mucker’s bucket

This object is a mucker's bucket. The mucker is in charge of cleaning up the waste rock that may be dislodged at the same time as the coal after blasting the coal face.
Before machines were introduced, the mucker would use a bucket to clean up the loose rock and earth.

This bucket is made from galvanized heavy gauge sheet steel. Many dents in the metal are visible from use. It has a bail handle made from heavy wire. The top and bottom edges are rolled around heavy wires for strength. The bottom of the bucket is lined with cement for stabity. A stamp near the rim of the bucket reads: 'McClary's'.