Showing 100 items matching surveying instrument
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Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Instrument - Sextant in wooden box
... On inside box lid; 'A. E. Parson surveying and scientific...-and-the-bellarine-peninsula Sextant in wooden box Instrument A sextant ...Sextant used by J P Larken, Government Marine SurveyorThe sextant has been the primary position fixing tool of the marine surveyor for 200 years used to measure angles between beacons or points for hydrographic surveys. A sextant in its own wooden box.On inside box lid; 'A. E. Parson surveying and scientific instrument maker, Queen Street, Melbournesextant, jp larken, marine surveyor -
Whittlesea Historical Society Inc.
Instrument - Lockwood's Telescope, telescope, 19th Century
... and was the Engineer to the Shire for a period of 40 years. Some instruments... instruments in the Lockwood collection. 19th century surveying ...This telescope was used by William Henry Lockwood, local Whittlesea Engineer and Post Master. William Lockwood was born in 1832 in Glossop, Derbyshire and came to Victoria in 1853 on the 'Marco Polo'. He settled in Whittlesea with his wife Naomi in 1856. He was contracted to the Whittlesea Road Board and was the Engineer to the Shire for a period of 40 years. Some instruments have markings 'JL' on them which is presumed to be Joseph Lockwood, William's father. There are 10 engineers surveying instruments in the Lockwood collection.19th century surveying and drafting instruments used by William Henry Lockwood, Engineer of Whittlesea, Victoria, Australia.Brass telescope with 1 draw tube, glass eyepiece, 1 brass eyepiece cover, thin scrap of brown leather attached to the barrel and secured with string.telescope, william henry lockwood, engineer, surveying equipment, lockwood collection, whittlesea roads board, 1856 -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Chain link measure, Gunter, Early 20th century
... This Gunter’s Chain, an old land surveying instrument... is somewhat rusted. This Gunter’s Chain, an old land surveying ...This Gunter’s Chain, an old land surveying instrument, is named after its inventor, Edmund Gunter (1581-1626), an English mathematician and astronomer. It was first produced in 1620. The tool has 100 links and is 66 feet or one chain long. The links are marked off in groups of ten by metal rings or tags. A quarter chain (25 links) is called a rod or pole and ten chains make a furlong and 80 chains make a mile. The traditional cricket pitch is 22 yards or one chain long. This Gunter’s Chain is of considerable significance because: 1. It is an early land measuring tool that was used for over 250 years and has great historical and mathematical significance. A Gunter’s Chain would have been used when forming and building local roads from the earliest days of settlement. 2. It has a possible local connection as it was given to the Historical Society by a local person in 1965 and possibly came from the property of ‘Rosehill’ This is a metal tool which consists of 100 metal pieces or links joined together by loops at each end with two metal loops in between each link. The links joined together form a chain. The two ends of the chain have small metal handles attached At intervals along the chain there are additional rings or metal pieces attached. Some white and green rope material has been used to bundle up the chain. The metal is somewhat rusted. gunter’s chain, land measurement tools, history of warrnambool -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Unknown - Pipe, Before 1878
... to a modern shock absorber, or a telescopic leg supporting a surveying... absorber, or a telescopic leg supporting a surveying instrument ...History of the Loch Ard: The Loch Ard got it’s name from ”Loch Ard” a loch which lies to the west of Aberfoyle, and to the east of Loch Lomond. It means "high lake" in Scottish Gaelic.The vessel belonged to the famous Loch Line which sailed many vessels from England to Australia. The Loch Ard was built in Glasgow by Barclay, Curdle and Co. in 1873, the vessel was a three-masted square-rigged iron sailing ship that measured 79.87 meters in length, 11.58 m in width, and 7 m in depth with a gross tonnage of 1693 tons with a mainmast that measured a massive 45.7 m in height. Loch Ard made three trips to Australia and one trip to Calcutta before its fateful voyage. Loch Ard left England on March 2, 1878, under the command of 29-year-old Captain Gibbs, who was newly married. The ship was bound for Melbourne with a crew of 37, plus 17 passengers. The general cargo reflected the affluence of Melbourne at the time. Onboard were straw hats, umbrella, perfumes, clay pipes, pianos, clocks, confectionery, linen and candles, as well as a heavier load of railway irons, cement, lead and copper. There were other items included that were intended for display in the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880. The voyage to Port Phillip was long but uneventful. Then at 3 am on June 1, 1878, Captain Gibbs was expecting to see land. But the Loch Ard was running into a fog which greatly reduced visibility. Captain Gibbs was becoming anxious as there was no sign of land or the Cape Otway lighthouse. At 4 am the fog lifted and a lookout aloft announced that he could see breakers. The sheer cliffs of Victoria's west coast came into view, and Captain Gibbs realised that the ship was much closer to them than expected. He ordered as much sail to be set as time would permit and then attempted to steer the vessel out to sea. On coming head-on into the wind, the ship lost momentum, the sails fell limp and Loch Ard's bow swung back towards land. Gibbs then ordered the anchors to be released in an attempt to hold its position. The anchors sank some 50 fathoms - but did not hold. By this time the ship was among the breakers and the tall cliffs of Mutton Bird Island rose behind. Just half a mile from the coast, the ship's bow was suddenly pulled around by the anchor. The captain tried to tack out to sea, but the ship struck a reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Waves subsequently broke over the ship and the top deck became loosened from the hull. The masts and rigging came crashing down knocking passengers and crew overboard. When a lifeboat was finally launched, it crashed into the side of Loch Ard and capsized. Tom Pearce, who had launched the boat, managed to cling to its overturned hull and shelter beneath it. He drifted out to sea and then on the flood tide came into what is now known as Loch Ard Gorge. He swam to shore, bruised and dazed, and found a cave in which to shelter. Some of the crew stayed below deck to shelter from the falling rigging but drowned when the ship slipped off the reef into deeper water. Eva Carmichael a passenger had raced onto the deck to find out what was happening only to be confronted by towering cliffs looming above the stricken ship. In all the chaos, Captain Gibbs grabbed Eva and said, "If you are saved Eva, let my dear wife know that I died like a sailor". That was the last Eva Carmichael saw of the captain. She was swept off the ship by a huge wave. Eva saw Tom Pearce on a small rocky beach and yelled to attract his attention. He dived in and swam to the exhausted woman and dragged her to shore. He took her to the cave and broke the open case of brandy which had washed up on the beach. He opened a bottle to revive the unconscious woman. A few hours later Tom scaled a cliff in search of help. He followed hoof prints and came by chance upon two men from nearby Glenample Station three and a half miles away. In a complete state of exhaustion, he told the men of the tragedy. Tom then returned to the gorge while the two men rode back to the station to get help. By the time they reached Loch Ard Gorge, it was cold and dark. The two shipwreck survivors were taken to Glenample Station to recover. Eva stayed at the station for six weeks before returning to Ireland by steamship. In Melbourne, Tom Pearce received a hero's welcome. He was presented with the first gold medal of the Royal Humane Society of Victoria and a £1000 cheque from the Victorian Government. Concerts were performed to honour the young man's bravery and to raise money for those who lost family in the disaster. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: the apprentice, Tom Pearce and the young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost her family in the tragedy. Ten days after the Loch Ard tragedy, salvage rights to the wreck were sold at auction for £2,120. Cargo valued at £3,000 was salvaged and placed on the beach, but most washed back into the sea when another storm developed. The wreck of Loch Ard still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island. Much of the cargo has now been salvaged and some items were washed up into Loch Ard Gorge. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced in March 1982. One of the most unlikely pieces of cargo to have survived the shipwreck was a Minton majolica peacock- one of only nine in the world. The peacock was destined for the Melbourne 1880 International Exhibition in. It had been well packed, which gave it adequate protection during the violent storm. Today the Minton peacock can be seen at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. From Australia's most dramatic shipwreck it has now become Australia's most valuable shipwreck artifact and is one of very few 'objects' on the Victorian State Heritage Register.The shipwreck of the Loch Ard is of significance for Victoria and is registered on the Victorian Heritage Register ( S 417). Flagstaff Hill has a varied collection of artefacts from Loch Ard and its collection is significant for being one of the largest accumulation of artefacts from this notable Victorian shipwreck. The collections object is to also give us a snapshot into history so we are able to interpret the story of this tragic event. The collection is also archaeologically significant as it represents aspects of Victoria's shipping history that allows us to interpret Victoria's social and historical themes of the time. The collections historically significance is that it is associated unfortunately with the worst and best-known shipwreck in Victoria's history. Heavy duty brass sleeve retrieved from the wreck of the LOCH ARD. It is pinched and broken off at one end, enclosing an extendable inner sleeve, which is connected to a brass bracket fixed at right angles. The circular enclosing bracket would hold (and fix by an adjustable brass screw) a through or cross pipe of similar diameter to the outer sleeve. The artefact is a structural piece delivering vertical support to a horizontal rail (missing) and not for transporting gas. It is constructed of thick gauge metal suitable for weight/load bearing and its sliding sleeve design is similar to a modern shock absorber, or a telescopic leg supporting a surveying instrument. There is concreting sediment immobilising the sleeves and lining the inner surface of the bracket. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, brass fitting, brass pipe, 1878 shipwreck -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Spirit level, Early to mid-20th century
... in 1661 and was first used on telescopes and later on surveying... in 1661 and was first used on telescopes and later on surveying ...The tool is used for establishing a horizontal plane, it consists of a small glass tube containing alcohol or similar liquid and an air bubble. The tube is sealed and fixed horizontally in a wooden or metallic block or frame with a smooth lower surface. The glass tube is slightly bowed, and adjustment to the horizontal is indicated by the movement of the bubble. The device is on a level surface when the bubble is in the middle of the glass tube. The level sensitivity is proportional to the radius of the curvature of the glass. The spirit or bubble level consists of a sealed glass tube containing alcohol and an air bubble. It was invented in 1661 and was first used on telescopes and later on surveying instruments, but it did not become a carpenter's tool until the factory-made models were introduced in the mid-19th century. The circular level, in which a bubble floated under a circular glass to indicate the level in all directions, was invented in 1777. But It lacked the sensitivity of the conventional level.A hand tool that has not changed much since its invention in 1661, this tool is used today and although the materials it is made from have changed it's use has not.Spirit level wooden with two windows one of which has a piece of brass sheet metal protecting it.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, hand tool, spirit level, carpenders tool, builders tool, surveyors instrument -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Level, Mid 19th to mid 20th century
... in 1661 and was first used on telescopes and later on surveying... on telescopes and later on surveying instruments, but it did not become ...The tool is used for establishing a horizontal plane, it consists of a small glass tube containing alcohol or similar liquid and an air bubble. The tube is sealed and fixed horizontally in a wooden or metallic block or frame with a smooth lower surface. The glass tube is slightly bowed, and adjustment to the horizontal is indicated by the movement of the bubble. The device is on a level surface when the bubble is in the middle of the glass tube. The level sensitivity is proportional to the radius of the curvature of the glass. The spirit or bubble level consists of a sealed glass tube containing alcohol and an air bubble. It was invented in 1661 and was first used on telescopes and later on surveying instruments, but it did not become a carpenter's tool until the factory-made models were introduced in the mid-19th century. The circular level, in which a bubble floated under a circular glass to indicate the level in all directions, was invented in 1777. But It lacked the sensitivity of the conventional level.A hand tool that has not changed much since its invention in 1661, this tool is used today and although the materials it is made from have changed it's use has not.Spirit level wooden has 2 glass levels, 1 horizontal & 1 vertical Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Chain link measure, Gunter's Chain, 19th Century
... A Gunter’s Chain, an old land surveying instrument.... A Gunter’s Chain, an old land surveying instrument, is named after ...A Gunter’s Chain, an old land surveying instrument, is named after its inventor, Edmund Gunter (1581-1626), an English mathematician and astronomer. It was first produced in 1620. The tool has 100 links and is 66 feet or one chain long. The links are marked off in groups of ten by metal tags or rings. A quarter chain (25 links) is called a rod or pole and ten chains make a furlong and 80 chains a mile. The traditional cricket pitch is 22 yards or one chain long. This chain is said to have been used by Gilbert Nicol when the Warrnambool to Hamilton Road was constructed in the 19th century. Gilbert Nicol was an early settler in Warrnambool who, with John Craig, established the first hotel (and the first building) in Warrnambool in 1847. Nicol later owned the property ‘Rosehill’ in the Warrnambool area. As the chain was given to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society by the Town Clerk, Keith Arnel, it is likely that the chain was one of the items in the old Warrnambool MuseumThis Gunter’s Chain is of importance because it is an early land measuring device that was used for over 250 years and has great historical and mathematical significance. If it is correct that it was used by Gilbert Nicol when the Warrnambool to Hamilton Road was built then it has considerable local significance and dates back to the 19th century. This is a metal tool which consists of 100 metal pieces or links joined together by loops at each end with two metal loops in between each link. The links joined together form a chain. The two ends of the chain have small metal handles attached. At intervals along the chain there are additional rings or metal pieces attached. The metal is very rusted.gunter’s chain, land measurement tools, history of warrnambool -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Theodolite, Troughton & Simms, Mid 19th Century
... ) and the precision surveying instruments for the Ordnance Survey of Britain... (1816) and the precision surveying instruments for the Ordnance ...The theodolite was sold by T. Gaunt & Co. of Melbourne, a manufacturer, importer and retailer of a wide variety of goods including jewellery, clocks and watches, navigational and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas Gaunt photograph was included in an album of security identity portraits of members of the Victorian Court, Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888. (See further details below.) History for Troughton & Simms: Edward Troughton & William Simms established a scientific instrument making business in London in 1826. Edward Troughton (1756-1835) had previously had his own scientific instrument business, inherited from his father. His achievement's included a transit telescope for Greenwich Observatory (1816) and the precision surveying instruments for the Ordnance Survey of Britain, Ireland and India. William Simms (1793-1860) had trained as a goldsmith and began to gain work dividing circles on fine astronomical instruments. When William Simms died in 1860, the business was taken over by his son James and nephew William. Troughton & Simms shop in Fleet Street became the hub of the finest scientific instrument made in London, in a period in which there was an expanding demand for precision instruments, for astronomy, surveying and precision measurement. They made instruments for Greenwich Observatory, for imperial surveys and exploring expeditions. When fire destroyed the Houses of Parliament in 1834, the firm was commissioned to create new standard lengths, this required 10 years of testing against the remaining old measurements. Troughton and Simms made several of the main instruments for Melbourne Observatory, including an 18 inch azimuth used of the Geodetic Survey, portable transit instrument (circa 1850), zenith sector (1860), a 4.5 inch equatorial telescope (1862), an 8 inch equatorial telescope (1874) spectroscope (1877) and an 8 inch transit instrument in (1884). While the firm had an excellent reputation for quality the company exasperated many of its customers with delays of years in delivering some instruments. History for Thomas Gaunt: Thomas Ambrose Gaunt (1829 – 1890) was a jeweller, clock maker, and manufacturer of scientific instruments, whose head office and showroom were at 337–339 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Thomas Gaunt established Melbourne's leading watchmaking, optical and jewellery business during the second half of the 19th century. Gaunt arrived in Melbourne in 1852, and by 1858 had established his own business at 14 Little Bourke Street. Around 1869 he moved to new premises in Bourke Street on the corner of Royal Arcade, Gaunt's shop quickly became a Melbourne institution. Gaunt proudly advertised that he was 'The only watch manufacturer in the Australian colonies'. While many watches and clocks may have had Gaunt's name on the dial, few would have been made locally. Gaunt did make some watches for exhibitions, and perhaps a few expensive watches for wealthy individuals. Gaunt's received a telegraph signal from Melbourne Observatory each day to correct his main clock and used this signal to rate and repair ship's chronometers and good quality watches. Thomas Gaunt also developed a department that focused on scientific instrumentation, making thermometers and barometers (from imported glass tubes), telescopes, surveying instruments and microscopes. Significance: With the rapid urban expansion, one of the most important needs of the new colony was to survey and map the landscape of the Australian Colony’s interior. Theodolites, such as this one, made by Troughton and Simms, who were significant scientific instrument makers of the 19th century were instrumental to the colony's surveyors and would have played an important part in their everyday work. This transit theodolite remains of national significance due to its pioneering role in Australian science and its association with Australia's earliest surveyors and astronomers. It is also significant for its association with nineteenth-century surveying instruments and instrument makers. Theodolite, Vernier repetition theodolite with enclosed horizontal circle (of about 130 mm diameter). Vertical circle exposed and somewhat corroded (diameter about 115 mm). Plate level 20" per division. Altitude bubble 20" per division. Horizontal and vertical circle intervals 20". Original (blue/grey) paint. Altitude bubble setting screw disabled. Tribrach allows movement of theodolite by 15 mm inside tribrach (for centering).Inscribed on the inner mounting plate,“Specially made in England for T Gaunt & Co Melbourne” and inscribed a little lower “Troughton & Simms London”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, theodolite, t. gaunt & co, troughton & simms, scientific instrument, measuring instrument, surveyor's instrument -
Whittlesea Historical Society Inc.
Equipment - Lockwood's pocket knife, 19th Century
... . There are 10 items in the Lockwood Surveying and Drafting Instruments.... There are 10 items in the Lockwood Surveying and Drafting Instruments ...3 blade retractable pocket knife used by William Henry Lockwood. William Lockwood was born in 1832 in Glossop, Derbyshire and came to Victoria in 1853 on the 'Marco Polo'. He settled in Whittlesea with his wife Naomi in 1856. He was contracted to the Whittlesea Road Board and was the Engineer to the Shire for a period of 40 years. Some instruments have markings 'JL' on them which is presumed to be Joseph Lockwood, William Henry Lockwood's father. There are 10 items in the Lockwood Surveying and Drafting Instruments Collection.19th century surveying and drafting instruments used by William Henry Lockwood, Engineer of Whittlesea, Victoria, Australia.Lockwood's stainless steel 3 blade pocket knife with tortoise shell inlaypocket knife, william henry lockwood, whittlesea, engineer, 1856 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Rangefinder, E R Watts & Sons, 1930-1945
... surveying instruments, of 123 Camberwell Road, London. The company... of the instrument. When the scale for the appropriate base height ...E. R. Watts and Son, makers of theodolites and other surveying instruments, of 123 Camberwell Road, London. The company was established in 1856 by Edwin Watts at twenty-three he had saved £100 from his earnings to start the business with his staff consisting of one boy and later Alexander Clarkson as an apprentice with the workshop a small room over a Bemondsey stable. Watts' first order was from Negretti and Zambra for a mining dial Alexander Clarkson In the early days the firm worked mainly on marine compasses. Edwin Watts would go down to the Docks to adjust the compasses once they had been installed on the ships. In May 1873 the business moved to larger premises a house with a garden. The workshop was also the home of Mr and Mrs Watts and their five sons and three daughters. By now there were fifteen to twenty men employed by the firm. The company were commissioned to supply the Theodolites and Levels for the construction to the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1881. Towards the end of the century, the firm began to make heliographs continuing to produce them for the government until just before the Second World War when by agreement assigned their manufacture to another firm. 1904 The first dividing engine was completed by George William Watts. It was so remarkable an instrument at the time and for years afterwards, In 1907 Arthur Ames went to Canada and started an organisation in Winnipeg in 1909 this became a separate company called E. R. Watts and Son Ltd. of Ottawa. This firm developed considerably and was eventually with the co-operation of three other instrument companies (Cambridge Instrument Co, Ross, and Negretti and Zambra), were reconstituted as ”Instruments Ltd” of Ottawa and Toronto. During the next ten years, the firm expanded greatly to include glass grinding, leather work, dividing and engraving, testing, adjusting and packing. This expansion was continued during the First World War when workshops were completed and the machinery installed and running within eleven weeks from the start of construction. During the war, a Sergeant Coles, among the rats, lice and mud of the trenches, fitted various bits of scrap into his cocoa tin and made the first Flash Spotter for plotting the positions of enemy guns. Coles was rushed home to the firm's factory where he and George William Watts designed a spotter not made out of a cocoa tin and as a result, the Watts Vertical Force Variometer was developed during WWI. Other Watts instruments made in the First World War included the Light Mountain Theodolites which were taken on Mt Everest expeditions. In 1919 ER Watts and Sons was incorporated as a limited company and in 1939 G. A. Whipple joined the Board of Directors. Shortly afterwards, Frank Charles Watts died having been Chairman of the firm for over 37 years and seen it through the First World War with all its expansions and difficulties. He was succeeded by his brother George William Watts with the vacant post of Managing Director being filled by G. A. Whipple. During the Second World War, the company expanded further and the number of employees rose to well over 1,300. In 1946 Watts acquired 78% of Adam Hilger and the microscope maker James Swift and Son Who were Manufacturers of Theodolites, Levels, Alidades, Meteorological Instruments, Variometers, and many other types of scientific instruments Then in 1948 the company amalgamated with Adam Hilger as Hilger and Watts which was then incorporated as a public company.Naval Rangefinder with a vertical wooden handle, and an arrangement of optical lenses. Three reversible brass inserts calibrated on both sides in yards, correspond to various base heights, (20 and 25 feet, 30 and 35 feet and 40 and 50 feet). They are fitted along the axis of the instrument. When the scale for the appropriate base height is selected and inserted, the carriage can be slid for coincidence and the distance read at the index mark on the sliding carriage.inscribed "Rangefinder Cotton Type Mk II" Calibrated scale up to 5000 yds (50 ft), 5000 yds (35 ft), 4000 yds (25 ft) made by E. R. Watts & Son.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, rangefinder, cotton type, e r watts & sons, naval range finder, marine equipment -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Barometer, 1858-1869
... imported glass tubes), telescopes, surveying instruments... imported glass tubes), telescopes, surveying instruments ...The barometer was either made or sold by T. Gaunt & Co. of Melbourne, a manufacturer, importer and retailer of a wide variety of goods including jewellery, clocks and watches, navigational and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas Gaunt photograph was included in an album of security identity portraits of members of the Victorian Court, Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888. (See below for further details.) Admiral Fitzroy Pattern Barometer History: The stick mercury barometer was named after Admiral Robert Fitzroy of the Royal Navy (1805-1865) for his detailed instructions on how to interpret the weather, which were included with the instrument. Fitzroy was the captain of the HMS Beagle, also a weather forecaster to Charles Darwin and the second Governor of New Zealand. He developed many different types of barometers and was the first person to introduce the science of weather forecasting to the British Isles. A local manufacturer of scientific instruments, Thomas Gaunt, produced the barometer that was adapted for the southern hemisphere by Robert Ellery, the State Astronomer based at the Melbourne Observatory. In the original sale catalogue for Gaunt's, the item is described as "Gaunt's Fitzroy Barometers" and it was priced from 25/- to ₤9.9s. History of Thomas Gaunt: Thomas Gaunt established Melbourne's leading watchmaking, optical and jewellery business during the second half of the 19th century. Gaunt arrived in Melbourne in 1852, and by 1858 had established his own business at 14 Little Bourke Street. Around 1869 he moved to new premises in Bourke Street on the corner of Royal Arcade. Gaunt's shop quickly became a Melbourne institution. Gaunt proudly advertised that he was 'The only watch manufacturer in the Australian colonies'. While many watches and clocks may have had Gaunt's name on the dial, few would have been made locally. Gaunt did make some watches for exhibitions, and perhaps a few expensive watches for wealthy individuals. Gaunt's received a telegraph signal from Melbourne Observatory each day to correct his main clock and used this signal to rate and repair ship's chronometers and good quality watches. His main horological manufacturing was directed at turret clocks for town halls, churches and post offices. These tended to be specific commissions requiring individualised design and construction. He made the clock for the Melbourne Post Office lobby, to a design by Government Astronomer Robert Ellery, and won an award at the 1880-81 Melbourne International Exhibition for his turret clock for the Emerald Hill Town Hall. He became well known for his installation of a chronograph at Flemington Racecourse in 1876, which showed the time for the race, accurate to a quarter of a second. The firm also installed the clockwork and figures for Gog and Magog in the Royal Arcade. Thomas Gaunt also developed a department that focused on scientific instrumentation, making thermometers and barometers (from imported glass tubes), telescopes, surveying instruments and microscopes. Another department specialised in electroplating for trophies, awards and silverware, and the firm manufactured large amounts of ecclesiastical gold ware and silverware, for the church including St Patrick's Cathedral. There are no records that disclose the number of employees in the firm, but it was large enough for Gaunt to hold an annual picnic for the watchmakers and apprentices at Mordialloc from 1876; two years previously they had successfully lobbied Gaunt to win the eight hour day. Gaunt's workforce was reportedly very stable, with many workers remaining in the business for 15 to 30 years. Gaunt's wife Jane died on September 1894, aged 64. They had one son and six daughters, but only three daughters survived to adulthood. Two became nuns at the Abbotsford Convent and one daughter, Cecelia Mary Gaunt (died 28 July 1941), married William Stanislaus Spillane on 22 September 1886 and had a large family. Gaunt died at his home in Coburg, Victoria, leaving an estate valued at ₤41,453. The business continued as T. Gaunt & Co. after his death. The barometer is historically significant as an example of the work of Melbourne’s leading scientific instrument maker, Thomas Gaunt. The barometer has social significance as an example of the type of scientific equipment that Thomas Gaunt expanded his horology business into producing. Further social significance lies in the fact that Robert Ellery, the Government Astronomer who designed the local version of the barometer, had a direct connection with the Melbourne Athenaeum founded in 1839 as the Melbourne Mechanics' Institution. Its purpose was "the diffusion of literary, scientific and other useful information". There are also records of a T Gaunt as a subscription and committee member of this the Athenaeum organisation during the 1870s and 1880s which may be Thomas Gaunt, unfortunately still unverified.Stick mercury barometer known as the Admiral Fitzroy Barometer. It comprises an oblong wooden case with glass front panel, ornate pediment, barometer with bulb cistern (empty of fluid), cleaning brush with printed instructions for interpreting information given by the gauge affixed to left and right face of instrument. Includes a thermometer. The barometer appears to be intact. Adapted to the Southern Hemisphere. Special remarks by Admiral Fitzroy. Made by Thomas Gaunt, Melbourne. Manufacturer's details are on back of wooden casing. Rear has upper and lower brass screw plates for securing to vertical surface."Manufactured by Thomas Gaunt, 14 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. "flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, barometer, admiral fitzroy, thomas gaunt, thomas gaunt of melbourne, clockmaker, admiral fitzroy barometer, barometer instructions, gaunt’s fitzroy barometer, gaunt’s of melbourne, gog and magog designer, horological manufacturer, meteorological instrument, melbourne athenaeum, melbourne mechanics' institution, melbourne observatory time signal, robert ellery government astronomer, scientific instrument, stick mercury barometer, thermometer, weather forecast, t gaunt & co -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Clock, c. 1860s
... imported glass tubes), telescopes, surveying instruments... imported glass tubes), telescopes, surveying instruments ...The clock was either made or sold by T. Gaunt & Co. of Melbourne, a manufacturer, importer and retailer of a wide variety of goods including jewellery, clocks and watches, navigational and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas Gaunt photograph was included in an album of security identity portraits of members of the Victorian Court, Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888. Thomas Gaunt History: Thomas Gaunt established Melbourne's leading watchmaking, optical and jewellery business during the second half of the 19th century. Gaunt arrived in Melbourne in 1852, and by 1858 had established his own business at 14 Little Bourke Street. Around 1869 he moved to new premises in Bourke Street on the corner of Royal Arcade, Gaunt's shop quickly became a Melbourne institution. Gaunt proudly advertised that he was 'The only watch manufacturer in the Australian colonies'. While many watches and clocks may have had Gaunt's name on the dial, few would have been made locally. Gaunt did make some watches for exhibitions, and perhaps a few expensive watches for wealthy individuals. Gaunt's received a telegraph signal from Melbourne Observatory each day to correct his main clock and used this signal to rate and repair ship's chronometers and good quality watches. His main horological manufacturing was directed at turret clocks for town halls, churches and post offices. These tended to be specific commissions requiring individualised design and construction. He made the clock for the Melbourne Post Office lobby, to a design by Government Astronomer Robert Ellery, and won an award at the 1880-81 Melbourne International Exhibition for his turret clock for the Emerald Hill Town Hall. He became well known for his installation of a chronograph at Flemington Racecourse in 1876, which showed the time for the race, accurate to a quarter of a second. The firm also installed the clockwork and figures for Gog and Magog in the Royal Arcade. Thomas Gaunt also developed a department that focused on scientific instrumentation, making thermometers and barometers (from imported glass tubes), telescopes, surveying instruments and microscopes. Another department specialised in electroplating for trophies, awards and silverware, and the firm manufactured large amounts of ecclesiastical gold ware and silverware, for the church including St Patrick's Cathedral. There are no records that disclose the number of employees in the firm, but it was large enough for Gaunt to hold an annual picnic for the watchmakers and apprentices at Mordialloc from 1876; two years previously they had successfully lobbied Gaunt to win the eight hour day. Gaunt's workforce was reportedly very stable, with many workers remaining in the business for 15 to 30 years. Gaunt's wife Jane died on September 1894, aged 64. They had one son and six daughters, but only three daughters survived to adulthood. Two became nuns at the Abbotsford Convent and one daughter, Cecelia Mary Gaunt (died 28 July 1941), married William Stanislaus Spillane on 22 September 1886 and had a large family. Gaunt died at his home in Coburg, Victoria, leaving an estate valued at ₤41,453. The business continued as T. Gaunt & Co. after his death. Post Office and Clock History: Warrnambool’s Post Office has been in existence since 1857, when it was originally situated on the corner of Timor and Gilles Street. In March 1864 the Warrnambool Borough Council purchased this clock from Henry Walsh Jnr. for the sum of £25, “to be put up in front of the Post Office”. Henry Walsh Jnr was the eldest son of Melbourne’s Henry Walsh, maker and retailer of clocks, watches, thermometers and jewellery. In 1854 Henry Walsh Jnr. began business in Warrnambool as a watchmaker and jeweller later becoming a Councillor with now a local street named after him. The Post Office was extensively remodelled in 1875-76. Early photographs of this building show that the clock was installed on the northern outside wall, Timor Street, under the arches and between the 2 centre windows, where it could be seen by passers-by. Although spring loaded clocks date back to the 15th century, and fob and pocket watches evolving from these date to the 17th century, personal pocket watches were only affordable to the very fortunate. Public clocks such as this Post Office clock provided opportunity for all to know the time, and for those in possession of a personal watch to check and set their own timepieces to the correct time. During post office reservations during the 1970s the clock was removed and was eventually donated to the Flagstaff Collection. The Clock’s maker Thomas Gaunt, is historically significant and was an established and well renowned scientific instrument and clock maker in Melbourne during the 1860s. He was at that time the only watchmaker in the Australian colonies. In the 1870’s and 1880’s he won many awards for his clocks and was responsible for sending time signals to other clocks in the city and rural areas, enabling many businesses and organisations to accurate set their clocks each day. Warrnambool Borough Council purchased this clock from Henry Walsh Jnr. for the sum of £25 and the clock used to stand in front of the Warrnambool post office to allow ordinary citizens to set their time pieces as they walked by. The item is not only important because it was made by a significant early colonial clock maker and retailed by a locally known clock maker and jeweler but also that it was installed in the Warrnambool Post Office a significantly historical building in it's own right. Built in 1857 and regarded as one of the oldest postal facilities in Australia, with a listing on the National Heritage Database, (ID 15656). This 1864 hall clock originates from the Warrnambool Post Office. The clock glass is hinged to the top of the clock face and has a catch at the bottom. The metal rim of the glass is painted black. The clock face is metal, painted white, with black Roman numerals and markings for minutes and five minutes. The tip of the small hour hand is shaped like a leaf. "T. GAUNT / MELBOURNE" is printed in black on the clock face. The winding key hole is just below the centre of the clock face. The key winds a fusee chain mechanism, attached to the brass mainspring barrel that powers the pendulum with an 8-day movement. The speed of the clock can be adjusted by changing the position of the weight on the pendulum, lengthening or shortening the swing; raising the pendulum shortens its swing and speeds up the clock. The metal fusee mechanism has an inscription on it. The rectangular wooden casing is with a convex curve at the bottom that has a hinged door with a swivel latch. The original stained surface has been painted over with a matte black. There are two other doors that also allow access to the clock’s workings. The case fits over the pendulum and workings at the rear and attaches to the clock by inserting four wooden pegs into holes in the sides of the case then into the back of the clock. A flat metal plate has been secured by five screws onto the top of the case and a hole has been cut into it for the purpose of hanging up the clock. There is a nail inside the case, possibly used for a place to the key."T. GAUNT MELBOURNE" is printed on the clock face. “6 1 3” embossed on the back of the fusee mechanism behind the clock. warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, shipwrecked artefact, clock, warrnambool post office, fusee, henry walsh jnr, thomas gaunt, t gaunt & co, post office clock -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Survey Chain, Chesterman, Gunter's Survey Chain
... Chain Instrument Gunter's Survey Chain This metal surveyor’s ...Before metric measurement was introduced land was measured in chains and links. The chain was a precision part of a surveyor's equipment. It required frequent calibration, yet needed to be sturdy enough to be dragged through rough terrain for years. A standard survey chain is 66 feet (or 20.117m) long and made up of 100 links. Each link is 7.92 inches (approximately 201mm) long, measured from the inside of the loop. The handles are for tensioning the chain in use, they are not part of the length of the chain. In pre-metric units, there were 80 chains to 1 mile (equals 1.609km) This surveyor’s chain has an 8-inch link pitch, with markers at 10 link intervals. This metal surveyor’s chain (or Gunter's Chain) has an 8-inch link pitch, with markers at 10 link intervals, and handles at either end. A Surveyor’s Chain was 66 feet long, and made up of 100 links connected by two rings. A link in measurement includes the two rings at each end. gunter's chain, survey chain, surveyor s chain, perch, rood, surveying -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Scientific Instrument, Drainage Level
Probably used for surveying courses at the Ballarat School of Mines Boxed telescopic sight with longitudu=inal bubble level and a quadrant draduated in +- 40 in 100 22mm diameter. Female screw thread base. Push-Pull focussing. Housed in an hinged timber box.drainage level, scientific intstruments, ballarat school of mines, scientific instruments -
Federation University Historical Collection
Equipment - Scientific Instruments, Level
A sensitive optical levelling instrument in a polished timber carry case. Instrument to be mounted on a tripod with 3.5 cm male thread. Matches Tripod Catalogue Number 4111.scientific instruments, level, contractors level, ballarat school of mines, surveying, mining -
Federation University Historical Collection
Equipment - Scientific Instruments, Level (Dumpy)
... Scientific Instruments Equipment Level (Dumpy) Surveying level - long ...Surveying level - long bubble level on top. Magnet, compass under telescope. No crosshairs. External focussing. Four levelling screws. No transverse level. Housed in a polished timber storage box. Fits tripod Catalogue Number 429.scientific instruments, level, dumpy -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Scientific Instruments, Universal Stereoscope
... instruments surveying ballarat school of mines stereoscope map reading ...Initially made for and used by the military forces. Subsequently acquired (as army surplus equipment?) by the Ballarat School of Mines. Used in Surveying classes.A stereoscope arranged for positioning over a horizontal surface stored in a sturdy grey wood carry case. Spare set of mirrors attached to inside of box lid.scientific instruments, surveying, ballarat school of mines, stereoscope, map reading -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Scientific Instruments, Sartorius Werke, Beam Balance, pre 1940?
... . scientific instruments surveying physics ballarat school of mines ...Used in the Ballarat School of Mines and Ballarat Institute of Advanced Education Physocs Laboratories. Both are predecessor institutions of Federation University Australia. A "late model" manual beam balance, with mechanically applied milligram masses and optically displayed balance point. Built into a resowood frame cabinet. Complete with: .2) light source .3) transformer. Serial Number 98700scientific instruments, surveying, physics, ballarat school of mines, ballarat institute of advanced education, beam balance, balance -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Scientific Instruments, Spectroscope
... of the light-emitting substance. scientific instruments surveying ...This item has applications in teaching Physics and Chemistry - obtaining information about the atomic structure of the light-emitting substance. An optical instrument that employed a monochromatic light source, a prism (missing), and viewing lenses mounted in a tube that can be in any radial position with respect to the vertical axis of the prism. House in a polished timber carry box.Manufacturers' and suppliers names stamped on the vernier disc: "Made by W. & J. George Ltd, Birmingham, England" and "For H.B. SELBY & Co, SYDNEY & MELBOURNE. No 266"scientific instruments, surveying, microscope, physics, chemistry, atomic structure, spectroscope -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Bennett H. Brough, A treatise on Mine-Surveying, 1904
... underground. Surface-surveys. plotting the survey, calculation of area ...The author, Bennett H. Brough was an associate of theRoyal School of Mines, a member of the COuncil of the Institution of Mining Engineers, a fellow of the geological society and of the Institute of Chemistry, a member of the Mining Institute of Cornwall, and a former instructor of mine-surveying at the Royal School of MinesRed had covered book 372 pages - part of Griffin's Mining Series. Contents include general explanatinos of surveying, an historical sketch, mineral deposits, mining terms, measures of length, measurement distances, the chain, rods, steel bands, measuring wheel, Miner's Dial, Magnetic needle, Fixed needle, German Dial, theodolite, traversing underground. Surface-surveys. plotting the survey, calculation of area, leveling, Telescope, Setting out, Mine-Surveying Problems, Mine Plans, Photographic Surveying, examination Surveying. Illustrations include: Whitelaw's Dial (Fig 22), Theodolite of the American Type with Hoffman tripod head, (fig 37a)mining, surveying, miner's dial, chain, survey, theodolite, scientific instruments -
Federation University Historical Collection
Books, H.E. Daw Government Printer, Ballarat School of Mines and Industries Departmental Papers, 1914-1950
Used at the Ballarat School of Mines and the Ballarat Technical Art SchoolThis collection of examinations is significant because of its completeness with the full range of examinations between 1914 and 1950.Large leather bound books, with leather spine, containing all examinations held at the Ballarat School of Mines (including the Ballarat Technical Art School and Ballarat Junior Technical School). The examination papers were supplied and printed by the Education Department, Victoria. Examinations include: Agriculture, Algebra, Architecture, Arithmetic, Applied Mechanics, Assaying, Biology, Botany, Boilermaking, Building Design, Blacksmithing, Bricklaying, Carpentry and Joinery, Coachbuilding, Cabinet Making, Civil Engineering, Cabinet Making, Commercial, Chemistry, Engineering Drawing, Economics, English, Electrical technology, Electricity and Magnetism, Electric Wiring, Electric Welding, Electrical Fitting, Electrical Trades, Food Analysis, Geology, Geological Mapping, Graphics, Geometry, Heat Engines, Heat Treatment, Hydraulics, Hand Railing, Instrument Making, Millinery, Milling and Gearouting, Machine Shop Practice. Metal Founding, Mining, Metallurgy, Mineralogy, Mathematics, Motor Mechanics, Mine Surveying, Mining Mechanics, Petrology, Physics, Painting and Decorating, Pattern Making, Plastering, Plumbing and Gasfitting, Printing, Refrigeration, Spelling, Science , Shorthand, Surveying. Signwriting. Sheet Metalwork, Toolmaking, Ladies Tailoring, Trigonometry, Typewriting, Welding, Commercial Geography. Millinery, Dressmaking, Needlework, Decorative Needlework, Architecture, Building Design and Construction, Art (Composition in Form and Colour), Art (Casting Clay MOdels) Art (Drapery), Art (Drawing the Human Figure From Casts), Art (Drawing the Antique from Memory), Art (Drawing from Memory); Art (Drawing Plant Forms from Nature, Art (Drawing Plant Forms From Memory), Art (Drawing from Models and Objects), (Drawing From a Flat Example). Art (Drawing in Light and Shade from a Cast of Ornament or Lower Nature), Art (Drawing Ornament from the Cast), Art (Drawing from Models or Objects), Art (Drawing fro Dressmakers' and Milliners' Fashions), Art (Drawing With the Brush), Art (Drawing from a Flat Example); Art (Modelled Design), Art (General Design), Art (Embossed Leatherwork), Art (Practical Plane Geometry), Art (Practical Solid Geometry), Art (Geometrical Drawing), Carpentry and Joinery, Art (Human Anatomy), Art (Historic Ornament), Art (House Decoration), Art (LEttering), Signwriting, Art (Light Metalwork), Art (Modelling), Art (Modelling the Human Figure from a Life), Art (Stencilling); Art (Wood Carving) Refrigeration, Teaching, Boilermaking, Blacksmithing, Carpentry and Joinery, Coachbuilding and Carriage Drafting, Electric Wiring, Electrical Fitting, Graining and Marbling, Instrument Making , Machine Shop Practice, Metal Founding, Milling and Gear Cutting, Motor Mechanics, Painting and Decorating, Sheet Metalwork, Toolmaking, Printing, Pattern Making, Plumbing and gasfitting, examinations, ballarat school of mines, ballarat technical art school, trades, education department victoria, agriculture, algebra, architecture, arithmetic, applied mechanics, assaying, biology, botany, boilermaking, building design, blacksmithing, bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, coachbuilding, cabinet making, civil engineering, commercial, chemistry, engineering drawing, economics, english, electrical technology, electricity and magnetism, electric wiring, electric welding, electrical fitting, electrical trades, food analysis, geology, geological mapping, graphics, geometry, heat engines, heat treatment, hydraulics, hand railing, instrument making, millinery, milling and gearouting, machine shop practice, metal founding, mining, metallurgy, mineralogy, mathematics, motor mechanics, mine surveying, mining mechanics, petrology, physics, painting and decorating, pattern making, plastering, plumbing and gasfitting, printing, refrigeration, spelling, science, shorthand, surveying, signwriting, sheet metalwork, toolmaking, ladies tailoring, trigonometry, typewriting, welding., dressmaking, needlework, decorative needlework, architecture, building design and construction, art (composition in form and colour), art (casting clay models), art (drapery), art (drawing the human figure from casts), art (drawing the antique from memory), art (drawing from memory), art (drawing plant forms from nature, art (drawing plant forms from memory), art (drawing from models and objects), (drawing from a flat example), art (drawing in light and shade from a cast of ornament or lower nature), art (drawing ornament from the cast), art (drawing from models or objects), art (drawing for dressmakers' and milliners' fashions), art (drawing with the brush), art (drawing from a flat example), art (modelled design), art (general design), art (embossed leatherwork), art (practical plane geometry), art (practical solid geometry), art (geometrical drawing), art (human anatomy), art (historic ornament), art (house decoration), art (lettering), art (light metalwork), art (modelling), art (modelling the human figure from a life, art (stencilling), art (wood carving), teaching, coachbuilding and carriage drafting, graining and marbling, milling and gear cutting, commercial geography, exams, examination book -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Scientific Instrument, W.M. Drummond & Co, Surveying Level
... Scientific Instrument Instrument Surveying Level A surveying level ...Used for survery at the Ballarat School of Mines for Civil and Mining classes.A surveying level. Longitude and transverse bubbles, magnet, compass. External focussing. Twin vertical inclined hair lines. Four levelling screws. Objectove lens with dust shield. Fits tripod cat. no. 04132thodolite, surveying, ballarat school of mines, w.m. drummond, civil engineering, mining engineering, scientific instruments -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Black and white photograph, Surveying Exercise
Two men, and a woman wearing a mini skirt undertake a surveying exercise in a bush location. It is thought to be land near the Mount Helen Campus.surveying, mount helen, mini skirt, platform shoes, desert boots, scientific instruments, student activities -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Scientific Instrument, Level (Dumpy), c1940
... Scientific Instrument Instrument Level (Dumpy) A surveying level ...Used at Surveying classes at the Ballarat School of Mines.A surveying level attached to a telescope.ballarat school of mines, surveying, scientific instruments -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Surveyor's Instrument, Boxed Theodolite, c late 1880s
According to Max Clarke this item was used by the surveying classes at the Ballarat School of MinesA boxed (timber) theodolite with crossbars and full-length stadia wires. The theodolite can be mounted on a metal straightedge base. The box also contains a magnetic compass with two bubble levels, a plumbing folk, and 4 brass paper clips designed to suit a plan table. On box in black paint "A 1". Inside box lid is manufacturer's label and Stadia measurement zero reference calibration.ballarat school of mines, surveying equipment, gurley, max clarke, theodolite, stadia measurement, calibration, scientific instrument -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Scientific Instrument, Miner's Dial, mid 1800s
A quadrant mounted telescope with crosshairs and external focussing, with longitudinal bubble level. Mountable on a magnetic compass plate with two bubble levels. Complete with dapered-spigot base plate and slot view attachments, Housed in a polished timber box. Inside the box are two labels -A label on the inside of the box " to the School of Mines and Industries, Ballarat" To (...) Hoadley, Esq, Principal, Footscray Technical school, Footscray WII" "Sluggish Needle, 9/4/3..." "still sluggisg 1966"mining, ballarat school of mines, surveying, archibald hoadley, scientific equipment, circumferential, scientific instruments -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument, Timber Tripod
Used at the Ballarat School of MinesTimber tripod with 4.2 cm diameter male thread on top, with wooden legs. Top and hinges painted bright green.tripod, ballarat school of mines, surveying -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Scientific Instrument, A.P. Greenfield & Co, Tripod, c1890
Tripod with brass top and hinges Fits levels 04114 and 04117ballarat school of mines, tripod, surveying -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Scientific Instrument, Tripod
... Scientific Instrument Instrument Tripod A round-leg tripod ...Used at the Ballarat School of Mines and the Ballarat Institute of Advanced EducationA round-leg tripod with a tapered spigot and clamp top mount, to suits miners dial 4124.ballarat school of mines, surveying, scientific instruments, ballarat insititute of advanced education -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Scientific Instrument, Tripod
A heavy tripod, wooden legs, top flange equipped with 6 cm male screw thread.ballarat school of mines, tripod, surveying