A model steam engine, built in 1864 and kept in the Smedley family for 152 years, has been donated to the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.
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The engine was made in the United Kingdom by Henry Smedley who brought it with him when he migrated to Australia.
QVMAG history curator Jon Addison said it is a significant piece of history.
“This is really, really important in the development of steam as a major force and this was developed really quite close to the early development of steam technology itself,” he said.
The engine was stolen in 2015, prompting the family to donate it so it could remain safe and be enjoyed by the community. The engine will be on display in the QVMAG objects gallery next week.
