Object Details
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick cap lamp was made by an unknown maker during the second half of the 19th century. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s. The font contained a mix of fat and oil for fuel, and a wick was inserted into the spout. The resulting flame was much brighter and more efficient than the candles it replaced. Most lamps had a hook so the lamp could be attached to a miner’s cap, but this lamp is missing its hook.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
William E. Keating
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8992B
accession number
263096
catalog number
MHI-MN-8992B
Object Name
lamp, oil, cap, mining
mining lamp
Measurements
overall: 2 1/2 in x 2 1/2 in x 2 in; 6.35 cm x 6.35 cm x 5.08 cm
See more items in
Work and Industry: Mining
Mining Lamps
Work
Industry & Manufacturing
Natural Resources
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_872156