Tool - Tools, blacksmith's tongs, c1900

Historical information

Whilst each town's blacksmiths played an essential part in the colony of Victoria, the early settlers frequently had their own small forge and a few blacksmith's tools to attend to smaller day to day repairs. A long-handled pair of blacksmith tongs were essential for handling red-hot metal that was being repaired.

Significance

As only a handful of settlers were present in the Moorabbin district from the 1840s. These early colonists were required to use their ingenuity and skill to undertake the "running repairs", including some basic blacksmithing, required around their property or leasehold.

Physical description

Circa 19th century. Large pair of forge-made blacksmith's tongs.

Inscriptions & markings

Nil

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