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Bottle of Essence Vera - Violetta
Bottle of Essence Vera - Violetta

Bottle of Essence Vera - Violetta

Maker (Established 1862)
Date1893 - 1910
Object number00005901
NameBottle
MediumGlass, paper
DimensionsOverall: 103 mm, 0.1 kg
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA bottle of Essence Vera-Violetta by Roger and Gallet, Paris, found in a medicine chest (00005897) used by the chief engineer on the BURRUMBEET. Vera-Violetta (Essence) was a perfume by Roger and Gallet for women and was released in 1893. The fragrence was notable for using a newly synthesised fragrance of violet for which they had the French rights. HistoryThe chest represents the changing role of officers who served in the Merchant Marine during the mid to late 19th century. There was no requirement for a Surgeon to be onboard, so commissioned officers were responsible for performing minor medical tasks. In the case of the BURRUMBEET, the pharmaceuticals were weighed and administered by the Chief Engineer, the original owner of the chest. The BURRUMBEET, a Huddart-Parker steamer, served on the east coast of Australia between 1884-1915. The BURRUMBEET worked the New South Wales coal run until 1889 when it inaugurated the Melbourne/Launceston sheep trade with its sister ship the ELINGAMITE.SignificanceThe BURRUMBEET apothecary's chest and its contents are rare in that the provenance can be attributed to an Australian steamer and one of its officers.