Artefact of the Month

Artefact of the Month: Chamber Pots

In 2019, GML Heritage Pty Ltd (GML) were engaged by ISPT Pty Ltd (ISPT) to undertake an historical archaeological investigation of 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. This location encompasses two sites listed on the Victorian Heritage Inventory (H7822-1024 and H7822-1025). The sites were used as domestic residences (1864-1918) before the construction of a Women’s VD […]

Artefact of the Month: Chamber Pots Read More »

Artefact of the Month: Umbrella Fragments

A group of umbrella/parasol fragments were recovered from the site of 1-5 Queen Street, Melbourne (H7822-1871) during excavations undertaken by Extent Heritage in 2018. The site’s European history (Clark et al. 2019) starts in 1837, beginning with Pitman’s Store (a small building from which Frederick Pittman, a key trader of early Melbourne, ran a store)

Artefact of the Month: Umbrella Fragments Read More »

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: American Artifacts Blog

There have been no submissions for Artefact of the Month recieved this month (email [email protected] if you would like to submit for the June edition!) however I’ve come across a great blog from our North American friends: The American Artifacts Blog! This blog “is a media outlet featuring artifact-related digital content from U.S. and Canadian

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: American Artifacts Blog Read More »

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: Glass Target Balls

In 2016 Extent Heritage were engaged by the Department of Parliamentary Services, Parliament of Victoria to undertake excavations within the grounds of Victoria’s Parliament House. This location includes the site of the former St Peter’s Diocesan Grammar School (H7822-2339), which was constructed in 1849. The excavations yielded a collection of 10,122 artefacts, among which were

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: Glass Target Balls Read More »

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: Masonic Stickpin

Excavations at the Wesley Church precinct were carried out by Dr. Vincent Clark and Associates in 2017, a site which is located between Lonsdale and Little Lonsdale streets in the Melbourne CBD. The residences at Jones Lane were brick houses with bluestone footings, ranging in size from two to four rooms. This month’s ‘Artefact of

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: Masonic Stickpin Read More »

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: Codd Bottle Openers

In 1872 Hiram Codd patented his famous aerated water bottle with its unique internal marble stopper. Once opened the bottle’s ingeniously designed neck kept the marble from obstructing the flow of liquid. But have you ever wondered how a Codd bottle was opened in the first place? Figure 1 Wooden Codd Bottle Opener (Courtesy: https://www.quora.com/There-was-a-harsh-drink-in-India-with-a-ball-in-the-glass-bottle-that-they-called-Soda-What-is-it)

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: Codd Bottle Openers Read More »

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: Bulk Ink Bottle

This month’s Artefact of the Month is an interesting looking bulk ink bottle with multiple impressed marks found on its body and base. This bottle was found on a historic excavation in the north of Melbourne’s CBD. It was excavated during works for a multi-story apartment building, from a c1850s+ light industrial site. The ink

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: Bulk Ink Bottle Read More »

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: 2017 in Summary

Welcome to the final Artefact of the Month (AotM) post for 2017! I hope that you have enjoyed reading the articles put together by our members about interesting artefacts they’ve come across. We started AotM in February, with ‘Absinthe Bottles at Little Lon’ by Dr Sarah Hayes, and followed with two more articles on glass

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: 2017 in Summary Read More »

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: Broad Fall Trousers, CUB2 Melbourne

These trousers are some of the more complete textiles items recovered during the 2017 Alpha Archaeology excavation of the former Carlton United Brewery (CUB2) complex in Swanston Street, Carlton. When excavated, they appeared to be sandwiched between wooden floor boards and a mid-19th century cesspit deposit. Their original condition, was described by the CUB2 conservator

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: Broad Fall Trousers, CUB2 Melbourne Read More »

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: ‘The Hated Stain’

One of the most significant finds from the 2002 Casselden Place, Melbourne, archaeological investigations (50 Lonsdale Street) was a medal struck to commemorate the Cessation of Convict Transportation (see images below, source: GML Heritage). The medal commemorates not only the victory of the anti-transportation movement but also the 50th anniversary of the founding of Tasmania

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH: ‘The Hated Stain’ Read More »