Historical information

This is a field wallet that belonged to Rolf Crawley. He was an engineer, surveyor and architect in private practice in Warrnambool and also the engineer for the Shire of Warrnambool from 1935 to 1968. His grandfather, father and uncle were also engineers, working in that capacity or as the Shire Secretary for the Shire of Warrnambool, with the Crawley family recording a total of 132 years service to the Shire. The Shire of Warrnambool existed from 1863 to 1994. The wallet came into the possession of Michael Hand who took over the private surveying business of Rolf Crawley in Warrnambool. The Warrnambool and District Historical Society acquired the wallet, along with several ledgers and other Crawley memorabilia from the estate of Michael Hand.

Significance

This wallet is of interest as it was owned and used by Rolf Crawley when he was doing field work in connection with his surveying and engineering jobs either in private practice or as the Shire of Warrnambool engineer in the 20th century.

Physical description

This is a brown leather wallet in two sections that fold over and close with a flap or tongue that inserts into a strip of leather stitched into the cover. The two sections have extra pieces of leather that are stitched on to make compartments. These contain three pieces of thick card folded over. These cards have rough notes and figures handwritten on them. Inside the wallet is a hand-printed name. The wallet is much scuffed and stained.

Inscriptions & markings

‘Rolf L. Crawley L. S. Shire Hall Warrnambool’