002.252.Idrija

Idrija Municipal Museum, Prelovčeva 9, SI-5280 Idrija

Public

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

510:IDR;RZ-61

Mine

The iron pit cart (“hund”) has two axles, which are attached with slide bearings. The latter are attached to the supporting frame, made from U12 profile. The shorter sides are framed with a bumper made of curved metal with dimensions 25 × 160 mm, the longer sides have two 150 mm long shields on each side. The frames of the two shorter sides have welded 10mm sheet metal brackets with dimensions 70 × 300 × 550 mm, on which a crate for ore is positioned. There are two hooks on the side of the cart, which enable the cart to tilt. The crate has two round steel handles on the shorter sides and a welded number 150 under the handle on one side. The wheels have flange grooves, 325 mm in diameter and a 112 mm long pesto.

Length 199.5 cm, width 77 cm, height 124 cm.

Steel.

1960s

Manufacturer information is not known.

Iron pit carts were used for ore transportation from the blind shafts to the main shaft for excavated material. From here to the sites, the tailing and other filling material was transported. Fully loaded cart, suitable for the 475 mm wide track, weighed up to 800 kg. Initially, this work was performed by the drivers (laufarji). In 1960s, the iron carts were transported by a locomotive. On the surface, they used them for transporting and shaking the ore into the Čermak-Špirek's reverberatory furnaces. That is why they were made of steel, so that they would not catch fire while shaking the ore into the operating furnace. An important advantage of the iron cart’s hook was that it allowed the cart to tilt cart on one side or the other. With this enhancement, safety increased, and the time required for shaking was shortened. It is an improved version of a cart which was used in other mines from the end of the 19th century onwards. The tipping solution was constructed by Dr Vidergard, the concept of the bumper and chassis (Idrian patent) was presented by Dr Uroš Bajželj and the plan was drawn by Ludvik Čibej. All the men mentioned above were employees of the Idrija Mercury Mine.

The described object is being preserved, secured and presented as an important monument of Idrija technical 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. In the museum display, the cart is positioned on the rails, which are mounted on three oak beams (with dimensions 15.5 × 12 cm). The museum display is surrounded with glass on both sides, which enables the presentation of ore transport from the mine shafts through Bašerija to the smelting plant.

Idrija Mercury Mine (the pit, the smelting plant).

Idrija Municipal Museum, Gewerkenegg Castle (showroom 6).

Before 1995, a restoration-conservation procedure was performed on the cart, for the needs of the permanent museum exhibition. Therefore, no additional interventions are necessary. Security of the premises is ensured.

good

Regular seasonal maintenance.

- Inventory Book of the Idrija Municipal Museum.

Mestni muzej Idrija

Miha Kosmač

8. 3. 2018

Never