Box of dip pen nibs made by William Mitchell Calligraphy dating back to late 19th or early 20th century when dip pens with steel nibs were the main writing instruments. The pen nibs are shaped to fit into a slot in the base of a wooden or Bakelite pen holder. The hole at the front of the nib is for collecting ink from a well, which is then stored in a reservoir at the back of the nib. The nibs are stamped with their nib size and Pedigree (what type of nib it is) and maker’s details. William Mitchell Calligraphy still makes these nibs today with a slightly difference finish. (ref: Sales and Marketing Director of William Mitchell Calligraphy in 2016). HISTORY of the Ink Pen Quills and ink were common writing tools until the early 19th century when the pen trade began mass producing steel nibs and pens. The steel nibs each have a hole in the middle that acts like a well for the ink. When the nib is dipped into the ink well the writer needs to ensure that it is dipped to only just past that well. India Ink was one of the most popular inks used with the nib pens, notable for its satin-like smooth flow. This ink is composed of a particularly fine carbon mixed with water; it can also be obtained as a dry stick that is then crushed and mixed with water as required. The Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham had the largest concentration of independent jewellers in Europe. Birmingham became the centre of the world’s pen trade for many years -, during the 1800’s over 100 factories, employing 1000s of skilled workers, manufactured the ‘Birmingham Pen’. ABOUT WILLIAM MITCHELL CALLIGRAPHY LTD.* (*The following text is quoted from the William Mitchell Calligraphy website) British based William Mitchell Calligraphy has been designing and manufacturing exceptional pens for almost 200 years. The William Mitchell heritage in making pen nibs began whilst working with his brother John Mitchell in the early 1820s. William Mitchell established his own business in 1825 to become one of the leading nib manufacturers and famous for lettering pens. Almost 100 years later William Mitchell merged with Hinks, Wells & Co, another pen manufacturer, to form British Pens, employing around 1000 people in the Bearwood Road area of Birmingham. During the early 1960s British Pens acquired the pen business of other pen manufacturers Perry & Co and John Mitchell, once again reuniting the two brothers. Joseph Gillott, who were famous for their artist drawing and mapping nibs, amalgamated with British pens in 1969. William Mitchell and Joseph Gillott established in Birmingham during the early part of the nineteenth century and [their products] are still proudly made here. British Pens were subsequently purchased by its current owner Byron Head, the owner of William Mitchell (Sinkers) in 1982, and was subsequently renamed William Mitchell (calligraphy) Ltd. Established in 1827 Joseph Gillott was one of the pioneers of mass steel pen nib manufacturing. The company was particularly strong in the American market, prompting Elihu Burrit, the American consul, to write “In ten thousand school houses across the American continent between two oceans, a million children are as familiarly acquainted with Joseph Gillott as with Noah Webster” (The compiler of the famous American dictionary). The company consequently received visits from many notable Americans, including president Ulysses S Grant. Email on file, from Mike Chappell, Sales and Marketing Manager, William Mitchell Calligraphy, “20161122 - William Mitchell re pen nibs” How to use a dip pen to create modern calligraphy, https://thepostmansknock.com/how-to-use-a-dip-pen-to-create-modern-calligraphy/ India Ink, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_ink birmingham Pen Trade, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham_pen_trade The Pen Museum, http://penmuseum.org.uk/ The early 19th century invention and later mass production of pen nibs such these in our collection had a large impact on education and literacy because the nibs could be produced in great numbers and affordable prices.Box of patent Mitchell nibs containing 48 "Pedigree" nibs. Box depicts picture of William Mitchell on lid, and picture of nib pen on lid and side. Made in Birmingham, England. Nib “0505 Wm MITCHELLS PEDIGREE ENGLAND” Box “PEDIGREE / MAINFOLD SLIP”, “WILLIAM MITCHELL / BIRM - - - - - - LOND” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, william mitchell calligraphy ltd, pen nib, writing implement, writing accessories, dip pen, birmingham manufacturer, communication in writing, mass produced pen nibs

Pen and pencil set presented to Flight Lieutenant Ian A. Lyons by Eaglehawk RSL on 14.11.1951. Part of the Flight Lieutenant Ian A. 'Joe' Lyons MBE Collection. See Catalogue No. 5374P for his service record..1) Blue coloured hinged presentation box with cream coloured padded lining. Brass hinges and clasp. .2) Navy blue bakelite fountain pen with gold coloured nib and cap. .3) Navy blue propelling pencil with gold coloured tip and cap..1) Printed in brown on inside lining: 'Onoto'. .2) Printed on navy blue shaft in red: ' M 9in a circle)'. Stamped on cap clip: 'TCR' Engraved on cap: 'To Ian from Ehk RSL 14.11.51" .3) Engraved on cap: 'To Ian from Ehk RSL'accessories, writing equipment, flight lieutenant ian a. lyons, memorabilia

This type of inkwell would have been used in public places such as banks, offices and on ships.Ink well, pewter, capstan design.Flat disc with ink well and pen/quill holders in centre, hinged lid to cover removable well.White ceramic ink well included. Base, well and lid are all decorated with concentric rings. Maker's stamp on base. Circa 19th century. Stamped into base "MADE IN ENGLAND" and another indentifyable symbol. warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, ink well, pewter ink well, writing equipment, stationery accessory, communication

These umbrellas are typical of the ones women would have used early in the 20th Century. It was important to keep the rain from damaging their clothing as washing facilities were limited. .These umbrellas are charming and retained for display purposes..1 An umbrella with a wire frame and a wooden handle. The frame is tipped with ivory coloured composite material. The handle has a red tassel. The covering is a multi coloured cloth with a pink edge. The inner section has a cream background with pink and light brown leaves, branches and flowers. The outside is faded. .2 An umbrella with a black wire frame and a wooden handle. There are tips on the end of the frame. The handle is varnished and ornamented red and black. It has a string tassel in red, white and blue and a corded wrist band. There is writing on the frame. The covering is corded rep with a multi-coloured floral pattern and has a faded, wide navy edging..2 BRITISH MADEumbrellas, vintage clothing

Items in the collection re M.J. Craig NX170489, refer Cat No 4316.4 for his service details..1)Meat ration card red colour No A619909 1948, issued by the Commonwealth Govt of Australia, hand writing in blue pen. .2) Meat ration card red colour No A619908 1948, issued by the Commonwealth Govt of Australia, hand written in blue pen..1) “M.J. Craig 148 Banksia St B’town”. .2) “M.C. Craig 148 Banksia St B’town”.accessory, rations, meat

Wes BERTUCH collection, refer cat No 1664.2.1) - .11) Writing paper off white colour rectangular shape, print all in black, top has a coat of arms with “Australian Military Forces “ underneath, space for telephone number, quote in reply space, address space, all pages are blank, rear of all is clear.writing paper, accessory

Wes BERTUCH collection, refer Cat No 1664.2Writing Pad, cardboard backing plain grey colour, ruled lines with blotting paper page, each page has heading in blue.Each page in blue, “Australian Forces - Vietnam”accessory, writing pad, vietnam

H.V.Rooke. Refer Cat No 4906.2 for service details..1) Cloth folding wallet light brown colours, inside has small crucifix, badge and oval created edge piece sewn in, has central flower with black writing, other half has open piece with clear plastic sleeve for ID card. .2)Catholic Identification card black print 4 pages, front has space for owners details, written in blue ink..1) “Thy Kingdom Come”. .2) hand written, “VX47141 Pte H.V. Rooke 2/29th Battalion 31 creek St Bendigo, wife 31 Creek St Bendigo”accessory, id, identification, catholic

This Gear box universal, with its Cone assembly ( inc lens) in conjunction with Magazine 500 exposures unit ( see CAT 5561) is part of the F22 aerial camera assembly. As an assembly, the type F22 aerial camera came into RAF and RAAF service c1942. It was used by the RAF over Europe and by the RAAF extensively through the Sth. West Pacific area of operations, during WW2. This type of camera was used through the Vietnam war up to the early 1980's. The F22 camera assembly when mounted in the reliable Canberra aircraft, did aerial survey work in PNG, Indonesia, Malaysia and Sumatra and the Australian mainland. This type of camera was used in Spitfires, Mosquitos, Avro Lincolns and Canberra aircraft.Heavy, metal construction. The base is a rectangular box shape and mounted to that is a funnel shaped tube. Inside the tube are numerous small baffles around the sides painted matte black. The box has a 7 pin electrical connector. The box section can be opened by releasing catches. It has a timber base. Near the mouth of the tube, outside, is a panel with a slot and indentations F5.6 F8 F11 F16.There is a tape label near mouth if tube with writing embossed "LENS S/NO 2767849" The box has a label "GEARBOX/UNIVERSAL. MODEL 14A/4249 SERIAL No. 1685"aviation, reconnaisance, camera, photography

Issued at Balcombe on 2.8.1941 to L Sgt Bubb for period of leave 3.8.1941 - 11.8.1941 Item relates to Cat No 4743.4Leave pass, “Australian Military Forces” A.A.F.A.96, rectangular shape off white colour, print in black hand writing in black pencil stamped, stamped in purple, rear is blank.In pencil,”64896 L Sgt Bubb B.J 38th Bn” Stamped, “Major Adjutant 38th Battalion (the Bendigo Regiment)”leave pass, balcombe, 38th battalion

Item relates to Cat No 4743.4Clothing Ration card pinkish colour rectangular shape all printing in black, Issue No.V.C 93028 1945 - 46, hand writing in black pencil, rear has directions for use. The actual tear off section of the card is missingIn pencil,” B Bubb Kirby St Golden Square”clothing ration, accessory

All the leave passes were to destination “Greta”. Bruce John Bubb VX108474 enlisted on 28.7.1942 age 22 years in the 38th Bn, discharged on 15.11.1945 with the rank of Lt..1) - .4) Leave passes off white colour rectangular shape, all print in black purple stamp on each one, hand written in black pencil, all stamped on rear in red or blackIn hand writing,” VX1008474 Lt Bubb B.J 16 Aust INF TRG BN”. Stamped in purple on front, “ADJ 16th AUST INF TRG BN”. Stamped on rear, “This pass must be returned to Orderly Room on expiration of leave”leaves passes, 16th aust inf bn,

Badge, round shape, brass with pin on rear, front has white outside band with writing in gold, centre has a red star with gold back ground and gold lettering in the star.On the front, “AUSTRALIAN COMFORTS FUND”, “ACF”badges, comforts fund, acf

.1) Leather Writing Satchel, dark brown with leather thong sewn around edges. On the front is embossed a crown, wings & scroll denoting RAAF. Inside are 5 compartments for writing material made from soft leather. .2) Wallet, black leather, folds in 3 with a metal, silver clip to close the wallet. .3) Set of wings, fabric, blue & white, crown over wings with letters RAAF. Item was inside .2).containers, trades-leatherworking, domestic items-writing equipment, uniforms - badges - air force

Herbert Hopetoun Brownlee No 6312, 4th FAB AIF. Refer 444 for service history also 441.4, 445, 483.2.Photo, Black and white, Sgt in uniform with artilery badge and Sgt stripes. Oval shape set onto darker background. Set inside a cardboard frame, yellow colour, edges are rounded. writing on rear."Sgt Herbert Hopetoun Brownlee 10th Bty, 4th F.A.B, 1st A.I.F"photography - photographs,, frame accessories

Item souvenired by Leslie John Kupke No VX93892 2nd AIF. Refer 2054.2 for his service history. Japanese hand held an (folding type) made from paper and bambooJapanese writing on one side. Rising Sun on the otherpersonal effects - fans, japanese

Rupert Exon No 408, 9th L.H Regiment AIF. Refer 15P, 482.3, 486P..1 Booklet "Active Service Despatches," cover yellowish, crossed flags at top, presented to AIF members by YMCA. .2 Small pocket bible, black fabric covers, presented by the British Foreign Bible Society to Victorian members of the AIF. .3 Leave pass, paper, yellowed, black and red writing re. No. 408, R. Exon 9th L.H Regt in the "Suez Canal Zone.".2) "Private R. Exon, B troop, C Squadron, 9th L.Horse, 3rd Brigade, Feb 10.2.15"documents-pamphlets/permits, books-religion

Certificate in black frame with glass, white paper with black print, black ink writing.“Australian Military Forces 4th Division. Cpl D F V Hufer 38th/7th Batt. Infantry Course”documents-certificates, frame accessories, military history-army, instruction, hufer

Robert Allen No 7925 enlisted in the AIF on 30.7.15 with 6 Field Artillery Brigade age 30 years 6 months. Embarked for Egypt 22.11.15, hospital 26.1.16 with Pyrexia, embark for France 17.3.16, hospital 26.1.17 with Diarrhoea, WIA 24.4.18 Gassed, transfer to A.A.M.C 30.11.18, discharged from the AIF 24.9.19 medically unfit. Refer 1777, 1778, 1787.4.B & W scan, photo of soldier WWI re R.H.Allen with writing in lower left hand corner. Gold coloured patterned metal frame wooden back section. Written on front "Yours with love/ Bob 8-7-17"photography - photgraphs, frame accessories, military history

Brought home from Vietnam by George Cameron Wood No 3798253. Refer Cat No 1872 for his service history..1) - 20) Unused envelopes. White paper with map of Vietnam and neighbouring countries, blue and red stripes with blue text "United States Armed Forces Vietnam". .23) Writing pad. Cover has same map as envelopes and text "Air Mail / Fine Lined Tablet"domestic items-writing equipment, documents-envelopes, vietnam

Item relates to Gilbert Turner MM, No 1410 45th Batt AIF. This pencil was possibly part of the gifts that were in the Xmas tin 1914, item No 1175. Also refer Cat No 1038 for his service detailsSmall pencil with metal cover/cap.domestic items-writing equipment, pencil, turner

Item in the collection re Edwin James Jones No 3511 AIF. Refer 1367.5 for his service history..1) Match box holder, metal with paper covering. Covering has a depiction of a flag and Rising Sun with banner and text "Copyright. British Made." Writing has been scratched into the flag side. .2) Matchbox, complete made of cardboard. Red, black and yellowish face with text "Impregnated Safety Matches." Contains 2 matches..1) “Pte E Jones, 46 BAT-Good Luck"personal effects-smoking accessories, containers-commercial, metalcraft, domestic items-matches, jones

Item souvenired by Peter Dodd. Refer Cat No 2436.2P for his service details.Replica bayonet letter opener. Chrome with wooden handle. On blade under crossguard is plaque with large red number "1".Engraved on blade "1st Infantry Division in Vietnam".domestic items-writing equipment, military history-army, red

B&W photo of SS Runic, which took the 38th Btn AIF to England in 1916 with writing in two places. Photo is set on cream and dark blue cardboard backing, with signed names on the cream section. Names are also signed on the rear. The frame is stained wood."At Sea 11/7/16 Transport A54 SS Runic"photography-photographs, frame accessories, military history, runic, 38th bn

This sewing machine would have been used by some ladies to mend and make clothes for the family as shops were some distance away and to sew items for Church and School fetes.Used in the Kiewa Valley.Black metal Singer sewing machine with gold decoration and writing on its body and platform. It sits on a wooden tray which is hollow under the body with a separate space on the right hand side. The body of the machine can be lifted by hinges attached at the back. This would enable items to be stored in the hollow part of the box. Similarly the hollow section on the right hand side, which hasn't got a lid. The body has the needle and cotton attachments on the left and a handle for working the machine on the right. There is a metal rod at the top for the cotton reel. The body is attached to the platform at each side forming an arch. The top of the box has metal along its perimeter. At each end of the top of the box there is a plate with a small hollow rectangle in the middle enabling an attachment such as a board to be inserted for an extended bench.Front & back of body: "Singer". and at front on an oval brass plate: "The Singer Manfc. Co." Inside of body on left: "This machine contains / some substitute / parts and accessories" On metal platform on right: "Y3071189" Along top of body: "The Singer Manufacturing Co." On Wood right hand side: "Godfreys Ltd / 57 Gawler Place / Phone 460261 / No. 7063 singer manufacturing co.. sewing. fetes. home duties.

This particular brand of tobacco (State Express 555) was first made in 1915, and was most popular in Asia and China. The number triple 5 was mooted as a sacred number, and may have contributed to its high level of demand by Asian smokers. This would have been a favourite "smoke" for the Chinese emigrants, and especially those who settled in rural areas of Australia. In the era where 'male' type of activities such as motor racing, were sponsored by tobacco companies, roll your own cigarettes was ingrained as a macho male requirement. It was only in the early 2000s, when cigarette advertising had greater restrictions attached to the product, that the roll your own, and cigarettes in general, became less "cool". This particular cigarette tin would have also been useful for roll your own (ready rub tobacco)The significance of this particular Qantas cigarette tin to this rural region is that it demonstrates that overseas travel by plane was not only for the affluent city dweller but also available, and not impossible to the inhabitants of the Kiewa Valley. This cigarette tin also may hint that the influx of Asian immigrants into this region where able to visit relatives back in Asia without too much effort. The use of a Qantas cigarette tin in the Kiewa Valley also suggests a degree of affluent there or tourists from elsewhere. This tobacco tin relays a long ago era, when personal contact, and not something that has been written down by some "unknown", was valued as the true appraisal of a member of the community. This was especially relevant in a small regional area such as the Kiewa Valley. Although social networking was not as fast then as the internet provides now, appearances, manners, fashion and etiquette with first impressions high on the order of evaluating someone in the community. Pointer such as the brand of tobacco smoked was part of the rural assessment method. Up until the demise of the Australian Tobacco Industry, circa 2004, the Kiewa Valley and surrounding district was part of a vibrant producer of tobacco leaves. The remnants of this industry still remain today but the drying sheds (for tobacco leaves) are now used to store hay for the valley's dairy and beef cattle industries.This tobacco/cigarette tin is constructed from tin plated thin rolled steel. The lid is attached by two pressed and formed (from the main frame) hinges using the nip and tuck construction method.The outside lid and frame has a yellow colour anodised to the metal.On the front of the lid are the following printed: "STATE EXPRESS" ,in yellow print, and below this are two horizontal lines in brown and central to these are the numbers "555" . Below this appears and within a 'royal' crest, in yellow writing on a brown circular background "STATE EXPRESS". Below this, in brown print, "PICCADILLY, LONDON". On each side of the tin are printed in brown colour: front side" ARDATH TOBACCO CO. LTD. PICCADILLY, LONDON" . On the left and right sides are printed in brown colour "20 STATE EXPRESS 555". On the rear side is with smaller print "MANUFACTURED UNDER ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE POPRIETORS". On the inside of the lid printed in red colour, are the following words, the royal crest and sketch of the winged kangaroo(symbol of the QANTAS logo). Within a red elongated square border, are the Royal Crest and in very small red print "BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN" underneath in slightly larger print "STATE EXPRESS" The print underneath this and in smaller print is "CIGARETTE MANUFACTURERS ARDARTH TOBACCO CO. LTD." Next to the royal crest and in much larger print is "STATE EXPRESS" and underneath this ,the numerals 555 with the words "CIGARETTES" below. The lower half of the inside lid has the following words and the "flying" kangaroo(winged). These words in written (running free hand) style "Specially packed for QANTAS(in red print). Underneath and in smaller print is "AUSTRALIA'S OVERSEAS AIRLINE". On the bottom of this tobacco tin is stamped into the metal surface, the number"704"qantas supplied cigarettes, roll your own, cigarette tins, smoking accessories, personal effects, tobacco containers, tobacco

Traveler's Ink pot, glass cylindrical, small, inside metal container with spring in lid to stop movement when travelling.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, traveler's ink pot, ink, nib pen, writing, ink well, writing accessory

The Royal Doulton company began as a partnership between John Doulton, Martha Jones, and John Watt was an English ceramic and home accessories manufacturer founded in 1815. Operating originally in Vauxhall, London, later moving to Lambeth, in 1882 it opened a factory in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, in the centre of English pottery. The business was specialised in making salt-glazed stoneware articles, including utilitarian or decorative bottles, jugs and jars, much of it intended for inns and pubs. The backbone of the business was a wide range of utilitarian wares, mostly stonewares, including storage jars, tankards and the like, and later extending to pipes for drains, lavatories and other bathroom ceramics. From 1853 to 1902 its wares were marked Doulton & Co., then from 1902, when a royal warrant was given, Royal Doulton. The company always made some more decorative items, initially still mostly stoneware, and from the 1860s the firm made considerable efforts to get a reputation for design, in which it was largely successful, as one of the first British makers of art pottery. Initially, this was done through artistic stoneware's made in Lambeth, but in 1882 the firm bought a Burslem factory, which was mainly intended for making bone China table wares and decorative items. An early utilitarian stoneware item made by a well-known company that specialised in making salt-glazed items that later earned a reputation for making stoneware art objects. This ink well is historically significant as it represents the method of hand written communication that was still common up until the mid-20th century, before fountain pens and ballpoint pens took over in popularity and convenience.Ceramic, salt-glazed, mid-brown ink bottle. It has a small round mouth, rounded lip that extends past neck, wide shoulders, straight sides, flat base. Handmade. The surface is matt. there are flecks of dark brown in the clay. The bottle has marks on the side.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck artefact, writing equipment, writing accessory, office equipment, stationery, domestic, stoneware, clay, ceramic, pottery, inkwell, penny ink well, nib pen, dip pen, ink, hand writing, record keeping, household, business, vintage, blotting paper, ink bottle, dwarf ink, salt glazed

The ink bottle was made by the Royal Doulton company which began as a partnership between John Doulton, Martha Jones, and John Wattis an English ceramic and home accessories manufacturer founded in 1815. Operating initially in Vauxhall, London, it later moved to Lambeth, In1882 it opened a factory in Burslem, Stoke on Trent, in the centre of English pottery. The business specialised in making salt-glazed stoneware articles, including utilitarian or decorative bottles, jugs and jars, much of it intended for inns and pubs. The backbone of the business was a wide range of utilitarian wares, mostly stoneware's, including storage jars, tankards and the like, and later extending to pipes for drains, lavatories and other bathroom ceramics. From 1853 to 1902 its wares were marked Doulton & Co., then from 1902, when a royal warrant was given, wares were marked Royal Doulton. The company always made some more decorative items, initially still mostly stoneware, and from the 1860s the firm made considerable efforts to get a reputation for design, in which it was largely successful, as one of the first British makers of art pottery. Initially, this was done through artistic stoneware made in Lambeth, but in 1882 the firm bought a Burslem factory, which was mainly intended for making bone china table wares and decorative items. History of the Loch Ard: The Loch Ard got its name from ”Loch Ard” a loch that lies to the west of Aberfoyle, and the east of Loch Lomond. It means "high lake" in Scottish Gaelic. The vessel belonged to the famous Loch Line which sailed many vessels from England to Australia. The Loch Ard was built in Glasgow by Barclay, Curdle and Co. in 1873, the vessel was a three-masted square-rigged iron sailing ship that measured 79.87 meters in length, 11.58 m in width, and 7 m in depth with a gross tonnage of 1693 tons with a mainmast that measured a massive 45.7 m in height. Loch Ard made three trips to Australia and one trip to Calcutta before its fateful voyage. Loch Ard left England on March 2, 1878, under the command of 29-year-old Captain Gibbs, who was newly married. The ship was bound for Melbourne with a crew of 37, plus 17 passengers. The general cargo reflected the affluence of Melbourne at the time. Onboard were straw hats, umbrellas, perfumes, clay pipes, pianos, clocks, confectionery, linen and candles, as well as a heavier load of railway irons, cement, lead and copper. There were other items included that were intended for display in the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880. The voyage to Port Phillip was long but uneventful. Then at 3 am on June 1, 1878, Captain Gibbs was expecting to see land. But the Loch Ard was running into a fog which greatly reduced visibility. Captain Gibbs was becoming anxious as there was no sign of land or the Cape Otway lighthouse. At 4 am the fog lifted and a lookout aloft announced that he could see breakers. The sheer cliffs of Victoria's west coast came into view, and Captain Gibbs realised that the ship was much closer to them than expected. He ordered as much sail to be set as time would permit and then attempted to steer the vessel out to sea. On coming head-on into the wind, the ship lost momentum, the sails fell limp and Loch Ard's bow swung back towards land. Gibbs then ordered the anchors to be released in an attempt to hold their position. The anchors sank some 50 fathoms - but did not hold. By this time the ship was among the breakers and the tall cliffs of Mutton Bird Island rose behind. Just half a mile from the coast, the ship's bow was suddenly pulled around by the anchor. The captain tried to tack out to sea, but the ship struck a reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Waves subsequently broke over the ship and the top deck became loosened from the hull. The masts and rigging came crashing down knocking passengers and crew overboard. When a lifeboat was finally launched, it crashed into the side of Loch Ard and capsized. Tom Pearce, who had launched the boat, managed to cling to its overturned hull and shelter beneath it. He drifted out to sea and then on the flood tide came into what is now known as Lochard Gorge. He swam to shore, bruised and dazed, and found a cave in which to shelter. Some of the crew stayed below deck to shelter from the falling rigging but drowned when the ship slipped off the reef into deeper water. Eva Carmichael a passenger had raced onto the deck to find out what was happening only to be confronted by towering cliffs looming above the stricken ship. In all the chaos, Captain Gibbs grabbed Eva and said, "If you are saved Eva, let my dear wife know that I died like a sailor". That was the last Eva Carmichael saw of the captain. She was swept off the ship by a huge wave. Eva saw Tom Pearce on a small rocky beach and yelled to attract his attention. He dived in and swam to the exhausted woman and dragged her to shore. He took her to the cave and broke the open case of brandy which had washed up on the beach. He opened a bottle to revive the unconscious woman. A few hours later Tom scaled a cliff in search of help. He followed hoof prints and came by chance upon two men from nearby Glenample Station three and a half miles away. In a complete state of exhaustion, he told the men of the tragedy. Tom then returned to the gorge while the two men rode back to the station to get help. By the time they reached Loch Ard Gorge, it was cold and dark. The two shipwreck survivors were taken to Glenample Station to recover. Eva stayed at the station for six weeks before returning to Ireland by steamship. In Melbourne, Tom Pearce received a hero's welcome. He was presented with the first gold medal of the Royal Humane Society of Victoria and a £1000 cheque from the Victorian Government. Concerts were performed to honour the young man's bravery and to raise money for those who lost family in the disaster. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: the apprentice, Tom Pearce and the young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost her family in the tragedy. Ten days after the Lochard tragedy, salvage rights to the wreck were sold at auction for £2,120. Cargo valued at £3,000 was salvaged and placed on the beach, but most washed back into the sea when another storm developed. The wreck of Lochard still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island. Much of the cargo has now been salvaged and some items were washed up into Lochard Gorge. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced in March 1982. One of the most unlikely pieces of cargo to have survived the shipwreck was a Minton majolica peacock- one of only nine in the world. The peacock was destined for the Melbourne 1880 International Exhibition. It had been well packed, which gave it adequate protection during the violent storm. Today the Minton peacock can be seen at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. From Australia's most dramatic shipwreck, it has now become Australia's most valuable shipwreck artifact and is one of very few 'objects' on the Victorian State Heritage Register.An early utilitarian stoneware item made by a well-known company that specialised in making salt-glazed items that later earned a reputation for making stoneware art objects. Of additional significance is that it was recovered from the wreck of the Loch Ard. A shipwreck that is of additional significance as it is registered on the Victorian Heritage Register ( S 417). Flagstaff Hill has a varied collection of artefacts from Loch Ard and its collection is significant for being one of the largest accumulations of artefacts from this notable Victorian shipwreck of which the subject items are a small part. The collections objects give us a snapshot of how we can interpret the story of this tragic event. The collection is also archaeologically significant as it represents aspects of Victoria's shipping history that allows us to interpret Victoria's social and historical themes of the time. Through is associated with the worst and best-known shipwreck in Victoria's history. Salt glazed stoneware ink bottle, large capacity, tapered lip and body, two-tone brown with some encrustation on surface, still sealed with cork. Inscription in clay. Recovered from the wreck of the LOCH ARD.Stamped into clay "DOULTON LAMBETH"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, ink bottle, bulk ink bottle, writing accessory, stationery, stoneware, doulton lambeth, royal doulton, writing equipment