Brendan Simpkins

LOCAL mining historian Geoff Randall believes he has found an artefact dating back more than a century ago.

Trawling through an antique shop in Woodside in the Adelaide Hills, Mr Randall stumbled upon a crucible he believes came from one of Gawler’s two historic foundries.

The two foundries in question are the Phoenix foundry established by James Martin in 1848 and the May Brothers foundry established by Frederick and Alfred May in 1885.

Mr Randall said he has only ever come across one other crucible which was from the former Thompsons foundry located in Castlemaine, Victoria.

A crucible is a type of container that was used to store steel and other metals which is then heated causing the metals to liquefy and melt.

Historically crucibles were made of clay but it can be made of other materials than can withstand heat and alter the contents.

Mr Randall has dedicated more than 40 years of his life collecting mining memorabilia and documenting South Australia’s mining history.

Born in Gawler but now living in Lyndoch, Mr Randall is a retired miner which is where his passion stems from.

Martin’s Phoenix foundry is the better known of Gawler’s two historical foundries, home to the engineering company James Martin and Co.

Phoenix foundry manufactured locomotives, as well as agricultural machinery and mining machinery.

Today the former site is home to the Phoenix Plaza retail precinct.

The May Brothers foundry was born when Frederick, formally a partner of James Martin, branched out on his own alongside Alfred.

Mining machinery and agricultural machinery were also manufactured by the May brothers however they were known for many breakthrough inventions including an adjustable harvester comb and damp weather stripper.

Mr Randall was looking for prospective buyers for the historic crucible and anyone interested in purchasing it can contact him on 8524 4398.

Anyone who can shed more light on the artefact is also welcome to get in contact.