Description: Vintage South Crofty Mine 50yr Service AE Richards 1962 Viners Silver Plate Tray Vintage South Crofty Ltd (Mine) Presentation Silver Plate Salver Tray for 50 years Service to Mr A E Richards 12th February 1962 - this is a lovely quality Viners Silver Plate on Copper Vignette Salver Tray on Feet with this interesting commemorative inscription to the centre - South Crofty Mine is a very important part of Cornish Mining History and is today in the process of being reopened so this is a very topical piece from its 20th century history. Brief research indicates that Mr Richards sat on the Board of The Cornish Institute of Engineers as a South Crofty Mining Representative from as early as 1921 probably up until the late 1950s (for more about the Mine, the Institute and Viners see below) having worked there from 1912 to 1962 when we presume he was retiring this would have been a treasured gift - it is a lovely looking salver - some of the copper is exposed on the beautiful floral designs and it has a rococo style raised lip and stands on 3 feet - stamped tor reverse V Ltd Made in Sheffield England - with only light tarnish this is a great piece of mining memorabilia - please check photos which form part of the description and do help - interesting collectible about a fascinating mine which is now very much back in the news - don't miss it! South Crofty Mine was the last working mine in Cornwall. It is a metalliferous tin and copper mine located in the village of Pool, Cornwall, United Kingdom. An ancient mine, it has seen production for over 400 years, and extends almost two and a half miles across and 3,000 feet down and has mined over 40 lodes. Evidence of mining activity in South Crofty has been dated back to 1592, with full-scale mining beginning in the mid-17th century. In July 1906, the South Wheal Crofty Company became South Crofty Ltd.During World War I (1914-18) there was increased demand for metals but the post-war depression led to the closure of five nearby mines in 1920 and one in 1921. The size of South Crofty increased considerably in 1936 when the owners purchased the large mine at Dolcoath to the west. On 1st May 1955, Robinson’s engine stopped pumping. It was the last Cornish beam engine to work a Cornish mine. The engine has been preserved in its house, although electric pumps were installed in the shaft. The engine house is Grade II* listed and is under the care of the National Trust. Public access is restricted.The price of tin crashed in 1985, triggering widespread hardship for miners. South Crofty survived this through modernisation and government assistance. However, it closed on 6th March 1998, by which time Cook's Shaft was 769m deep, with a further incline to a depth of 859m. It was Europe's last tin mine to close. In 2001, the mine was reopened by Baseresult Holdings Ltd under the name New Cook's Kitchen Mine, but was later abandoned. The price of tin has increased rapidly to more than three times its 1998 level. It's in demand for lead-free solder amongst other things. Consequently, Baseresult formed a new company on 2nd November 2007 — Western United Mines Ltd — to own and run South Crofty . This closed in 2009. Once again investigations towards reopening the mine have begun. The very latest reports from Cornish Metals, formerly Strongbow, the current owners, in 2021 indicate that they have been looking at reopening the mine and currently seeking funding to pump the water out of the mine with a view to start digging for tin and copper once more. Newsflash - pumping has just begun October 2023! See more from the BBC news Cornish Institute of Engineers - Officers and Council Members 1921 - The Cornish Institute of Mining, Mechanical and Metallurgial Engineers - Members of Council, Section Mining: included A Richards from South Crofty Mine (source The Cornish Engineer, Early Transactions 1912-1925- online reference documentation) - he continues to be referenced in this document up to and including 1925. This institute continues to this day renamed as the CIE in 1923- Cornish Institute of Engineers. during the 1960s summary of transactions in 1968- 'At the start of the third General Meeting on 20th November the President asked the audience to stand in memory of Mr. E. Richards who had recently died after being a member for many years.' There is a reference to Albert Ernest Richards 1897-1968 in St Euny Churchyard - it is possible this is the same person. Measurements 12.25" diameter, raised 3/4" to top of liptotal weight before packing 1.1kg Click here for a look at some more bargains. 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Price: 139.99 GBP
Location: Redruth
End Time: 2024-09-27T14:16:38.000Z
Shipping Cost: 50.15 GBP
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Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted
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Brand: Viners of Sheffield
Composition: Silver Plate
Product: Plates/ Platters/ Trays
Material: Silver Plate
Age: Post-1940
