A very rare spar box, Cumbria, England
A very rare spar box, Cumbria, England
Circa 1880-1890
Black Zinc Ore, Quartz & Fluorspar
Size: 36cm x 45cm
These spar boxes were built by Victorian lead miners from mineral
crystals found in cavities as they worked the seams of lead ore. The miners took great pride in their knowledge of these minerals and it
became a traditional pastime to mount them into tower, boxes and
models, often supplementing their income by selling them at annual
shows. Competitions were held and prizes given in the town halls of the North
Pennines for the most carefully made and elaborate 'Spar Cases' and
'Spar Models'. See Finch & Co Catalogue 2002 for an example of a Spar Tower.
crystals found in cavities as they worked the seams of lead ore. The miners took great pride in their knowledge of these minerals and it
became a traditional pastime to mount them into tower, boxes and
models, often supplementing their income by selling them at annual
shows. Competitions were held and prizes given in the town halls of the North
Pennines for the most carefully made and elaborate 'Spar Cases' and
'Spar Models'. See Finch & Co Catalogue 2002 for an example of a Spar Tower.
A very rare spar box, Cumbria, England
SOLD