Historical information
Bags such as this one were used by bookmakers to collect and securely hold punters' bets at racing events. This bag belonged to Charlie Cox, a second-generation Australian bookmaker. His father, George Gordon Cox, ran bookmaking operations primarily during the 1920s and 1930s. After serving in the Air Force during the Second World War, Charlie entered the business during the 1940s, initially fielding at greyhound, trots and gallop meetings. In the early 1960s he moved to Melbourne, where he got his first big financial break when he was offered an interstate license to operate on the rails at all city tracks. He was a leading Melbourne bookmaker on the interstate rails racing circuit from the 1960s to the 1990s, from which period this bag originated.
Physical description
White painted leather bag with metal fastening mechanism. A short painted leather handle is joined to the bag by metal fastening clips. A long painted leather strap is joined to the bag by metal fastening clips.
Inscriptions & markings
Painted on one side of the bag in black letters: "C.C. COX / INTERSTATE RAILS".
"C.C. COX" is also painted in black at either end of the shoulder strap.
Subjects
References
- Photo: Betting at Moonee Valley, Cox Plate Day, circa 1993, Rennie Ellis A photo featuring two similar C. C. Cox bags being used by bookmakers. (Image H2010.104/5032 at link.)
- Bookmakers passing on the knowledge, The Age, 2003 Article about multi-generational bookmakers, including the Cox family
