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Some Special Interests => Occupation Interests => Topic started by: Kevlar on Tuesday 22 January 08 09:02 GMT (UK)
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Does anyone know what a Spelterman is??
thanks
kev
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If you google "spelter" it comes up with sites that say it is another name for Zinc, so possibly works with zinc?
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A spelterman is probably the same thing as a spelter melter who galvanised iron using low grade zinc.
David
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Speltermen worked in foundries to extract and work zinc known as spelter. The main centre in the UK in 19th Century was in Swansea where there were several works. Vivian and sons was one of the largest. Belgian and German workers moved to Swansea in 1870s-1890s as they had expertise in a new smelting process and to help supply the growing workforce. The work was hard - one of the toughest metal work industries. Zinc is more difficult to handle than copper. It also can give off toxic fumes.
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This may be of interest; http://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/414/1/JOANNA%20MASTERS%20-new.pdf