Historical information

Bugles have been used for hundreds of years to communicate instructions, particularly in battles and for announcements such as calls to assemble and various other daily routines, especially for infantry and military units.

This pure silver bugle was presented to the Warrnambool Rifle Volunteers by Lady Helpman, on behalf of the Ladies of the District of Warrnambool, on June 18th, 1861. Lady Helpman's husband, Captain Benjamin Franklin Helpman, was the Warrnambool Harbour master.

The gift of this silver bugle was presented to the commanding officer of the Warrnambool Volunteer Rifle Corps, Captain Bushe, who then passed it on to the Warrnambool Volunteer Band.

On 11th August 2016, during a ceremony at Flagstaff Hill, the Australian Army handed over guardianship of two very significant historical items, the 1885 W. Clarke Trophy and the 1861 Warrnambool Ladies Silver Bugle, to Warrnambool City Council for display at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum. Both heritage-listed items are strongly connected to the city of Warrnambool and form an integral part of the history of the Warrnambool Garrison.

Significance

The Silver Bugle is locally significant to the community of Warrnambool for its connection to the Warrnambool Volunteer Rifle Corps - part of the original Warrnambool Garrison – which was formed to protect the Warrnambool Harbour. The site of the 1888 Warrnambool Garrison and Fortifications is Victorian State Heritage-listed. It is significant for its intact and operational nature, and is one of the best-preserved pieces of Victoria's early colonial heritage.

Physical description

Silver alloy Bugle, with a brass mouthpiece, a long tube of metal, narrow at the mouth end and gradually flaring to a wider shape at the bell at the other end. The tube is shaped into three bends. The front of the bell features an elaborate design, including a ribbon banner attached above an oval floral wreath that encloses an inscription. The outer rim of the bell has an impressed ancient Greek geometric border.

Inscriptions & markings

On ribbon banner “Armed for the Right”.
Within the wreath “TO THE / WARRNAMBOOL / VOLUNTEER RIFLE COMPANY / this tribute of due appreciation / is presented by / THE LADIES / of the District / Warrnambool 18th June / 1861”