Pen and ink sets were common household and business items in the 19th century and up to the mid 20th century (prior to the introduction of ballpoint pens). They would have been placed on a writing desk or table. The items here are attractive ones and would have been a relatively expensive purchase.These items are connected to the Toleman family from Warrnambool and may have been used by the donor’s father who was an accountant. These are four items:- .1 An oblong glass dish, partly rounded at the ends and with a criss-cross pattern on the base. Inside the dish, towards the ends, are two ridges for holding four pens or pencils. .2 An oblong polished black stone tray with a curved front and a ridge for holding a pen. On the oblong section are two square metal bases with four side clips on each to hold the inkwells. These metal pieces are attached to the black tray with metal screws. .3 & .4 Two glass (crystal?) cubes with a hollow inside for holding ink. The tops of the cubes are metal with circular openings. The lids are metal with metal hinges and polished black stone topshistory of warrnambool, writing implements and associated items, household items from the past

This is a lump of beeswax that has been used to polish and clean old flat irons. Beeswax is a natural product made by bees to form the honeycomb in their beehives. It was used historically in many areas, including candle making, bow making, cosmetics production, bullet-making and modelling. It still has many commercial uses today. Flat irons were metal objects that had a flat polished surface and were heated to iron material and garments. The beeswax assisted in keeping the polished surface clean and shiny. This piece of beeswax comes from a local source but the full provenance is not known. It is important to keep it in the collection as an adjunct to the Historical Society’s collection of sad and flat irons from the past. This is a lump of beeswax in a round shape with one end broken across to reveal the inner part of the beeswax. The outer part is somewhat stained. flat and sad irons, household items from the past, history of warrnambool

No specific information is available on this item. Demijohns were used for holding spirits and wicker coverings (usually woven osier or willow) were commonly used from the 1700s to the early 20th century. This item is of interest as an example of the containers used to store wine and spirits 100 years ago. Breweries and wine and spirit stores have been important businesses in Warrnambool in the past.This is a large ceramic demijohn with a ceramic lid and a cork stopper. Both the lid and the cork stopper are broken in parts. The demijohn has a wicker covering with handles. The wicker cover is fraying in parts. On lid: ‘2’demijohn with wicker covering, warrnambool

No specific information is available on this item. Demijohns were used for holding spirits and wicker coverings (usually woven osier or willow) were commonly used from the 1700s to the early 20th century. This item is of interest as an example of the containers used to store wine and spirits 100 years ago. Breweries and wine and spirits stores have been important businesses in Warrnambool in the past.This is a ceramic demijohn with a ceramic lid and a stopper (made of a rubber composite?) and a wicker covering. It has one handle. The ceramic lid is chipped. The woven material is slightly broken in partsdemijohn with wicker covering, warrnambool

No information is available on the history of this item but it was common in the 19th and early 20th centuries to have household items made from animal bone. Sometimes it was bone from more exotic animals from Asia and India. This item may have been used to attach a decoration to the hair. This item has no known local significance but it is of interest as an item used in the past and will be useful for display.This is a hair comb with a curved handle and a coarse comb section . It is made of some sort of animal bone and has one of the edges of the comb section broken off. It has three holes on the handle for attachment to other objects and there are several holes in the material, one around one of the holes in the handle.hair comb, warrnambool, bone hair comb

These gramophone needles were manufactured by The Gramophone Company Limited for use in gramophones that had an arm in which to insert a needle to play an old shellac record. The Gramophone Company was an early recording company based in the United Kingdom and was the parent organization for the His Master’s Voice label of recording devices. The company was founded in 1897 and merged in 1931 with another company to form E.M.I. (Electric and Musical Industries) but the name The Gramophone Company continued in Britain until the 1970s. Gramophones were a popular household item from the late 19th century until the mid 20th century when more sophisticated recording and playing devices were invented. These gramophone needles is of some interest as an example of entertainment devices of the past. It will be useful for display. .1This is a metal box with a lid containing an image of a dog and a phonograph (‘His Master’s Voice’) painted in white and brown on a dark blue background. Inside the tin are about 150 metal gramophone needles, most of them being a little rusted. The needles are covered with a sheet of brown paper with yellow printing. The tin itself is rusted and the printing is discoloured. There is a paper sticker on the back of the box with an early catalogue number (almost obliterated). .2 Small rectangular plastic container with picture of white polar bear with blue background. It contains approximately 30 needles which have red ends and silver points. .3 small plastic bag with a number of needles..1 Front of box: ‘His Master’s Voice, Extra Loud Tone’ Back of box: Approximately 200 English gramophone needles manufactured by The Gramophone Company Limited, Sydney, Australia’. Inside: ‘Use each point once only’ (printed twice). .2 50 semi- permanent needles on front of box. On bottom Made in Germany. gramophone needles, warrnambool, e.m.i., electric and musical industries

No specific information is available on this item. Letter openers and book marks of an ornate nature were common household and personal items in the past and are still used today. This item probably dates from the early 1900s. This item is of antiquarian interest and is useful for display as an example of household or personal items of the past.This is a stiffened velvet holder edged with gilt metal with a chain attached. The chain has a gilt book mark attached. The book mark has a metal blade with an ornamental shield at the top. The book mark can also be used as a letter opener. The holder probably originally held another letter opener or another similar item to complete the set. The case is somewhat scuffed. letter opener/book mark and case, warrnambool

This is a high-quality item and would have been used in a household in affluent circumstances. The firm of James Dixon and Sons of Sheffield, England, was established in 1806 and ceased to operate in 1992. Candles were widely used for household lighting until the advent and availability of electric lighting from the 1920s onwards. This item has no known local provenance but is retained because it is fine example of a household item of the past.This is an electro-plated silver candlestick holder. The base is roughly circular (more hexagonal) with an embossed edge and a handle attached by welding. The candlestick holder is vase-shaped with a circular open top for inserting the candle. The circular top also has an embossed edge. Attached to the handle by a clip is a cone-shaped snuffer. The candle holder and snuffer have been used. On the bottom of the base are the name and symbol of the maker and five hallmarks. ‘Jas Dixon & Sons Sheffield’ ‘866 P W/B’ household lighting, history of warrnambool, silver candlestick, candlestick with snuffer

This candle holder would probably be mostly used for a candle placed on a table, cupboard or bench. It is unornamented and so would not occupy any place of importance. Candles and lamps were the chief source of light in households until the advent and use of electricity in the early 20th century. Gas lighting was in use in street lighting and in industry for some time before this. Electric lighting for households became available in Warrnambool in the 1920s but the use of lamps and candles was still prevalent until the middle of the 20th century. This candle holder is of some interest as an example of a household item from times past. It will be useful for display. This is a china candle holder. It has a white glaze and the base is circular in shape. The rim or lip is ridged around the edge. One side of the object is cracked. household lighting, history of warrnambool, candle holder

This is a mantel clock used probably in the dining room or lounge room of a house. It would have been a common item in a household in the 20th century and was often an heirloom passed down from grandparents. This type of clock is an attractive item and is still regarded as highly desirable today.This clock has no known local significance but is retained as an attractive and historical item and serves as an example of a high quality household object of the past. This is a black wooden clock with a rectangular base with ornamental metal corner pieces and two ornamental gilt metal patterns. The clock has an overhanging rectangular top with two gilt handles on the side. Also on the sides of the lock are two green inset faux columns with two metal ornaments in between. The brass mechanism at the back of the clock has four wheels. The clock face has a glass front, black numbers and metal hands. There is a strip of brass around the outside of the face. There are two key holes on the face. 'Sessions'warrnambool, mantel clock

This walking stick or club is of a heavy quality and could be classified as an Irish shillelagh, although it lacks the heavy curved knob at the top that characterizes the shillelagh. It does not seem typical of the walking sticks used in Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries although it appears to date from those times. It may have come from an overseas country.This walking stick has no known local provenance but it is an interesting item and is kept as a curio from the past.This is a piece of black wood (blackthorn?) shaped from a gnarled and knotted piece of wood to make a rough, curved shape. The shaft is rounded at the top and tapering to a smaller round shape at the bottom. The top has a brass-coloured metal band.walking sticks, household items, warrnambool

The book has back and front covers in brown leather which features heavily raised embossing . The raised sections contain Biblical and other religious images and intricate patterns. The spine has gold lettering. The front cover is slightly scuffed and is detached from the spine. It has been bound with string and paste. The pages, some of which are torn, contain text and black and white and colour plates. It is not only a Bible as it includes the history of other religions.non-fictionBible and History of religions family bible, family bible 1900, warrnambool

Hip baths, such as this one, were used in past times in households for individuals to bathe. Generally the bath was placed in front of the fire in the kitchen and filled with hot water from the kitchen stove.This item is retained as an interesting memento of past household customs.This tin hip bath for an adult is in the shape of a cradle. The exterior is painted light brown. It has curved edges around the rim with two protruding curved pieces for the bather's hands to grip when getting out of it. The base is concave. It appears to be have been constructed in pieces. The bath is rusted and stained.hip bath, vintage domestic item, bathing practices in the past

This is an example of a hot water bottle in common use in households in the mid 20th century before the use of rubber ones.This bottle has no known local provenance but is retained as an example of a household item from the past. This a cylindrical silver coloured metal canister. It has a screw top stopper with a metal handle. The top of the stopper is rusted. The body of the canister has three lots of ridges around the surface and is also chipped.SU....... Stainless Steel Co. Melb. 20th century household items, early 20th century hotwater bottle

This barrel was probably used to hold ice but minus its insert could have been a biscuit barrel. In the days before refrigerators were common household items the barrel would have been a useful portable ice carrier for use in a hotel bar or at a table. The plaque on the side of the barrel suggests that the barrel could have been awarded as a trophy or prize in a sporting competition. This item has no known local provenance but is retained as an example of a household item from times past.This is a wooden barrel with silver-coloured metal bands on the top and bottom of the barrel, a metal handle and a detachable metal lid. A metal plaque is attached to the side of the barrel with metal pins. The inside of the barrel has a ceramic insert with a metal rim. The metal bands are much oxidized. ‘E.PN.Svintage household items, biscuit barrel, warrnambool

This tape measure was probably produced for, and used by, tradesmen such as carpenters and builders. In 1821 James Chesterman patented a tape measure that used a spring for rewinding the tape and the makers of large tape measures have used this method for nearly 200 years now. This item has no known local provenance but is retained as an interesting example of a common household and industrial item from the past but one which in an updated version is still in use today.This is a metal tape measure (in inches) enclosed in a circular-shaped leather covering. In the centre of the leather cover is a metal mechanism for rewinding the tape. The tape has a metal ring at its end. The leather is very rubbed and the tape is rusty. There is printing embossed on both sides of the leather cover. ‘Chesterman Ltd Sheffield England’ ‘66 ft’household items warrnambool

This small metal item is a boot pull. Boot pulls were usually sold in pairs for pulling long riding boots on. Good quality long boots had a small leather loop inside near the top of the boot and this hook would assist the wearer to put the boot on. Both men and women would have used this useful item and wearers of long riding boots may still use one today. This small boot pull is retained as an interesting example of a household item from 100 years ago or more. This is a piece of metal piping with a flattened hook at one end and a cross bar handle at the other end. The metal is very rusty.household items of the past, history of warrnambool

The bone from this shoe horn probably comes from the horn of a cow. It has been adapted for use in putting on tight-fitting shoes or boots. Animal horn was the original material used to make such an item – hence the name ‘shoe horn’. Today shoe horns are still used but they are usually made of plastic or metal. This item is retained as an example of a shoe horn made from animal bone, a relic of the past.This is an animal bone horn tapering to an end that has been shaped to a point to form a handle. The horn is brown and cream-coloured. The horn is chipped on the sides and slightly gouged out at the top. household items, shoehorn, shoe horn, shoespooner

Commercial tin openers first appeared in the mid 19th century and this model dates from the early 20th century. An improved version when a second serrated wheel was added came into operation about the mid 1920s. Tins (now cans) of food with sealed tops became popular in the 20th century and all households needed a tin opener. Today the can opener is still used but increasingly the can lids have an inbuilt clip that is pulled out to open the can. This tin opener has no known local provenance but it is retained as an early model of a tin opener from the past. It will be useful for display. This is a cast iron tin opener with a cutting blade attached to a piece of metal with a screw. The metal handle curves out from the metal piece holding the blade. The opener is a little rusty in parts. The name ‘Guard ’ is on both sides of the handle in raised metal letters.‘Guard’ household items, history of warrnambool

These items are of a high quality and would have come from a household where the occupants had considerable means. It was not common to have silver plating on both of these items. Shaving brushes and strops were essential items for men shaving their faces regularly until the mid to late 20th century when electric shavers became more common. These two items are attractive ones and are retained because they represent a household item of the past and they are a rare example of a shaving strop enclosed within a case. They will be useful for display. .1 This is an extending razor strop made of brown leather. It has a heavily patterned silver handle attached to the leather by metal studs and it is contained within a cylindrical case of plated silver. The case has a heavily-patterned curved base and top and on one side there is an oval outlined space in which to put initials or an inscription. The case has a handle on one end to match the strop handle but this handle is for hanging the item on a hook to keep it upright and stable. This would then enable the user to pull hard on the other handle to use the strop to sharpen a razor .2 This is a shaving brush made of horsehair or other animal hair. It has a silver-plated handle with a double ridge in the middle. It was used to lather a person’s face or skin with cream or soap to lessen chafing during and after shaving. The silver on both items is a little tarnished. ‘British Made Ziff Sterilised’ ‘Falcon Silver Plate Co. Made in England 3533’ household items, history of warrnambool

This container is one of high quality and would have been found either in a bedroom containing small articles belonging to a woman or in an office or parlour containing small items used by the householder. The container would have been a relatively expensive item to purchase. This container has no known local provenance but it is a very attractive item from times past and one not common even when first purchased. It will be useful for displayThis is a round silver container with a plain base and the sides heavily-impressed with patterns of flowers, fronds and tendrils. There is an oval blank space on one side to insert a name or inscription. The lid is a detached one that fits over the top of the container. The lid has a curved top with the same impressed floral patterns. The name of the maker is on the base but it is difficult to decipher.‘quadruple plate’ Torun (?) …Company household items, history of warrnambool

These tacks, made in U.S.A., would have been used in carpentry and small building processes and would most likely have been for household use. In many cases they have been replaced by clips and adhesive materials but are still used today. This box of tacks has no known local provenance and is kept for display purposes as an example of a household item from the past.This is a buff-coloured cardboard box containing metal tacks. The box is torn away at the top and has black printing on two sides. The box has been covered with clear cellophane to keep the contents safe. The tacks have a blunt head and taper to a point. They are rusted. ‘When you get a good thing remember where you got it’ ‘This trade mark is your protection. It guarantees the greatest quantity of quality at the price. Atlas Tack Corporation. Fairhaven Mass. St. Louis Mo.’ household items, history of warrnambool

This item is a container that would have been used by a woman to hold small items such as pins. It may also have originally contained some lotion or powder but there is no trade name to indicate this. It would have been found in a bedroom. Such items as these would have been given as presents to members of the more affluent families in the early 20th century. This container has no known local provenance but is retained as an attractive item from the past. It will be useful for display.This is a round-shaped cut glass container with a plain glass base and a metal lid which fits over the top of the container. The top of the lid has an enamel circular piece inserted into the metal. This piece has a white background with a painted image of the head and shoulders of a woman in brown and flesh-coloured tonings. The lid has some dents and some discoloration.household items, dressing table containers

This vase would have been used to hold five small flowers or fronds and would have been a decorative item on a dining table or mantelpiece. Today a vase holding one or a small number of flowers is called a specimen vase and the style of these tends to be less decorative than the item described here. This item has no known local provenance but is retained as an example of a household item from the past.This is a white china vase with a central pillar representing the trunk of a tree and (originally) four pillars branching out from the main pillar to represent the branches of a tree. One of these pillars is now missing. The china stems holding the branch columns have embossed flowers and fronds. The main pillar and the branch pillars have irregular-shaped openings for flower insertion.household items, history of warrnambool

This manicure set would have been used in a household in the early 20th century and beyond that date as the contents are usable to this day. The contents of manicure sets do not vary much but the purchase of an expensive silver set would not be common today. This manicure set is of interest as an attractive household item from the past. It will be useful for display.This is a rectangular-shaped wooden box with a black cloth covering. The lid of the box has triangular-shaped sides to allow for the shapes of the contents. The box has two gilt metal clips and the lid is lined inside with padded navy and white cloth. The base of the box is lined inside with navy felt material and has indentations or insets in which to fit the contents pieces. The contents include two pairs of scissors, a nail file, a pair of tweezers, two cuticle repair instruments, a brush or pad and two small jars for holding powder or paste. One jar contains some sort of powder. All the manicure set pieces are made of silver or have silver handles or tops. The silver is tarnished. One pair of scissors may not be the original piece. manicure aids

These two boards were clipped on to the creased edge of trousers and the item stored in this way. They were used in lieu of irons in the days before electric irons. These items come from the household of the Angus family in Warrnambool. Dr William Roy Angus (1901-1970) studied medicine in Adelaide and Edinburgh. He practised medicine in South Australia and at Nhill before coming to Warrnambool in 1939. In later years he specialized in ophthalmology. The Angus family lived at ‘Birchwood’, a house now demolished. Dr Angus was very civic-minded and was active in a great number of community groups.These items are retained because of their connection to past years and because of their association with the well-known local Warrnambool doctor, Dr Angus. These are two rectangular pieces of wood with three metal clips on each. Two of the metal clips are badly rusted. Both pieces have printed material etched into the wood. A piece of string is attached to the end of each board.The Aveca (Patented) Trouser Stretcher and Presser The Aveca (Pat. Appd. For) Trouser Stretcher and Presser men’s accessories, history of warrnambool

Plane tools for shaving wood date back to Roman times and are still in use today. This item is a vintage tool and could have been used in households or in businesses.This item has no known local provenance but is retained because of its age and interest as a hand tool from the past.This is a metal plane tool with an adjustable blade at the base and two screws for adjustment. The metal is much rusted.No. 113household tools, history of warrnambool, vintage tools

These stoneware jugs and bowl had been perennially popular in homes for many years and are still in homes today.These jugs are kept as mementos of household items popular in the past. One jug (VC001906.3) appears to have come from Scotland in the mid 19th century and may have belonged to a member of a McGregor family.These are four brown earthenware jugs and one small brown bowl. .1 This jug has filter holes near the top of the rim and a mottled pattern on the lower part of the body of the jug with an ornamental pattern separating this mottled section from the smooth upper half. .2 This jug has a light brown lower section (both body and handle) and a darker reddish-brown upper section .3 This jug is dark brown with lighter shadings at the top section. The lip is chipped. .4 This jug has a mottled brown lower section and a smooth brown upper section. .5 the small bowl has a stipled lower section and plain upper.‘3 PT’ ‘1PT” household items, history of warrnambool, stoneware jugs, pottery jugs

These glasses appear to be mainly sunglasses or ones for outdoors as the tinted glass and the shades indicate this. They would have been used commonly in the past (100 years ago or more) by those able to afford the cost of the item. Eye glasses were first used in the 13th century and bi-focals were invented in the late 18th century.These items have no known local significance and are kept as interesting souvenirs of eye glasses used in the past.This is a pair of spectacles or glasses in a case. The glasses are made of thin metal and contain dark tinted glass. The eye-glass pieces are oval in shape. On the outer rims of the eye-glass pieces are two curved metal mesh covers attached to the metal rims by two screws on each side. These act as shades for the sun and side protection for the eyes and fold down when not in use. One of the shades is detached from its metal rim. The glasses case is made of cardboard and has a black mottled outer covering and a light brown inside lining. The case is much scuffed. household items, history of warrnambool, spectacles

This kettle would have been used on top of a wood stove to boil water to make tea and other beverages and to use for other household purposes. It would have been a common household item in Australian homes from the beginning of European settlement up about the mid 20th century when wood stoves, although still in use in many country areas, were largely superseded by gas or electric stoves in most households. The kettle was made of durable material as it usually remained on the top of the stove for most of the day so that hot water was readily available. This kettle is retained as an example of an essential household item used in the past. It will be useful for display.This is a circular-shaped black iron kettle with a handle and a spout. The lid is circular. The kettle is rusting inside. vintage household items, history of warrnambool