Peter Jensen, self-appointed curator and Master Plumbers’ National Councillor, takes us into the archives to see the treasures of a bygone era.
Many will be aware that Master Plumbers has a collection of old tools and interesting, rare plumbing products, fixtures and other paraphernalia, all donated by members.
I helped transport the collection from our former headquarters in King Street, Melbourne to its current location; a 40-foot shipping container in Brunswick.
Until recently, the contents were largely unknown. To change this, I have set about photographing and organising the items into categories starting with tools, appliances, fittings/materials and books/manuals.
We have set up an account with eHive a web-based system that will help catalogue and organise the items. Eventually, we will be able to provide access to members to view and share information. It is hoped members may help to provide further information and details about the items; as many remain a mystery.
Some of the existing items that caught my eye are listed below:
- Mixed hand tools.
- 9.75 pint blow lamp, used to heat soldering irons and melting down lead.
- Chip heater, recently donated by member Phil Kelly.
- Test bucket.
If you have something of interest you might like to donate or loan, please contact me so that I can look at them for the collection. It doesn’t have to be items like those I have picked out for the article; you can include things like:
- Old manufacturers and company signs.
- Manuals, brochures, catalogues.
- Interesting photos of trucks and staff in the workshop. These can be reproduced and returned.
- It’s good to include the personal background story behind the article, like the cast iron spouting, rain head and downpipe from on old church in Moonee Ponds in our collection.
To contact Peter, please email [email protected]
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