002.232.Idrija

Idrija Municipal Museum, Prelovčeva 9, SI-5280 Idrija

Public

Municipality of Idrija, Mestni trg 1, SI-5280 Idrija

510:IDR;RZ-123

Mine

The pit cart – “trugca” is no longer considered as a track vehicle. Both axles with wheels are screwed on the base bracket, made of flat steel (forged). The cast wheels have two different diameters (136 mm and 195 mm). The cart box is wooden and reinforced with flat steel. Due to wear, the bottom of the box is covered with steel sheets. A part of the sheet metal is missing. On the smaller side of the cart, there is a handle in diameter 17 mm and with the dimensions 234 × 95 mm. The cart volume is 0.084 m³.

Length 108 cm, width 34 cm, height 68.3 cm.

Cast iron, steel, wood - fir.

First half of the 20th century.

Idrija Mercury Mine.

The pit cart - “trugca” was named due to its dimensions and appearance, but otherwise it was an upgrade of the “cart with a guide pin” (the Hungarian cart) from the 15th century. In the Idrija Mercury Mine, it was used for several centuries. Around 1850, the Mine switched to using classic steel rolled rails. At that time, the “trugca” pit carts were reconstructed and their guide pin was removed. They were manufactured in the Idrija mining plant in accordance with need. They were used on the mining fields, where the classic pit trail had not yet been laid. Ten to twelve “trigles” (nečkas) were required to fill the “trugca” (300 kg). The filled “trugca” pit carts were then pushed on wooden boards towards the shafts. Around 1950, they were mostly replaced with mine cards named “Korejci” (Koreans), but they were still in use at least until the end of 1961.

The pit cart is being preserved, secured and presented as important monument of Idrija mining heritage with exceptional universal values. Visitors can view it within the permanent exhibition of the Idrija Municipal Museum “Five Centuries of the Mercury Mine and the Town of Idrija”. It can also be used for different types of mercury heritage promotions. The Idrija Municipal Museum keeps several “trugca” mine carts. These types of carts can also be found in all large museums, especially in museums of transportation in Europe and in a few other museums in Slovenia. The “trugca” pit carts were adapted to and designed in accordance with the needs of the Idrija Mercury Mine, give them additional value.

The Pit of the Idrija Mercury Mine.

Idrija Municipal Museum, Gewerkenegg Castle (showroom 7).

The described object is being commendably preserved. All the surfaces were cleaned with the sandblasting process and protected with foundation and top paint. Therefore, no additional interventions are necessary. Security of the premises is ensured.

good

Regular seasonal maintenance.

- Inventory Book of the Idrija Municipal Museum;
- Historical Archives of Ljubljana, Unit in Idrija, plan collection, drawer B2;
- Historical Archives of Ljubljana, Unit in Idrija, fond RŽS, IDR 55, material after the year 1955, t. e. 188.

Mestni muzej Idrija

Miha Kosmač

7. 3. 2018

Never