Note by T.H. Kneen 18 December 1991, "The students are engaged in weighing produce from individual student plots. The dark haired female student is Lauris (or Loris) Inglis a 1966 graduate. Plots were a feature of the second year therefore the photo is probably 1965."Black and white photograph. Group of students working in the vegetable plots and bringing their produce to be weighed. One student spraying his crops. Yarra Boulevard in the background. On reverse stamp, "Photograph by Publicity Branch Victorian Department Of Agriculture Ref. No. D521F".students, female students, lauris inglis, loris inglis, weighing produce, orchard, students working outside, vegetable plots, spraying, yarra boulevard, publicity

These scales were used in the Tawonga Store which opened c1920. They were used to weigh produce e.g.. flour & wheat that the farmers used on their farms and in their homes. These scales pre date packaging. Ref. Weights KVHS 0800 (A)The Tawonga Store opened c1920 and sold goods and produce to the farmers of the Kiewa Valley. The scales were a necessary item for a store as goods were sold in bulk. Large steel dirty black platform attached at the middle of the back to a red cylinder which has 2 smaller platforms coming out to the side. The top platform has a black steel lever attached and a hook to hold it down. Below this platform is a measuring rod marked 2,4 etc up to 14 on which hangs a eight. The bottom platform is to rest the unused weights. Weights ref. KVHS 0800 (A)W. & T. Avery Birminghamscales. weights. tawonga store. farm produce.

Weight was used on platform type scale to weigh farm produceImperial weights were used prior to 1966 when decimal currency was introduced. Weights were used in stores selling farm produce prior to packaging.Cast iron weight with a solid base the upper side curved to form two ends which are joined by a cylindrical handle. The ends are embossed on the top.W & T Avery 14 lbweights. scale. farms produce. w & t avery.

Used to weigh bulk produce in the Tawonga Store. Part of a platform scale.Historical: Imperial weights used before packaging of goods. Tawonga Store opened c1920 selling produce for the farming community of the Kiewa Valley.5 circular cast iron weights with a slot from the edge towards the centre. Each has a ridge around the circumference to enable each to fit on top of a bigger one. On the top, above the slot, the weight is embossed. The set is held together with a piece of wire about 50 cm long. The set fit on to a holder which has a circular hook for hanging and a long straight cast iron rod going through a solid half sphere which is held with a nut at the base. The half sphere has a wider circular base for weights to sit on. Used with scales (KVHS 0800 (B)) to weigh goods sold at Tawonga Store.Weights: 14 lbs; 28 lbs; 56 lbs; 1 cwt; 2 cwt.weights. scales. shop. store. tawonga store.

Originating in New Zealand, the Drysdale, represented by Bilby Bill, was developed in the 1930s at Massey University (Canterbury) by crossing a coarse haired Romney and the hardy Cheviot breed. First imported to Australia in 1975, the Drysdale, due to a genetic abnormality, produces coarse, long staple fleece. This same gene also gives them their horns, something that generally does not occur in the parent breeds. Their fleece grows very fast, up to 25cm every six months; as such shearing is carried out twice a year. The coarse and hard wearing wool is mostly used for the manufacture of carpets. The Drysdale is a medium to large stocky sheep, weighing approximately 55kg and produces about 6 to 8kg of fleece per animal annually, which is 35 to 45 microns in diameter. The yarn used on the National Wool Museum’s Axminster Gripper Loom to make the Manor House Rug is spun from the wool of Drysdale sheep.Taxidermied male Drysdale sheep. Medium sized animal with white body coloration. Large horns protruding from the top of the skull. drysdale, sheep, new zealand

Crochet covers for milk jugs, teacups and bowls were produced to repel the dreaded Australian blow fly. They were typically decorated with Australian flora and fauna and commemorative motifs and sometimes edged with beads, shells and other three dimensional forms, not only for appearance, but also to weigh down the crochet so it would stay safely in place on the jug. The three dimensional parts were stiffened with sugar syrup, or sometimes starch, paraffin or gelatine. The main sources for crochet cover and other needlework designs available to women were in journals, magazines and pattern books. In the first half of the 20th century women's focus was the home and its decoration was important. Embroidery and crochet work was an affordable way to personalise and add aesthetic value, and examples of embroidered and crocheted pieces could be found in most Australian homes, decorating or protecting furniture, floors and walls, and keeping off flies and insects from food. Small square milk jug cover that has been hand crocheted with crown, flag and date patterned into centre. It has a red, white and blue beaded fringe.cover milk-jug-cover handcraft tableware

The subject item was made in England by W&T Avery a British manufacturer of weights and weighing machines. The company was founded in the early 18th century and took the name W & T Avery in 1818. The undocumented origin of the company goes back to 1730 when James Ford established the business in the town of Digbeth. On Joseph Balden, the then company’s owner’s death in 1813 William and Thomas Avery took over his scale making business and in 1818 renamed it W & T Avery. The business rapidly expanded and in 1885 they owned three factories: the Atlas Works in West Bromwich, the Mill Lane Works in Birmingham and the Moat Lane Works in Digbeth. In 1891 the business became a limited company with a board of directors and in 1894 the shares were quoted on the London Stock Exchange. In 1895 the company bought the legendary Soho Foundry in Smethwick, a former steam engine factory owned by James Watt & Co. In 1897 the move was complete and the steam engine business was gradually converted to pure manufacture of weighing machines. The turn of the century was marked by managing director William Hipkins who was determined to broaden the renown of the Avery brand and transform the business into specialist manufacture of weighing machines. By 1914 the company occupied an area of 32,000m² and had some 3000 employees. In the inter-war period, the growth continued with the addition of specialized shops for cast parts, enamel paints and weighbridge assembly and the product range diversified into counting machines, testing machines, automatic packing machines and petrol pumps. During the second world war, the company also produced various types of heavy guns. At that time the site underwent severe damage from parachute mines and incendiary bombs. Then from 1931 to 1973, the company occupied the 18th-century Middlesex Sessions House in Clerkenwell as its headquarters. Changes in weighing machine technology after World War II led to the closure of the foundry, the introduction of electronic weighing with the simultaneous gradual disappearance of purely mechanical devices. The continued expansion was partly achieved through a series of acquisitions of other companies. After almost a century of national and international expansion, the company was taken over by GEC in 1979. Keith Hodgkinson, managing director at the time, completed the turn-around from mechanical to electronic weighing with a complete overhaul of the product range of retail sales of industrial platform scales. In 1993 GEC took over the Dutch-based company Berkel and the Avery-Berkel name was introduced. In 2000 the business was in turn acquired by the US-American company Weigh-Tronix, who already owned Salter, and is today operating as Avery Weigh-Tronix.An item used by grocers and merchants throughout the then British colonies of England to weigh store-bought goods around the mid to late 19th century. This item gives an insight into the daily lives of early colonial settlers and is a significant part of the era’s social history of the time.Balance scale and weights with removable dish, two round weights glued to tray 4oz and 8oz. Scales 'to weigh up to 28lb. Printed in gold on black labels each side "W & T AVERY LTD", "BIRMINGHAM" warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, scale and weights, food preparation equipment, w t avery ltd, balance scale, grocers scales, james ford, william & thomas avery, birmingham uk

Dish used to weigh goods in a shop or farm produce store prior to packaging.Historical: Goods were weighed in shops prior to packaging of goods.Steel curved dish joined in the centre forming a shallow oval shape. weights. shop. farm produce store. scales.

Used to weigh goods in a shop or farming produce store.Imperial weights were used prior to decimalisation. Weights were used to weigh goods prior to packaging.Cast iron solid circular weights with rim around circumference and slightly narrower at the base.Largest - 4 lb Middle - 4 lb (None on smallest)weights. shop. store. scale.

These scales are a common type which would have been used in an industrial, farm or produce merchants of the day. many items were sold in bulk with little packaging. With a top weight of 30 lb, items weighed would have been bulky type items.The Avery company manufactured weighing equipment and scales from the 1730's. Scales of many different descriptions were used in sales over the years and these are a good example. These scales are painted black with a circular plate which is slightly dished. it has three chains attached to a metal bar at the top which is serrated and has a counter weight on it. Another attachment to the bar has the hook from which it would hang.The number 1 is on the counter weight.The serrated bar has graduated markings on it in half pound increments up to 30 lb. Avery Ltd to weigh 30 lb is stamped at the end of the bar. warrnambool

Scales such as these were used to measure commercial quantities possibly grains and farm produce for quite large amounts of product.Bags of the product would have been hooked up and weighed. Salter has been a name long associated with weights and measures. Salters had their beginnings in England in the 1760's with a background in springs which are a main component of many scales. The actual mechanism for weighing objects in such scales has remained similar for over two centuries.These scales would have been a common item in most commercial operations which bought and sold items in bulk and have historical and scientific significance.Cast iron frame with circular brass face painted black.. There is a round metal ring at the top which runs through a circular metal section of the frame. A hook is attached to the bottom of the frame through a similar metal circle. The brass face has graduated markings in 1 lbs increments up to 150 lbs. On top section of scale face:Salter's Spring Balance. British Made. On lower section of scales face:To weigh 150 lb. Salter trademark of rope and anchor. warrnambool, salter scales, commercial scales, spring balance scales

From 1936, the Australians began to explore the feasibility of local production of steel helmets. Actual production by the Commonwealth Steel Company (in conjunction with Lysaghts) began in 1939. Made of manganese steel, it weighed about 1.1kg. Due to lack of machinery to bend manganese steel strip, the helmets were produced with a raw, but bevelled, edge. Almost two million helmet bodies were produced. Australian helmets were painted in sand textured Australian Army Khaki-Green No.3. A wide-meshed knotted net was often worn. The chin-strap was a copy of the British Mk.II. it was made with cloth covered springs and webbing.Green steel helmet with 8/7th RVR colour patch on each side

The Hughes’ Family Scale No. 48 is a spring balance scale. It uses the Imperial measurements of ounces and pounds. There are 16 ounces (OZ) in one pound (LB), and each pound equals approximately 454 grams in Metric measurements. Scales have been used to measure and compare items for value for centuries. A weight was placed on one side of a balance and the object was placed on the other. Adjustments were made to either the weight or the object until the balance was horizontal, which meant that each side was the same weight. The Salter family business began in 1760 with spring makers, Richard and William Salter. In the late 18th century, Richard Salter invented the spring scale, where the weight of an object on the tray of the scale causes pressure on a spring in the scale. The pressure caused by gravity was then measured to calculate the weight of an object. Spring scales are still used today along with the more recent and accurate digital scales. The company began manufacturing in West Bromwich, England, in 1770. The firm was taken over by William’s sons, John and George. In 1824, after the death of John, the firm became George Salter & Co. The company produced a wide variety of products, including Britain’s first bathroom scale and the first English typewriter. In 1884 the Salter Trademark of a Staffordshire knot pierced by an arrow was registered. After over 100 years of manufacturing, the company was bought out by Staveley Industries, which was bought by Weigh-Tronix, and then that company was bought by HoMedics Company in 2004.This scale was made by Salter, the company that invented the balance scale, the first British bathroom scale and the first English typewriter. The scale represents the domestic equipment used for measuring in food preparation over 100 years ago. Modern kitchen scales are still using the same principal, along with scales used in business and industry.Scale; a domestic spring balance scale for measuring weight from 0 to 20 pounds. The scale’s grey metal case has a round white dial on the front with black markings, an arrow indicator and a round shallow metal bowl on a pedestal at the top. The scale is raised on a rectangular metal base with outward-sloping sides. An adjustable screw is on the dome top. The scale is marked from 0 to 20 pounds, with each pound marked in 1-ounce increments. The scale is named the Hughes Family Scale No. 48 and was made in Britain by Salter.“HUGHES’ / FAMILY SCALE / No. 48” “BRITISH MADE” “TO WEIGH 20 LBS BY 1 OZ” “SALTER” above logo [knotted rope with an arrow through loops]flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, hughes, salter, british made, family scale, no. 48, spring balance, scale, weighing instrument, weights and measures, weighing machine, kitchen utensil, baking accessory, domestic equipment, cookware, bakeware, kitchen scale, kitchen accessory, food preparation, recipes, cooking, measuring

Thaddeus Fairbanks (1796 –1886) was an American inventor. of heating and cook stoves, cast iron ploughs, and other items. His greatest success was the invention and manufacture of the platform scale, which allowed the weighing of large objects accurately. Fairbanks was born in Brimfield, Massachusetts, on January 17, 1796, the son of Joseph Fairbanks (1763–1846) and Phebe (Paddock) Fairbanks (1760–1853). His uncle was Ephraim Paddock, the brother of Phebe Paddock. In 1815 he moved to St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and set up a wheelwright's shop above his father's gristmill. In 1820 he married Lucy Peck Barker and In 1824 he built an iron foundry. his brother Erastus joined him to establish E. and T. Fairbanks, a partnership to manufacture heating stoves, cast iron ploughs a design for which he patented in 1826. In 1830 Fairbanks and Erastus became interested in the raising and processing of hemp. Fairbanks went on to patent a hemp and flax dressing machine and became the manager of the St. Johnsbury Hemp Company. He also built a set of scales that would measure large loads of hemp accurately, as there were no reliable scales at the time. Upon the success of building these scales, his brothers recommended that he make and sell these for general use.  Fairbanks' most famous invention then became the platform scale for weighing heavy objects. These are commonly known as the Fairbanks Scales, for which he patented his original design in 1830.  Before this time, accurate weighing of objects required hanging them from a balancing beam as a result, particularly heavy or ungainly objects could not be weighed accurately. A platform scale, if large enough, could weigh an entire wagon. By placing a full wagon on the scale, unloading it, and then placing it on the scale when empty, it became possible to easily and accurately calculate the weight and value of farm produce and other loads. In 1834 Fairbanks and his brother formed "E. and T. Fairbanks and Company" to manufacture and sell these platform scales. These scales were well known in the United States and around the world resulting in the company doubling in volume every three years from 1842 to 1857. There was a temporary slow down during the American Civil War, however, the business took off again after the war. Their partnership was incorporated in 1874 into a firm known as "Fairbanks Scale Company". These platform scales revolutionized weighing methods of large loads and have been in use ever since. Portable platform scales are found in almost every hardware store, physician's office, and manufacturing factory throughout the United States and the world. The first railway track platform scale patent was granted to Fairbanks on January 13, 1857, as Patent No. 16,381. In 1916 the company was purchased by ”Fairbanks, Morse and Company”. Ownership of the company has since changed several times, but Fairbanks Scales continue to be made in St. Johnsbury Vermont to this day. Fairbanks had received 43 patents in his lifetime with the last one at the age of 91. He died on April 12, 1886, and is buried at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. An early example of the first type of platform scale that revolutionised the weighing of goods throughout the world made in the USA around the turn of the 19th century. Commercially built platform scale on wheels. Cast iron base supports iron weighing platform with wooden floor. At back, square hollow wooden post supports a hooded rod which bears the weight of the platform and which hooks onto a brass balancing arm, marked in pounds up to 50. There is a cylindrical sliding weight and on the end a loop for a metal weight holder. The holder is designed for three circular pieces of metal with a slit to the centre. The weights used are 50, 100 and 200 lbs.Embossed to base Fairbanks Patent No 11 1/2, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, platform scales

The 11 Pound Practice Bomb was used in Australia to train air crews both during and after WW2. When the bomb hit the ground it produced a smoke cloud so that the aircrew could see where their bomb had landed. There was only a small explosive charge in them. Cylindrical, finned steel bomb weighing approx. 11lb painted silver with three stripes (blue, yellow, red) painted around the mid-section. One attachment point/loop. Cast iron nose. None.

Although these scales cannot be identified against a historical period of Australian development they are therefore placed in a time frame when commercial markings from manufacurers were not important enough to have domestic kitchen items labeled. These cast iron scales were made for domestic and possibly rural areas and not for cities where demand for known branded utensils was more an issue. These scales are very "basic" and not to the level of weighing detail that commercial scales had to be at. These scales do not show any visible markers for accurate measurement. The "near enough is good enough" principle can be related to these scales.These scales are significant as they identify one of the basic preparation items for the weighing of foodstuff before the televising of "cooking" shows (1960s onward). The meals for which quantity measurements are required for domestic cooking is not exact however the use of cup measurements for large dishes is tedious and these scales offer the capacity for a larger mixture and an easier method for the "cook". As the need for accurate measurements of ingrediants for rural domestic meals has in the past been not been critical the requirement of accuracy that these scales do not provide is of no consequence. Domestic kitchens in the Kiewa Valley and the type of meals produced would not have required the accuracy of ingrediants that "modern " international cuisines of the later 1900's require. These kitchen scale were used whenrecipes had the terms "pinch, dollop, squidge and smidgen" were about as accurate as most recipes needed to be.Black cast iron, medium weighing scales, with a two arm cradle. On one side of the cradle is a two half circle holding frame for the retention of the metal container scoop. This light weight steel scoop/dish allows for the weighing of loose grain or similar type material to be contained and held in place for establish its saleable contents. On the other side of the weighing cradle is a flat circular platform to hold various metal disc. All the disks used on this platform have their weight stamped on them. When the produced filled in the scoop balances with the metal weight on the opposite end of the balance match (visual horizontal appraisal) the appropriate quantity required is obtained. This scale does not have any visual markings on the arms to identify a true balance. It is therefore reasonable to assume that these scales were for domestic use only and not for commercial transactions. There are two weights that are useable with these scales, one is stamped "1 lB"(pound) and one stamped "1" and both are made as a solid round piece of cast metal.The smaller disc has a "1 lb" moulded and pressed form within a marked inner circle and a mouled ridge outer circle enclosure. The other weight is slightly larger and has a moulded "1" located on the top within a raised circular edge.domestic kitchen scales, weighing scales, metal scales

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 type of mobile spring weighing scales were in high use before legislative Weights and Measure standards where in force throughout Australia. This was in a time when a "mans word and handshake" was his legal document. It was a time, especially in rural areas that the term "she'll be right" was extensively used and these types of scales (the accuracy over time) would produce a near "enough is good enough" measure. These scales are very significant for the rural produce within the Kiewa Valley. Rural produce such as hay milk and butter tubs,tobacco bundles could be easily weighed (in relatively smaller packages) for both markets and for use within the valley.This spring scale (!/2 Once to 4lb) was used as general weight scale. Because it is spring loaded the accuracy would fade over time and by over weighted loads. The spring enclosure is made from cast iron painter black. There is an iron ring at the top (attaching/holding) and an iron hook at the bottom (holding). There is a brass front plate with engraved markings(on the left side) running from top to bottom and a movable pin weight indicator running in the middle indicating the weight of the item being weighed.At the front top"SALTER'S SPRING BALANCE 4LB BY 21/2 OZ" underneath "No 1A" At the bottom in smaller print "MADE IN ENGLAND PATENT"weighing instruments, spring balances

Many Orbost babies were weighed on scales using these weights. Used in early 1930's.The early 20th century saw an emphasis in Australia on the reforming of mothering practices. There was a desire to improve infant mortality rates and produce healthy, well-adjusted citizens.Government organisations, in particular hospitals and baby clinics. encouraged mothers to measure their babies and regulate their feeding patterns. By the 1930s most mothers had been influenced to a greater or less extent by these new approaches to infant care. These weights are representative of that period.Two steel circular 10lb weights used with 106.1 scales used to weigh babies at Orbost Hospital. Gold painted. 10 lbs in relief on top of each weight.weights instruments-weighing orbost-hospital nursing

Ruth Woodward was the daughter of Alan Richardson a sawmiller at Tabbara. Richardson Helped build and held ticket for paddle steamer "Curlip". Crochet covers for milk jugs, teacups and bowls were produced to repel the dreaded Australian blow fly. They were typically decorated with Australian flora and fauna and commemorative motifs and sometimes edged with beads, shells and other three dimensional forms, not only for appearance, but also to weigh down the crochet so it would stay safely in place on the jug. The three dimensional parts were stiffened with sugar syrup, or sometimes starch, paraffin or gelatine. The main sources for crochet cover and other needlework designs available to women were in journals, magazines and pattern books. This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the families of the early settlers.Small handmade star-shaped milk cover with a white tulle centre and beading coming down to points off the centre. Beads are clear and black.milk-cover handcrafts needlework beading richardson

Perfect Cheese Company was founded in 1930 by newly-arrived Italian migrant Natale Paquale Italiano. The company specialised in traditional Italian-style cheese but also produced Greek, Cypriot and Maltese origin cheeses. The cheeses were sold in Australia and Italy with all products being matured and non-processed. The company remained in operation until the early 2000s.This weighing machine is significant as it represents the machinery used by an early cheese production company.Large metal machine with cast iron with a cast iron frame and a stainless steel rectangular bowl in a cradle. The round weighing scale at the top shows a weight scale up to 1100 pounds. A mesh stainless steel baffle strains the milk.Made in England Birmingham - AVERY SOLE AGENTSallansford, perfect cheese company, avery, cheese manufacturing, dairy industry

The Australian Customs Service, Melbourne, donated a set of gauging instruments, and Port Fairy Customs donated another instrument, the Sike’s Hydrometer, to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, all of which were no longer required. However these ullaging tools were in use for many years by Customs officials, called Gaugers. Ullaging is a term describing the measurement of the amount of liquid remaining in a container of spirits such as a cask or barrel. It can also measure the free space or head space remaining. The primary role of customs officers in Victoria was to calculate the tariff or excise duty payable on goods imported into Victoria. (Excise duty is a tax on goods produced within a country, and customs duty is imposed on imports.) Customs officers spent a great deal of their time measuring and weighing goods, and then calculating the amount of duty to be paid by the importer. The tariffs for different products varied, and officers consulted published lists. Calculating the duty payable on a barrel of brandy was a detailed task. The gauger had to measure the barrel to determine its volume. Barrels were irregular in shape, and finding the volume required several measurements and checking tables of figures. Alcoholic content was then measured with a hydrometer. The duty paid varied according to the alcoholic strength of the spirits. Uniform national customs and excise duties were operative in Australia from October 1901. These tools were still being used in Australia in the 1950’s. The Federal Government still imposes excise taxes on goods such as cigarettes, petrol, and alcohol. The rates imposed may change in February and August each year in response to changes in the consumer price index. ULLAGING TOOLS (1) Head Rod - this instrument measures the diameter of the heads (top and bottom ends) of a cask or barrel. The shaped brass pieces on the head rod enable the diameter of a barrel to be measured inside the chimes at the head end. The slide rule could then be used to calculate the internal volume of the barrel. On the reverse side is a set of ullaging scales, used like those on any ullaging rule, to calculate the volume of liquid in a partially filled barrel. (2) Bung Rod – this instrument measures the diameter of a cask or barrel when it is lying on its side. It is a rod that fits into the ‘bung’ hole of a cask and is long enough be extended to reach the opposite side of the cask. The brass sliding pointer can be moved to mark the ‘wet’ line. When the rod is removed the bung measurement can be read from the scale on the rod. (3) Long Calipers - this instrument measures the length of the cask between the heads. It has two rules sliding beside each other, each end having another piece of wood fixed firmly at right angles downwards then turned inwards at the ends so as to reach over the heads of the casks without touching the projecting ends. The centre pieces enable it to extend or contract, changing the distance between the two other parallel sides, the distance they are apart being shown by the rule on the sliding pieces. (4) Cross Calipers – this instrument is used to take the bung diameters of casks, or "the Cross " as it is called. This instrument has two rules sliding beside each other, each end having another piece of wood fixed firmly at right angles downwards, together forming a 3 sides of a rectangle with the centre pieces enabling it to extended or contracted, changing the distance between the two other parallel sides, the distance they are apart being shown by a the rule on the sliding pieces. (5) Sike’s Hydrometer – this instrument is used to gauge the strength of different alcoholic spirits when fitted with the different weights in the set. Every set is individually calibrated to ensure that it meets the exact Standard Weight and Measure compliance, then every piece in that set is stamped with the same number by the Calibrator, to ensure that the measurements are taken using the same hydrometer set. [References: A Handbook of Practical Gauging, Janes Boddely Keene of H.M. Customs, 1861, F. Pitman, London; Customs Act, Volume 2, No. 1, April 1999; Old Customs House website ] Head Rod, ullaging gauge. Long wooden rod made of three joined sections, brass hook on end, sliding centre section with hook, measurements marked along each section as on a slide rule. Used for measuring diameter of heads of casks in order for Customs to calculate excise (tax) on the contentsflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, head rod, gauging rod, ullaging rods, measuring instruments, customs tax

A Large Rare mid 19th Century Balance Scale (also called a Beam Scale) Made in England by W&T Avery a British manufacturer of weighing machines. The company was founded in the early 18th century and took the name W & T Avery in 1818. The undocumented origin of the company goes back to 1730 when James Ford established the business in the town of Digbeth. On Joseph Balden the then company’s owner’s death in 1813 William and Thomas Avery took over his scale making business and in 1818 renamed it W & T Avery. The business rapidly expanded and in 1885 they owned three factories: the Atlas Works in West Bromwich, the Mill Lane Works in Birmingham and the Moat Lane Works in Digbeth. In 1891 the business became a limited company with a board of directors and in 1894 the shares were quoted on the London Stock Exchange. In 1895 the company bought the legendary Soho Foundry in Smethwick, a former steam engine factory owned by James Watt & Co. In 1897 the move was complete and the steam engine business was gradually converted to pure manufacture of weighing machines. The turn of the century was marked by managing director William Hipkins who was determined to broadening the renown of the Avery brand and transforming the business into a specialist manufacture of weighing machines. By 1914 the company occupied an area of 32,000m² and had some 3000 employees. In the inter-war period the growth continued with the addition of specialized shops for cast parts, enamel paints and weighbridge assembly and the product range diversified into counting machines, testing machines, automatic packing machines and petrol pumps. During the second world war the company also produced various types of heavy guns. At that time the site underwent severe damage from parachute mines and incendiary bombs.Then from 1931 to 1973 the company occupied the 18th-century Middlesex Sessions House in Clerkenwell as its headquarters. Changes in weighing machine technology after World War II led to the closure of the foundry, the introduction of electronic weighing with the simultaneous gradual disappearance of purely mechanical devices. The continued expansion was partly achieved through a series of acquisitions of other companies. After almost a century of national and international expansion the company was taken over by GEC in 1979. Keith Hodgkinson, managing director at the time, completed the turn-around from mechanical to electronic weighing with a complete overhaul of the product range of retail scales and industrial platform scales. In 1993 GEC took over the Dutch-based company Berkel and the Avery-Berkel name was introduced. In 2000 the business was in turn acquired by the US-American company Weigh-Tronix, who already owned Salter, and is today operating as Avery Weigh-Tronix. Item made and used possibly around the 1850s by Victorian colonial government to check weights of goods being sold by early shop keepers on the gold fields item is very rare.James McEwan & Co were the retailers of W & T Avery scales in Victoria from 1852. A very rare item used probably to check weights used by merchants during colonial times by government inspectors in Victoria. A similar example exist in a NSW museum, the item is believed to have been made before W & T Avery expansion to the Soho foundry in Birmingham in 1885 and after 1818.Beam balance scale suspended from a wooden tripod, with metal trays suspended by three chain lengths. embossed on the balance beam W T Avery, Birmingham,flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, scale, avery

Scales such as the subject item were used to measure commercial quantities, possibly grains and farm produce for quite large amounts of product. Bags of grain etc would have been hooked up and weighed. Salter has been a name long associated with weights and measures. The firm began life in the late 1760s in the village of Bilston, England when Richard Salter, a spring maker, began making the first spring scales in Britain. He called these scales "pocket steelyards", though they work on a different principle from steelyard balances. By 1825 his nephew George had taken over the company, which became known as George Salter & Co. George later established a manufacturing site in the town of West Bromwich, about 4 miles (7 km) from Bilston. West Bromwich Albion football club was formed from workers at this works site. From here the company produced a wide variety of scales including the UK's first bathroom scales. Other items were added to the range, including irons, mincers, potato chippers, coin-operated machines and the first typewriters made in the UK. The business thrived throughout the 1900s, and by 1950 it employed over 2000 people, still in the same area and owned by the same family.Salter is a British housewares brand developing products that span a wide range of core product categories, including scales, electrical, cookware. It is a market leader in kitchen and bathroom scales and one of the UK’s oldest consumer brands.  Established in 1760, Salter has been developing precision products for over 260 years. It was acquired by Manchester-based consumer goods giant Ultimate Products in 2021 after they had previously licensed the brand for cookware and kitchen electrical since 2011.Balance scale Salters Spring Balance consisting of a circular, bronze face engraved with measurements in pounds, with an iron hand, weighing mechanism and hanging loop. Engraved on the face: "Class III Salter's Spring Balance Silvester's Patent To Weigh 300lbs".flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, salter balance scale, weight measuring scale, weighing dry goods

Peck, Stow & Wilcox was founded in 1870 by the merger of three different industrial tool manufacturers specializing in tin-processing equipment. Their factory complex was at 217 Centre Street in Southington, Connecticut. The company grew rapidly, and was by 1890 producing a diversified array of tools. It was also the town's largest employer. The plant was substantially enlarged in 1912, which is the period when most of the buildings surviving in 1989 were built. By that time, the complex was operated by Ideal Forging. That company went bankrupt in 2003, and the plant was acquired by real estate developers not long afterwards. Demolition of the premises took place in 2015, after hazardous materials were removed from the site.A large American company that exported it’s goods all over the world and was a major producer of balance scales. The company no longer in existence and its products are now regarded as collectors items. The subject item in the Flagstaff Hill collection is significant as the pocket spring balance scale is one of the earliest produced.Spring Balance Scale Weighs 0 to 25LBS.Stamped PS&W. Has a five pointed star stamped on front.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, spring balance scales, peck stow & wilcox, pocket balance scale, weighing scales

This image was reproduced in the 1908 Ballarat School of Mines Calendar. During the early 1900s the Ballarat School of Mines had an international reputation for producing quality mining graduates. The graduates had much sought after practical experience. Their studies included 'real' experience in the Ballarat School of Mines Mining Laboratory, Assay Room, Balance Room, etc. This image was reproduced in the 1908 Ballarat School of Mines Annual Report. It is a room in the building now known as the "Old Chemistry Building'.Black and white photograph showing three men working at balances while assaying in the Ballarat School of Mines Balance Room. "Plate 117 Balance Rooms, School of Minesballarat school of mines, scientific equipment, assaying, assay, weigh, weight, scales, assay laboratory, old chemistry building, mining

Fredk Quiney & Sons established their company in 1890, council records show that Quiney began working at 4 Ranelagh Place in Leytonstone and from 1908 to 1926 he was at 268 High Road, Leytonstone. The name occurs on brass weights and balance scales dating from the early twentieth 20th century. The company was still producing grocers scales during the 1960s.A balance scale vintage giving a snapshot into mercantile life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries Scale with metal tray.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, scale, weighing equipment

A weight made in England by W&T Avery a British manufacturer of weights and weighing machines. The company was founded in the early 18th century and took the name W & T Avery in 1818. The undocumented origin of the company goes back to 1730 when James Ford established the business in the town of Digbeth. On Joseph Balden, the then company’s owner’s death in 1813 William and Thomas Avery took over his scale making business and in 1818 renamed it W & T Avery. The business rapidly expanded and in 1885 they owned three factories: the Atlas Works in West Bromwich, the Mill Lane Works in Birmingham and the Moat Lane Works in Digbeth. In 1891 the business became a limited company with a board of directors and in 1894 the shares were quoted on the London Stock Exchange. In 1895 the company bought the legendary Soho Foundry in Smethwick, a former steam engine factory owned by James Watt & Co. In 1897 the move was complete and the steam engine business was gradually converted to pure manufacture of weighing machines. The turn of the century was marked by managing director William Hipkins who was determined to broadening the renown of the Avery brand and transforming the business into specialist manufacture of weighing machines. By 1914 the company occupied an area of 32,000m² and had some 3000 employees. In the inter-war period, the growth continued with the addition of specialized shops for cast parts, enamel paints and weighbridge assembly and the product range diversified into counting machines, testing machines, automatic packing machines and petrol pumps. During the second world war, the company also produced various types of heavy guns. At that time the site underwent severe damage from parachute mines and incendiary bombs. Then from 1931 to 1973, the company occupied the 18th-century Middlesex Sessions House in Clerkenwell as its headquarters. Changes in weighing machine technology after World War II led to the closure of the foundry, the introduction of electronic weighing with the simultaneous gradual disappearance of purely mechanical devices. The continued expansion was partly achieved through a series of acquisitions of other companies. After almost a century of national and international expansion, the company was taken over by GEC in 1979. Keith Hodgkinson, managing director at the time, completed the turn-around from mechanical to electronic weighing with a complete overhaul of the product range of retail sales of industrial platform scales. In 1993 GEC took over the Dutch-based company Berkel and the Avery-Berkel name was introduced. In 2000 the business was in turn acquired by the US-American company Weigh-Tronix, who already owned Salter, and is today operating as Avery Weigh-Tronix. An item used used by grocers and merchants to weigh store bought goods around the 1950s. This item gives an insight into social history of the time.Weights, metal, silver electroplated, 1 x 2lb, 2 x 4lb, 1 x 7lb. (4) all government stamped, made by Avery Ltd.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, weight, imperial weight, imperial standard weights and measures, imperial standard weight