Latest addition for Shep’s harp collection is Albert’s Student Boomerang from the mid 1920’s I believe. Short lived it seems and perhaps not many in existence. I couldn’t locate an advertisement in the newspapers, not one for the Student Boomerang. Perhaps it was a one off special school offer. It doesn’t appear to significantly differ … Continue reading Schools Out For Summer (Was It Ever In?)
This was meant to be a simple tale about Mick Simmons’ Perla mouth organ - first sold in 1927. It became something extra due to information obtained on Mick and his family. I’ll begin when Henry Michael Mitchell Simmons (better known as Mick to his mates) first toddled onto the shores of the new colony. … Continue reading Mick’s Perla
Well I remember when I was Young the World had just begun and I was Happy. I used to wonder about the Earth and how it moved around the Sun so Snappy. Imagination goin’ wild makes a very backward child they told me. So back at school I’d sit around just waitin’ for the Sound … Continue reading 45 Revolutions #11 – I Remember When I Was Young
Canadian collector Doug Dawson sent photos of a couple of exquisite Cracker Jacks recently added to his ever expanding collection. F A Rauner sent his models down under (with a little tweak to the name) to Allan & Co. of Melbourne. Sláinte Doug. Built to beat the band. Probably not ideal - better to be … Continue reading Band Beaters
I was too young for the festivals and, although the music would’ve been right up my alley, roughing it would not have been as I do appreciate the comforts of home. Many of the Australian bands that appeared at these festivals, appear in my vinyl collection and played at Pubs when I first ventured into … Continue reading BS (Before Sunbury)
Way out west where the rain don’t fall. Got a job with the company drilling for oil just to make some change. Living and a working on the land. I quit my job and I left my wife. I headed out west for a brand new life just to get away living and a working … Continue reading 45 Revolutions #10 – Way Out West
Number 20, pictured here in this Geo. Borgfeldt 1899 Catalogue, is an Aussie branded mouth organ named in reference to our world famous opera singer Dame Nellie Melba. Nellie was born Helen Porter Mitchell in Richmond (an inner city suburb of Melbourne, Victoria Australia) and while learning the ropes in London in 1886, she adopted … Continue reading Doin’ a Melba (or a Farnsy)
I stumbled across the Des Bettany Trio when researching newspapers of yesteryear. On further investigation a website dedicated to Des by his kids was unearthed. What a life! Lancashire born Des Bettany, a trained analytical chemist, was a gunner for the 88 Field Regiment in WWII. He was captured in Singapore by the Japanese and … Continue reading Des’ Sketch
This month’s 45 Revs for your aural pleasure is “Boogie (Part One)” b/w “Boogie (Part Two)” by Carson. Carson was an Australian (Melbourne) blues rock and boogie rock band, which started life in January 1970 as the Carson County Band. “Boogie” ventured into the top 30 on the National Charts in September 1972 and it … Continue reading 45 Revolutions #9 – Boogie (Part One)
I got this little girl she's quite a pictureAin't no-one anywhere ever gonna steal herMy Baby - Cold Chisel Another pick up for the Shep Collection. Just couldn’t help myself. It’s manifesting as an addiction. Haven’t seen many of these in my short fossicking career. Will sit right beside my Tiny and Tiny De Luxe. … Continue reading My Baby
Harmonica Riff Raff 