Historical information

To commemorate the 125th anniversary of Edward “Ned” Kelly’s committal trial in the Beechworth Historic Courthouse, the Robert O’Hara Burke Memorial Museum (henceforth Burke Museum) commissioned this postcard to coincide with their exhibition dating September 2005 to March 2006 and titled the Ned Kelly 125th Anniversary Exhibition.

The postcard depicts a Snider-Enfield of .577 calibre which was reputedly favoured by the Bushranger. The firearm is of typical 1870s hunting design and was displayed as a focal point within this exhibition. The firearm, which was named “Betty” was reportedly taken by Kelly from Henry Dudley. The weapon has the letter ‘K’ engraved into the wood of the fore end. Other items also displayed in this exhibition include the Burke’s Kelly death mask, a replica of the Kelly Gang armour and photographs from the Burke Museum’s Kelly album.

Significance

This postcard advertises an exhibition held at the Beechworth Burke Museum to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Kelly’s committal trial, which took place in Beechworth's historic courthouse. The selection and interpretation of items like the gun called 'Betty' are significant for understanding the changing nature of Kelly scholarship, treatment and curation, in particular, the popular and iconic myth of the Australian bushranger. The item can be compared with other Kelly photographs in Burke Museum's collection.

Physical description

Rectangular colour printed postcard celebrating Ned Kelly 125th Anniversary Exhibition at Burke Museum, Beechworth. Inset image of Ned Kelly's rifle.

Inscriptions & markings

Obverse:
Ned Kelly /
125th ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION /
ROBERT O'HARA BURKE MEMORIAL MUSEUM
BEECHWORTH . VICTORIA . AUSTRALIA /
September 2005-2006 /

BEECHWORTH /
Echoes of History /
HISTORIC & CULTURAL PRECINCT /

NED /
KELLY /
TOURING ROUTE /

REVERSE:
Ned Kelly /
125th ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION /
ROBERT O'HARA BURKE MEMORIAL MUSEUM
BEECHWORTH . VICTORIA . AUSTRALIA /
September 2005-2006 /

AFFIX STAMP HERE /

7250 /

This is the rifle that was taken from Henry Dudley by Ned Kelly. It became Ned's favourite /
rifle, which he called 'Betty'. Note the 'K' carved into the wood of the fore-end. /
Interestingly, there is at least one other rifle owned by Ned Kelly that also has a 'K' engraved /
into it by Ned- the Colt revolving carbine used by Ned at Glenrowan /