Rare Antique Folk Art 19th Century Carved Cannel Coal Chess Set
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A Beautiful And Rare Antique 19th Century Carved Cannel Coal Chess Set. There Are 16 Pieces In Total.
In the 19th century, coal miners, particularly in the UK, were known to carve small objects like chess sets, pipes, and figurines from cannel coal during their off-hours or while underground during breaks. This tradition is part of a broader category of “pit art” or “miner’s art.”
Cannel coal was often available right at the mine and was soft enough to carve with simple tools yet hard enough to hold fine detail. Miners often made objects as gifts, personal pastimes, or to supplement income. Items like chess sets were sometimes made for family members or to commemorate service in the mines.
These folk-art pieces were seldom mass-produced and are now considered valuable examples of working-class craftsmanship and industrial heritage.
A rare survivor!
Condition is good, commensurate with age and use. Structurally sound. There a few small chips or wear areas which is typical for cannel coal, because of the brittle nature of the material.
Weighs 246.86 grams