Gold was discovered in Victoria c1850 and people came from all over the world to seek their fortune at Ballarat and Bendigo and surrounding gold fields. This large wooden rocking- box or cradle was used by gold prospectors. A handle on the rocker is pushed back and forth, as the miner put gravel into the top part and finer and heavier particles dropped through a screen, helped along by buckets of water. The bottom part of the device had slats, that caught the heavier metals. After many shovel loads of gravel were pushed through the rocker, the miner would then use his gold pan to sort out the heavy minerals to find gold. Most of the pioneer settlers in Moorabbin Shire left the area to try their luck at gold mining and there was a desperate shortage of workers to maintain the market gardens and supply food to the ever increasing population of Melbourne.This gold prospector's 'cradle' is hand made and typical of those used by many hopeful Moorabbin Shire pioneers as they abandoned their market gardens to try their luck at finding gold in the Ballarat and Bendigo minefields c1850This gold miner's rocker is very old, and very well-used. It is a large wooden rocking- box or cradle used by gold prospectors. A handle on the rocker is pushed back and forth, as gravel is put in the top part of the box so that finer and heavier particles drop through a screen.. The bottom part of the device had slats, that caught the heavier metals. i.e gold particles. The water passed through the shute at the base back into the creek or river.moorabbin, brighton, market gardens, pioneers, early settlers, fruit, vegetable, ballarat, bendigo, gold mining, gold prospedtors, gold rush, were j. b., irish immigrants, chinese immigrants, gold panning, gold digger

Also known as 'Platform Rocker', 'Spring Rocker', and 'Dexter Rocker'. Unlike traditional rockers it does not tend to creep along the floor when used. Carved wooden rocking chair, originally covered with a red velvet on the back and brown leather criss-crossing on seat. It has now been re-upholstered in Old Gold, cotton damask brocade.furniture, domestic

Framed motorcycle leather vest. Vest has Vietnam Veterans Top Rocker. Australia Bottom rocker and MC patch. Vest is decorated with multiple patches and badgesVietnam Veterans MC Australiamotorcycle vest, vietnam veterans mc australia

Photocopy of a sepia toned photograph of three gold miners with a rocker box and other hand equipment.Comment written on file folder "re Wilson & Bell"gold mining, mining, rocker box

One pair of shoulder epaulettes with Salvation Army badge with two red stripes and Australia metal rockerepaulettes, insignia, salvation army

The Morse telegraph system had its beginnings in 1836 when Samuel Morse, Alfred Vail and Joseph Henry developed an early model of the system. There are a number of variations on the machine but the operating system is very similar in all and the language is a standardised international code which has been in operation since the 1860's. Morse code consists of five elements, dots, dashes, and gaps of one , three and seven units in length. It is still in use to this day and has been applied to other systems of communication such as amateur radio, mobile phones and communication systems for disabled people. This particular telegraph key possibly has post office or naval origins.Morse code was an important invention in world communication systems and this machine therefore has important social and research significance. It is useful as an interpretive item.This instrument sits on a black rectangular base of black bakelite. The mechanism ids held in place by three larger metal screws and two smaller ones on the upright section from the base.The movable part is metal with the attached handle a similar black material as the base.ADMY.PATT No 7681 KEY MORSE SERN PL 23780 Rocker Front contact. Lift @ turn on one of the screws on the bar.history of warrnambool, rocker telegraph, telegraph key, morse code

Toy Rocking Horse: Rocker painted green, horse painted white with black tail & mane, red & gold saddle, red bridle toys, presents, children, rocking horse

It was owned by Wandin Sebire. It is thought that early rocking chairs were designed as a means of helping busy mothers rock their babies on their laps while keeping their hands free for other household chores such as knitting or sewing chores. They could use their legs and back to create the rocking motion instead o holding them and swaying side to side. An elaborate turned wooden framed rocking chair with spring 'rockers'. It has a brown and cream swirled patterned fabric seat and back panel as well as on the turned arm rests. This is attached with antique upholstery tacks.There is a castor on each of the four legs for manoeuvrability. It is an unusual rocking chair in that the rockers and the seat, sit on top of the wooden frame with the legs on castors below.rocking chairs, chairs, furniture

Wooden rocking chair with wicker base and back, rounded arms, turned front legs, all legs braced side and back. Natural wood finish. A "Grecian" style rocker.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, chair, wicker chair, rocking chair, furniture

This simple brass see-saw balance was used to test the gold sovereign coin and its half for wear, and to detect counterfeit coinsSovereigns and half sovereigns are no longer in use.A metal sovereign balance with two measuring plates and weight. Counterweighted desktop rocker tests for British gold Sovereigns and Half Sovereigns, both weight and thickness. It has the original green box with label on lid top.Front - sovereign - half - Askey's improved warranted - son -Bush'ssovereign-balance instrument weighing sovereign

The scales were made by Harrison (Birmingham), founded 1898, which went on to become Harrison Drape. Balance scales for full and half sovereigns also measured the circumference and the thickness. As gold is one of the heaviest metals one way to forge a sovereign in brass would be to make it slightly larger to make up the weight. This clever invention put a stop to that.An item from an outstanding and diverse collection of photographs, postcards and artefacts, assembled by members of the Christian and Washfold families of Kew. Harrison Brass Sovereign Rocker Coin Scale in original leather container. The balance scale for full and half sovereigns also measured the circumference and the thickness. It was made from the 1850s to the early 1900s. Scales in perfect condition.cairn scales, sovereign rocker scale, christian-washfold collection

Rocker style blotters with replaceable blotting paper allow even blotting of ink from fountain or calligraphy pens. Curved bottomed ink blotter with protective cover. Blotter made of leather with wood handle on flat top and stitching around edge. Cover is folded cardboard.business, tools

Yields information about the appearance of one of Ballarat's single truck trams, soon after it was repainted to the more uniform green colour scheme in 1946.Black and white photograph of the Ballarat Bogie tram No. 16, in the new colour scheme, (that is without a cream rocker panel), Lake Wendouree, July 1946. Photo by Wal Jack. Image rescanned from copy neg and updated 1/6/2020.On rear in pencil, "Ballarat No. 16 (New colours) Lake Wendouree July 1946.tramways, trams, wendouree parade, livery, colour schemes, tram 16

The photograph shows SEC Ballarat tram No. 14 at the intersection of Sturt and Dawson Sts outbound to the Gardens via Sturt St West. The tram is in the green and cream rocker panels livery. The overhead for the Dawson St crossover is visible. Photo by I K Winney of Sydney, 12/1949.Yields information about tram 14 and the corner of Sturt and Dawson Sts during 1949.Black and white photograph with photographers details on rear."Car No. 14 cnr Sturt & Dawson Sts en route to Gardens via Sturt St W". 12/1949, I K Winneytramcars, sturt st, dawson st, tram 14

Photo shows the Bendigo tram depot, c1945 after the arrival of the first bogie trams. Tram 23 with cream rocker panels, possibly No. 20, another tram and the welding truck. Appears that there is some welding going on with the ladder positioned just inside the depot and a pole connected to the overhead alongside the truckYields information about Bendigo tram depot after the arrival of the first bogie tramsBlack and white photograph of the Bendigo tram depot c1945tramways, trams, sec tramways, bendigo, bendigo depot, tram 23, welding truck

Photograph of Bendigo Tram 24 in 1947 painted in the SEC colours with a cream rocker panel, the prewar SEC scheme. The tram is ex Hawthorn Tramways Trust No 32, which became MMTB No. 138 before being sold to the SEC arriving in Bendigo late 1945. Photographer unknown. See item 326, Bendigo Tramways by Keith Kings.Yields information about Bendigo tram 24 appearance in 1947Photograph, black and white, with notes on rear.In ink "No. 24 car Bendigo 1947" and the Ken Magor stamp.tramways, trams, bendigo, bogie trams, tram 24

Photo shows SEC Bendigo No. 21, after its conversion during the 1930's to a one-man tram with metal folding gates, weather blinds and a cream rocker panel. Tram has the destination of Lake Weeroona. Note the driver's footstep. Originally built for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust, sold to the Footscray Tramways Trust and became MMTB No. 188.Yields information about Bendigo tram 21 after conversion to a one-man tram.Black and white photograph of Bendigo - tram 21 - one man conversion.tramways, trams, sec tramways, tram 21, lake weerona, bendigo

Photograph of Geelong No 16 and at least 5 others. No. 16 has the destination of Depot. Probably Ryrie St, just south of Garden St intersection, East Geelong, opposite Geelong High School, 1950 or 51. Maybe the afternoon pickup with cars going to all other termini except Belmont. Or an excursion. The mix of rocker panel colours limits the date.Yields information about SECV Geelong 16 and the use of trams in Ryrie St.Copy negative on a heavy substrate.tramcars, tramways, geelong, tram 16, ryrie st.

Black and white photograph of Q class No. 197 at South Melbourne depot, probably soon after it's entry into service during Sept. 1923. Has the MMTB name along the rocker panel, and a PMTT-style destination box, showing the destination of Hanna St Depot. This type of destination mechanism would have required a person standing on the bumper bar, to reach up to change the destination.Yields information about the then new Q class trams.Black and white print with photographer's detail on the rear."C J Frazer" photographers stamp.tramways, tramcars, tram 197, south melbourne depot, hanna st depot, q class

Set of four photographs of Bendigo trams and infrastructure photographed by Peter Duckett, late 1940s 1 - double trolley wire at a "Y" terminus showing the details of dual trolley wire - Could be either Quarry Hill or Golden Square. 2 - Bendigo trams 24 and 22 at Quarry Hill terminus - note the cream rocker panels. 3 - Bendigo 6 at Charing Cross. 4 - Bendigo 16 - after conversion to one man tram.Yields information about Bendigo trams late 1940sSet of four black and white photographs by Peter Duckett.Details the image on the rear of the print in ink.bendigo, tramcars, bendigo tramways, overhead, double trolley wire, terminals, tram 24, tram 22, tram 6, tram 16, quarry hill, charing cross

Ballarat tram 11 at Sebastopol c1937 in the first SECV colour scheme or livery with cream rocker panels with the destination of City. Possibly, the photo was taken prior to the introduction of through routing of trams introduced in August 1937 when trams no longer terminated in the City at Grenville St but ran through the city to another terminus. See item 5578. Has the driver or motorman standing in the front doorway. Scan of negative collected by David Critchley of Sydney.Yield information about Ballarat 11, uniforms and the Sebastopol terminus c1938.Digital image of a scan of an original negative.tramways, trams, sebastopol, tram 11, uniforms, motormen

Photo of a cable tram set - saloon trailer No. 63 in Collins St at Spencer St. The grip car is not fitted with staunchions and there are no destination signs on it. The trailer is lettered for the "Spencer & Brunswick St Fitzroy" route with its rocker panel highly decorated. In the background are a building for the Agency Company Limited and an advert on a hoarding for The Age newspaper. The grip man and conductor are standing on their respective platforms. Photo possibly soon after the line opened on 2-10-1886. Photo by John William Lindt c1890 - see reference. Yields information about cable trams in Collins St.Black and white photograph on paper.trams, tramways, cable trams, collins st, spencer st, tram 63, j w lindt

The VN Commodore was available in Executive, S, SS, Berlina and Calais specification levels, although a more basic SL model (opt. code A9K) was supposedly offered to government and fleet buyers, as it was not officially listed as part of the Commodore range. Changes in the relative values of the Australian dollar, the Japanese yen, and the US dollar made it impractical to continue with the well-regarded Nissan engine of the VL. Instead, Holden manufactured their own 90-degree V6 based on an old Buick design from the US, although initially it was imported. The 5.0-litre V8 remained optional and received a power boost to 165 kW (221 hp). Both these engines used multi point GM EFI and the V6 using 3 coil-packs for ignition. Holden and HSV developed this car as the basis for racing in Group A Confederation of Australian Motor Sport events. While the minimum number of cars built to qualify in Australian Touring car Championships, with modified body kit, brakes or engine is 500, only 302 VN were built but CAMS granted an exemption allowing them to compete.Holden and HSV had worked hard to develop this car to be a serious competitor to the Skyline, Ford Sierra and the BMW which had dominated in the previous years. This was to be the Holden’s answer and coincided with the return of Peter Brock back to the Holden team from 1987.Mechanically the cars were fitted with reworked version of Holden’s 4.9 litre V8. The engine block was cast for additional strength, modified cylinder heads roller rockers and high fuel flow fuel injection was applied. Output was 215 kw at 5200revs and, though at today’s standard, that is not that much it was very impressive at that time. The drive was through a six speed ZF gearbox with a heavy duty racing clutch and a limited slip differential.Under the Hawke government's Button car plan, which saw a reduction in the number of models manufactured locally, and the introduction of model sharing, the VN Commodore was rebadged as the Toyota Lexcen, named after the late America's Cup yacht designer, Ben Lexcen. Subsequently, the Toyota Corolla and Camry were, similarly, badged as the Holden Nova and Holden Apollo.Red executive 4 door sedanHolden Lion and stone emblem grille centre, Commodore boot LHS, Lion and stone emblem boot RHS.vehicle, vn commodore, holden, car

Yields information about Sturt St Ballarat during the late 1940's and the appearance of the trams at the time of the photograph.Photo of Sturt St. looking North East from Town Hall with tram 32 westbound. Tunbridge store (now demolished in photo), Murray Views Photo No. 29, noted on rear with handwritten note on rear. Has two punch holes on top margin. Assumed from notes, taken between late 1947 and 1948. Notes on Photograph of tram 32 passing Town Hall, in Sturt St., westbound Tramcar - has one colour side panels, which were applied to the trams between 1946 and 5/1950. (Car history cards may define the date 32 was painted - see record 5543/ ) Between 1935 and 1946, trams were painted with cream rocker panels and green under the windows as tram 27 is currently painted. From discussions with Kevin Monkhouse (MFBB) on 27.11.95, the car crossing Armstrong St from North to South is a Ford Roadster, of the 1935 era. Other cars in the street are also pre-war cars. No Holdens' are easily apparent. From this, the date of the photograph taken is assumed to be post 1946, but before 1948. Reg Item 5543, gives the date of painting of the tram to all green as September 1947. Warren Doubleday 27.11.95 and updated on 14/9/2013. See also Reg Item 5313 for a narrower view of this photo. Wal Jack in item 5313 has dated it as 1948 - note added 23/3/2012. see attached notes. On rear in ink "29 - Sturt St. Looking East from Doveton St. (WJ)"trams, tramways, ballarat, sturt st., trams, town hall , tram 32

This chair is presumed to be Ruth Richardson's chair from when she was a child. A child's rocking chair, frame of round wood and highly finished, seat and backrest of coffee coloured canvas, coiled springs are made of metal.child's-rocker spring-rocker richardson-family