Mining Objects and Figurines
It was not only the posters that defined the brands of the South Limburg mining companies. A substantial part of these brands was the variety of figurines, memorabilia, plates, and models used in the promotion of workers, as retirement gifts or merely as merchandise. This section is dedicated to such objects, their purpose, and stories.
Mining Cart
As a part of a larger wooden set, this miniature mining cart was handcrafted during a metalworking school project for the Technical Vocation School (TVS). Educational programs allowed students to become bankers or electricians, for instance. This and many other miniature carts like it were later filled with bits of coal and sold as souvenirs or merchandise.
3D model created by Angel Shoylev
Toy Box
A promotional present from the State Mines from the late 1950s. At that time, the chemical branch of the State Mines was experimenting with plastics. Stamylam, the plastic from which the towers are made from, was one of them. These cooling towers were used to play a game, the board for which is inside the box. Additionally, the figurines could also be used as egg cups. The cooling towers symbolize the logo of the State Mines.
3D model created by Angel Shoylev
Miner Figurine
This is a miner supervisor. On the right, he has a gasoline lamp for lighting and measuring gas. The supervisors coordinated and supervised the activities related to mining and quarrying underground, on the surface, and in the quarries. They oversaw the workers, took care of their schedules, processes, and organization. As the toy box and cart above, this figurine was also used as merchandise.
3D model created by Nora Chatib
