Pender Brothers were an important organisation in the New South Wales honey business. They began manufacturing beekeeping equipment in 1892, becoming leaders in their field for the next eighty years. They also published The Australasian Beekeeper, also known as ABK, that started in 1899 and continues today.
E5105: Beehive, brood box with super, wood / metal, Pender Brothers Limited, West Maitland, NSW, 1931
This hive is made in two sizes - 8 frame and 10 frame. The lower portion is for brood, and the upper, called a 'super', is for honey storage. When in operation this hive may have as many supers (top boxes) added to it as the bees may require.
E5137: Bee mailing cage, metal / cardboard / wood, made by Pender Brothers Limited, West Maitland, NSW, 1931
The Benton Mailing Cage was used for transporting queen bees by post. Bee mailing cages allowed widespread trade in honey bees. People wishing to establish beehives throughout NSW could purchase queen bees from breeders without having to travel to collect the bees.
E5115: Beehive smoker, wood / metal / leather, made by Pender Brothers Limited, West Maitland, NSW, 1931
The Pender Smoker was used to direct smoke into a beehive in order to pacify the bees. This allowed beekeepers to rob hives of honey without being stung by angry bees.
E5116: Beekeeper's veil, metal wire / calico, made by Pender Brothers Limited, West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia, 1931