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Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
clothing - Apron in Frame, Irene Broughton, 1915
... Vintage Accessory... 20th century. The maker was born in Warrnambool. Vintage ...This apron was made in 1915 by Irene Broughton, nee Long. She was born in Warrnambool in 1894 and married Arthur Broughton in 1913. She re married in 1924 Reuben Donnithorne and he died in 1931. Irene died in 1982 and is buried in the Warrnambool cemetery. The apron was left to Irene's niece, Helen Thomson who had the apron framed to preserve it. The apron would not have been in everyday use but a special garment worn when entertaining visitors for afternoon tea.This apron is a fine example of a home made house hold article from the early 20th century. The maker was born in Warrnambool.The apron is made of fine black cotton and edged with a broad lace flounce featuring a flower pattern. It is decorated with two sprays of delicately hand-painted motifs featuring Australian native flowers. The apron is in a wooden frame with a silver metal edging with scrolls on the front edge. The glass is clear and the mount is buff coloured card.vintage accessory, irene broughton warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Accessory - Matches Holder, Early 20th century
... Vintage Accessory... of the reign of King George 5th. Vintage Accessory Warrnambool History ...This matches holder, a common item in the early 20th century, has been produced to commemorate the reign of King George 5th of England. It may have been produced for his coronation in 1911.This item is of no known provenance but it is of some interest since it is a souvenir of the reign of King George 5th.A rectangular shaped brown metal matches container. It is rounded on one side and has a striking mechanism on the other side and a lift up lid at the top. There is a circular inset with an image of King George 5th and Queen Alexandra in sepia tones with a clear perspex cover. Inside the container are five wooden matches with red heads.vintage accessory, warrnambool history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Accessory - Pendant, Late 19th century
... Vintage Accessory.... item kept for its attractive quality. Vintage Accessory ...The original owner of this pendant is unknown but its quality suggests that it belonged to a member of an affluent family .It was never inscribed. It was probably a gift to a lady on a special occasionThis is a vintage item kept for its attractive quality.This is a silver pendant with fret work and scroll work surrounding a small silver piece in the centre on which to etch an inscription. There is a circular hook at the top on which to attach a chain. On the back are indecipherable hallmarks.vintage accessory., warrnambool history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Accessory - Coin holder, Early 20th century
... Vintage Accessory... Vintage Accessory Warrnambool History ...This item has no known provenance but would have been a common item, particularly used by affluent men in the past.This item is retained as a fine example of a coin holderThis is a gold coloured metal circular container with a hinge at one end and a catch at the other. It has a large ring at the top to attach the item to a chain on the person. Inside is a silver coloured piece which depresses to allow the storage of several coins.vintage accessory, warrnambool history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - note wallet, late 19th century
... Vintage accessory... and novelty. Vintage accessory ...This note wallet has no known local provenance but apparently dates back to the late 19th century.This wallet is retained because of its condition and novelty.This is a note wallet which appears to be made of woven grass. It has two small rectangular bags open at the top , with one fitting into the other to hold paper money. One bag is slightly torn at one edge.vintage accessory -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Accessory - Parasol, c.1880
... Vintage Clothing accessory... will be very useful for display Parasol Vintage Clothing accessory ...This lady's parasol is typical of what a lady would have used in the late 19th century as a fashionable accessory as well as shielding her complexion from the sun. It has no known local provenance.This very attractive item will be very useful for displayThis folding parasol has a black wire frame, a white handle with a brass inset and a white knob at the end. There is another knob at the top end of the handle. There is a mechanism for folding and unfolding the parasol on the handle.The undercovering is cream sateen with frilled edges, overlaid with black lace. There is a cream grosgrain bow at the top .parasol, vintage clothing accessory -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Decorative object - Brooch with Grecian image, c1909
... . Fashion accessory vintage fashion jewellery women's jewellery ...This brooch was typical of those produced at the beginning of the 20th century. It belonged to Mrs Alice Flora May Yardy, mother of Mrs. Jean Raper. Mrs Yardy died on 2 Dec 1974 in Albury, New South Wales aged 84 years old.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A large oval brooch featuring a central image of a Grecian woman. This centrepiece is surrounded by a design of flowers and swirls with a silver edge. The brooch has a gold look metal bar across the back.fashion accessory, vintage fashion jewellery, women's jewellery -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Opera Glasses, 1920s
Opera Glasses came into existence as a result of a long line of inventions, and further improvements upon those inventions. The process started in the year 1608 when a Dutch optician by the name of Hans Lipperhey developed the first pair of binoculars with a magnification capability of X3. Less than a year later, a well-known inventor and philosopher by the name of Galileo developed what became known as the Galilean telescope. Advertisements were first found for opera glasses and theatre binoculars in London as early as 1730 in the form of a long collapsible telescope. The "Opera Glass" as it was referred to; was often covered in enamel, gems, ivory, or other art and paintings. For almost 100 years opera glasses existed merely as telescopes. In Vienna, in 1823 the first binocular opera glasses and theatre binoculars began to appear. They were two simple Galilean telescopes with a bridge in the centre, each telescope focused independently from the other by extending or shortening the telescope until the desired focus was achieved, which was useful, yet very cumbersome. Two years later in Paris, Pierre Lemiere improved on this design and created a centre focus wheel. This allowed the focusing of both telescopes together. After this development, opera glasses and theatre binoculars grew in popularity because of the superior view they facilitated in opera and theatre houses. The beautiful design of the glasses themselves also added appeal to the opera-going crowd. By the 1850's opera glasses and theatre, glasses had become a must-have fashion accessory for all opera and theatregoers. A vintage pair of 1920s opera glasses probably made in France by an unknown maker the item is significant due to it's provenance that can be traced and it's completeness as a useful social item and fashion accessory used by theatergoers from the mid 19th century and well into the 20th century. Some people still use modern variants of theater glasses today to improve their enjoyment of the theater.Both glasses and case are covered with black and white snake skin. Case lined with purple velvet, and has brass closure clip.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, opera glasses, serpentine opera glasses, binoculars, accessories, optical instrument, scientific instrument, theater glasses, french opera glasses, hans lipperhey -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Container - Ink Bottle, 19th to early-20th century
This design of ink bottle or ink well was commonly referred to as a ‘penny ink well’ because it was very inexpensive to produce. It is also known as a dwarf bottle. Pen and ink has been in use for hand writing from about the seventh century up until the mid-20th century. Up until around the mid-19th century a quill pen made from a bird’s feather was used. In the 1850s the steel point pen was invented and could be manufactured on machines in large quantities. In the 1880s a successful portable fountain pen was designed, giving a smooth flowing ink and ease of use. Ink wells, used with steel nib dip pens, were commonly used up until the mid-20th century. The pens only held a small amount of ink so users had to frequently dip the nib of the pen into an ink well for more ink. Hand writing with pen and ink left wet writing on the paper, so blotting paper was carefully used to absorb the excess ink and prevent smudging. Ink could be purchased, ready to use, or in the powdered form, which needed to be mixed with water. After the invention of fountain pens, which had a reservoir of ink, and then ballpoint pens, which also had ink that flowed freely, the dip pen was slowly replaced. However, artisans continue to use nib pens to create beautiful calligraphy.This ink well is historically significant as it represents methods of hand written communication that were still common up until the mid-20th century, when fountain pens and ballpoint pens took over in popularity and convenience.Ink bottle or ink well, sometimes called a Penny Ink Well. Cylindrical body, salt-glazed, brown ceramic stoneware bottle, handmade. Stoneware bottle. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, maritime museum, great ocean road, shipwreck artefact, writing equipment, writing accessory, office equipment, stationery, domestic, stoneware, clay, ceramic, pottery, ink well, inkwell, ink bottle, penny ink well, nib pen, dip pen, ink, hand writing, record keeping, household, business, vintage, blotting paper, dwarf bottle -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Box Matches, mid to early 1980's
This box of matches was up until the 1980's the major source of lighting "small" fires, mainly for cigarettes, pipes (smoking), BBQs, gas/ kerosene heaters and "clearing" rural shrub by small fires. It was not until flint based battery and lighter fluid (hand held lighters) were introduced did the need for "matches" (a more dangerous application of instant fire starters) become relegated to a lower level "demand" item. The limited quality supplied in a box could also not compete with hand held gas and "lighter fluid" lighters. Box of matches belonged to the "yesteryear" fashion accessory's most important list. Matches had become obsolete for the major stream of users as cheaper, easier to use and longer lasting "cigarette" lighters were produced.This match box of Australian make and vintage in origin, was originally manufactured by a British Match Box Company (Bryant and May in Bow London), which expanded to the Australian "Colonies". The Australian subsidiary was at Cremorne, Melbourne. It was typical of goods, which had their "founding fathers" based in "the Mother Country" (England). The early settlers in the Kiewa Valley found these matches an important necessity for not only rural life but also for the recreational "smoko".This small box of "safety" matches has an inner "drawer" which can be slid open to reveal the "match" sticks. The small bowl shaped phosphorous at one end of a "match" is the fire starter(phosphorus) which when lit would "flare" up and provide a small flame. This typical box of matches held an average of sixty matches. The top of the match box has a "glued on" signage with manufacturer's details. In brown script and on a blue background "BRYANT & MAY'S and below this "CROWN" below this and on a red background with faded and worn letters "SAFETY MATCHES" On either side of the top side and in smaller print "MADE IN AUSTRALIA" and opposite "AVERAGE CONTENTS SIXTY"fire starters, cigarette lighters, bbq lighters, domestic fire starters -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Household, Mans Dress box. Studs. Collars x4. Arm bands. Bowtie x2, Early 20th century
This man’s dress box contains accessories that a man would use, perhaps in a formal situation – bow ties,buttoning studs and detachable collars. The contents of the box may not be what was originally in the box. Bow ties and studs are still used on occasions but detachable collars are no longer in vogue because wash and wear shirts are freely available. Both of the companies which made the detachable collars, Pelaco and Cremorne, were based in Richmond in Melbourne. The Warrnambool jewellery business of M. Salamy and Son, has the known dates, 1912 to 1938. There were two Salamy shops, one in Timor Street, opposite the Post Office and one at 179 Liebig Street. This box and contents are retained because they are reminders of accessories men used in the past, especially for formal occasions. Also, one of the items came from the well-known Warrnmbool jewellery business of M. Salamy and Son..1 This is a circular-shaped leather box with a lid attached by stitching and a strap and a metal buckle for closing the box. Inside the box is a blue cardboard lining. The leather is scuffed. .2 & .3 These are two black cloth bow ties with metal clips at the back. The ties are housed in a blue wooden box. .4 These are seven elasticised bands for holding back shirt sleeves. Two of these are covered with red and blue cloth and five are made of silver-coloured metal .5 & .6 These are two white detachable collars. They are somewhat stained. .7 These are four metal studs with white inserts. .2 The box is marked ‘M.Salamy & Son, Jewellers’ .5 ‘Pelaco Best Quality Made in Australia’ .6 ‘Cremorne Collar Co. Melbourne’ men’s accessories, history of warrnambool, detachable vintage collars, winged detachable collars -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Women's Accessories, 1930s
... to us today. Vintage women’s accessories History of Warrnambool ...These items do not necessarily form a set. Several of the items are of miniature size and may have been samples for commercial travellers or shop displays or possibly used by women travelling. All of the items have their modern-day equivalents though hand fans are not widely used today.These items are retained as examples of women’s accessories as used in past years. The sample-size items have a particular appeal to us today.This is a collection of women’s accessories and make-up items with most of the items being of miniature or sample size. .1 Green bakelite fan with a white ribbon insert and fretwork at the top curved end of the fan. .2 Three lipsticks with red lids and black and gold metal inserts. .3 One lipstick with a pink lid and a silver and red metal insert. .4 Two lipsticks with gold lids and gold metal inserts. .5 Green tin of talcum powder with a white lid .6 Manicure set in a green bakelite container with four metal manicure items with green handles and an emery board. This set holder also contains a 5d. tramway ticket from Melbourne. These items above are in an old metal chocolate tin but this is not the container that would have housed the items originally. ‘Michel’ ‘Anne Page’ ‘Starlet’ ‘Judith Aden’ ‘Cashmere Bouquet Colgate’ ‘Pascall Claremont Tasmania’ vintage women’s accessories, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Handkerchiefs, 1950s
... and as mementoes of a former Warrnambool resident, Ena Heazlewood. Vintage ...These handkerchiefs come from the estate of Ena Heazlewood. Mary Josephine (Ena) Todd was born in Warrnambool in 1920 and worked as a hairdresser at Josephine’s Salon in Warrnambool. In 1942 she married a Warrnambool man, Jack Heazlewood, who was stoker on the H.M.A.S. Sydney at the time. They later lived in Sydney. These items are of interest as examples of the handkerchiefs found in a woman’s collection mid last century and as mementoes of a former Warrnambool resident, Ena Heazlewood. These are seven handkerchiefs. .1 A silk handkerchief with a white centre and a green dot pattern border .2 A white silk handkerchief with an embroidered spray of pink flowers and green stems in one corner .3 A white silk handkerchief with multi-coloured embroidery in one corner .4 & .5 Two white silk handkerchiefs with a multi-coloured embroidered letter ‘E’ in one corner and a fluted embroidered edge. .6 & .7 Two pink nylon handkerchiefs with a fluted edge and an overall impressed pattern of pink flowers and green stems .6 & .7 Nylon Made in Japanvintage women’s accessories, todd & heazlewood families, warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - perfume bottle, late 19th century
... bottle is retained for display purposes only. Vintage accessories ...This perfume bottle has no known local provenance but ones like this would have been common in ladies' bedrooms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The use of perfume was important in those days of limited access to bathing facilities. Today more modern versions of perfume bottles are still in use though now they are not such a necessary item.This perfume bottle is retained for display purposes only.This is a small glass bottle with a silver-coloured metal attachment at the top forming a lid and a spray mechanism that includes a metal tube that goes into the bottle. The spray mechanism no longer works. The metal sections are tarnished.vintage accessories, warrnambool history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Accessory - Cigarette Case, Early 20th Century
... only. Vintage accessories Warrnambool History ...This is a cigarette case for small cigarettes but the original owner is unknown.This item has no known provenance and is kept for display only.This is a brown rectangular shaped case with a gold and yellow decorative front. It has a metal clasp and is hinged. Inside it has two yellow cloth pieces attached to metal bars to hold cigarettes. The front pattern is slightly damagedvintage accessories, warrnambool history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Accessory - Glasses Case
... for display purposes only. Vintage accessories Warrnambool History ...This glasses case would have contained a small type of spectacles or pince- nez. The original owner is unknown.This item is of minor interest and is kept for display purposes only.Dark coloured, rectangular leather case, hinged to shut tight. It has curved edges and a leather piece folded inside to hold the glasses. The inside is a deep blue velvet . The name of the optician is pasted inside . The item is somewhat scuffed.W.J. AIRD. PTY LTD OPTICIAN ALISON'S BUILDINGS CR. COLLINS ST & ELIZABETH STS. MELBOURNE vintage accessories, warrnambool history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Accessory - Matches in a Holder, Early to mid 20th Century
... . Vintage accessories Warrnambool History ...A container to hold matches was a common item to have on the person or in the home in the first half of the 20th century. The original owner of this item is unknown.This item is of minor significance and is kept for display purposes only.Rectangular shaped metal container with gold edging and an oval green stone set in the lower part of the front cover. The back cover is damaged. Inside is gold coloured lining with an insert containing a packet of matches. The matches have a black paper body and white flammable heads. There is an inserted striking mechanism vintage accessories, warrnambool history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Accessory - Sleeve links, Mid 20th century
... of a man's accessory 70 years ago. Vintage accessories Warrnambool ...These sleeve links were used by men to keep the shirt sleeves from protruding on to the hand. They are still used today. These sleeve links are a fine example of a man's accessory 70 years ago..1 This is a circular expandable, brass chain. There are thirteen links .2 Same as .1vintage accessories, warrnambool history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Accessory - coin purse, early 20th century
... example of a coin holder used over a hundred years ago. Vintage ...This coin purse has no known provenance but it was a common item owned particularly by men in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It would have been attached to the chain of a fob watch or a trouser belt. It may have been owned by a person of some substance and standing in the community.This item is retained as an interesting example of a coin holder used over a hundred years ago.This is a silver-coloured metal purse, oval in shape. It has a hinged lid and a round clip at the top to attach the purse to a chain or a belt.The item is slightly tarnished. Inside there are two round recessed sections that depress to hold coins. One recessed area holds a threepence and the other holds a sixpence.vintage accessories, warrnambool history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Accessory - Fob Watch, early 20th century
... purposes only Vintage accessories Warrnambool History ...A watch of this type would have been a common item for a man to carry on his person in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Wrist watches became common after this time frame. This item has no known local provenance.This item is retained for display purposes onlyThis is a round silver watch with a white face with roman numeral figures and gold hands.The face has a glass front which is loose in its mountings. The watch has a round clip at the top to which is attached a silver chain. At the end of the chain is a metal badge with a space to engrave a name but this is blank. vintage accessories, warrnambool history -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Clothing, Lotus, Cotton Slip
The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.Vintage short cotton slip featuring embroidery and lace. Manufacturer: Lotus. Size 18.women's clothing, underwear, slips -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Clothing, Lotus, Polyester Slip
The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.Vintage polyester slip with nylon trim and brown machine embroidered floral components on bodice. Manufacturer: Lotus. Size 38”. women's clothing, underwear, slips -
Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum Inc
Sewing Machine
Singer sewing machine with electric motor and maroon hard cover. Instruction book for No. 66 Singer Sewing Machine - greenpaper cover with red logo on front, 32 pages. Hinged wooden flap forms table when lowered. Machine housing is metal painted fawn with brown drive wheel & foot pedal. Motor is also brown. Base is cream. Cover has cream handle & brass catches. Accessories box R.N. 31.10.Motor serial No K10591526singer; sewing machines; domestic items; handcrafts -
Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum Inc
Sewing Machine Accessories
(See Registration No. 26.3). Green rectangular cardboard box with lid containing 5 feet for various sewing operations, a screw for attaching them, a button hole guide and a hem guide.On lid in red, "Singer / Accessories for 66K Machine No. SIMANCO / 120842", "25527", "12466", "35931", "36583". 31.4 is etched with Singer logo and USA.domestic sewing equipment; accessories; containers -
Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum Inc
'Romulus ' Costume
The costume was worn by the character of Romulus in the movie "Romulus My Father" which was filmed in Central Victoria and used a motor bike in the Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum's collection. the film company subsequently donated the entire outfit to the museum..1) Cream Shirt &.2) Charcoal grey trousers with button fly and rayon? lining down to knee level. .3) Brown leather helmet with black, cotton lining, ear flaps and chin strap with buckle fastening. Makers name indicates helmet is of German origin. .4) Brown leather belt with buckle. .5 & .6) Pair brown leather boots. Right boot has hole drilled through the sole to accommodate a supporting spike on the display manequin's base. .4) is marked on inside surface near the buckle : "HERO/38" Left boot sports a white sticker with "hora" printed in black. Right boot has black "X" on outside top edge. Both boots have "ooded(?) /MURRAY42" moulded into leather on inner top edges.. .2) bear a stick-on label printed with "ROM 4" on inside back waistband.costume - male - headwear - footwear: costume accessories - clothes accessories; -
Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum Inc
Treadle Lathe, Post 1875
The first metal working machine used by David & James Thompson in 1878. Brought by ship by David Thompson who used it on the journey to make working models.The first machine used by David & James Thompson in their engineering section.Treadle lath for metal turning. Some brass accessories for metal working are laid out on a timber bench attached to the back of the lathe. Painted gunmetal grey and mounted on a black wooden platform for display purposes.Nonemachinery; tools; metalwork -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Headwear - Iridescent Feather 'Saucer' Hat, 1950s
The 'flat' hat dominated millinery design in the 1950s. Most women sourced their hats from numerous Melbourne or suburban milliners while others purchased the products of French designers. A number of Australian companies were licensed to reproduce French designs. In very rare cases, Australian women purchased directly from a French couturier's collection. This inverted flat 'saucer' hat is an example of the latter.The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. While most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women, there are a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners. This feather hat was donated by Marion Blatchley, a resident of 7 John Street, Kew, a member of the Society, and a collector of vintage fashion items. In terms of fine workmanship, it is the highest quality hat in the collection.A fashionably flat woman’s hat with an inverted rim. The whole is covered in tiny iridescent dark feathers. A numbered label stitched to the interior of the hat identifies that the hat was made in Paris, France. The label includes a stamped number 9102 and a handwritten ‘Col 10’.Label: Stamped number 9102 and a handwritten ‘Col 10’.hats, women's clothing, costume accessories, french fashion - 1950s -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Angular Bit Stock extension, 1897-1922
Millers Falls Co. is a tool manufacturing company originally based in Millers Falls, Massachusetts. It was established in Greenfield, Massachusetts in 1868 as Gunn & Amidon by Levi J. Gunn and Charles H. Amidon. Gunn and Amidon, along with a third partner, Henry L. Pratt built a factory in the north of Greenfield. After the Greenfield factory burned down, the company was reorganized as the Millers Falls Manufacturing Co. It merged with Backus Vise Co. in 1872 to form the Millers Falls Co. In 1931 Millers Falls tools purchased the majority of the shares of Goodell-Pratt tools and merged with that manufacturer in 1932.In 1962 the company was acquired by Ingersoll Rand. In 1982, Ingersoll Rand sold the Millers Falls business to the newly created Millers Falls Tool Co. The company was head quartered in Alpha, New Jersey. Since 2002 the company trademark has belonged to Hangzhou Great Star Industrial Co., Ltd, of Hangzhou, China.An interesting an unusual tool made by the Millers Falls Tool company that continued to be featured in it’s catalogue up and till 1922. The tool was manufactured from 1897 until this date and is sought out by collectors of vintage tools.Universal Angular hand operated bit stock with spring type alligator jaws, main casting is Japanned bright parts are nickel plated item used with a bit & brace as an extension or angular borer. Millers Falls Co. USA Model 109flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, tools, screw driver, angular hand operated driver, tool accessory -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Clock, 1940's
Smiths began with a craftsman named Samuel Smith who in 1851 opened a shop in Newington Causeway, London, where he made and sold watches, clocks and precision instruments. Samuel had a son, Samuel Jnr who was apprenticed in his fathers business. Samuel Jnr eventually opened his own business at 85 Strand and later opened other premises at 9 Strand, Trafalgar Square and 68 Piccadilly. In 1899 he turned his business into a private limited company, S. Smith & Son Ltd. Samuel Jnr son, Sir Allan Gordon-Smith, joined him as Manager at 9 Strand in 1903 and laid the foundation of the vast Smiths organisation of the future, leading the company towards the supply of accessories for the then developing motor industry making car clocks and the first speedometers patented in 1904. In July 1914 a new company was formed under the name S. Smith & Sons (Motor Accessories) Ltd., to take over the motor accessory business of S. Smith and Son Ltd. and this became the main company of the group which eventually grew to become Smiths Industries Ltd. The original company S Smith and Sons Ltd., continued as jewelers and clock and watchmakers until 1930 when the company was taken over by Bravingtons retail jeweller chain. In 1931 Smiths decided to enter the domestic clock market and formed a new company, Smiths English Clocks Ltd., as the Clock and Watch division of S Smith & Sons (Motor Accessories) Ltd. This is the start of "Smiths Clocks" because this is when they began to manufacture domestic clocks in quantity. Moreover, they set out to produce these clocks at a price that the average householder could afford. S Smith & Sons (Motor Accessories) was at this time was the main company in the Smiths group of companies and their business developed both in the motor vehicle field and outside it. Smiths began to make automatic pilots for aircraft and, through the acquisition of a majority interest in Henry Hughes & Sons Ltd., entered the field of marine instruments. During the war from 1939 to 1945, Smiths' production expanded. There was a demand for motor, aircraft and marine instruments for the Services and the production of industrial instruments and it is at this time that our item was made. In 1944 many changes were made to the Smiths' organisation. The name of the principal company was changed from S Smith & Sons (Motor Accessories) to S. Smith & Sons (England) Ltd. and four new subsidiary selling companies were set up. These were Smiths Motor Accessories Ltd., Smiths Aircraft Instruments Ltd., Smiths Industrial Instruments Ltd., and Smiths English clocks Ltd. The manufacture of clocks and watches ceased in 1979 and 1983 saw Smiths withdraw from producing items for the motor industry.An item that is now regarded as a vintage, sought by horology collectors worldwide and is in excellent condition. The item is unique in that it was made specifically for ships by the Smith company a well known British clock manufacture. Its provenance is well established and it was made during the world war II era specifically for merchant and naval vessels of the time. Naval brass ships bulkhead clock. The clock face is of white enamel with black Roman numerals, an outer minutes ring and black steel hands. There is a subsidiary seconds dial with sweeping hand just above the centre and a fast/slow adjustment lever above that. There is no manufactures name on the dial. There are a beveled glass and brass hinged lid to the front of the clock. The clock is housed in a heavy brass case with screw holes around the circumference for mounting. There are no markings on the clock or mechanism flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, s smith and sons, clock, maritime clocks, clock makers, bulkhead clock -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Ceramic - Soap dish, circa 1883
... lonsdale reef dive wreck vhr s286 coastal trader ceramic vintage ...This ceramic soap dish was recovered from the wreck of the 1882-1883 George Roper between the late 1960’s to early 1970’s. It is one of the shipwreck artefacts in the John Chance Collection. Soap dishes were often part of a wash set that also included a water jug and wash bowl. The holes in the dish allowed water to drain out of the dish, keeping the soap dry for next use. The GEORGE ROPER 1882 - 1883 - The George Roper was a 4-masted iron sailing ship built in Liverpool, England, in 1882 for fast international trade with Australia. The large vessel was launched in February 1883. The ship was on its first trip, departing Liverpool for Melbourne, captained by John Ward and a crew of 31. She had almost reached her destination on July 4 1883, approaching Port Phillip Bay and being towed by the steam tug William. The weather changed to rough with fog and both the George Roper and the William hit the dangerous Lonsdale Reef at Port Phillip Heads. The Captain and crew were eventually rescued and taken to Queenscliff. Salvage syndicates were able to recover a lot of the cargo before the George Roper broke up and sank. Amongst the cargo was soft goods, draperies, household items, spirits of malt and distilled liquors, chemicals, dynamite, and 1,400 tons of steel rails for the Victorian Government. Also in the hold were Russell Stourbridge bricks, as paying ballast. This 1880s soap dish is an example of personal hygiene accessories and may have been part of a set comprising jug, bowl and dish.. The soap dish is also significant as it was recovered by John Chance, a diver from the wreck of the George Roper in the 1960s-70s. Items that come from several wrecks along Victoria's coast have since been donated to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s museum collection by his family, illustrating this item’s level of historical value. The soap dish is significant for its association with the barque George Roper, which is considered historically and archaeologically significant and as such, is listed on the Victorian Heritage Database, VHR S286. The George Roper is an example of a vessel built specifically for fast travel to and from Australia with a large shipment of cargo. Its cargo of steel rails adds to the historical significance of international trade to the growing colony of Australia and Victoria in particular, with rail transportation soon to become a faster and safer form of transportation between colonial towns. Divers can still access parts of the scattered wreck and other artefacts recovered in the 1970s and 1980s can be viewed in both public and private collections. Soap dish; glazed white porcelain. Round shallow bowl with blue patterned border, resembling butterflies. Two raised, concentric rings are moulded into the base. Six pierced holes are evenly spaced between the rings, five holes are in the centre of the dish.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, john chance, west coast trader, george roper, captain john ward, russell stourbridge bricks, port phillip heads, lonsdale reef, dive wreck, vhr s286, coastal trader, ceramic, vintage, personal hygiene, bathroom accessory, soap dish