TitleSilver Vesta caseAbout this objectThis Vesta case belonged to Major William James Sherbon, who lived on Bare Island as chairman of the Council of the Veterans' Home until the 1920s. In a fire that destroyed the Sherbon house in the 1920s, the family escaped with only the clothes and belongings on them, including this Vesta case which was in Major Sherbon’s pocket, and a signet ring (Object no. 2021.2) on a family member’s finger.
Sherbon (1867-1939) was born in England before his family moved to Jamaica where his father was an accountant for the government. During 1892 and 1931, Sherbon served in the newly formed NSW Military Secretary Department in Australia.
The Vesta case and the signet ring were bequeathed to Rosemary Norman, maternal granddaughter of Sherbon, and donated to the Museum in 2021. Object No.2021.1Physical descriptionThe silver Vesta case is engraved with floral patterns with a banner in the centre bearing the monogram ‘WJS’, representing William James Sherbon. Five silver hallmarks, which are barely distinguishable can be found below the line of the lid. Inscriptions & marks5 silver hallmarks, indistinguishable DimensionsH: 40mm
W: 29mm
D: 8mmMaterialsilverSourceLa Perouse MuseumProvenance Prior to 1939 – Major William James Sherbon
1939 – bequeathed to Rosemary Norman
4 April 2021 – donated to the La Perouse Museum by Rosemary NormanCredit lineGift of Rosemary Norman, 2021Acquisition date4 April 2021Organisations (Detailed entries)La Perouse Museum (La Perouse, N.S.W.)CategoryMuseum | Social historyThemesSocial historyRelated objects2021.2
