eHive Object Details

Name/TitleVictorian Gold Escort (two horsemen), c. 1855

About this objectPhotograph of an oil painting, probably by W. Strutt, showing two uniformed men on horseback, galloping from left to right on a country road. This image is very similar in style to another painting, known to be by Strutt, of two members of the Victorian mounted police (See Po-27).

Originally, the mounted police were established for the purpose of apprehending bushrangers and runaways and attending to robberies.

Gold Fields Police, mounted police who were stationed at gold fields throughout the colony, alternated between gold escort duty and gold fields patrols.

In subsequent years the Force was to develop and expand and by 1861 total strength was 1,343 men, of which 439 were mounted troopers. (Source: 'Police in Victoria: 1836-1980')

One of the many glass slides purchased from retailers or specifically made for illustrated lectures given by Isaac Selby between c. 1930 and c. 1955 to raise money for the Old Pioneers Memorial Fund.

MakerT.W. Cameron (Firm)

Maker RoleSlide Maker

MakerStrutt, William, 1825-1915.

Maker RoleArtist

Inscription and MarksMount: VICTORIAN GOLD ESCORT / C. 1855 / 13058

Measurements8.2 x 8.2 cm

Period1850-1860

Object TypeGlass slide

Subject and Association KeywordsSelby, Isaac, 1859-1956

Subject and Association KeywordsGold escorts

Subject and Association KeywordsGold and gold mining

Subject and Association KeywordsHorse riding

Subject and Association KeywordsMounted police

Subject and Association KeywordsUniforms

Subject and Association KeywordsStrutt, William, 1825-1915.

Named CollectionImages collection

Credit Line# 13058 - Sept 1944, one of a collection of 17 lantern slides donated by A. W. Grieg

Object numberGS-EM-25

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved