COMB - GALALITH

c. 1974
Overview

Wooden rectangular comb with teeth missing and snapped at the top and bottom of the comb.

Whitish in colour with brown stains along the top of the comb.

Historical information

The school was scheduled to be demolished in 1987 to make way for the Armadale Shopping City expansion. The community rallied to save the building by transporting it down the road to its new location. The old Congregational Church was rebuilt just before the school was moved and sits adjacent to the school.

Collected from under the old location of Armadale Primary School before it was moved to its current location in Minnawarra historic Precinct.

The word galalith etched into the comb is the combination the Greek words for milk and rock, respectively. The material is created after submerging casein which was derived from milk into formaldehyde. Galalith was used in many applications before the advent of cheaper plastics that overtook it.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-33-AK2000.97
Material
Plastic
Inscriptions and markings

[Galalith]

Year
Statement of significance

MEDIUM

Comb was collected from under the now 'on site' building of the Armadale Primary School on its removal. A lost personal item from a teacher or student.

Last modified
Thursday, 2 July, 2026
Completeness
83
City of Armadale - History House

City of Armadale - History House

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