Summary

Black and white photo advertising Tom Piper canned goods and Phillip Morris cigarettes using three display stands manufactured by the Sterne Doll Co.

This photograph relates to products and promotions of the L.J. Sterne Doll Company (1939-1971), a Melbourne doll and toy manufacturer founded by Austrian migrants Leo and Hilda Sterne.

Description of Content

This photograph depicts three advertising stands used to promote Tom Piper canned food, and Phillip Morris cigarettes. The stands on the left and right are cut-outs of a cartoon-like boy carrying a can of Tom Piper braised steak and vegetables (left) and Tom piper luncheon beef loaf (right). Sitting on both of the stands are a can of Tom Piper Luncheon Beef Loaf and a can of Tom Piper Camp Pie. In the centre, there is a cut out image of a boy in a uniform holding a large packet of Phillip Morris King Size cigarettes. In the foreground there are several packets of Phillip Morris cigarettes displayed. In front of this is a sign with 'Sterne Product'. In the bottom right hand corner 'A 'Sterne' PRODUCT/ MELBOURNE' is typed within a white rectangle.

Physical Description

A black and white photograph.

Significance

This item is part of a growing collection of material relating to the migration and settlement experiences of Leo and Hilda Sterne who arrived in Melbourne in 1939. They immediately established a business that became one of the most successful doll and toy manufacturers in post-war Melbourne.

The L.J. Sterne Sterne Doll Company (1939-71) is significant as one of the few surviving collections related to an Australian toy and doll manufacturer, a once thriving industry in Australia. Only the A.L. Lindsay and Co. Archive at the Powerhouse Museum and the Jakas Toys collection at museum Victoria.

This collection of photographs, business and promotional documents, dolls and toys enables the exploration of many Australian post-war historical and social themes including: local television and manufacturing industries; design and production innovation; marketing and merchandising; childhood; gender and cultural representations; leisure and sport; and key cultural and historical events.

More Information