Object Details
Description (Brief)
This “bulging waist” carbide mining lamp was made by the Baldwin Company of New York City during the early 20th century. Acetylene gas is produced when water from the lamp's upper level encounters the calcium carbide stored in the base via a dripping mechanism. The amount of water flowing into the calcium carbide container can be controlled, with more water producing more gas and a bigger flame when the lamp is lit.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Dewar Manufacturing Co.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MT-311987
catalog number
MHI-MT-311987
accession number
157348
Object Name
lamp, carbide, mining
mining lamp
Measurements
overall: 4 in x 4 in x 2 1/4 in; 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm x 5.715 cm
Related Publication
Thorpe, Dave. Carbide Light: The Last Flame in American Mines
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_872175