Object Details
Description (Brief)
This lamp's manufacturer is unknown, but based on its design it was most likely made in the late 19th century. The "safety" mining lamp was a tremendous step forward in preventing mining disasters. Encasing the flame in glass or metal gauze prevented combustible mine gases (called firedamp) from exploding, as would happen with the open flames of carbide or oil-wick lamps. Further innovations included glass around the flame and a metal bonnet.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Board of Trustees of Lafayette College
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8769A
catalog number
MHI-MN-8769A
accession number
265669
Object Name
lamp, safety, mining
mining lamp
Measurements
overall: 13 1/4 in x 4 1/2 in x 4 in; 33.655 cm x 11.43 cm x 10.16 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_872875