The homemade armour that Ned Kelly and his gang wore during their final showdown with the police.
He spent his childhood on his familys farm, where he became well acquainted with the bush.
In gratitude, the boys family gifted him a green sash.
It is said this was the same sash worn by Ned during his last stand in 1880.
When Ned was 14 years old, he met bushranger Harry Power and together they committed many armed robberies.
Power was often described as Neds bushranging mentor, and Ned was seen as his young accomplice.
Though Ned denied the accusations, Power always insisted that he had been betrayed.
Ned continued his life of crime, working with various gangs to steal horses mainly.
His felonious activities brought him into conflict with the police frequently.
Ned Kelly on 10 November 1880, one day before his execution.
Ned kept his promise.
Ned shot and killed Lonigan without regret calling him the meanest man that I had any account against.
There, they robbed the local bank of another 2,100 in cash and valuables.
The massacre at Stringybark Creek, which led to the death of three policemen including Thomas Lonigan.
Ned attracted a strong following, particularly among the poor Irish-Australians, who often faced discrimination and harsh treatment.
The gang from left to right: Dan Kelly, Steve Hart and Joe Byrne.
The murder took place at Sherritts home near Beechworth, in the presence of four policemen.
It was at Glenrowan that the gang planned their ambush.
Ned Kellys head armour.
Photo credit: State Library Victoria
Ned and his gang had spent months preparing for this final showdown.
The helmet resembled a tin can without a crown, and included a long slit for the eyes.
This design not only provided protection but also allowed the helmet to be removed quickly if needed.
Ned Kellys suit was the heaviest of them all, weighing an astonishing 44 kilograms.
For eleven hours, Neds gang held their ground against around forty policemen.
None of the officers realized the outlaws were wearing armour until Ned was finally captured.
His apparent invulnerability filled onlookers with superstitious awe.
Journalists at the scene described him as a strange apparition and a fiend with a charmed life.
One constable recalled being completely astonished and unable to comprehend what he was shooting at.
As the gunfight continued, he assumed Ned was a huge blackfellow wrapped in a blanket.
But there is no use firing at Ned Kelly; he can’t be hurt.
The armour also protected only the head and torso, leaving his limbs vulnerable.
Ned was eventually wounded in the left hand, left arm and right foot.
As he staggered forward, moving from tree to tree toward the hotel, the police opened fire.
He later described the sensation of being hit as feeling like blows from a man’s fist.
Severely wounded, he was carried to the railway station, where a doctor tended to him.
“The capture of Ned Kelly”, wood engraving, printed in The Illustrated Australian News.
Thousands of his sympathizers gathered in Melbourne to protest, demanding a reprieve.
Their efforts were in vain.
On 11 November 1880, Ned Kelly was hanged.
News of Ned Kellys armour caused a sensation across Australia and beyond.
All remain on display today.
The armour of Ned Kelly located at the State Library of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.
