Hobbies And Interests
History
Early coal mining is generally associated with the United Kingdom, where miners headed down into the mines in the eighteenth century and into the 1950s. In China, however, there are reports of coal mining as early as the New Stone Age. Coal was also used by the Aztecs, the Romans and medieval Europeans. During the Industrial Revolution, which started in Britain in the 1700s, the demand for coal increased significantly as the use of steam engines became popular. Immigrants to the United States brought coal mining techniques with them.
Types
There are two types of coal mining: surface mining and underground mining. Because of the different processes associated with each type, the antiques for each are different. Because underground coal mining has a longer history, it tends to have the most valuable antiques. Sought-after antiques from underground coal mining include helmets with attached lights, pickaxes, coal carts and rail ties from coal mines.
Significance
Coal mining antiques are considered items of historical significance. Coal mining required often complex engineering processes, and antiques can assist in the education and historical knowledge of design and technique. Coal mining is often deeply entrenched in the spirit and character of a particular community, and antiques hold particular significance for families and descendants of coal miners.
Geography
In Europe, coal mining was popular in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium and Austria. In the United States, coal mining is closely associated with West Virginia. In actuality, however, the largest producers of coal are Montana, Illinois and Wyoming.
Considerations
Coal mining has often been the subject of much debate, and coal mining antiques are showcase evidence of brutal conditions and harsh working environments. Because coal mining caused health and safety issues for workers, labor and trade unions have historically waged fiery battles to improve conditions. Many coal mining antiques now sit in museums for public education, along with grainy photographs of coal miners lining up to enter or exit a mine.
Warning
When hunting for coal mining antiques, it is safest to go through a reputable dealer. Dealers are often able to provide historical information, context and locations of use. Avoid the temptation to enter abandoned mines in search of coal mining antiques; they can be unstable and prone to collapse.