Historical information

This woodworking lathe, connected to both a pulley and a flywheel, demonstrates its historical operation with a steam engine. Such a configuration reflects manufacturing practices from the late 1800s and early 1900s, when steam power was the predominant source for driving workshop and factory machinery. Large machine shops often utilised a single power source, distributing power via roof-mounted belts and pulleys to operate several machines simultaneously. Over time, petrol-driven motors were introduced, and eventually, electricity became the standard power source. Conversion kits were made available in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to adapt older lathes to these newer, cleaner fuels.

Manufacturer's History:
W.F. & J. Barnes was a renowned maker of hand- and foot-powered treadle woodworking and metalworking machinery, established in 1869. The partnership between William F. Barnes and John Barnes was formalised in 1872, and the firm was incorporated in 1884. Their machines were used for both ‘farm’ applications and professional engineering. By 1881, the company began producing electrically powered machinery. By 1937, W.F. & J. Barnes expanded into manufacturing machinery for automotive assembly. The business closed in 1983, and in 1998, LeBlond Ltd. of Ohio acquired the firm.

The lathe was donated by Briggs Marine, Melbourne:
In Flagstaff Hill’s formative years, 1972-1975, Briggs Marine, Melbourne (Briggs Brass Foundry), donated equipment and objects used or made at their premises. The foundry was established in 1912 by Herbert Harrison Briggs. In 1965, the firm was owned by partners Cyril Briggs and Frank Lee: Cyril died in 1967, and Frank died in 1971, so the foundry was then run by his son and daughter-in-law, Les and Eva Lee.

Briggs Marine’s Warrnambool Branch closed in 1972 after the death of Frank Lee in 1971. Flagstaff Hill’s founding director, John Lindsay, recalled that Briggs Marine’s family members gave personal assistance in setting up the displays in the original village shops, particularly the ‘Brass Foundry’ building, around the time the Maritime Museum opened in 1975. Briggs Marine still exists today, but the Briggs family is no longer involved.

Significance

This early 1900s lathe marks a significant stage in the evolution of machinery, positioned between the era of hand-operated machines and the advent of electrically powered equipment. Its presence exemplifies the progression of industrial technology and craftsmanship during this period.
The lathe is particularly notable for its association with the Briggs Brass Foundry. The foundry was known for developing a specialised brass alloy composed of non-ferrous metals, a formulation that resulted in durable products built to withstand the demanding conditions of marine environments. This focus on resilience and longevity made Briggs Brass Foundry’s goods highly sought after within the maritime sector.
Briggs Maine, a long-established business, utilised the foundry’s capabilities to create cast goods tailored to the needs of the marine industry. The facility was equipped to deliver both custom-designed and mass-produced items, ensuring versatility in meeting various requirements. Many of Briggs Foundry’s products found their place on sailing and steam vessels throughout Victoria’s coastline, including in the port town of Warrnambool, where there was once a brancy of Briggs Marine.
In addition to general marine fittings, Briggs Marine earned recognition for its expertise in bell-founding. The foundry’s reputation is closely linked to the restoration of the Schomberg Bell at Flagstaff Hill, a small but historically significant bell from a luxury migrant vessel dating back to the mid-19th century. The successful restoration of the Schomberg Bell demonstrates Briggs Brass Foundry’s commitment to preserving craftsmanship and maritime heritage.

Physical description

The lathe is a green, bench-type, steam-powered woodworking machine. Its bench is supported by decorative posts at each end, with each post dividing into arched legs. The lathe is mechanically connected to both a pulley and a flywheel, designed to be operated in conjunction with a steam engine. Included with the lathe is a range of accessories. Across the front of the machine, an inscription is cast, and a stamped, metal lathe pulley guide is attached to the drive mechanism. The lathe was manufactured by W. F. and J. Barnes, Rockford, Illinois, USA, during the 1900s.

Inscriptions & markings

“W F and J Barnes, Rockford, USA” "1820" "1887"