Historical information

This knife is one of a number of items in a fishing basket that belonged to Arthur Rosser, son of Felix Rosser who was one of the early fishermen of Torquay. It was crafted from a sheep shearing blade, with wood inserted in the shaft and bound with strips of oilskin, evidence of the improvisation required to sustain a living. The tools and line kept in the basket may have been owned by Felix.

Significance

Felix Rosser was a well known early settler in Torquay. He became a local hero in 1891 when he spotted the SS Joseph Scammell stricken on the reef off Point Danger and played a pivotal role in the successful rescue of all passengers and crew ... and the ship's cat.

Physical description

Fishing knife that was kept in a wicker fishing basket