Summary

Stirling silver fob and chain made 1902-1909. It belonged to the donor's father Alfred Joseph Smithard (1888 - 1961) who was a wheelwright and blacksmith in New South Wales in the first half of the twentieth century. From 1902 until 1909, he worked for T.J. Hoskin, who was a Coachbuilder in Dulwich Hill. He also studied Farriery at the Sydney Technical College during this time. It is believed by the donor that the fob and chain date from this period.

Part of a collection relating to Australian trade unions and the Eight Hour Day. Action taken by stonemasons on 21 April 1856 led to the establishment of the Eight Hour Day, with the government agreeing that workers employed on public works should enjoy an eight hour day with no loss of pay. It was a world first and became emblematic of the rights of labour. In recognition of the significance of this achievement, April 21 was made a public holiday in 1879 and commemorative marches were held each year from 1879 until 1951. The Eight Hour Day holiday was renamed Labour Day in 1934. In 1955 the Labour Day march and celebrations were replaced by Moomba celebrations.

Physical Description

Sterling Silver crest-shaped fob with a raised `888' on the front with the words `Hour Demonstration' engraved around them. It is attached by a loop to a sterling silver chain, consisting of a number of twisted oval links. At the other end of the chain is a `tear' shaped clip, which can be opened and closed. Attached to one of the links is a sterling silver bar. The fob, the bar, the clip and each of the chain links are stamped with silver hallmarks.

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