ProvenanceOriginally belonged to Chief Gunner Edwin Argent aboard the HMCS Protector, South Australia's colonial warship, during the late 19th and early 20th century. Lieut. Edwin Argent was the donor's Great Grandfather. The diary has always been in the family and was handed down to the donor by his father, Keith Argent Beesley (Edwin Argent's grandson), many years ago. Keith Argent Beesley passed away in 2008.SignificanceProtector was the most significant naval vessel in South Australian history; hence the vessel is an acquisition focus of the Maritime Museum's collection management policy. The SAMM currently has a rich collection of artifacts relating to the history of this specific vessel. The most evocative items are the personal mementos relating to individuals who served in Protector. These, together with the additional Edwin Argent items including the Beesley donation, provide an intimate personal perspective of life on board South Australia's colonial naval vessel. As well, Argent's documents provide an insight into the duties of a colonial gunship's Chief Gunner. The items are not only highly displayable and suitable for immediate showcasing in the museum's naval gallery, but are also useful research resources to increase our knowledge of South Australia's colonial navy.DescriptionLeather case and carrying strap. "Lieutenant Dowling" written on lid in ink, together with marker's logo imprinted.Materialbrass
|glass
|leather DimensionType: binoculars
Height: 120
Width: 120
Depth: 70
Unit (Lengths): mm
|Type: case
Height: 140
Width: 120
Depth: 90
Unit (Lengths): mm Accession NumberHT 2010.0693 b
