These scales were used in either the Beechworth Police Station or the Beechworth Courthouse. They were collected after the closure of the building. A letter scale has one flat plate to place the letter on, a pivot point with a moulded dish on the other side to place the weights on until the scales balance. Mechanical scales were used to determine the correct amount of postage. Until the 1990s the most common letter scales were mechanical like this example. This object is on long term loan from Robert Simpson and is used in the Beechworth Courthouse to interpret the history of the building.

This object is significant because it was used by public officials in Beechworth as part of their clerical duties. It is an example of an everyday tool of trade.

Small Brass scales riveted onto a wooden base with 4 brass weights set in an indented form in the wood. Four Weights comprising of 2 oz, 1 oz, 1/2 oz and 1/4 oz weight pieces.

Each weight is engraved with the number of ounces

letter scales, brass, mechanical, wood, post, tool, clerk, mail, beechworth, courthouse, police station

A ball and chain was a physical restraint device historically applied to prisoners, primarily in the British Empire and its former colonies, from the 17th century until as late as the mid-20th century. A type of shackle, the ball and chain is designed so that the weight of the iron ball at the end of the short chain restricts and limits the pace at which its wearer is able to move, making any attempt at escape much more difficult. The ball and chain is on loan from Robert Simpson and is used in displays at the Beechworth court House to interpret law enforcement.

One large leg iron with heavy chain and heavy ball.

ball and chain, leg irons, beechworth historic court house, beechworth, physical restraint, punishment, gaol

Leg irons are used as a means of restraint for prisoners in custody. This type of leg iron likely dates to the 19th Century. This is on loan to the Beechworth Historic Court House as part of the Robert Simpson policing and legal history collection.

This type of leg iron was used to restrain prisoners during the 19th century.

Two rings attached by a 24 linked chain. Each rings are hinged to open out. At the end of each ring is a circular hole.

leg irons, metal, prisoner, beechworth historical court house, jail, goal, convicts, restraints, punishment

Law enforcement officers often carry truncheons as a tool for crowd control or self defence. This truncheon is on loan from Robert Simpson and is used in displays at the Beechworth Court House to interpret law enforcement.

Truncheon made of wood. It has a turned handle. It has a leather strap for attaching to the belt of a police officer. The leather strap is attached to the handle of the truncheon by a part of the leather strap looped around the handle.The leather strap has 2 metal screws joining together the part of the strap which forms the loop.

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truncheon, baton, beechworth, beechworth historical court house, robert simpson, law enforcement, police

These handcuffs are 19th English Handcuffs.These handcuffs used a key screwing lock and were hinged.

Handcuffs are used as a means of restraint for prisoners in custody. This is on loan to the Beechworth Historic Court House as part of the Robert Simpson policing and legal history collection.

Two metal cuffs attached together by a metal ring on each cuff, linked with a swivel in the center to join both ends together. One cuff has a metal key inserted in lock. Key unscrews.

Key Number M 5 on opposite side number XX stamped over 32 Dot engraving around the outside of the rounded top of locking barrels.

handcuffs, jail, goal, darby, convicts, beechworth historical court house, prisoners, restraints

These handcuffs are 19th English Handcuffs.These handcuffs used a key screwing lock and were hinged.

Handcuffs are used as a means of restraint for prisoners in custody. This is on loan to the Beechworth Historic Court House as part of the Robert Simpson policing and legal history collection.

Two metal cuffs attached together by a metal ring on each cuff, linked with a swivel in the center to join both ends together. One cuff has a metal key inserted in lock. Key unscrews.

66 engraved on side of key top and on outside of non keyed cuff Dot engraving around the outside of the rounded tops of locking barrels.

handcuffs, jail, goal, darby, convicts, beechworth historical court house, prisoners, restraints, punishment

Law enforcement officers often carry truncheons as a tool for crowd control or self defence. This truncheon is on loan from Robert Simpson and is used in displays at the Beechworth Court House to interpret law enforcement.

Small truncheon made of wood. It has a turned handle. It has a leather strap for attaching to the belt of a police officer. The leather strap is attached to the handle of the truncheon by a brass eyelet.

truncheon, baton, law enforcement, beechworth historical court house, beechworth, police, robert simpson

This padlock is part of the Robert Simpson collection, on loan to the Beechworth Historic Courthouse. It is on display to show the style of padlock that would have been used at the Beechworth gaol and lock-up.

Solid Brass Padlock. Rounded base with solid brass shackle on top. Golden brass colour. With 5 rivets on back. Inscription on top front. Keyhole bottom front.

Jacksons N S W G

padlock., jacksons, nswg, new south wales, gaol, punishment

These handcuffs are Darby style handcuffs used in the 19th and 20th century. They are non adjustable, one size fits all.

Handcuffs are used as a means of restraint for prisoners in custody. This is on loan to the Beechworth Historic Court House as part of the Robert Simpson policing and legal history collection.

Two metal cuffs attached together by a metal ring on each cuff, linked with a swivel in the center to join both ends together. One cuff has a metal key inserted in lock. Key unscrews.

Serial number on the end of of the cuff locking cylinder is 21C 243. Serial number RCS 1951 on the second cuff end locking cylinder. One government arrow shaped marking above the numbers. Around the edge of the cylinder end Y shape markings.

handcuffs, jail, goal, darby, convicts, beechworth historical court house, prisoners, restraints

Plumbers' hammers were used to shape bends in metal tubes, Eg. down pipes. This hammer was used to shape the Tobin Tubes in the Beechworth Court House. Tobin Tubes are a type of ventilation shaft used in the 19th century. This plumber's hammer was found under floorboards of Beechworth Court House during renovations.

This plumber's hammer was used in the installation of Tobin Tubes in the Beechworth Court House. This object is part of the archival collection from the Beechworth Historic Court House, which is the only court house that has remained intact with original furnishings,fittings and documents following its closure in 1989.

Wooden hammer with tear-dropped shaped head. Three indented lines at end of handle. Small lathe mark at base of handle. Various indentations on head from usage.

hammer, plumber, tool, beechworth, wood