Line testing machine

Date1945 - 1999

Object number00049223

NameLine testing machine

MediumMetal, timber, glass

DimensionsOverall: 225 x 320 x 1840 mm

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Peter Whitton

Terms

DescriptionThis fishing equipment was stocked by DP Whiton & Sons, a Sydney retailer specialising in tackle for recreational and commercial fishing. The company operated from 1922 until 2007. They were the longest serving world wide distributer of the Norwegian fish hook manufacturer Mustad & Sön. This brand was always their most popular fish hook range and favoured for game fishing. Clients included game fishers such as Bob Dyer and Jack Davey, popular Australian radio and television entertainers. The line testing machine was used by game fishers before and after fishing if they wished to register a record claim with the International Game Fishing Association.HistoryDP Whitton & Sons was formed in 1922 by David Peters Whitton and traded initially from home premises in Penshurst and then moved in 1930 to the top floor of the ANZ bank on the corner of George and Liverpool Streets, Sydney. The business moved in about 1970 to Blakehurst and again to a larger warehouse at Taren Point in 1985. In 1999 the business returned to home premises due to an oversupply of products and shrinking markets and closed in October 2007. Mustad hooks are popular with game fishers as they are extremely strong and have good points that are easy to keep sharp. SignificanceThis recreational fishing equipment represents a range of Norwegian manufactured fish hooks, popular with game fishers that were imported into Australia from 1945 to 1999.