Norse-Man Brooch

Among the most famous pieces of gold jewellery on display here is the Norseman Brooch (Number 6). This stunning piece carries an extraordinary story that begins with the discovery of gold in the town of Norseman, located 200km south of Kalgoorlie.

The town’s claim to fame? It was actually named after a horse. In 1894, Laurie Sinclair’s horse, Norseman, was tied up when it scratched at the ground and unearthed a gold nugget—triggering a gold rush that led to the town’s founding. To honour this remarkable event, a statue of Norseman now stands in the town centre.