Milk Urn
Object detail
Description
Galavanised metal milk urn with lid. Urn has two looped-metal handles and text stencilled in black ink on the side. The lid has one metal strap handle.
Classification
RURAL INDUSTRY Dairy
EXPLORATION Terrestrial exploration accessories
EXPLORATION Terrestrial exploration accessories
Measurements
Circumference: 915 mm
Diameter: 295 mm
Height: 590 mm
Diameter: 295 mm
Height: 590 mm
Media/Materials description
Galvanised steel
Signature/Marks
3 \ BARRIER \ REEF
History and use
Steel cans of this design were in widespread use in Australia for transportation of milk and cream from the late 19th century. This particular can features the words ‘Barrier Reef’ stencilled across its body. Although some dairy farming did occur across reef islands historically, it is also possible that this can was part of the Low Isles scientific expedition of 1928/29. Photographs from the expedition show milk cans lined up outside the Low Isles laboratory (Yonge, 1930). Supplies, possibly including milk, were delivered to the Low Isles from Port Douglas every second Wednesday. The milk cans may also have been used for storage of specimens. Yonge’s expedition provided the world’s first detailed scientific study of a coral reef.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
Registration number
H47703
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