An historic mining basket used to transport broken coal or ore from the working face to the surface. Woven from strong, flexible wood like hazel, corves were dragged on sleds or hoisted up shafts before the widespread adoption of wheeled tubs and rail systems. They held a standard weight of coal, making them the basic unit of measurement for a miner's daily pay.
Heard on the job
The records show the men were paid by the score of corves drawn to the surface.