Mantle Clock

DESCRIPTION

TitleMantle ClockObject TypeHousehold ItemsDate1923DescriptionThis Mantle Clock was presented to Sylvester and Irene McCabe on the occasion of their wedding day in January 1923, by members of the Shellharbour Rifle Club.

Plaque on front of clock reads 'Presented to Mr & Mrs McCabe by members of the Shellharbour Rifle Club Jan 1923.'CreatorThe Sessions Clock Company, Forestville, Connecticut, USAProvenance and SignifcanceThe Illawarra Rifle Club presented this mantle clock to Sylvester and Irene McCabe on their wedding day in 1923.

James McCabe came to Australia in 1882, from County Cavan, Ireland. He married Catherine Boylan at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Shellharbour, and they had 12 children.

James McCabe was a blacksmith and member of the Blacksmith’s Society of Australia. He operated the blacksmiths shop at Shellharbour. He was a keen fisherman and was often seen heading to Bass Point to fish from the rocks: always returning home with a good catch.

The McCabe family home in Addison Street Shellharbour Village, was built from salvaged remains of the shipwreck Rangoon that struck Minnamurra Island in 1870.

James’ sons, Thomas and Sylvester, were also blacksmiths, and in the 1920's owned the only rubber wheeled sulky around. They later worked in the local quarries. With their brother Christopher they were members of the Shellharbour Rifle Club, winning many trophies between them.

Christopher and another brother Gregory McCabe both served in WWI and Christopher received a Military Medal.

Colonel Colin Dunmore Fuller (6th Australian Light Horse) of 'Dunmore' House presented him with a gold watch and chain for his outstanding service at Villers Bretonneux and Peronne, France, which he reputedly wore for the remainder of his life.

Christopher was a keen collector of shells and amassed an impressive collection, now held by the Museum.DonorMccabe, Edward

CHARACTERISTICS

MaterialTimber, glass and brass.

Ornamental clock adorned with columns, harp players, and yellow, green and blue flowers on the clock face.

Decorative metal feet.Dimensions45Lcm x 16W x 23H

CLASSIFICATION

PrimaryHorologySecondaryClocks

CONNECTIONS

CollectionObjectsFamilyMcCabeFullerLocalityShellharbour VillagePersonMcCabe, Christopher (Christy)

LOCATION

Item LocationOn Exhibition

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