This try-pot is one of a set of three. Whalers used large iron pots, called try-pots to liquefy large chunks of whale blubber down into oil. Early on in the history of whaling, small whaling boats had no means to process blubber at sea and had to bring it into whaling stations for processing at shore-based try-works. Later, when bay whaling evolved and large scale vessel were utilised for hunting whales, try pots were mounted onto the top deck. This advance had its benefits as the processing facilities were mobile, whalers could move operations to follow whales and discover new whaling grounds. The deceased whale would be tied up alongside the ship, the crewmen cut away the blubber, or outer fat layer, in long strips. They hauled the strips aboard, cut them into smaller pieces, and tossed them into boiling cauldrons on deck to render the fat into oil. The whale oil was stored in barrels in the cargo hold, and brought to put for sale. The oil was much sought after as a good quality fuel tor heating, light and lubrication. Try pots were used in the whaling industry, one of the very early industries in Colonial Australia, including here on the southwest coast of Victoria. The high grade oil was a much sought after product and used for essential services such as fuelling the lights of the lighthouses. Commercial whaling ceased in Australia in 1979.Try pot, one of a set of three. A large cast-iron cauldron of about 200 gallons in capacity. Round metal container with rounded base and flat extended lip. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, try pot, trypot, cauldron, whale oil, whaling, fuel

This try-pot is one of a set of three. Whalers used large iron pots, called try-pots to liquefy large chunks of whale blubber down into oil. Early on in the history of whaling, small whaling boats had no means to process blubber at sea and had to bring it into whaling stations for processing at shore-based try-works. Later, when bay whaling evolved and large scale vessel were utilised for hunting whales, try pots were mounted onto the top deck. This advance had its benefits as the processing facilities were mobile, whalers could move operations to follow whales and discover new whaling grounds. The deceased whale would be tied up alongside the ship, the crewmen cut away the blubber, or outer fat layer, in long strips. They hauled the strips aboard, cut them into smaller pieces, and tossed them into boiling cauldrons on deck to render the fat into oil. The whale oil was stored in barrels in the cargo hold, and brought to put for sale. The oil was much sought after as a good quality fuel tor heating, light and lubrication. Try pots were used in the whaling industry, one of the very early industries in Colonial Australia, including here on the southwest coast of Victoria. The high grade oil was a much sought after product and used for essential services such as fuelling the lights of the lighthouses. Commercial whaling ceased in Australia in 1979.Try pot, one of a set of three. A large cast-iron cauldron of about 200 gallons in capacity. Round metal container with rounded base and flat extended lip. It was used to heat whale blubber to remove the oil.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, try pot, trypot, cauldron, whale oil, whaling, fuel

This try-pot is one of a set of three. Whalers used large iron pots, called try-pots to liquefy large chunks of whale blubber down into oil. Early on in the history of whaling, small whaling boats had no means to process blubber at sea and had to bring it into whaling stations for processing at shore-based try-works. Later, when bay whaling evolved and large scale vessel were utilised for hunting whales, try pots were mounted onto the top deck. This advance had its benefits as the processing facilities were mobile, whalers could move operations to follow whales and discover new whaling grounds. The deceased whale would be tied up alongside the ship, the crewmen cut away the blubber, or outer fat layer, in long strips. They hauled the strips aboard, cut them into smaller pieces, and tossed them into boiling cauldrons on deck to render the fat into oil. The whale oil was stored in barrels in the cargo hold, and brought to put for sale. The oil was much sought after as a good quality fuel tor heating, light and lubrication. Try pots were used in the whaling industry, one of the very early industries in Colonial Australia, including here on the southwest coast of Victoria. The high grade oil was a much sought after product and used for essential services such as fuelling the lights of the lighthouses. Commercial whaling ceased in Australia in 1979.Try pot, one of a set of three. A large cast-iron cauldron of about 180 gallons in capacity. Round metal container with rounded base and flat extended lip. It was used to heat whale blubber to remove the oil.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, try pot, trypot, cauldron, whale oil, whaling, fuel

A mass produced utilitarian item made for domestic use no history or manufacturing provenance currently available. Over 1500 pottery firms have operated in Stoke-on-Trent since the early 1700's - Some lasted only a few years and some for well over 200 years. Some potters built and owned their own works. Many others were tenants in works built by others and a succession of potters occupied the same works. It was also a common practice for a works to be split between two different pottery companies or for a larger manufacturer to let out a smaller section of his works to a potter who would make wares which were not of interest to the pot works owner. Some potters purchased 'blanks' from other manufacturers and put their own decoration on them some items have two back stamps some have no marks at all. This adds to the confusion and frustration of trying to trace details of a particular manufacturer such as the subject item.Item at this time cannot be associated with an historical event, person or place, provenance is unknown, item assessed as a collection asset given it was produced before 1950.White earthenware bowlNoneflagstaff hill museum, shipwreck coast, ironstone pottery, earthenware, bowl

In 1975, 120 years after the sailing ship Schomberg was wrecked, Flagstaff Hill divers (Peter Ronald, Colin Goodall and Gary Hayden) found an ornate communion set amongst the wreckage. The set comprised a jug, ciborium, lid, chalice and plate. The items, apart from the lid, were then displayed at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The lid had etchings that did not match the chalice and sat in storage for several years. Then in 1978, while the marine concretion inside the lid was being examined, a surface layer came loose and revealed a glint of gold that was assumed to be a piece of brass. The layers of concretion were carefully removed and a ring-like band emerged. Further treatment exposed a 'large faceted stone in an intricate gold setting. Weeks later a detailed examination estimated the value of the ring, known as the Schomberg Diamond, to be $7000. When the Schomberg was launched in 1855, she was considered the "Noblest” ship that ever floated on the water. Schomberg's owners, the Black Ball Line had commissioned the ship for their fleet of passenger liners. She was built by Alexander Hall of Aberdeen at a cost of £43,103 and constructed with 3 skins. One planked fore and aft and two diagonally planked, fastened together with screw-threaded trunnels (wooden rails). Her First Class accommodation was simply luxurious with velvet pile carpets, large mirrors, rosewood, birds-eye maple and mahogany timbers throughout, soft furnishings of satin damask, an oak-lined library with a piano. Overall she had accommodation for 1000 passengers. At the launch, the Schomberg's 34-year-old master, Captain 'Bully' Forbes, had promised to reach Melbourne in sixty days stating, "with or without the help of God." Captain James Nicol Forbes was born in Aberdeen in 1821 and rose to fame with his record-breaking voyages on the famous Black Ball Line ships; Marco Polo and Lightning. In 1852 in the Marco Polo, he made the record passage from London to Melbourne in 68 days. Unfortunately there were 53 deaths on the voyage, but the great news was off the record passage by Captain Forbes. In 1854 he took the clipper “Lighting” to Melbourne in 76 days and back in 63 days, this record was never beaten by a sailing ship. He often drove his crew and ship to breaking point to beat his previous records. He cared little for the comfort of the passengers. On this, the Schomberg's maiden voyage, he was determined to break existing records. Schomberg departed Liverpool on her maiden voyage on 6th October 1855 flying a sign that read "Sixty Days to Melbourne". She departed with 430 passengers and 3000 tons cargo including iron rails and equipment intended to build the Melbourne to Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. She also carried a cow for fresh milk, pens for fowls and pigs, 90,000 gallons of water for washing and drinking. She also carried 17,000 letters and 31,800 newspapers. The ship and cargo were insured for $300,000 a fortune for the time. The winds were poor as she sailed across the equator, slowing Schomberg's journey considerably. Land was first sighted on Christmas Day, at Cape Bridgewater near Portland, Captain Forbes followed the coastline towards Melbourne. Forbes was said to be playing cards when called by the third mate Henry Keen, who reported land about 3 miles off. Due in large part to the captain's regarding a card game as more important than his ship, it eventually ran aground on a sand spit near Curdie's Inlet (about 56 km west of Cape Otway) on 26th December 1855, 78 days after leaving Liverpool. The sand spit and the currents were not marked on Forbes's map. Overnight, the crew launched a lifeboat to find a safe place to land the ship’s passengers. The scouting party returned to Schomberg and advised Forbes that it was best to wait until morning because the rough seas could easily overturn the small lifeboats. The ship’s Chief Officer spotted the SS Queen at dawn and signaled the steamer. The master of the Queen approached the stranded vessel and all of Schomberg’s passengers and crew disembarked safely. The Black Ball Line's Melbourne agent sent a steamer to retrieve the passengers' baggage from the Schomberg. Other steamers helped unload her cargo until the weather changed and prevented the salvage teams from accessing the ship. Later one plunderer found a case of Wellington boots, but alas, all were for the left foot. Local merchants Manifold & Bostock bought the wreck and cargo but did not attempt to salvage the cargo still on board the ship. They eventually sold it on to a Melbourne businessman and two seafarers. In 1864 after two of the men drowned when they tried to reach Schomberg, salvage efforts were abandoned. In 1870, nearly 15 years after the wreck parts of the Schomberg had washed ashore on the south island of New Zealand. The wreck now lies in almost 9 meters of water and although the woodwork is mostly disintegrated the shape of the ship can still be determined due to the remaining railway irons, girders and the ship’s frame. A variety of goods and materials can be seen scattered about nearby. The actual lid in which the ring was found has not yet been completely identified and could belong to a coffee pot, sugar bowl or maybe a jug or something similar. Although all survived the wreck no-one came forward to claim the valuable diamond. The Schomberg Diamond is currently on display in the Great Circle Gallery. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village along with the rest of the communion set. Other artefacts salvaged from the wreck include ship fittings and equipment, personal effects, a lithograph, tickets and photographs from the Schomberg. One of the Schomberg bells is in the Warrnambool Library.The Schomberg Diamond is particularly significant in that it played a crucial part in having the legislation changed to protect shipwrecks, with far tighter control over the salvaging of items from wreck sites. This ring is registered as Artefact S/105 in the Schomberg collection, the Schomberg collection as a whole is of historical and archaeological significance at a State level. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the Schomberg is also significant for its association with the Victorian Heritage Registered shipwreck (VHR S 612). The collection is of prime significant because of the relationship between the objects salvaged, as together they help us to interpret the story of the Schomberg. The collection as a whole is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria's maritime history and its potential to interpret social and historical themes. A mid-Victorian gentleman's solitaire diamond dress ring with a Brazilian cut diamond (cushion cut), one and one-third carat set within an 18 carat yellow gold ring consisting of four claws within an open scroll setting and a divided scroll shank. Colour is classified as 'J', clarity SII. The setting is handmade. warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, schomberg, shipwrecked-artefact, clipper ship, black ball line, 1855 shipwreck, aberdeen clipper ship, captain forbes, peterborough shipwreck, ss queen, ciborium, ring, schomberg-diamond, schomberg-ring, gentleman's ring, dress ring

This item is believed to have been made in or around the Staffordshire area in the United Kingdom. Over 1500 pottery firms have operated in Stoke-on-Trent since the early 1700's - Some lasted only a few years and some for well over 200 years. Some potters built and owned their own works. Many others were tenants in works built by others and a succession of potters occupied the same works. It was also a common practice for a works to be split between two different pottery companies or for a larger manufacturer to let out a smaller section of his works to a potter who would make wares which were not of interest to the pot works owner. Some potters purchased 'blanks' from other manufacturers and put their own decoration on them some items have two back stamps some have no marks at all. This adds to the confusion and frustration of trying to trace details of a particular manufacturer such as the subject item.A mass produced utilitarian item made for domestic use, no history or manufacturing provenance currently available. At this time the item cannot be associated with an historical event, person or place, provenance is unknown.Serving dish white ironstone raised pattern of bows around the top.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

A mass produced utilitarian item believed to have been made for domestic use in the Stoke-on-Trent area of England, no history or manufacturing provenance currently available makers mark unable to be identified at this time. Over 1500 pottery firms have operated in Stoke-on-Trent since the early 1700's - Some lasted only a few years and some for well over 200 years. Some potters built and owned their own works. Many others were tenants in works built by others and a succession of potters occupied the same works. It was also a common practice for a works to be split between two different pottery companies or for a larger manufacturer to let out a smaller section of his works to a potter who would make wares which were not of interest to the pot works owner. Some potters purchased 'blanks' from other manufacturers and put their own decoration on them some items have two back stamps. All this adds to the confusion and frustration of trying to trace details of a particular manufacturer such as the subject item.Item at this time cannot be associated with an historical event, person or place, provenance is undetermined, item assessed as a collection asset given it was produced before 1950.Toilet article container base, porcelain with blue decoration on white backgroundRd No 58105 (year 1911) Orchid W.& W. on baseflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, toilet container base, toilet article, grooming article

This item is believed to have been made in or around the Staffordshire area in the United Kingdom. Over 1500 pottery firms have operated in Stoke-on-Trent since the early 1700's - Some lasted only a few years and some for well over 200 years. Some potters built and owned their own works. Many others were tenants in works built by others and a succession of potters occupied the same works. It was also a common practice for a works to be split between two different pottery companies or for a larger manufacturer to let out a smaller section of his works to a potter who would make wares which were not of interest to the pot works owner. Some potters purchased 'blanks' from other manufacturers and put their own decoration on them some items have two back stamps some have no marks at all. This adds to the confusion and frustration of trying to trace details of a particular manufacturer such as the subject item.The subject item at this time cannot be associated with an historical event, person or place, provenance regards manufacturer is unknown, item assessed as a collection asset as it is believed to have been produced well before 1950.Container for toiletries. Lid and base. Cream porcelain with red floral decoration. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, porcelain container, toilet container, beauty container, ceramic, decorative object, pottery object

Over 1500 pottery firms have operated in Stoke-on-Trent since the early 1700's Some lasted only a few years and some for well over 200 years. Some potters built and owned their own works. Many others were tenants in works built by others and a succession of potters occupied the same works. It was also a common practice for a works to be split between two different pottery companies or for a larger manufacturer to let out a smaller section of his works to a potter who would make wares which were not of interest to the pot works owner. Some potters purchased 'blanks' from other manufacturers and put their own decoration on them some items have two back stamps some have no marks at all. This adds to the confusion and frustration of trying to trace details of a particular manufacturer such as the subject item.Item at this time appears to be an early example of British ironstone earthenware that could possibly be a Staffordshire piece but cannot be associated with an historical event, person or manufacturer, provenance is therefore unknown, as a result the subject item assessed as a collection asset given it was produced before 1950.Cheese dome round white ironstone, with flat base and a bell lid with ornate handle white Decorative relief floral design date letter "A" impressed in baseflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, ceramic dish, dish, kitchen ware, covered dish, ironstone cheese dome

This item is believed to have been made in or around the Staffordshire area in the United Kingdom. Over 1500 pottery firms have operated in Stoke-on-Trent since the early 1700's - Some lasted only a few years and some for well over 200 years. Some potters built and owned their own works. Many others were tenants in works built by others and a succession of potters occupied the same works. It was also a common practice for a works to be split between two different pottery companies or for a larger manufacturer to let out a smaller section of his works to a potter who would make wares which were not of interest to the pot works owner. Some potters purchased 'blanks' from other manufacturers and put their own decoration on them some items have two back stamps some have no marks at all. This adds to the confusion and frustration of trying to trace details of a particular manufacturer such as the subject item.The subject item at this time cannot be associated with an historical event, person or place, provenance is unknown, item assessed as a collection asset as it is believed to have been produced before 1950.Ceramic rectangular box body has with fine brown line floral design with protruding wedge ends. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, container, decorative object, ceramic, ceramic box

Over 1500 pottery firms have operated in Stoke-on-Trent since the early 1700's - Some lasted only a few years and some for well over 200 years. Some potters built and owned their own works. Many others were tenants in works built by others and a succession of potters occupied the same works. It was also a common practice for a works to be split between two different pottery companies or for a larger manufacturer to let out a smaller section of his works to a potter who would make wares which were not of interest to the pot works owner. Some potters purchased 'blanks' from other manufacturers and put their own decoration on them some items have two back stamps some have no marks at all. This adds to the confusion and frustration of trying to trace details of a particular manufacturer such as the subject item.A mid to late 19th century ironstone jug with no makers markings only a date letter therefore at this time cannot be associated with an historical event, person or place, provenance regards maker is unknown, item assessed as a collection asset given it was produced before 1950.Jug, white Earthenware with leaf decoration around the base, handle and lip.Letter "E" date mark for 1881flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, ceramic jug, drink ware, kitchen ware, table ware, ceramic, pottery, milk jug, cream jug, ironstone jug

This object and the complete set of five items is believed to have been made in or around the Staffordshire area in the United Kingdom. Over 1500 pottery firms have operated in Stoke-on-Trent since the early 1700's - Some lasted only a few years and some for well over 200 years. Some potters built and owned their own works. Many others were tenants in works built by others and a succession of potters occupied the same works. It was also a common practice for a works to be split between two different pottery companies or for a larger manufacturer to let out a smaller section of his works to a potter who would make wares which were not of interest to the pot works owner. Some potters purchased 'blanks' from other manufacturers and put their own decoration on them some items have two back stamps some have no marks at all. This adds to the confusion and frustration of trying to trace details of a particular manufacturer such as the subject item.The early-to-mid 20th-century ewer set is an example of items used for personal hygiene in the 19th century.Soap dish base, cream ironstone, part of a 5-piece set comprising ewer, bowl, soap dish with lid, and vase. The pieces have a decorative brown motif.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, porcelain container, toilet container, beauty container, ceramic, decorative object, pottery object, brush vase, bowl, ewer, pottery, soap dish lid, soap dish base, personal hygiene, bathing, washing

This object and the set of five items is believed to have been made in or around the Staffordshire area in the United Kingdom. Over 1500 pottery firms have operated in Stoke-on-Trent since the early 1700's - Some lasted only a few years and some for well over 200 years. Some potters built and owned their own works. Many others were tenants in works built by others and a succession of potters occupied the same works. It was also a common practice for a works to be split between two different pottery companies or for a larger manufacturer to let out a smaller section of his works to a potter who would make wares which were not of interest to the pot works owner. Some potters purchased 'blanks' from other manufacturers and put their own decoration on them some items have two back stamps some have no marks at all. This adds to the confusion and frustration of trying to trace details of a particular manufacturer such as the subject item.The early-to-mid 20th-century ewer set is an example of items used for personal hygiene in the 19th century.Ewer or jug, cream ironstone with brown flower spray floral decoration.(Part of 5 piece set containing ewer, bowl, brush vase, soap dish lid and soap dish).flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, porcelain container, toilet container, beauty container, ceramic, decorative object, pottery object, ewer, jug, bathing, personal grroming, toiletry item