Horse Hoof Inkwell Commemorating a Coal Mine Disaster

This inkstand was fashioned from a horse’s hoof to commemorate the tragic Talke O Th Hill colliery disaster on May 27^th, 1901. It features a brass top with a scalloped edge. The inscription reads: HOOF OF ONE OF THE 26 HORSES KILLED IN THE TALK-O’TH-HILL COLLIERY EXPLOSION MAY 27^TH 1901.” A hinged lid covers the inkwell. A pen holder is attached.

The 1901 Disaster

The Talke O Th Hill colliery disaster was a devastating coal mine explosion that occurred on May 27^th, 1901, in Talke, Staffordshire. The death resulted in the deaths of four miners and 26 horses. The disaster highlighted the dangers faced by miners and their equine companions in the early 20^th century. The use of a horse’s hoof as the base of the inkstand serves as a somber reminder of the lives lost in the explosion.

Chatterley (apedale.co.uk) – details of an inquiry into the disaster.