Historical information

The MTOC only provided full uniforms to its traffic staff from around 1900. Numerous professional photographs then appeared of uniformed staff individually or in groups. In a time when the average person could afford very little elegant clothing, a stylish uniform impressed many. It raised the profile of the well dressed staff member and of the tramway company.

As well as the brass buttons on the conductor's tunic and vest, MTOC insignia can be seen on his cap and collar. He also wears an employee badge with his number (4) and depot (P = Prahran) and several large pins to hold his trip slips. These long strips of coloured card were clipped using a bell punch to record the fares collected.

Significance

Yields information about MTOC staff uniform

Physical description

Black and white photograph glued to cardboard with company name on front and note on rear

Inscriptions & markings

Printed name on front: 'Yeoman & Co, Prahran'; Pencil note on rear: 'Fred Guildford, Melbourne Tramway and Omnibus Co, c1900, The Tramway Museum Society of Victoria Limited'