Spyglasses were popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuryGilt brass 5 draw spyglass or small monocular telescope. Foliate and floral decoration around eyepiece, ribbed casing with suspension ring. 5 draw telescopic action extends the spyglass for use.vision, optical devices, fashion

An optical device with horizontal axis, mounted on a tripod. The polarimeter is used for determining the polarising properties of solutions. ballarat school of mines, scientific equipment, scientific instruments, scientific objects, polarimeter, polarising liquids

The stauroscope is an instrument for studying characteristic properties of anisotropic mineral particles. Later petrografic microscopes incorporate the stauroscope feature. Calderon Stauroscope in a hinged timber box. An optical device resembling a microscope with a vertical axes. The composite tube is made of brass, and is adjustabbly attached to a splayed-leg base equipped with a traingula section pillar. Instrument and accessoried housed in a brown polished timber box stauroscope, scientific instrument, microscope

Belonged to the O'Beirne family.Optical device for viewing a pair of images (usually photographs) as a three-dimensional image. Wooden handle, metal eyepiece, small fold-out stand. This stereoscope is an example of the type created by Oliver Wendell-Holmes in the 1860s. Two accompanying sets of stereo cards for viewing (approximately 60 cards altogether) are catalogued separately.stereoscopes, o'beirne family

Opera glasses, also known as theatre binoculars are compact, low-power optical magnification devices, usually used at performance events, whose name is derived from traditional use at opera performances. A pair of opera glasses with a leather caseearly settlers, market gardeners, theatre groups, operas

A lorgnette, in essence, consists of a handle-mounted pair of spectacles. Lorgnettes, which preceded modern opera binoculars, were frequently seen at both theaters and operas during the 19th century. The term "lorgnette" is derived from the French word "lorgner," which means to discreetly observe or gaze. Prior to the 17th century, optical devices were mainly associated with men, however the creation of the lorgnette marked a significant shift as women started to play a more prominent role in the realm of eyewear. The lorgnette piqued women's curiosity and led to the development of various new designs, such as the "jealousy lorgnette." Furthermore, the lorgnette evolved beyond its initial function as a theater or opera accessory and transformed into a practical daily accessory. Initial versions of the lorgnette featured a handle without any joints. Subsequent iterations introduced a hinged handle, and by the 19th century, a spring mechanism was incorporated which enabled the lenses to fold neatly inside the handle, which also doubled as a protective case.The Burke Museum's collection of historical artifacts illuminates Beechworth's past by showcasing the town's social, cultural, and economic dimensions, contributing to a richer understanding of its social history.A pair of spectacles with a decorative handle attached.burke museum, social history, glasses, opera

Binoculars have been in existence for over 100 years for recreational and military use. The Carl Zeiss factory in Jena, Germany was founded in 1846 and manufactured optical systems such as cameras, binoculars and riflescopes and industrial measurement devices and medical equipment. Binoculars are still commonly used today. These binoculars have no known local provenance and are retained for display purposes.These are a pair of black binoculars with a brown leather strap. It is contained within a brown leather case. The case has a brown leather strap and metal buckle and a metal and leather clasp. Carl Zeiss Jena Binoctar 1389040 7 X 50 vintage optical goods, history of warrnambool

How widely the prisoptometer was used is unclear but the Standard Optical Company later patented a new model, The Standard Prisoptometer, on June 21, 1904. Edward Jackson's crossed cylinder technique of determining astigmatism was first detailed in the Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society (1887)4:595-598. The convenience of Jackson's crossed cylinder lenses over the prisoptometer in weight, cost, portability and reliability meant that they were soon almost universally adopted.This is a rare item as few are known world wide.This instrument is an optometer, that is, a device to measure the refractive error of an eye. It is made of cast iron, steel, brass and glass. It contains a prism which could be rotated, and was used to view a disc or an object circle. The prism caused monocular doubling of the object circle and the separation of the two images varied as the prism rotated, depending on the astigmatism present. The axis of the astigmatism was indicated by the prisoptometer and trial lenses were used to determine the the magnitude of the spherical and cylindrical refractive errorImprinted:"DR CULBERTSON'S PRISOPTOMETER/ GENEVA OPTICAL COMPANY MAKERS, GENEVA, N.Y./ PATENTED SEPT, 21, 1886". Stamped "853" on eyepiece and lens mounting.optometry, prisoptometer, optometer, astigmatism, refractive error, refraction, culbertson

This is the Bridge Section of a ship’s telegraph and is a Duplex Gong model, made by Chadburn & Son of Liverpool. This duplex gong model would sound two signals whenever the navigational commands were given by the ship’s pilot to change the speed or direction. The ship’s telegraph was installed on Flagstaff Hill’s exhibit of the 1909 Hobart, Tasmania, ferry “SS Rowitta” installed in 1975 and enjoyed for more than 40 years. Communication between the ship’s pilot and the engine room in the late 19th century to the mid-20th-century was made with a system called an Engine Order Telegraph (E.O.T.) or ship’s telegraph. The equipment has two parts, the Bridge Section and the Engine Room Section. The Bridge Section is usually mounted onto a pedestal, and the Engine Room Section is attached to a vertical surface. The standard marine commands are printed or stamped around the face of the dial and indicated by a pointer or arrow that is usually moved by a rotating brass section or handle. The ship’s pilot stationed on the Bridge of a vessel sends his Orders for speed and direction to the Engine Room with the E.O.T. He moves the lever or levers, depending on the number of engines the ship has, to change the indicator on the Bridge Section’s dial to point in the new direction and speed of travel. This change causes the Orders to be duplicated on the Engine Room Section’s dial and a bell or bells to signal the change at the same time. The engineer then adjusts the ship’s engines and steering equipment to follow the pilot’s Order. CHADBURN & SON, Liverpool- Chadburn Brothers, William and C.H., were joint inventors and well-established makers of optical and scientific instruments and marine gauges. The firm was granted the Prince Albert Royal Warrant in the late 19th century. In 1870 William Chadburn applied for a patent for his navigational communication device for use on ships. By 1875 Chadburn & Son was producing the brass Engine Order Telegraph in its plant at 71 Lord Street, Liverpool. In 1911 the ship RMS Titanic was launched, fitted with Chadburn & Sons E.O.T. The Chadburn Ship Telegraph Company Limited was registered in 1898 to take over Chadburn & Sons. In 1903 a large factory at Bootle, near Liverpool, and their products were being sold overseas. In 1920 electric-powered telegraphs were developed. In 1944 the name changed to Chadburn’s (Liverpool) Limited. In 1968 the company became Chadburn Bloctube Ltd. In 2000 the company, now Bloctube Marine Limited, was still manufacturing ship telegraphs. SS ROWITTA: - The 1909 steam ferry, SS Rowitta, was installed as an exhibit at Flagstaff Hill in 1975 and was enjoyed by many visitors for 40 years. Rowitta was a timber steam ferry built in Hobart in 1909 using planks of Huon and Karri wood. It was a favourite of sightseeing passengers along Tasmania’s Tamar and Derwent rivers for 30 years. Rowitta was also known as Tarkarri and Sorrento and had worked as a coastal trading vessel between Devonport and Melbourne, and Melbourne Queenscliff and Sorrento. In 1974 Rowitta was purchased by Flagstaff Hilt to convert into a representation of the Speculant, a historic and locally significant sailing ship listed on the Victorian Heritage Database. (The Speculant was built in Scotland in 1895 and traded timber between the United Kingdom and Russia. Warrnambool’s P J McGennan & Co. then bought the vessel to trade pine timber from New Zealand to Victorian ports and cargo to Melbourne. It was the largest ship registered with Warrnambool as her home port, playing a key role in the early 1900s in the Port of Warrnambool. In 1911, on her way to Melbourne, it was wrecked near Cape Otway. None of the nine crew lost their lives.) The promised funds for converting Rowitta into the Speculant were no longer available, so it was restored back to its original configuration. The vessel represented the importance of coastal traders to transport, trade and communication in Australia times before rail and motor vehicles. Sadly, in 2015 the time had come to demolish the Rowitta due to her excessive deterioration and the high cost of ongoing repairs. The vessel had given over 100 years of service and pleasure to those who knew her. This Bridge section of a ship’s Engine Order Telegraph, used with an Engine Room section, represents late-19th century change and progress in communication and navigation at sea. This type of equipment was still in use in the mid-20th century. The object is significant for its association with its maker, Chadburn & Son, of Liverpool, a well-known marine instrument maker whose work was recognised by English Royalty, and whose products were selected to supply similar equipment for use on the RMS Titanic. This ship’s telegraph is connected to the history of the Rowitta, which was a large exhibit on display at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village from the museum’s early beginnings until the vessel’s end of life 40 years later. The display was used as an aid to maritime education. The Rowitta represents the importance of coastal traders to transport, trade and communication along the coast of Victoria, between states, and in Australia before rail and motor vehicles. The vessel was an example of a ferry built in the early 20th century that served many different roles over its lifetime of over 100 years. Bridge section of a Ship’s Telegraph or Engine Order Telegraph (E.O.T.). The round double-sided, painted glass dial is contained within a brass case behind glass. It is fitted onto an outward tapering brass pedestal with a round base. The brass indicator arrows between the handles point simultaneously to both sides of the dial when moved. An oval brass maker’s plate is attached to the top of the case. The dial’s faces have inscriptions that indicate speed and direction, and the front face and plate include the maker’s details. A serial number is stamped on the collar where the dial is fitted to the pedestal. The ship’s telegraph is a Duplex Gong model, made by Chadburn & Son of Liverpool. Dial, maker’s details: “PATENT “DUPLEX GONG” TELEGRAPH / CHADBURN & SON / TELEGRAPH WORKS / PATENTEES & MANUFACTURERS / 11 WATERLOO ROAD / LIVERPOOL” LONDON / 105 FENCHURCH STREET” “NEWCASTLE / 85 QUAY + SIDE” “GLASGOW / 69 ANDERSON QUAY” “PATENT” Dial instructions: “FULL / HALF/ SLOW / FINISHED WITH ENGINES / STOP STAND BY / SLOW / HALF / FULL / ASTERN / AHEAD” Maker’s plate: “CHADBURN / & SON / PATENT / LIVERPOOL” Serial number: “22073”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, engine order telegraph, e.o.t., navigational instrument, communication device, ship’s telegraph, engine room section, bridge section, rms titanic, chadburn & son, chadburn brothers, william chadburn, chadburn ship telegraph company, chadburns, duplex gong, liverpool, ss rowitta, navigation, marine technology, pilot’s orders, steam power, hobart, tasmania, devonport, tasmanian-built, ferry, steam ferry, steamer, 1909, early 20th century vessel, passenger vessel, tamar trading company, launceston, george town, sorrento, tarkarri, speculant, peter mcgennan, p j mcgennan & co. port phillip ferries pty ltd, melbourne, coastal trader, timber steamer, huon, karri, freighter, supply ship, charter ferry, floating restaurant, prawn boat, lakes entrance

Hand held cream coloured plastic optical magnifier with small globe inset under lenses. The black button on handle turns globe, which is powered by batteries, on and off. The magnifier can be detached to replace the globe or exchanged for a different strength. Cream and black handle with a black button to turn on light and a detachable magnifying glass attached at top.6/100 on magnifierassistive devices, ecshenbach

The lamps were pioneered by the British Navy in the late nineteenth century and introduced by the Royal Australian Navy after 1918, and continue to be used to the present day. Manufactured in 1960, the Wilsons Promontory lamp was provided to the lighthouse by the Department of Shipping for signalling ships but was also used for communicating with Cliffy Island, 18 nautical miles away. This type of lamp was renowned for its brilliant light, and lightkeepers from the two lightstations ‘used to practice their signalling with each other, as its effective use was reliant on precise positioning of the scope which is located on top of the lamp’. The inside of the case is imprinted with ‘RAN (Royal Australian Navy), and details on the lamp include a serial number, the date of 1960 and the initials of the Department of Transport, which at that time incorporated the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service. Another Aldis lamp and case with a date of 1960 is held at Cape Nelson and third lamp and case is at Point Hicks; (date unconfirmed but possibly 1943). A fourth lamp and case formerly at Cape Schanck disappeared from the collection sometime between 1995 and 2003.Aldis lamp and case (WPLS 0003.2; likely provenance) The lamps are not rare in museum collections however the Wilsons Promontory example has a confirmed provenance to the lightation and has first level contributory significance as a fine example of the Aldis lamps that were distributed to lightstations throughout Victoria and Australia.1. Handheld black signaling lantern with trigger mechanism. Glass front with inner reflective disc. Black electrical cord is attached with a two pronged plug at the end. 2. Black painted wooden box for transporting lantern. brass catch, leather handle. Grey electrical cord inside plus transformer. Hinged lid. The Aldis lamp is portable, hand held visual signalling lamp with trigger mechanism and inner reflective disk used for optical communication via Morse code. The concave mirror is tilted to focus the light into pulse signals. Larger versions of the lamp are fixed on ships or pedestals and have shutters in front of the device that are opened and closed to transmit signals. Wilsons Promontory’s black metal Aldis lamp and attached electrical cord has a black painted wooden carrying case with metal clasp and leather hand grip.1. On trigger;"AP16413" Around V shaped protrusion attached to lamp "AP197873 / AEI .LTD 59" Beneath screw on face;"AD16415" Inside lamp, under glass;"ADMIRALTY PATTERN 16409 / 5 INCH HAND SIGNALING LANTERN SERIAL No. 212 Year 1960 / AEI PTY LTD SYDNEY" •2. Box. On brass plate below handle."ADMIRALTY PATTERN 16409 / BOX FOR TRANSPORTING LANTERN / PATTERN 16409" Inside box on side of metal insert attached to inside of box;"EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER / MADE BY / M.Brodribb, Melbourne/ cat & APP / No v/QR / 1811A / 50 / 60 va / CONT. 55 c / RATIO 240, 12 V TAPS " Top of metal box on sticker;"C of A / D.O.T 143076 / 12 V 5A" On Bakelite plug on metal box;"EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE"

To be fashionable, and possibly improve vision at the same time, the pince nez style of glasses became popular. The 'Fits-u' design has a mounting that allowed the bridge to stay solid, whilst the springs in the nose pads allowed for removal (unlike pince nez which had a springs in the bridge). Although complete, this box includes models with different distance dimensions and the height of the bridge, with these figures are etched onto the lenses. An order table is included in the box with the pupillary distance and height so the catalogue number and quality and quantity of each size can be ordered by the dispenser. The pupillary distance is used to design spectacle frames.Canvas box which includes display models of different dimensions of pince nez Handwritten on the back: James Korp Backhouse (?) 1904 Ophthalmic Optician & Optometristassistive devices, american optical company

The Mark II Pilot Balloon Slide Rule was made of wood laminated with heavy white plastic with a length of 24.5-in. and width of 2.5 inches. Mark II rules were manufactured in Australia by W & G (Melbourne). The W & G rule differs only slightly from the English A. G. Thornton LTD rule. The W & G rule uses serif fonts and has some fiducial marks that the English rule lacks. Exact dates of production are not known but the MK II is known to have started production by 1927. The printed scales are engraved in the plastic faces. The slide rule has 4 captive cursors (glass windows and brass guides) that ride in slots on the top and bottom edges. Each can be moved independently of one another. The cursors are missing from this item. Brass knobs at both ends of the slide facilitate its movement. The case is fabric covered wood with felt lining. No known history for this item as located in a property after purchase. The Pilot Balloon slide rule is used to convert the observed azimuth and elevation readings into wind velocity and direction records. The use of slide rules was abandoned with the wide spread adoption of computers and programs to do the calculations, as well as the decline in the use of optical pilot balloon theodolites.Made in Australia by White & Gillespie (Melb) Pty Ltd. Established in 1910, the firm was involved mainly in printing plate manufacture, but during the Second World War it manufactured a variety of navigational aids and range finding devices for the military. About 250,000 instruments were made during that period. After the war the company produced, among other items, drawing instruments and slide rules. The long narrow case is fabric covered wood with felt fabric lining containing a long black laminate ruler with numerous white markings and numbers. Top of the ruler is in three sections with the centre section movable by small gold metal knobs at either end. This slide rule contains a engraved notation on the rear face "IMPORTANT. NORMALLY NUMBER OF GRATICULE SCALE DIVISIONS PER RADIAN (K) X LENGTH OF TAIL IN FEET (I) = 12X 105. IN OTHER CASES MULTIPLY GRATICULE READINGS BY 1.2/KI BEFORE CALCULATION ON RULE" Top of Slide Rule - RAAF Ident No G268/480 Serial WG/22pilot balloon slide rule, raaf