Cumbrian Spar Box (1800 to 1900 England)

Wood, glass and minerals

Unique to Cumbria spar boxes were a competitive traditional pastime of 19th century lead miners. Great pride was taken in the making of these cases from the mineral crystals they found in cavities as they worked the seams of lead ore. Annual shows and competitions were held in the towns of the North Penines and prizes were awarded for the best and most elaborate spar cases and models. Many of the prized exhibits were sold supplementing the miner’s income and becoming collector’s items of man made natural curiosity.

An Unusual Cumbrian Spar Box
Set in its original architectural oak frame, made of black zinc ore, quartz and fluorspar
Victorian, circa 1870-80

Size: 56cm high, 54cm wide, 22cm deep – 22 ins high, 21¼ ins wide, 8½ ins deep
See Finch & Co catalogue no. 2, for an example of a spar tower, catalogue no. 3, item no. 8, and catalogue no. 13, item no. 2, for other examples of spar boxes