Historical information

Zilles Printers was begun by Lewis Zilles in the early 1930s. It was in McKenzie Street Ballarat. His son Jeffrey also became a printer - letterpress, offset and screen printer. The business became Zilles Printers/Graphics and was in Armstrong Street and later Bell Street Ballarat.

The Bulldog Engineering Company emerged around 1886. J Abraham began the operation building windmills and pumps. An employee, J F Osbourne, purchased the business when Abraham died in 1914. Windmills were still produced but Osbourne began to manufacture the "Bulldog" oil engine towards the end of the first world war. The Bulldog engine production was around 400. Of these there were 40 with wavy spokes. Some writer have been using Ballarat Bulldog as the brand name. This is incorrect, it was just Bulldog, made in Ballarat. Production ceased in the late 1920s.

Physical description

Coloured shield shaped decal design on white painted metal plate. Paper surround damaged.

Inscriptions & markings

Bulldog Trade Mark. Manufactured by the Bulldog. Engineering Co Pty Ltd, Ballarat. Re No - 27,331