Historical information

This cash ball was used by Cramond and Dickson, a large clothing store on the corner of Liebig and Timor Streets, Warrnambool. The Cash Ball system serviced the ground floor, which measured about 30 metres by 25 metres. An overhead pipe connected each service point in the store, with the pipes connected to the upstairs office. The ball would be filled with a note of details of the sale, and the cash payment; a vacuum system would be activated that would transport the ball upstairs to the office, where details were recorded and the change assembled. Change was placed in the ball, and the vacuum system was activated to return the ball to the correct sales point.

A frequent customer has reported that she never remembered the system not working efficiently, and the service was probably quicker than having a cash register at each sales location.

John Glass Cramond and James Dickson migrated from Scotland to Melbourne, where they opened a Cramond and Dickson store in St Kilda. They were inspired by the growth in Warrnambool after a visit and opened a second store there in 1855. The Cramond and Dickson store, grocers – drapery – ironmongery - chemist, was located on the corner of Liebig and Timor Streets, Warrnambool (now the site of a Mexican restaurant). Both Cramond and Dickson were involved in the business and social aspects of Warrnambool’s community. Cramond and Dickson closed in 1974.

An advertisement placed by Cramond and Dickson in The Camperdown Chronicle, Saturday 6th April 1895, states them “showing the latest novelties for the coming winter season” … “import directly from English and Continental manufacturers” … “representatives in London … always in touch with the Newest Continental Fashions” ... “having been established for so many years we know the requirements of the Western District”… “allow 5 percent discount on goods paid for at the time of purchase”.

Significance

The cash ball represents an efficient retail system used in the late 19th to mid 20th century to securely transfer cash from one part of the store to another. It is significant for its association with Cramond and Dickson, a large retail store established in Warrnambool and operating from 1855 to 1974. Both partners were prominent figures in the community.

Physical description

Cash ball: a wooden, round, hollow ball in two pieces. Two half spheres that fit into each other securely. Both are marked with carved characters. "B4" and one has "Fancy" marked on it. It was used by Warrnambool's Cramond and Dickson clothing store.

Inscriptions & markings

"B4" "Fancy"