Historical information

Part of a large donation of items once owned by members of the Christian-Washfold families of Kew. Henry Christian (c.1809-91) was one of the first settlers in Kew. He arrived in Victoria with his wife Agnes and son Orlando in 1855 on the Gypsy Queen. He established a rope-making business in Bulleen Road by 1858 but was declared insolvent two years later. In his final years, he was celebrated as one of the oldest living settlers of the district. His son, Orlando Henry Beater Christian (c.1853-1930) became a member of the Hawthorn Band and a foundation member of the Willsmere Swimming Club. Orlando and his wife Elizabeth had four children of which Henry Beater (1886-1962) was the oldest.

Physical description

Gold scales encased in a rectangular hinged Japanned tin case. Old label on inside of case unreadable. String requires repair and audit of components.