The gauge is used for scribing two lines on a flat surface such as timber for measuring and cutting. It is a hand-powered tool that would have been used by a tradesperson such as a cabinet maker, woodworker or carpenter. The hand tool shows signs of much use. The ‘W. Maples & Sons, Hibernia’s catalogue of 1867 had a very similar tool, called a Mortice Gauge, column 2, page 15. W. MARPLES & SONS- William Marples Snr. had a business on the Sheffield Moor in 1773/74. In 1821 his son William Jnr. At 12 years old began in his father’s joinery business. 1833 the firm was known as a tool manufacturer. In 1838 Marples called his business Hibernian Works and moved to 67-69 Spring Lane, Sheffield. When he moved to Westfield Terrace in 1856, he called his business Hibernia Works (no ‘n’ on the end). The business remained at this address for 116 years. In about 1859 the firm began using the Lyre (Irish harp) mark. In 1860 or so the two brothers, Edwin and William Marples, became partners and the firm became William Marples and Sons. The firm introduced the single shamrock symbol in 1860-61. The boys’ brother Albert joins the firm in 1863. In 1875 the company registered both the name ‘Hibernia’ and the trade mark symbol of a Triple Shamrock and the use of these trademarks continued for many decades, into the 1940 and the firm, with many changes, was still in business in the early 21st century. About Shamrock and Hibernia, both are related to Ireland and W. Marples named his products the Shamrock brand.The marking gauge is an example of a hand powered woodworking tool used over the past few centuries. Its maker was well known for his good quality tools and his business grew because of his reputation.Mortice marking gauge: wooden staff with block and green, adjustable sliding arm within the staff. The end of the staff has a facility for holding the scribe marker. The block has a hole into which a peg or wedge would be inserted to hold the sliding arm in place. Inscription with maker's name and almost indecipherable mark is stamped onto one side of the block. Made by W Marples & Sons, Sheffield.Stamped into block “W. MARPLES & SONS / HIBERNIA WORKS” above Logo of ‘Trefoil’ image [three, three-leafed clovers on the same stem]flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, hand tool, woodwork, marking gauge, measuring tool, mortice gauge, mortice marking gauge, william marples, w marples & sons, hibernia, shamrock, trifoil, tripple shamrock, carpenter's tool, cabinet maker, woodworking tool, drawing, planning, tool, wooden scribe, vintage, carpenter, marking tool, antique, marking out, joiner

Continuous fourteen page Sale No. 81 Fat Cattle Sale Bendigo dated 10/10/95. Report issued on the 10/10/95 by Ben. Report lists the buyers name and the number of head purchased each time from each agent and the total number purchased. Agents names are abbreviated. Buyers names are: NLS10, Bennetts Meats Pty Ltd, Boydies Butchers, Clifford Quality Meats, Dalgety Farmers Ltd, Elders Ltd, Ellis Nuttall & Compa, Friswell K, RJ Gilbertson, Gregory J, Grenfell N, Hardwick GF & VC, G Harper, Highland, Maher L, Masons Meat Pty Ltd, JJ McAllister, McIvor Meats, McKean W & Co, Midfield Meat Wholesa, No Commercial Value, Nevins FP & Company, Newman Livestock Sales, Newman Livestock Sales N, Newman Livestock Sales 3, Newman Livestock Sales N, Newman Livestock Sale No, Newman Livestock Sales N, Newman Livestock Sale N, O'Connor G & K Pty Ltd, J H Ralph & Son, Brian Rodwell & Co, Safeway No 188, Andrew Schenk, Starr A, Top Meats, Victorian Producers C, D & K Webb, Welsh, M/S K & J Wignall, Woodhead B, Woodward RH & Co Pty, R H Woodward & Co, NLS10, BT Meats, Joe Panetta, Garfield and Garfield.bendigo, council, cattle markets, bendigo saleyards collection - fat cattle sale bendigo 10/10/95, ben, nls10, bennetts meats pty ltd, boydies butchers, clifford quality meats, dalgety farmers ltd, elders ltd, ellis nuttall & compa, friswell k, rj gilbertson, gregory j, grenfell n, hardwick gf & vc, g harper, highland, maher l, masons meat pty ltd, jj mcallister, mcivor meats, mckean w & co, midfield meat wholesa, no commercial value, nevins fp & company, newman livestock sales, newman livestock sales n, newman livestock sales 3, newman livestock sales n, newman livestock sale no, newman livestock sales n, newman livestock sale n, o'connor g & k pty ltd, j h ralph & son, brian rodwell & co, safeway no 188, andrew schenk, starr a, top meats, victorian producers c, d & k webb, welsh, m/s k & j wignall, woodhead b, woodward rh & co pty, r h woodward & co, nls10, bt meats, joe panetta, garfield, garfield

Caulking is the traditional technique used on wooden vessels built with butted or clinker-built planks to fill the gaps between these planks while still allowing the wood to flex and move. This involved driving the irons, hammered in with the mallet, deep into the seams to open them up. After this, spun yarn, oakum (hemp) or cotton was driven deep into the gaps. The hemp or cotton was soaked in creosote or pine tar to make the joins watertight. Caulking also played a structural role in tightening up the hull or deck by reducing the longitudinal movement of the neighbouring planks. The subject item was made by Alexander Mathieson & Sons but the company was established in 1792 when John Manners had set up a workshop making woodworking planes at 14 Saracens Lane Glasgow. He also employed an apprentice Alexander Mathieson (1773-1851). But in the following year at Saracen's Lane, the 1841 census describes Alexander Mathieson as a master plane-maker now at 38 Saracen Lane with his son Thomas Adam working with him as a journeyman plane-maker. Presumably, Alexander must have taken over the premises and business of John Manners. Now that the business had Thomas Adam Mathieson working with his father it gradually grew and became more diversified, and it is recorded at the time by the Post-Office Glasgow Annual Directory that by 1847-1848 Alexander Mathieson was a “plane, brace, bit, auger & edge tool maker”. In 1849 the firm of James & William Stewart at 65 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh was taken over by Mathieson and Thomas was put in charge of the business, trading under the name Thomas A. Mathieson & Co. as plane and edge-tool makers. Thomas's company went on to acquire the Edinburgh edge-tool makers “Charles & Hugh McPherson” and took over their premises in Gilmore Street. In the Edinburgh directory of 1856/7, the business is recorded as being Alexander Mathieson & Son, plane and edge-tool makers at 48 Nicolson Street and Paul's Work, Gilmore Street Edinburgh. In the 1851 census, Alexander is recorded as working as a tool and plane-maker employing eight men. Later that year Alexander died and his son Thomas took over the business. Under the heading of an edge-tool maker in the 1852/3 Post-Office Glasgow Annual Directory the firm is now listed as Alexander Mathieson & Son, with further entries as "turning-lathe and vice manufacturers". By the early 1850s, the business had moved to 24 Saracen Lane. The directory for 1857/8 records that the firm had moved again only a few years later to East Campbell Street, off the Gallowgate area, and that through further diversification was also manufacturing coopers' and tinmen's tools. The ten-yearly censuses report the firm's growth in 1861 stating that Thomas was a tool manufacturer employing 95 men and 30 boys; in 1871 he had 200 men working for him and in 1881 300 men. By 1899 the firm had been incorporated as Alexander Mathieson & Sons Ltd, even though only Alexander's son Thomas appears ever to have joined the firm so the company was still in his father's name. In September 1868 Thomas Mathieson put a notice in the newspapers of the Sheffield & Rotherham Independent and the Sheffield Daily Telegraph stating that his firm had used the trade-mark of a crescent and star "for some time" and that "using or imitating the Mark would be proceeded against for infringement". The firm had acquired its interest in the crescent-and-star mark from the heirs of Charles Pickslay, the Sheffield cutler who had registered it with the Cutlers' Company in 1833 and had died in 1852. The year 1868 seems also to be the one in which the name Saracen Tool Works was first adopted; not only does it figure at the foot of the notice in the Sheffield press, but it also makes its first appearance in the firm's entry in the Post-Office Glasgow Annual Directory in the 1868/9 edition. As Thomas Mathieson's business grew, so too did his involvement in local public life and philanthropy. One of the representatives of the third ward on the town council of Glasgow, he became a river bailie in 1868, a magistrate in 1870 and a preceptor of Hutcheson's Hospital in 1878. He had a passion for books and was an "ardent Ruskinian". He served on the committee handling the bequest for the setting up of the Mitchell Library in Glasgow. When he died at Coulter Maynes near Biggar in 1899, he left an estate worth £142,764.  In the Company's later years both Thomas's sons, James Harper and Thomas Ogilvie were involved in the continuing life of the firm. James followed in his father's footsteps in becoming a local public figure. He was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the County of the City of Glasgow and was made a deacon of the Incorporation of the Hammermen of Glasgow in 1919. His brother Thomas Ogilvie was recorded as a tool manufacturer and employer in the 1911 census. Thomas Ogilvie's son Thomas Alastair Sutherland Ogilvie Mathieson was born in 1908 and took a rather different approach to engineer, however, by becoming a racing driver. In 1947 he wed the French film actress Mila Parély. The firm had won many awards at world fairs for their goods. At the Great Exhibition, London, 1851. Prize medal for joiners' tools in the class of Cutlery & Edge Tools, Great London Exposition, 1862. Prize medal honoris causa. International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1880. Gold medal International Exhibition of Industry, Science and Art, Edinburgh, 1886. Prize medalThe firm Alexander Mathieson & Sons were one of the leading makers of hand tools in Scotland. Its success went hand in hand with the growth of the shipbuilding industries on the Firth of Clyde in the nineteenth century and the emergence of Glasgow as the "second city of the Empire". It also reflected the firm's skill in responding to an unprecedented demand for quality tools by shipyards, cooperages and other industries, both locally and far and wide. The subject item is of further significance as it gives a snapshot of the technological development of sailing ships and their operation before steam-powered vessels took over around the world. Tools such as the subject item demonstrate the traditional craftsmanship and skill of the shipwright and the aesthetic quality of the timber ships designs of the time. Caulking tool Off-set. Stamped on blade "Mathieson & Son Glasgow" also stamped in handle, James S Steele tool box.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, james s steele, caulking iron, caulking tool, offset caulking tool, alexander mathieson & sons, shipwrights tools, ship building, clinker hull caulking, sailing ships