The Oldham Cap Lamp and Battery introduced in the 1940s

"At my first pit the lamp bezel had different colours. So white was BACM (British Association of Colliery Management), Blue was COSA (Colliery Officials Supervisors Association), Yellow for NACODS (National Association of Colliery Overmen and Deputies) and black for NUM (National Union of Mineworkers)." (Adrian Brant)

A Miners Pick - 1900s The Pick was used before machinery was introduced

The Miners would lie on their back and undercut the Coal Seam.
"When it was a hand getting face it was used to bring down lose coal. The face could be various heights. The pick was also used by men making the roadways" Geoff Connolly

Knee Pads

Plastic Drinking Bottle

1950s Miners Helmet

1950s Miners helmet made of black compressed cardboard

1970s Miners Helmet

The 1970s Miners Helmet was made of compressed composite or fibre-glass

Self Rescuer

A Respirator used in Gas Areas down the mines. Attached to the miner's belt and worn around your waist.

Self Rescuers in storage in the mine

Smokie Oil Lamp

1930s Miners Oil Lamp

Miners 1960 Durham Shovel

Tools Of The Trade: Gallery