Tin Smelting

Unlike copper, the majority of tin was smelt locally, which kept more money and work in the region. During the eighteenth century Penzance had the largest smelter in Cornwall. It was owned by the Bolitho family. The smelter was located at Chyandour and kept working until 1912. This industry must have had an effect on the town, as it was located on its edge and 24 hours a day released masses of black smoke straight into the air.

Tin was produced to a high purity. To achieve this, it was first smelted in a furnace, then poured onto a hearth and heated to a higher temperature. The melted tin was then run into a large iron kettle. Green wood was added, bringing the dross to the surface which was then skimmed off.

The pure tin was poured from the kettle into moulds forming ingots. Each company had its own mark stamped on their ingots. In Cornwall the lamb and flag was a common stamp, this holy symbol representing purity.

Image reproduced by kind permission of Penlee House Gallery and Museum.

Mallanear Hayle Mark

Chyandour Penzance Mark

Chyandour Stamp

Image reproduced by kind permission of Penlee House Gallery and Museum.

Bolitho and Sons Mark