Historical information

This item was made by John Russell Senior, a blacksmith, wheelwright, farmer and later chairman of the Orbost Butter Factory, makers of Sunny South Butter (today part of Murray Goulburn Co Ltd). The buggy lifter was handed down to George Henry Russell (Doug), the second son between 1970 and 1973.

Significance

Blacksmiths played an essential part in the regional parts of Victoria and were required to use their ingenuity and skills to design and make tools needed on local farms. This item is an example of a tool specifically designed for a horse-drawn wagon. Horse-drawn wagons are an important part of Australia’s agricultural history. Light buggies were popular with farmers for trips into town before the common use of motorised vehicles.

Physical description

A metal buggy wheel lifter. It has two hooks connected at the top by a bolt and a shackle. The hooks fit under the rim to enable the wheel to be lifted with a pulley / crane system operated by a man or a horse.