Subscribe
The main item is an 18th century miner's helmet of typical 'bowler hat' type complete with it's original leather attachment which was for the purpose of repelling water when cutting wet seams. The helmet is sealed with at least one or more layers of bitumen, or something similar. There are a couple of holes near the rim of the leather which look as if they are there for the purpose of hanging the hat up on a nail or hook (see pictures). On the inside of the leather are some scratched initials 'WPP' or 'WPD' which you can just see in one of the photos if you look carefully.
This helmet has never been up for sale before, it came from the probate of a cornish mining family in Calstock, and it has been exhibited in mining museums in Liskeard and Truro.
Also included are three 18th century mining tools which were found when a dis-used 'Addit' in Dolceath was opened to allow modern pumping equipment in to alleviate flooding. The tools were on a shelf that had been chipped into the wall of the addit and were found by a man who had worked in three mines in Cornwall during the early 20th century and who died in the 1980's - the tools then passed on to his widow. There are two pickheads, one with a handle and one without, and an axe with handle. Look carefully at the close up photo of the pickhead with handle and you will see years of striations caused by constant water on cast iron.
For more information about this unique piece, Visit My eBay Store or ring us on 01208 872909