Historical information
This was probably for a light buggy. Heavy farm, and lumber wagons had wider tires. It would have been made by a blacksmith. The blacksmith fitted steel rims onto wooden wagon wheels. The red hot metal rim expands when hot, so it can be fitted to the wagon wheel. Then it contracts to create a tight fit as it cools after being dropped into a tank of water.
Significance
Horse-drawn wagons are an important part of Orbost’s agricultural history. Light buggies were popular with farmers for trips into town before the common use of motorised vehicles.
Physical description
A large iron rim for a wagon wheel.
