Historical information

SS Edina was a screw steamer build by Barclay and Curle, Glasgow Scotland in 1854. Her active service included the North Sea trade, ‘Crimean War’, ‘American Civil War’, Victoria’s west coast run, New Zealand to Melbourne trade, Queensland coastal trade, and of course, the Port Phillip Bay runs between the years 1880 to
1938. IN 1873, she underwent a significant renovation which included adding covered deck seating. This seat probably originates from that time. ‘SS’ being an abbreviation for ‘Screw Steamer’ signifying that she was propelled bya steam engine rotating a single propeller, or ‘screw’ as it was know at the time.

Significance

The SS Edina was an iconic and affectionately regarded part of Port Phillips maritime history and culture. It is historically significant for being internationally famous as the worlds oldest working screw steamship between 1912 and 1938. Its career was varied and interesting and it is considered significant for its involvement in the Crimean War, US Civil War, NZ gold rushes, and locally for its career as a western district steamship and Bay steamer. When Edina was retired in 1938 it as the world's oldest working steamer. Had travelled more than 1 million km. Was finally broken up by George Seelf on the banks of the Maribyrnong in 1957. This seat is one of the few remnants of the steamer in an intact condition.

Physical description

Restored wooden slat seat from the deck of SS Edina probably originating from an overall in 1873, painted cream. Brass inscribed plaque attached to middle of top slat on backrest of seat.

Inscriptions & markings

Deck seat from SS Edina 1854 to 1938
Restored by
Shiplovers Society of Victoria
and presented by them to
Melbourne Maritime Museum
April 26 1980