Historical information

This item was used in Dicken's Store. Originally the Pardew Brothers store in Nicholson Street, Orbost, Frank Dicken purchased the shop business. It was a bakery and general store and was known as F.B. Dicken and Son. In 1948 they bought the shop freehold . The store remains today converted into two separate shops.
The meat slicer was purchased from Henry Berry and Company a large wholesale grocers and general merchant company, first established in Melbourne in 1859.

Significance

The Dicken store is a prominent Orbost building. Frank and May Dicken moved to Orbost in 1936 where Frank became manager of Pardew Brothers store in Nicholson Street. In 1945, Frank purchased the business and in 1947, formed a partnership with his son, Selwyn. The store was then called F.B. Dicken and Son. The premises are still retained by the Dicken family although the shop business was sold in 1981. (ref. In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall)

Physical description

A heavy commercial meat slicer which sits on bench. Frame is painted red. The tray moves as the handle turns. The main structure is cast iron. It has a circular steel blade. The chrome output tray is detachable. The movable carriage has a cast aluminium tray with spikes to hold the meat and there is an adjustable clamp to secure the meat.

Inscriptions & markings

INVICTA
Model No 302 21
HENRY BERRY PTY LTD MELB