Bob Batey's mining lamp collection set for auction

The late Bob Batey's personal collection, built over a lifetime of collecting, restoring, and researching mining artefacts, will be sold by Anderson & Garland on September 17.

Mr Batey's collection began with a single lamp, given to him at 21 by his father-in-law, who had used it at Marley Hill Pit.

Tom Robson, the auctioneer, said: "Bob Batey's collection is a wonderful thing to bring to auction because it isn't just a set of objects; it's the record of his life's passion.

"Every lamp in this sale has a story behind it, and in many cases Bob knew that story better than anyone else."

Highlights of the sale include rare Davy 7 and Davy 9 lamps, Clanny lamps, Muesler-type safety lamps, and pit tally tokens from collieries across the North and beyond.

A spokesperson for the Batey family said: "We're proud to see his collection go to auction with Anderson & Garland, and we know he'd have loved the thought of these lamps finding new homes with people who care about them as much as he did."

Public viewing will take place on September 14 and 15.