In looking through a collection of mainly 20thC documents relating particularly to the Tamar Valley, have come across assay reports, invoices etc from Capper Pass for tin slags etc. sold by the John Taylor & Sons concern working at Crowndale in the 1920's, & also for black tin from Wheal Emma (DGC) in the 1940's. I understand some tin from Great Work tributers in the 1940's went to Bristol, presumably also to Capper Pass.
Two queries:
firstly, is anyone aware of any records - perhaps in Rio Tinto archives - of Capper Pass purchases. Of course RTZ didn't take over Capper Pass till much later. I have checked online catalogues for archives around the Bristol area. On the (probably remote) chance such records do survive, it might be a useful source for production figures from other small ventures in the South West.
secondly, has anyone been able to pinpoint the location of the Crowndale smelting works (worked up to c. 1830's)? Tom Greaves' paper on Devon tin smelting suggests the exact location was unknown. The sale of slags in the 1920's which must have originated from these works indicates it must have been within or close to the lease area then held.
Alasdair Neill.
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