This hearth brush section would have had a handle at the top and bristles protruding from the base. It has been hand-crafted, likely by a blacksmith. A hearth brush is used to clean away fine ash from brick, iron and stone fireplaces and stoves after the fire has died. The hearth brush section was recovered from the wreck of the sailing ship Loch Ard, which was wrecked on June 1st 1878 at Mutton Bird Island near Port Campbell, Victoria. There were 54 people on board and only two survived. The cargo included items for Melbourne's International Exhibition.The hearth brush is an example of domestic cleaning equipment from the late 19th century. The brush is significant for its connection to the Loch Ard sailing ship, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage database. Hearth brush section, copper alloy, bullet-head shaped; bristles and handle are missing. It is covered in verdigris. The metal is hand-beaten. Recovered from the wreck of the Loch Ard. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, hearth brush, loch ard, cleaning, fireplace, domestic fireplace, domestic oven, ash, brush, 19th century, victorian era, 1878

Small broom or long handled horse hair hearth brush, black with red and gold decoration. Turned handle which screws off head with gold banding & leaves.domestic equipment, cleaning, brush

Wooden handled brush, hand crafted from sundry miscellaneous wooden parts.No visible markingsdomestic items, cleaning, brush, bristle, craft

Decorative Metal Dustpan: Ornate dustpans like this were commonly used in the Victorian and Edwardian periods as part of a coordinated hearth and cleaning set. The intricate detailing suggests it may have been part of a more decorative domestic set rather than a purely functional item. Curved Wooden Brush: This type of brush was commonly used for sweeping fine dust and ashes, often in combination with a matching dustpan. The curved design suggests it was intended for easy handling, possibly for use on furniture, clothing, or delicate surfaces. Such brushes were often part of a Victorian-era fireplace cleaning set, used to tidy up ash from coal or wood-burning stoves. Decorative Metal Dustpan: A half-moon-shaped metal dustpan with an ornate embossed floral design in the centre and decorative scalloped edging. The pan has a slightly curved lip at the bottom to help collect debris efficiently. The surface exhibits signs of wear, including tarnishing, rust, and discoloration, indicating significant age and use. Curved Wooden Brush: A long, curved wooden-handled brush with densely packed, light-coloured bristles. The handle has a smooth, polished finish and tapers slightly towards the end.brush, dustpan, cleaning, household, sweeping