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From the 17th century, sadirons or sad irons (from Middle English "sad", meaning "solid", used in English through the 1800s) began to be used. They were thick slabs of cast iron, triangular and with a handle, heated in a fire or on a stove. These were also called flat irons. A laundry worker would employ a cluster of solid irons that were heated from a single source: As the iron currently in use cooled down, it could be quickly replaced by a hot one.

An antique black heavy cast iron sad iron (from Middle English 'sad' meaning 'solid') with a rounded cast iron handle. It has a roughened surface with a decorative pattern on the top of the iron.

'LYNC' is stamped on the cast iron inside a star shape. 'W' is stamped on the left side, 'C' is stamped on the right hand side.

irons, laundry irons

From the 17th century, sadirons or sad irons (from Middle English "sad", meaning "solid", used in English through the 1800s) began to be used. They were thick slabs of cast iron, triangular and with a handle, heated in a fire or on a stove. These were also called flat irons. A laundry worker would employ a cluster of solid irons that were heated from a single source: As the iron currently in use cooled down, it could be quickly replaced by a hot one.

An antique heavy cast iron sad iron (from Middle English 'sad' meaning 'solid') with a rounded cast iron handle. It has a roughened surface with a decorative pattern on the top of the iron.

irons, laundry irons

From the 17th century, sadirons or sad irons (from Middle English "sad", meaning "solid", used in English through the 1800s) began to be used. They were thick slabs of cast iron, triangular and with a handle, heated in a fire or on a stove. These were also called flat irons. A laundry worker would employ a cluster of solid irons that were heated from a single source: As the iron currently in use cooled down, it could be quickly replaced by a hot one.

An antique heavy cast iron sad iron (from Middle English 'sad' meaning 'solid') with a rounded cast iron handle. It has a roughened surface with a decorative pattern on the top of the iron.

'Silverston Metals'

irons, laundry irons

Ornamental cast iron trivets from the late 19th Century.

Two vintage decorative cast iron trivets for vintage flat irons. They have have three legs and raised edges around the sides to stop the iron from slipping off. The handle on one is quite decorative, but the other has a broken handle.

'T Johnson' is stamped on the bottom of both trivets. One has illegible stamp.

laundry iron trivets, iron stands

This rare vintage clothes iron is not just a functional item but a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of an earlier era of the 19th century. Crafted from cast iron and featuring a wooden handle, it is a unique piece that adds a touch of authenticity and history to our collection. The inclusion of a funnel and chimney showcases the attention to detail in the design.

A rare cast iron charcoal clothes iron with a wooden handle, complete with a funnel and chimney. The goose neck iron has a hollow base into which charcoal is placed. The small hole at the back has a sliding cover that was used to regulate the draft and temperature of the iron. To keep the charcoal glowing, the cover could be opened to allow more air or oxygen in to encourage the charcoal to burn. The iron could be swung back-and-forward to revive the charcoal. The fumes produced by the charcoal are carried away from the clothes by the large funnel that acts like a chimney at the front of the iron. The holes that line the base allow air to circulate and keep the charcoal ambers burning. This vintage clothes iron is not just a functional item but a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of an earlier era.

'S' is stamped in a circle on the back of the iron.

flatirons, laundry irons, cast iron laundry irons

This certificate was presented to Reginald Sebire in 1914 and displayed at Mont De Lancey until his death. It is displayed in the House Dining Room above the fireplace. Reginald was the eldest son of Thomas and Linda Sebire, the grandson of William and Martha. He and his wife Gwen (Quale) lived in the home of Mont De Lancey with their children until his death in 1962. The certificate is on Loan from Graeme or Alvan Sebire (sons of Reginald)

A scalloped shaped framed certificate presented to Reginald J. Sebire in July 1914. The frame is thin brown wood with a light blue trim and a glass front. A coloured coat of arms appears above the inscription with two female figures standing above and beside the coat of arms. The inscription certificate has a white border and buff coloured background.

'Independent Order of Rechabites: Salford Unity Established Aug 25th 1835. Registered March 27 1854 Junior Section. This is to Certify that Reginald J. Sebire was enrolled as a member of the Star of Wandin Tent No. 379 on the 3rd Day of July 1914'

certificates, documents, objects, membership certificates

c1950's. This vintage 375g Nabisco Pty Ltd Wundawax Floor Polish was used to shine wooden floors

A flat round vintage Wundawax Floor Polish tin with a removable lid and polish contents inside. The top of the yellow and black lid has a red star in the middle with 'Instant Shine' in yellow letters. Around the edge of the lid 'WUNDAWAX' is printed in red lettering as well as '375g Net Weight'. 'Product of Australia' is in small black print on the right side of the top of the lid.' The lid cannot be opened.

The yellow and black lid has a red star in the middle with 'Instant Shine' in yellow letters. 'WUNDAWAX Floor Polish' is also on the top. Around the edge of the lid 'WUNDAWAX' is printed in yellow lettering as well as '375g Net Weight' 'Goes on easily Shines up instantly' is on the lid at the top. A black barcode is printed at the bottom on the top of the lid - numbers 9 310034 100296. As the lid is rusted it is not very clear to see.

cleaning equipment, cleaning products, floor polish

The Anti-moth crystals were sold with the Electrolux Vacuum, along with the many other attachments, including the vaporiser. The crystals were made of paradichlorobenzene which is used in mothballs. Electrolux, founded in Sweden, has been manufacturing vacuum cleaners since 1919. On the back of the tin - 'Poisonous - Not to be taken - Electrolux Pty. Ltd., Melbourne - When used in conjunction with the vaporiser supplied with the Electrolux cleaner in this tin, Electrolux anti-moth crystals will destroy moths and moth larvae and are also effective against silverfish and other similar pests. Crystals or vapour will not harm fabrics in any way. Keep tin in cool place. - Kills Moths'

A small empty vintage red, white and blue round lidded tin, 'Electrolux Anti-Moth Crystals'. The brand is printed in blue text on the middle white and red bands of the tin, with a moth shape included. The manufacturer is printed inside a white star shape on the blue lid. Detailed instructions for use is printed on the back in blue and red lettering.

'Electrolux Anti-Moth Crystals'. On the back of the tin printed in red 'POISONOUS - Not to be taken Electrolux Pty. Ltd. Melbourne' Full details for use is also provided.

vacuum cleaners, cleaning equipment, domestic equipment, electrolux

This nut roll tin was used in a period before 1959(when plastic containers started being used). It was a period when "home" cooking(desserts and cakes) was the only method of having cakes and other pastry dishes in rural areas as there were no local shops. The utensils available for this home cooking had to be strong and reliable and low maintenance. This was a period of self sufficiency especially in semi remote rural areas. Sadly, the Willow Company no longer has a nut loaf tin among their many cooking tins.

A cylindrical nut loaf tin with removable lids at each end. The metal body of the tin has tiny patterned indented squares with only two of the three clips to ensure the tin stays closed. The lids at each end add to this tightening. On the lids there is rusty difficult to read stamping for the Willow brand. The cooked cake can be easily removed when the two lids are taken off. This is a rare tin.

Around the edges of each lid is stamped 'NUT LOAF TIN'. In the middle of each lid is a circular shape with 'Made in Australia' around the edge. Inside this is a diamond shape with 'WILLOW'. There is a tiny square shaped pattern indented all over the body of the tin.

baking tins, kitchenware, baking, cooking

Tins like this were used for storage in the 1900's

A medium sized green coffee tin with no lid It has tan 'COFFEE' printed inside a rectangular tan border and two bands around the top and bottom of the tin. Due to its age and use it is rusted and faded.

'COFFEE' is printed on the front of the can inside a rectangular border.

tins, food containers, food storage cans, coffee containers, coffee tins

From the 1860's - 1930's various companies called their enamelware products by their own unique names, e.g. graniteware and agateware. The enamel coating put an end to metallic tasting food and prevented rust from contaminating food. It did scratch and chip easily. This lidded can could have been used for storing dripping or other liquids for cooking.

A small rusted and chipped lidded can or billy with a wire handle looped at the sides. It has a rolled blue trim around the rim of the can. The rolled lid has a small flattened handle in the middle and the lid fits well to the can.

enamel, metal, domestic object, cans

From the 1860's - 1930's various companies called their enamelware products by their own unique names, e.g. graniteware and agateware. The enamel coating put an end to metallic tasting food and prevented rust from contaminating food. It did scratch and chip easily. This lidded can could have been used for storing dripping or other liquids for cooking.

A rusted and chipped grey speckled lidded can or billy with a wire handle looped at the sides. It has a rolled black trim around the rim of the can. The rolled lid has a small handle in the middle and the lid fits well to the can.

enamel, metal, domestic object, cans

A damaged vintage red covered fiction book, The Virginians by W M. Thackeray. The title and author are printed in gold lettering on the spine. The title page has full details including the publisher. Thackeray illustrated the book. The frontispiece illustration shows people inside a church with the heading 'The Family Pew - P. 75'. At the back are several recommended titles for reading. There is a Bookplate pasted onto the right front end paper.Pp. 516.

A story about British society during the late colonial era in North America. Two brothers rival for heir to the family fortune. George Washington is a neighbour.

historical fiction, family life fiction, fiction books, fiction - american

Two guides or leaflets: 1. A Cherry Growing in Victoria Bulletin 67 from The Department of Agriculture, Victoria, Australia. Pp. 24. It has full details and photographs for cherry growing contributed by several writers. Advertisements for agriculture are inside the front and back covers. Price 3D. is printed towards the bottom of the front cover. 2. A very damaged four page leaflet titled, Fruit Spraying Guide for the Home Gardener compiled by two contributors, (Reprinted from The Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Victoria.) It has several tables for various fruits, diseases, symptoms and treatment. (It is reprinted from The Journal of the department of Agriculture, Victoria.) Two Invoices are included in this entry: 1. F.W. Britton & Son Timber and Hardware Merchants. Invoice No. 2441 12 June 1948 for three items sold. 2. An account Sales Note Barrow Bros. Commission Agency Proprietary Limited Produce & Dairy Produce merchants and Manufacturers in Melbourne. Four items were sold, plus cartage on 23.3.50.

non-fiction

The Cherry Growing in Victoria booklet and Fruit Spraying Guide for the Home Gardener leaflet were useful for understanding how to grow the local produce in Victorian conditions at the time.

dockets, receipts, sales records, leaflets, information sheets, information booklets, instruction leaflets, fruit growing, fruit pests

A vintage 1894 hardcover children's book with the title Chatterbox printed in white lettering at the top of the front cover which has a green coloured background with an illustration in a large circle showing a boy sitting on a step near a door holding a white dog on his knee. The boy is wearing a green overcoat, brown tartan cap, red cravat and a brown jacket. He has a white blanket across his left shoulder. The publisher details are printed at the bottom, with Price Three Shillings printed in black letters at the very top. Green tape covers the spine, holding the covers together. The covers are damaged and faded. The faded yellow coloured back cover has four advertisements: "Cadbury's", Symington's Pea flour and soup. Symington's Egyptian Food and 'Pears' soap.The manufacturer details are included for all. The frontispiece coloured illustration inside depicts a group of schoolboys near a red letterbox throwing snowballs at each other outside their school. A dog is watching. The title of the picture is 'A hard fought battle'. The title page has the title plus Founded by J. Erskine Clarke, M.A and publisher details with a black lined illustration of children, a woman with children at her knee reading and flowers. There are further coloured plates in the collection. The book contains plenty of puzzles, poetry, and stories for children. Pp. 412. At the back is an added supplement of Wells, Gardner, Darton & Co's Popular Books for prizes and presents. Pp.32.

fiction

A vintage 1894 Chatterbox collection of puzzles, poetry and stories for children with black lined illustrations and coloured plates throughout.

children's books, books, children's stories, adventure stories

A vintage 1929 hardcover children's book with the title Chatterbox printed in white lettering at the top of the front cover which has a green coloured background with an illustration in a large circle showing a boy wearing a white jumper in front of trees. The publisher details are printed at the bottom. Red tape binds the covers on the spine. The faded yellow coloured back cover has an advertisement for 'Allenbury's' The Progressive System of Infant Feeding, which was a similar composition to mother's milk. The manufacturer details are added at the bottom. Inside the front cover are black and white printed advertisements for 'Ovaltine' Tonic Food Beverage and "Blackbird" Fountpens. The coloured frontispiece illustration inside depicts an Indigenous American First Nations Indian riding a horse with his family and rest of the tribe in the background. The title of the picture is 'The Wilderness Road'. The title page has the title plus Funded by J. Erskine Clarke, M.A and publisher details with a black lined illustration of children, a woman with children at her knee reading and flowers. There are further coloured plates in the collection. The book contains plenty of puzzles, poetry, and stories for children. Pp. 316. At the back are advertisements for 'Pears the pure soap', Wright's coal tar soap, Chatterbox publications and Macintosh's Toffee de Luxe and Carnival Assortment.

fiction

A vintage 1929 Chatterbox collection of puzzles, poetry and stories for children with black lined illustrations and coloured plates throughout.

children's books, books, children's stories, adventure stories

A vintage 1903 hardcover children’s book with the title Chatterbox printed with white lettering at the top of the front cover, which has a green coloured background with an illustration in a large circle showing a girl winding a handle on a wishing well in a garden. The publisher details are printed at the bottom, with Price Three Shillings printed in red letters at the very top. The covers have broken away from the cotton bound spine. The faded light tan coloured back cover has an advertisement for EPPS'S (Breakfast) COCOA. with details of its efficacy and use for good health. The manufacturer details are added at the bottom. Inside the front cover are advertisements for Bird's Custard Powder and Robinson's Patent barley "in powder form". The frontispiece coloured illustration inside depicts a young girl dressed in wintry clothes carrying a lidded cane basket walking along a road on a windy autumn day. The title of the picture is 'Going with the Gale'. The title page has the title plus Edited by J. Erskine Clarke, M.A and publisher details with a black lined illustration of children, a woman with children at her knee reading and flowers. There are further coloured plates in the collection. The book contains plenty of puzzles, poetry, and stories for children. Pp. 412. At the back is an added supplement of Wells, Gardner, Darton & Co's Popular Books. Pp.34.

fiction

A vintage 1903 Chatterbox collection of puzzles, poetry and stories for children with black lined illustrations and coloured plates throughout.

children's books, books, children's stories, adventure stories

A brown hardcover landscape format book with a red dust jacket which has a large coloured painting of a country cottage set amongst gum trees, by the author and artist Frank Mutsaers. It has 42 coloured plates with many accompanying black and white sketches. The title page is signed by Frank in blue biro.

non-fiction

Frank's love for Australia is reflected in his paintings which capture the moods of the Australian landscape.

art books, australian landscape, australian art, australian heritage

A red hardcover book, The Rise and Fall of Marvellous Melbourne by Graeme Davidson. The red cover has large flourished gold embossed letters MM on the front cover with the title and publisher symbol at the bottom of the spine. It has a grey dust jacket with the title printed in black and red letters at the top front and the author written in white letters below. A full page grey and white cityscape of Melbourne wraps around the jacket. On the inside of the jacket there is a blurb explaining briefly the book's contents. There is a Contents, list of Illustrations, Acknowledgements, Notes and Abbreviations pages. On the back inside jacket are details of the author. Tables, black and white illustrations and photographs are included.

non-fiction

This book looks beyond public events to discover how the experience of boom and depression touched the lives of ordinary Melburnians at work and at home and reshaped their society and their sense of urban identity.

history melbourne, australian history, melbourne - economic conditions - 1880-1890

A brown homemade cloth covered adventure novel for young readers, The Uncharted Island by Skelton Kuppord. It has an inscription on the right front end paper, black and white frontispiece illustration of three sailors with a boy on the deck of a sailing ship. The title page has the title and a galleon illustration in full sail with publisher details below. A few black and white illustrations are throughout the book. Pp.350

fiction

It was published c.1910 and is a story set on the high seas. It takes readers on an an adventure to a mysterious and unknown land.

children's fiction, adventure fiction, fiction for boys

Hilda was born in Wandin Yallock in 1899 and was the eldest daughter of William and Frances sebire.. She died on 14th August 2906. aged seven years in Wandin Yallock. She is buried at the Lilydale Cemetery.

A framed photograph of Hilda Rihoy Sebire 1899 - 1906, taken standing next to a decorative stand with a pot plant fern on top of it. Hilda is wearing a frilly long sleeved white dress with a large collar and tie at the neck. She wears a very large frilled hat with ribbon ties. The decorative gold painted wooden frame has a cream cloth mount with a gold edge around the black and white photograph.

Attached to the bottom of the frame is' Hilda Rihoy Sebire 1899 - 1906'. The framer has a sticker on the back, 'TW REF. 3006'

portrait photographs, pictures, frames, photograph frames, photograph accessories, family life

A comprehensive thick catalogue book: D.W. Chandler General Hardware Ltd. Catalogue established 1876 which has a very decorative busy front cover with green, burgundy and cream colours for the title, full details of the contents, address, Registered Trademark, phone numbers and more. It is bound on the spine with red tape, 27.5 Inside on the left front end paper are details about Chandler's mail orders, a map of the Melbourne city location and addresses for Melbourne, Fitzroy and country cities. Opposite is a NOTICE page, explaining prices were current at the time of issue, (October 1937) with several altered prices since printing. Pp. 180 with four thin blue paper Order Forms at the back; two which have been filled in and two with a child's scribble on them. There is a comprehensive four page Index at the back. Hundreds of black and white drawings of hardware items and general life of the times are included throughout. Inserted in the catalogue are four dried plants or flowers, a small leaflet which shows illustrations and information about "Rega" spraying nozzles with diagrams and handwritten prices. A leaflet of a Parts Price List for Stewart No.1 Clipping machine and clipping heads. A copy of a D. W. Chandler Ltd Fitzroy order dated 12 March 1937 for "Ringlock" Fencing. On page 146 is a light blue thin paper Note for P146 about models of Churchill's and Jeffery's guns. Attached to this paper with cellotape is a typed copy dated 10/11/37 for an order for Square Iron Tanks to be delivered by rail. The back cover has advertising for "Perfect" Welded Fencing from Chandler's hardware stores. There is a manufactured hole by the publisher in the top left hand corner to hang it for future reference.

non-fiction

A comprehensive 1937 catalogue of general hardware for household and farm use for buyers to order in Melbourne and rural cities in Australia. The company was established in 1876. This is the 49th issue.

social history, australian history, history, hardware, catalogues, objects, tools

A large green cloth paper wavy patterned covered Norman Bros., Leger Book with burgundy tape on the spine. This blank book was used by the Silvan Progress Association in 1914 as written on the front cover in copperplate writing. Inside the book starts at page 64 so the pages 1 - 63 may well have been used in 1914 and they have been torn out. There is an entry on Page 173, the last page, for Expenses for 1915 & 1916 for the Silvan Progress Assoc.The Leger was used as a Statement of Accounts Processed Strawberries Apl - June 1939 and for other statements too. The last entry was completed on Nov 24 1939. Pp.173

non-fiction

This blank book was used by the Silvan Progress Association. Inside the book starts at page 64 so the pages 1 - 63 may well have been used in 1914 and they have been torn out. There is an entry on Page 173, the last page, for Expenses for 1915 & 1916 for the Silvan Progress Assoc.The Leger was used as a Statement of Accounts Processed Strawberries Apl - June 1939 and for other statements too. The last entry was completed on Nov 24 1939. Pp.173

account books, accounts, business accounts, business records, documents, account records, financial records

A large red, blue and cream wavy lined paper patterned covered Norman Bros., Minute Book with burgundy tape on the spine. This blank book was used by the Silvan Progress Association. Minutes of the first meeting were taken Sat March 1th 1916 and the last minutes were held in the Library Mechanics Hall on 5th Oct. 1922. The book is filled with Minutes of the monthly meetings and has threeo paper insertions - a Mont De Lancey Wine List with three wines and their prices per bottle. A second quite damaged paper is: Wandin ? Progress Association Inaugurated 26th Oct 1912. The meeting was held Jan 11, 1913. It lists the monthly meetings and minutes taken up to March 28 1913. The third document, dated 17th May 1928, is a copy of 13 typed pages from the Shire of Lilydale to The Hon. Secretary, Silvan Hall Committee, Silvan. It includes a list of names of Guarantors and witnesses.

non-fiction

This blank book was used by the Silvan Progress Association. Minutes of the first meeting were taken Sat March 1th 1916 and the last minutes were held in the Library Mechanics Hall on 5th Oct. 1922. The book is filled with Minutes of the monthly meetings and has three paper insertions - a Mont De Lancey Wine List with three wines and their prices per bottle. A second quite damaged paper is: Wandin ? Progress Association Inaugurated 26th Oct 1912. The meeting was held Jan 11, 1913. It lists the monthly meetings and minutes taken up to March 28 1913. The third document is a copy of 13 typed pages from the Shire of Lillydale to Mr. S. Bradley, Hon. Secretary, Silvan Hall Committee, Silvan suggesting to the Committee that the attached plan for the maintenance and betterment for the hall be forwarded to the Public Health Department for approval. It includes a list of names of Guarantors and witnesses.

meetings, reports, proceedings, minutes of meetings

A large green paper patterned covered Minute Book with orange tape on the spine. This blank book was used by The Australian Primary Producers Union Wandin Branch. Minutes of the first meeting were taken Nov 20th 1947 in the Seville Hall and the last minutes were on 23.11.1954. The book is filled with Minutes of meetings and has two paper insertions - a paper photopcopy of an Invoice Wandin Yallock April 30th1909. Mr Aitken for The Evelyn Preserving Co. Limited Manufacturers of Pure Jams and Jellies. Terms Cash. On the same paper The Colonial Bank of Australasia Limited stating a Sale and acknowledgement receipt of a letter and the enclosure of a remittance, signed by the manager. The second insertion is dated Sept 1950 - a Survey of cost of Production Berry Fruit Wandin Silvan Area. Youngberries. Based on Land at 100 pounds per acre and average 2 ton crop. Full details are listed.

non-fiction

This blank book was used by The Australian Primary Producers Union Wandin Branch. Minutes of the first meeting were taken Nov 20th 1947 in the Seville Hall and the last minutes were on 23.11.1954.

meetings, reports, proceedings, minutes of meetings

A damaged small brown Invicta Australian 1955 Business Diary No.41 with two days on a page. The front cover lists the brand, and detail already mentioned, with 1955 Business Diary No.41 crossed out and 1965 Petter Fielding LOG book written over them in blue biro. The printer and publisher is printed at the bottom. There is tan cloth tape holding the covers together on the left. Inside it has the calendar for 1955, postal, money order and telegraph Information along with other miscellaneous information. It was used as a Log Book for a Petter Fielding engine which was manufactured in 1952. The entries start 21/7/65 and finish Sun 2/3/2008. On the page Monday 4 July 1955 there is an entry dated Mon6/7/59 with little or no information apart from a few names and costs.There is a Cash Account section at the back.

non-fiction

On the front cover, 1955 Business Diary No.41 is crossed out and 1965 Petter Fielding Log Book is written over them in blue biro. Log Books were used and still are these days to record information for many different work needs.

books, documents, notebooks, log books, engines

A small pink front covered docket book with REF. SD Brand printed at he top and Duplicate Docket Book underneath. A small red seal of quality with Plastibound REG.D Thermoplastic Flexible Binding - Opens flat- 50Pp. Duplicate Numbered 1 to 50. The book was used as a Saw Mill Log Receipt Book. It was used up to receipt no 27 and has a carbon paper sheet included.

non-fiction

This Docket Book was used as Saw Millers' Log Receipt book by local workers.

dockets, receipts, log books, saw millers, sales records

A damaged small brown cardboard Saw Millers' Complete Log and Timber Ready Reckoner book. It has a Preface, Tables No. 1, 2 and 3. which give full details of round timber, circumference of logs, contents of timber in general building sizes and full details of circumference of circles and more. There are handwritten notes inside the back cover. Opposite the title page is an advertisement for high grade circular saws and knives. Pp.120

non-fiction

Log Books and Ready Reckoners were used and still are these days to record information for many different work needs. This small one would have been very practical for ease of use kept on-hand in a pocket. It was invaluable to carriers and all persons engaged in the timber trade.

books, documents, notebooks, log books, ready reckoners