Jacquie brought a solid copper vase which was possibly an example of trench art, Japanese tile and metal trivets and two J S & S Sankey copper hot water jugs in a lizard skin finish.
Jennie had a little pineapple shaped pill box with tiny tongs. They were popular in the 1800s, being made for the Russian czars, but she was told this one was a copy, made in the 1930s.
Wendy’s items included a Dubarry by Paramount silver coffee pot with bakelite handle from the 1930s, Judith had a brass compote, Indian oil burner and brass candle holders while Janet’s items included an English silver tea set with a water irises and cranes pattern.
Margaret brought a reproduction of a medieval thimble from Ireland and a gold and turquoise brooch over 100 years old with the gold said to have come from a Bendigo mine.
Shirlie, who lived in India for some time, had some interesting items from that country’s roadside sellers. There were brass and copper receptacles pilgrims used to bring back holy water from the Ganges and a paan box. Paan is a preparation of betel leaf and areca nut, chewed and then spat out or swallowed, used for its stimulant and euphoric effects.
Heather brought some tins including one of the Australian Red Ensign flag in the Anzac series, Sandie had wire model cars, reminiscent of her travels in Africa where children ran along the streets, towing the cars behind them while Alan showed a silver florin, Australia’s first commemorative coin for the 1927 opening of Parliament House, Canberra.
Both Wilma and Robyn’s items included a military theme. Robyn brought memorabilia from her grandfather’s service on a World War 1 mine sweeper while Wilma brought jewellery fashioned from mother of pearl and the silver of two, shilling pieces, made by her father while serving in the airforce in New Guinea during World War 11.
Jacquie Schwind