Historical information

The table was used to separate gold from crushed quartz through vibration movement
The Phoenix Foundry, part of James Martin and Company, was established by James Martin, MLC, often referred to as the “Father of Gawler”. The Phoenix Foundry was significant, historically, because it formed part of the leading engineering works in the state in the late nineteenth century when Gawler was one of Australia's most important industrial centres. The company was established in 1848 and ceased operation: in1907

Physical description

Large Phoenix-Weir concentrating table. Rectangular green and pink painted table, inscription on one side with decorative motives, comprises of slatted table top which creates ridges, wooden channel which is bolted on table top, box with holes in base sitting loosely next to channel, table is joined to gear/s which in turn runs belt wheel, gear/s sits on unpainted concrete block, whole table sits on 2 concrete pillars which are raised, table top is tilted on an angle, wooden trough is on lower side of table and sits underneath which is sitting on rusty tins.

Inscriptions & markings

"the phoenix-weir jas martin & co/concentrating table sole makers/gawler. S.A"