The tin was made by Wilson Bros, Melbourne, for Edwards' Ensign Tea Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1900-1940. There was a fire at their factory in Flinders Street Melbourne on April 30, 1921 which completely destroyed the building. New premises were obtained at 310/18 King Street Melbourne in 1923. there continued to be bill board advertisements for Ensign tea at the King Street address, also regular adverts in the Argus newspaper during1942.An Australia icon during the first half of the 20th century as tea drinking was a popular past time and social activity.Container for tea with hinged lid. Label yellow with map of Australia. Lid is coming away on one hinge. "Edwards Ensign Tea" On label "Edwards Ensign Tea"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, tea tin, tea caddy, drink, container, wilson bros, ensign tea

The tin was made by Wilson Bros, Melbourne, for Edwards' Ensign Tea Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1900-1940. There was a fire at their factory in Flinders Street Melbourne on April 30, 1921 which completely destroyed the building. New premises were obtained at 310/18 King Street Melbourne in 1923. there continued to be bill board advertisements for Ensign tea at the King Street address, also regular adverts in the Argus newspaper during1942.An Australia icon during the first half of the 20th century as tea drinking was a popular past time and social activity.Container for tea with hinged lid. Label yellow with map of Australia. Lid is coming away on one hinge. "Edwards Ensign Tea" On label "Edwards Ensign Tea"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, tea tin, tea caddy, drink, container, wilson bros, ensign tea

Container for tea rectangular with hinged lid. Yellow and blue label printed onto the tin face advertising Edwards "Ensign" Tea. Package contained 2lbs of tea when originally solid.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

In 1873, English grocer James Griffiths migrated to Melbourne with his wife and cousin in order to start a tea business. By 1875 Griffiths Brothers Teas had become a sensation, providing tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate all over Australia. The Sydney outlet of the Melbourne-based company was built in 1915. In a memorable advertising campaign, a series of Griffiths signs were situated at varying intervals along the rail lines on fences and building, designed to allow travellers to count down the miles until they could drink up. In 1925, James Griffiths was killed by a train and the tea company was sold to Robur Tea, which itself lasted until 1974. Griffiths’ death meant downsizing within the company with the Sydney building being transferred to the Sydney City Council, who then leased it back to Griffiths Teas. The tea craze was over by 1965, and Griffiths relinquished control of the building to a variety of tenants. Griffiths tea became an intrical part of Australian life, during the late 19th to mid 20th century. The company became a household name through the clever use of outdoor advertising with their blue and white enamel “Griffiths Tea” signs. These were visible Australia wide on railway fences, stations and other buildings. Griffiths signs let the rail travelers know the distance to where their tea could be enjoyed, with distances being shown as “miles to Griffiths Tea”, These signs were well known along the eastern states railway lines. Tea container tin Griffiths blue tin with round lid, not hinged. 7lbs net Choice Tea Griffith Bros 7lb net in white on a blue labelflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, griffiths bros, tea container, tin tea container

Tin, "Choicest Nectar Tea" is an example of retail packaging, for domestic goods, the tin was made by J Marsh and Sons, Melbourne, for John Connell & Co Ltd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1900-1940Item at this time cannot be associated with an historical event, person or place, provenance is unknown, item assessed as a collection asset.Container; tea caddy for "Nectar Tea" brand, 1 lb. Packed by John Connell and Co Ltd, Melbourne. Blue and white vertical stripe decoration. On label "The Nectar Tea Caddy" and "Nectar, the finest tea the world produces, is a blend of the Choicest Pure Leafed Teas from the Gardens of Ceylon, India, Java"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, tea canister, tea caddy, tea tin, container, kitchen storage, food storage, food, nectar tea, john connell, melbourne, j march & sons, john connell & co ltd

Henry Berry was a British-born merchant who came to Melbourne in 1856 and established a successful business in salt and general goods. He later expanded into tea, flour, sugar and other commodities. He founded Henry Berry and Company (Australasia) Ltd1 which became one of the largest importers and distributors in Australia.Round tin container with purple and sliver coloured background, and purple writing. has round pull-off lidGlen Valley Tea glen valley, tea, tin container, henry berry

In 1873, English grocer James Griffiths migrated to Melbourne with his wife and cousin in order to start a tea business. By 1875 Griffiths Brothers Teas had become a sensation, providing tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate all over Australia. The Sydney outlet of the Melbourne-based company was built in 1915. In a memorable advertising campaign, a series of Griffiths signs were situated at varying intervals along the rail lines on fences and building, designed to allow travellers to count down the miles until they could drink up. In 1925, James Griffiths was killed by a train and the tea company was sold to Robur Tea, which itself lasted until 1974. Griffiths’ death meant downsizing within the company with the Sydney building being transferred to the Sydney City Council, who then leased it back to Griffiths Teas. The tea craze was over by 1965, and Griffiths relinquished control of the building to a variety of tenants. Griffiths tea became an intrical part of Australian life, during the late 19th to mid 20th century. The company became a household name through the clever use of outdoor advertising with their blue and white enamel “Griffiths Tea” signs. These were visible Australia wide on railway fences, stations and other buildings. Griffiths signs let the rail travelers know the distance to where their tea could be enjoyed, with distances being shown as “miles to Griffiths Tea”, These signs were well known along the eastern states railway lines. Tea container tin Griffiths blue tin with round lid, not hinged. 7lbs net Choice Tea Griffith Bros 7lb net in white on a blue labelflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Tea was one of the first goods to be packaged in metal containers. Early import/export companies shipped it in metal-lined wooden crates. Pewter (widely used in England) was used one of the earliest metals used to fashion oriental style tea containers. Tin plated iron was made into tea canisters as early as 1790, often hand painted with places of the tea's origin. This tin has been adapted for use as a money box.In the mid-nineteenth century custom branded tins developed as a tasteful form of advertising. They were often cheap and decorative and found their way into households as gifts, often being kept as ornaments and storage boxes.They have survived well in many homes. A cylindrical metal Lipton's tin. The lid has a slot cut into it. The front panel has "LIPTON'S" above a red drawing of a tea factory and plantation with" TEA" below it. The print is white. There are panels framed in bamboo around the tin."Lipton tea, coffee and cocoa planter: Tea merchant by special appointment to his majesty King George V"tea-caddy lipton's container

Chicory was mixed with coffee to reduce the amount of coffee bean required to be used. This coffee "substitute" was due to the repeated fluctuations in availability of coffee beans (and price fluctuations) in the USA in the late 1800s and early 1900s resulting in the search for substitutes and additives to bulk out the available supplies. This was especially so during times of the major World Wars. Chicory was an excellent choice of fillers as it did not greatly influence the strong coffee bean taste. The first choice in USA households was coffee not tea and the influence of the American servicemen's thirst for coffee was a major thrust into the Australian "colonial" preference for a "cuppa" tea. Rural areas took longer to acquire a coffee "break" but with more and more subliminal advertising through "American" films the rural regions developed a growing preference for coffee, however the tea break alias "smoko" has lingered on.This coffee and chicory blend tin container is very significant to the Kiewa Valley in that it demonstrates that even in rural regions of Australia tastes and drinking preferences have changed by subliminal advertising as time goes by. The American "influence" whether by the "invasion" of friendly troops during the major wars or the avalanche of "American films" has altered some of the "dinky-di" Australian "true blue" tastes and mores. The availability of "straight " coffee supplies to rural areas was also in proportion to the level of all weather transport routes. In the late 1800's and early 1900's road freight had to contend with dirt roads, flooded roads, bush fires and grazing cattle/sheep in rural areas. The easier access that city households had with regard to replenishment of food and drink products, up until the mid 1900's, was severely retarded in rural areas. This extensively rusted tin of "Bushells Blue Label" Coffee and Chicory has an octagonal shaped body with a "push/pull" lid(tin).Three sides has reproduced painted ladies in "Roman dress" ladies picking the coffee beans. There is no reproduction of any chicory roots. There are two "Indian dressed" field workers(pickers) with turban head dress. On one side of the tin is "directions of use, net weight and manufacturer details."Bushells Coffee & Chicory", "NET 1-Ib. weight", " No. 144" "Under the Pure Food Act N.S.W. 1938" "by Bushells Ltd. No 144"chicory / coffee drinks, tin hydrated drink, rural food and drink consumption patterns, tinned food and drink

This "coffee" tin has by the "art deco" appearance its origins in the late 1950's to 1960's. This time period was one of accelerated growth both in the physical (housing) sense and the mental (new ideas and inventions) changes in "attitudes". These occurred more rapidly in cities but had its effects on the rural environment. The drinking of coffee was spurred on by easier distribution of imported food and drinks. Advertising by stronger radio links and then by television brought the variety of foods and drinks to semi isolated rural regions. The accessibility through greater information channels becoming available brought with it unbelievable ranges of goods and foodstuffs. Rural regions still relied on bulk supplies and relatively larger storage containers than those in cities. This "bulk" buying and storage "syndrome" was a lingering result of many years of "drought" periods when road transports met delays from flooded roadways in supplying population centres in the Kiewa Valley. The construction phases in building the SEC Vic Hydro electricity Scheme in the eastern sections of the Victorian Alps brought many changes to the quiet rural regions in the Kiewa Valley. Changes in population and social mores. The influx of a varied , mostly temporary, and "European flavoured cuisine" changes the "cuppa tea only" flavour to the have a "coffee break". The subliminal influence of the "American" films changed those children growing up in the post 1950s from the "English tea" to the "American coffee". This "Americanisation process has influenced not only rural Australia but also other areas throughout the world.This "insignificant" coffee tin is very significant as it demonstrates that the Kiewa Valley was becoming more accessible to reliable coffee supplies and general food items.The container was part of a "set" of containers that included tea, sugar,biscuits,flour, rice and other family condiments. This type of kitchen storage containers was brought about through changing patterns in tea and coffee useage and overall consumption. Household demands for faster "self help" cooking especially beveridges and the greater choice of kitchen "utensils" was brought on by easier access to products due to a lessening of the area's "isolation" by having a reliable (all weather) road system and an ever increasing population growth. The need for travelling goods/merchant supply caravans to service the area became a diminishing factor, as a result of the establishment of grocery stores in Tawonga and Mount Beauty in the supply of previously "hard to get" groceries. This transition was precipitated by the SEC Vic Hydro Scheme of the 1940's to 1960's which increased the valley's population level three fold.This cylindrical tin has a pull/push lid(for easy access to the contents). The container is labelled for "coffee" however it has no commercial manufacturer's label to establish that it was bought with coffee ingredients in it. The majority of the container's external surface has a "metallic" light blue colour with two sets of silver rings confining black (horizontal spotted) rectangles. "COFFEE" within an elongated spherical "art deco" four pointed banner of silver and black colouringkitchen containers, domestic food storage, bulk stocks of dried condiments

This is a car picnic set made by the English firm of G. W. Scott and Sons who were producers of wickerwork crafts, basketry and luxury leather goods. The business was founded in 1661 and ceased operations in 1967. The picnic set belonged to Dr Horace Iles Holmes (1877-1959) who was born and educated in Tasmania and completed a medical degree at Melbourne University. He commenced a practice in Warrnambool in 1906 and was the Honorary Medical Officer at the Warrnambool Hospital and Warrnambool’s Health Officer. His practice was at ‘Ierne’ at the corner of Spence and Kepler Streets. He was an early member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and was prominent in Warrnambool community affairs (Foundation President of Warrnmbool Rotary Club, a member of the local Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, Warrnambool Hospital Committee member, long-term Trustee of the Warrnambool Methodist Church and President of the Lyndoch Hostel for the Aged Committee). Dr Holmes also had agricultural interests and enjoyed fishing, golf and bowls. He also had a motor car and this picnic set would have been used for family picnics. This picnic set is of considerable significance because: 1. It is a good example of the luxury picnic sets owned by more affluent people in the 1930s and 40s. 2. It has important local provenance as it belonged to Horace Holmes, a doctor associated with the professional and community life of Warrnambool for over 50 years. This is a rectangular wooden box with a leather covering. It has metal hinges on the corners of the box and two two metal catches on the side with a leather belt and metal buckle on one of these catches with one leather belt missing on the other side. These leather straps were to attach the picnic box to the running board of the car. There are also two metal catches or locks on the front of the box. Inside the box there is a white lining with a plaited wickerwork insert containing spaces for the following: 1. large china container with a silver top 2. smaller metal container with a silver lid 3. small rectangular metal tin with a silver lid. This container still has some loose tea leaves inside 4. four china cups 5. two circular china dishes for jam and butter 6. four china saucers 7. one glass bottle with a silver top 8. one metal phial, silver-coloured 9. one amber-coloured glass bottle (probably not an original) 10. four nickel silver spoons 11. three metal forks 12. three white enamel plates, blue edged Numbers 10,11 and 12 are held in place by leather straps on the inside of the lid of the box 13. two loose metal straps 14. one metal kettle with a handle with cane strapping, a brass lid, a brass spout with an end chain and a metal inscription 15. The kettle is sitting in a metal tray which has a lighting mechanism to heat the water The picnic set has some rusted metal catches on the exterior of the box and the leather is very stained and torn in places. ‘Remove screw before lighting G.W.S. & S ‘ ‘Coracle brand’ antique luxury picnic set, dr horace holmes, history of warrnambool

This tin comes from the Melbourne firm of Rolfe and Co. and would have held tea. Rolfe & Co. was established by George Rolfe (Senior) in 1854 as a wholesale wine, spirit and provisions business. George Rolfe was a member of the Upper House of the Victorian Government from 1860 to 1862 and in 1867. He died in 1871 and his son, also George, succeeded him as the managing director of the business. This George Rolfe (1837-1919) came to Australia with his family in 1849 and lived first in South Australia and then came to Melbourne, joining his father’s business, George Rolfe was a keen farmer and fisherman and after holidaying in Warrnambool for some time, bought, in the early 1870s, the property at the mouth of the Hopkins River which he named Lyndoch after the town in South Australia. He came frequently to Warrnambool. He later extended his farming interests which included the properties of Fairy Hill and Shipley. George Rolfe married Jane Ann Lake in 1891 and the Lyndoch property passed to two of his stepdaughters. Today the Rolfe property is the site of an aged care facility. The business of Rolfe & Co. continued well into the 20th century.This tin is of great interest as a memento of George Rolfe of Lyndoch, Warrnambool and his Melbourne business, Rolfe & Co. George Rolfe was a prominent person in the Warrnambool district in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This is a metal container, rectangular in shape. It originally held tea. The sides of the tin have painted lettering regarding the contents and the supplier. This paint was originally in yellow, blue and brown tonings. The lid is round and slots into the rounded opening. The tin has been re-painted in a silver colour on the top and inside. The tin, especially the lettering on the sides, is much rusted and in some places the words are illegible. A small hole has been pierced in the top of the tin‘Rolfe’s Tea’ ‘Rolfe & Co. Ltd 300 King Street Melbourne’ rolfe & co, george rolfe senior, george rolfe junior, lyndoch, warrnambool

The contents are Tea, Chocolate, Sugar and Salt. Item in the collection re M.J. Craig NX170489, refer Cat No 4316.4 for service details..1) Tin green colour rectangular shape, unopened ration which has a pull ring, instructions on top and base. .2) Lid green colour for .1), inside lid has list of contents and instructions for use..1) On top, "To open pull ring this way", on base, "A GADSDEN Container", plus, "AMF EMERGENCY RATION D (arrow up ) D" .2) On lid top, "AMF EMERGENCY RATION D ( arrow up ) D"containers, emergency, rations

.1) Tin, Rations, rectangular shape, green colour, on one side is a yellow label with contents, instructions that are inside. .2) Tin lid to fit .1), same colour, top of lid has same label on as .1).On label, " D (arrow up) D - contents, tea, chocolate, cereal, salt, toilet paper, instructions"ration, tins military,

This type of ration tin was issued during the latter part of the Second World War. These rations were issued to every soldier involved in operations and were only to be opened if no other source of food was available.An unopened olive drab Australian Military Forces (AMF) Emergency Ration Tin. There are instructions printed in black ink on the inside surface of the lid. This should read 'INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE / To be consumed as found. / 1. HOT CHOCOLATE (if preferred) / Break up chocolate block and dissolve in hot water. / 2. TEA TABLETS: / Use one per pannikin, adding boiling water and sugar if required. / 3. SALT TABLETS : / To reduce fatigue and cure muscle cramp, take either in water or as desired. Normally stamped in the inside of an opened ration tin would be date, such as '10-44' indicating that it was produced in October 1944. The outside of the tin has printed in black ink 'A.M.F. / EMERGENCY RATION / D (Government broad arrow) D / . The bottom surface of the ration tin has printed in black ink " To be consumed only when no other rations of any kind are procurable. Consumption of this ration must be reported at first opportunity. Instructions for use are printed under cover of container and also on paper slip within can". ration, emergency ration, world war 1 ration

This item was produced by a Melbourne Tea, Coffee and Cocoa Merchant importers(1898-1960). It was a time when local production of, coffee had yet not begun. Imports from India and the Asian region had dominance in the market place. The blending of coffee with chicory was a cheaper method of providing a flavour enriched drink which was marketed as "containing not less than 55 parts per cent by weight of coffee" The coffee weighed heavier than the chicory. This was a time before strict accurate consumer information/content became mandatory and legally enforceable.This empty container of "Sunbeam" Coffee and Chicory finely ground "instant - just add boiling water" beverage was the start of the "fast" breakfast drink. The use of grinding the coffee beans and percolation to obtain the final drink was at the start of the rural sector's decreasing the time for casual drinking. The once casual countryside psyche was now (mid to late 1900's) becoming more "on the go".This cylindrical container (coffee and chicory) is constructed from pressed cardboard with both ends enclosed by tin(pressed) lid and bottom. The outside wrapping is promotional and descriptive in the colours of purple background and information label areas with purple lettering on a white and silver background. The cylinder is made from 2 mm pressed cardboard.Main label " No.1" underneath "Sunbeam" underneath "COFFEE and CHICORY" UNDERNEATH "Containing Not Less than %% Parts Per Cent By Weight of Coffee" underneath in Hand Writing" Griffiths Bros Limited", below this "TEA ,COFFEE & COCOA MERCHANTS" Below this" Mellbourne, Sydney, Adelaide" and lastly "net 1lb weight". Alternate side "The Following Well Known Economical & Flavoury Teas" underneath this "Packed Specially For The Trade" underneath "SUNBEAM & VICTORY SIGNAL COCOA" and in smaller print "Absolutely Pure, Made in Australia" underneath Equal To The Best Imported"breakfast containers, food storage, instant coffee, speed breakfasts, domestic

This canister which contained a blend of Rasawatte tea was produced in the early 1900's and for the most of those who acquired it for its contents it was useful (because it was made from solid pressed steel) as a tea caddy or container for other kitchen utensils or loose grains etc. It was also a good advertising item for a general agent W.M. Peterson & Co. in Melbourne. This company along with neighbouring tea importers offices were burnt down in a horrific building fire in Melbourne.This item was used in a period of time when the tea beveridge was the main hot beveridge to accompany meals, and "high tea" was a special treat to enjoy quality teas and "finger" food. In the rural sector of the Kiewa Valley, the favourite hot drink at "smoko" or other rest times was a freshly "brewed" pot or "billy" of tea. The hot drink tea was later in time challenged by the hot cup of coffee. This change occured at a later time in the rural sector than in cities or larger towns. The rural sector in this time frame was a lot more "traditional" in a lot of their day to day learned mores. Life style changes took longer to evolve mainly due to lack of media bombardment (mainly from city based advertisers) within the family home . "The latest jadgets" took longer to permeate into "isolated or semi isolated rural regions" such as the Kiewa valleyThis cylindrical tin container, which originally contained fine Ceylon tea is totally constructed from pressed light steel. It is embossed with content details and the name of the general tea agent. The main body has been fastened by pressed, not soldered connections.Embossed with the following "Ceylon Flavoured" and in bold large letters "RASAWATTE TEA" and below this in smaller print "ONE POUND NETT" This is encapsulated by Tea plant petals and vines. On the opposite side and in script writing "3M" below this in an unfolded banner presentation "BLENDED & PACKED BY" below this "Peterson & co Melbourne" This is also encapsulated by Tea plant petals and vines.kitchen storage, tin container, cannister/caddy, kichen advertising

This early 1900's tin which contained loose leaf blended tea was imported into Australia by those tea merchants who wanted to provide the Australian tea drinkers with quality tea. It could well be early Lipton distributors to both city and rural clients and consumers. This was in a period when most rural families were heavy tea drinkers. It was well before the introduction of coffee as a drink (especially instant) for the early morning, after meals and general "drink any time" pick me up beverage.This relatively large tea tin marks a period in time when loose leaf tea was in great demand and large quantities were not only used by families but also restaurants, workers mess halls and remote large rural families. The ability to obtain a quick tea supply in semi remote rural areas such as the Kiewa Valley was not possible due to the factors of all weather road access and the economics of traders going out of their way. Stocking up with important beverages, such as tea, was a "one of those things" that early rural communities had to endure with. Bulk storage tins such as this item were not only a requirement but also offered storage for other household items. This usefulness was not overlooked by the "canny" rural family.This large metal tin container was specifically manufactured for the kitchens requiring a bulk storage "bin" type of loose leaf tea content. When emptied, it could also be used as a general kitchen storage container for other bulk consumables.On the front side and in the background, there are three sketches of Egyptian pyramids(increasing in size from left to right). At the forefront there is a camel "train" loaded with supplies and handlers, making their way over the sandy desert going towards a large sign(in a freehand script) "PYRAMIDS BLEND". The left side "Specially Selected" and underneath "PURE TEAS" below this and within a circle is the figure of a Geisha clad of Asian appearance (with a fan in a raised hand with boxes(of varying sizes) around her. All these are in (off white design and wording on a green background. On the back in green print on off white background "PYRAMIDS BLEND" and underneath "OF SPECIALLY SELECTED PURE TEAS". On either side are columns of similar print. To the left "THESE UNRIVALLED BLENDS ARE GUARANTEED TO CONTAIN ONLY PURE TEAS".To the right "SPECIALLY SELECTED FROM THE CHOICE GROWTHS OF CHINA INDIAN & CEYLON". Below both columns is "for delicacy & fragrance of flavor, combined with great strength, and are confidently recommended to the public as the best values in teas obtainable" On the last side is a sketch of an " Indian encircled, holding a staph with palm trees in the background and four tea containers on his left, with "PYRAMID BLEND" as a subject heading. There are two Oxen pulling a two wheeled cart with a load of six large boxes. On lid and barely readable "FIVE POUNDS NET"loose leaf tea containers, food storage tins, kitchen tidies

This biscuit/tea caddy was probably targeting the "theatre going" family or those who liked looking at the colourful shakespearian scenes. This item however demonstrates that the rural (Kiewa Valley) appreciation of classic English plays was, in this time period (early 1900's), just as strong as in the larger towns and cities. This item also presents the period in which the "olde" Elizabethian phrases and words were taught in regional high schools. Although this speech pattern and phraseology was of a specific time period and going out of fashion when Australia was first settled it was an inherited form of communication(higher social/economical level). In the context of the rural Australia "scene" and in this time frame of the elite "boarding school" generation this item was a visual reinforcement of the education level and position of the family who owned this tin.This item is highly significant because it not only presents the social aspects of early life in the Kiewa Valley but also the variety of educational levels and economical variations of the rural population within the Kiewa Valley. The egalitarian perception of the inhabitants of the Kiewa Valley was still at the infancy of early Australian social interactions. This biscuit /tea container was however a leveling of the socio-economic playing field of the time.This biscuit or tea tin, has besides having an outer lid (hinged), it also has an internal lid(with a circular finger grip). Although the shape is rectangular it has a slight concave bulge at each side of the centre of each of its main frame. It is made of pressed light steel and has a raised floor. The corners are bevelled and the outer lid has a bevelled slope ridge in parallel to the extremities of the main tin frame. There are painted scenes from the following Shakespearian plays on each side of the tin; "As you like it", "Hamlet" and on each of the bevelled corners are the portraits of Shakespeare(in the middle), the caricature mask faces of "the theatre" above and on the bottom section the "Director's chair"food storage, kitchen table container, domestic educational storage, shakespeare illustrations

This container is part of a collection of retail packaging, domestic goods, tinplate, made for Bushells, Australia, 1908-1940 In the mid-nineteenth century custom branded tins developed as a tasteful form of advertising. They were often cheap and decorative and found their way into households as gifts, often being kept as ornaments and storage boxes.They have survived well in many homes. This tea caddy is an example of an Australian branded item used in local households. Rectangular metal storage tin printed with scenery of a tea plantation, hills, women carrying baskets and carts. At the top of the front face is the word 'PEEL'. A small cylindrical lid fits on a short neck on the top. Printed around the lid and base is information about Bushells.lid: "Bushells makes 40 more cups to the pound. On bottom: "Net 1lb wt; No.144 - guaranteed under the Pure Food Act; NSW; 1908 by Bushells , Ltd, No.144"

In early civilization's cereal grains such as maize, wheat, barley etc. were stored in large airy buildings, often raised up from the ground to reduce infestation by pests and vermin. Ancient Egyptian and early Hebrew writings include reference to such buildings. Smaller quantities of food were stored in baskets made from woven grasses or leaves. In more recent times but prior to the invention of the refrigerator many food products were stored in the home as preserves or pickles, often in heat sealed jars. Dry food items were stored in vermin proof metal containers and could be found in any early colonial kitchen. Items such as coffee, tea, rice and sago were stable food types and needed longer term storage and a higher degree of protection from vermin and the elements, a common material used during this time was sheet metal or tin such as is used today in a common form of storage the biscuit tin. An early example of colonial food storage used in a domestic setting, it is interesting to note the subject items have provision to be locked. This indicates the value early colonial settlers placed on the contents and used to prevent pilfering. The subject items are now sought by collectors. Canister set; set of four canisters. Cylindrical matching kitchen storage tins with hinge lid that has a latch closure, and a folding handle on top of lid. Canisters are painted brown and the body has a graphic of a scroll in gold with printed label of contents. The canisters range from small to large, "COFFEE", "TEA" , "SAGO", " RICE" (respective RNs 163.1, 163.2, 163.3, 163.4)Respectively labelled "COFFEE," "TEA," "SAGO," "RICE" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, canister, canister set, rice canister, kitchen canister, food storage, domestic item

Container metal with lid labelled "Robur Cross Stitch Caddy" from the Robur Tea Co Ltd, printed in crosses and circles, painted yellow. Lid corroded and "R" imprinted in centre. Cross-stich scene of shepard and sheep. On bottom of tin embossed regarding the 1908 pure tea act. Tin has sago inside.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

The history of metal packaging began in Bohemia in the 1200s. Metal has been produced for a very long time. But the first metal used for packaging was tin. In particular, it was the process of tin plating that was invented in Bohemia. Before this no other metal was economically able to be used for packaging. Later, in 1667 Andrew Yarranton, and English engineer, and Ambrose Crowley brought the method to England. Here it was improved by ironmasters including Philip Foley. Then by 1697, John Hanbury had a rolling mill at Pontypool in South Wales. The method they developed involved rolling iron plates using cylinders. This process enabled more uniform blank plates to be produced than was possible by just hammering the tin. https://www.shilohplastics.com.au/history-of-metal-packaging/The use of tin to protect and store food and other items, revolutionised the world.Tin container painted yellow with printed crosses and circles,. The lid is labelled "Robur Cross Stitch Company" and "R" imprinted in the centre although the lid is badly corroded. ‘Cross – Stitch’ (printed green in small crosses and circles) followed by ‘Nett Weight ¾ lb. (printed beige in crosses and circles). Pure Blended Tea. Robur Tea Co Ltd’ flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, robur tea co ltd, tea, tea caddy, tin, tin plating, food containers

This Kandy Koola Tea tin dates to the early 20th century and was made and sold in Melbourne, Victoria. It once belonged to the Giles family. About Kandy Koola Kandy Koola ran an advertisement in the West Gippsland Gazette on 2 May 1911 promoting its tea as perfect for a picnic. The text reads “Picnicing. All as hungry as hunters – made a fire of small twigs – put on our billy of fresh spring water – and waited. Soon bubble, bubble, bubble and the billy boiled. In goes the pure Kandy-Koola Tea. Tea! Tea is not the word – it tasted like nectar! One cup, two cups, three cups – then had to make a fresh billy full. Lazed away the rest of the day sipping our Kandy Koola and chatting. How good indeed! “All grocers sell Kandy Koola Tea. It is pure leaf, selected and blended with the greatest care and skill. Ask your grocer for Kandy Koola. Sold in three grades, i.e. red, blue and green packets” About the Giles Family There are many 19th century items of furniture, linen and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with the Giles Family and are known as the “Giles Collection”. These items mostly came from the simple home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton), whose photos are in the parlour. They married in 1880. Henry Giles was born at Tower Hill in 1858. He was a labourer on the construction of the Breakwater before leaving in 1895 to build bridges in N.S.W. for about seven years. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook. She attended Mailor’s Flat State School where she was also a student teacher before, as family legend has it, she became a governess at “Injemiara” where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family of six, some of whom were born at Mailor’s Flat and later children at Wangoom, lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940. The Giles family collection has social significance at a local level, because it illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill when the Museum was established. The tin and the tea that was in the container are significant for their association with the Australian and Victorian food industry, being blended and packed by John Connell and Co, Proprietary Limited Melbourne.Container; tin, for Kandy Koola Tea, part of the Giles Collection. Round tin, green background, gold band on top and bottom, printed on gold background. Ceylon flavoured tea. Also five gold flowers of various sizes with scalloped band, large golden inscription “Kandy Koola Tea” and “Ceylon Flavoured” and “Blended and packed by John Connell & Co Pty Ltd Melbourne” “Kandy Koola Tea” and “Ceylon Flavoured”and and “Blended and packed by John Connell & Co Pty Ltd Melbourne”. Printed on lower band “MADE AND PRINTED BY WILSON BROS. NORTH MELB.” “1LBS NETT”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, giles family, 19th century domestic items, tea, tea merchant, tea tin, food and beverages, giles collection, henry giles, tower hill, warrnambool breakwater, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century household goods, metalcraft, tinware, kandy koola tea

In 1873 James Griffiths migrated to Melbourne in order to start a tea Business. James lived in the Dandenongs at The Basin where he experimented with growing tea. Griffiths made tin canisters in the 2lbs size for their tea with common kitchen consumables listed on the front . The tins, when emptied, became useful kitchen canisters and helped promote the brand. Example of the names include Flour, Rice, Sugar, Sago, Candied Peel, Tapioca, Spices, Starch, Biscuits, Currants, Barley, String and of course Tea .Food storage rectangular tin, with a hinged lid. The outside is printed in cream and red with the name 'Griffith's Teas' and the word 'SAGO'. The text is set against a cream panel which is bordered with a decorative border of Australian native flora. The whole is set against a dark green background.On each other side of the tin is a different native Australian flower. The lid is impressed with a flannel flower.Printed on the front 'SAGO', also printed on the front and repeated on the top 'USE / GRIFFITHS' Teas / SYDNEY / MELBOURNE. ADELAIDE. BRISBANE'. On the front is the image of a train signal with the words 'SIGNAL / TRADE MARK'tea, james griffiths, canisters, city of moorabbin, cheltenham, melbourne, moorabbin, grocery stores, kitchen equipment