Furphy Water Cart
Production date
1900-1950
Country
Australia
State/Province
Victoria
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Object detail
Description
Red painted cylindrical steel container on wooden frame with two metal wheels (dia.1000mm). Tap on one end and lid on top - same end as tap.
Classification
RURAL INDUSTRY Irrigation
Maker
Production date
1900-1950
Production place
Measurements
L1530 x W1615 x H2790
Media/Materials description
Iron (Metals - Ferrous)
Steel (Metals - Ferrous)
Indeterminate Hardwood (Woods)
Steel (Metals - Ferrous)
Indeterminate Hardwood (Woods)
History and use
Furphy water carts were made in the foundry of J Furphy & Sons, Shepparton Victoria. The carts were used in rural areas across Australia for watering livestock. Furphy water carts were also used by road building gangs to settle dust. During the First World War furphy carts carried drinking water around Australian military camps, both at home and overseas. The drivers of water carts spread rumours amongst the soldiers they visited. The word 'furphy' came to refer to unsubstanciated and generally untrue rumours.
Registration number
H26326.1
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