Natural Resources

Lithograph of

The natural resources collections offer centuries of evidence about how Americans have used the bounty of the American continent and coastal waters. Artifacts related to flood control, dam construction, and irrigation illustrate the nation's attempts to manage the natural world. Oil-drilling, iron-mining, and steel-making artifacts show the connection between natural resources and industrial strength.

Forestry is represented by saws, axes, a smokejumper's suit, and many other objects. Hooks, nets, and other gear from New England fisheries of the late 1800s are among the fishing artifacts, as well as more recent acquisitions from the Pacific Northwest and Chesapeake Bay. Whaling artifacts include harpoons, lances, scrimshaw etchings in whalebone, and several paintings of a whaler's work at sea. The modern environmental movement has contributed buttons and other protest artifacts on issues from scenic rivers to biodiversity.

Topic: Mining Lamps

Hanging Open Mining Lamp

This lamp was made by an unknown maker around middle of the 19th century. This open hanging lamp is one of the earliest examples of American mine lighting.
Description (Brief)
This lamp was made by an unknown maker around middle of the 19th century. This open hanging lamp is one of the earliest examples of American mine lighting. The lamp is relatively unrefined, simply a reservoir of oil with a wick that produced a large amount of smoke, heat, and oil drippings.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MT-310685
accession number
125257
catalog number
MHI-MT-310685

Miner's Cap Lamp

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.
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. The hook enabled the lamp to be worn on a cap, or hooked onto any other suitable location.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8777H
catalog number
MHI-MN-8777H
accession number
265669

Miner's Safety Lamp

This lamp's manufacturer is unknown, but based on its design it was most likely made in the latter half of the 19th century. The “safety” mining lamp was a tremendous step forward in preventing mining disasters.
Description (Brief)
This lamp's manufacturer is unknown, but based on its design it was most likely made in the latter half of the 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. This Davy style lamp has the interesting addition of a lens to focus the flame's light.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MI-1002
catalog number
MHI-MI-1002
accession number
136485

Miner’s Safety Lamp

This safety lamp model is an Ashworth-Hepplewhite-Gray lamp. The lamp is a “test lamp” used to measure the amount of methane in the air. The tubes that run vertically direct air to the flame at the base, which will then produce a colored “cap” in the presence of methane.
Description (Brief)
This safety lamp model is an Ashworth-Hepplewhite-Gray lamp. The lamp is a “test lamp” used to measure the amount of methane in the air. The tubes that run vertically direct air to the flame at the base, which will then produce a colored “cap” in the presence of methane. The majority of Ashworth-Hepplewhite-Gray lamps were produced by John Davis & Son of Derby, Leicestershire, U.K., during the late 19th and early 20th century.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8761B
accession number
265669
catalog number
MHI-MN-8761B

Miner’s Cap Lamp

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.
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. The hook enabled the lamp to be worn on a cap.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MT-3368
accession number
239341
catalog number
MHI-MT-3368

Miner’s Safety Lamp

J. Davis & Son Ltd. of Baltimore, Maryland manufactured this Davy-style safety lamp in the late 19th century. The “safety” mining lamp was a tremendous step forward in preventing mining disasters.
Description (Brief)
J. Davis & Son Ltd. of Baltimore, Maryland manufactured this Davy-style safety lamp in the late 19th century. The “safety” mining lamp was a tremendous step forward in preventing mining disasters. Encasing the flame in metal gauze prevented the flame from escaping the lamp and igniting the combustible gases (called firedamp), as would happen with the open flames of carbide or oil-wick lamps.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8762
accession number
265669
catalog number
MHI-MN-8762

Miner’s Safety Lamp with Cutaway

This is a safety lamp manufactured by the Wolf Safety Lamp Company of America in the early 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This is a safety lamp manufactured by the Wolf Safety Lamp Company of America in the early 20th century. The cutaway shows the details of one of the most popular Wolf designs, employing a glass enclosure, double wire gauze on the top-interior, and a metal bonnet exterior to protect the flame. The cutaway also reveals the cotton that would be soaked with oil to provide fuel to the wick to light the flame at the base.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8801C
accession number
265669
catalog number
MHI-MN-8801C

Miner’s Cap Lamp

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.
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. The hook enabled the lamp to be worn on a cap, or hooked onto any other suitable location.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9235A
accession number
268055
catalog number
MHI-MN-9235A

Miner's Carbide Lamp

This “Half-Shift” carbide mining lamp was made by the Baldwin Company of New York City around 1908. Acetylene gas is produced when water from the lamp's upper level encounters the calcium carbide stored in the base via a dripping mechanism.
Description (Brief)
This “Half-Shift” carbide mining lamp was made by the Baldwin Company of New York City around 1908. 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
ID Number
AG.MHI-MT-311988
catalog number
MHI-MT-311988
accession number
157348

Oil-Wick Miner’s Lamp Patent Model

This oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by W. G. Dowd of Scranton, Pennsylvania that received patent number 90,434, on May 25, 1869. The patent filing is for the wick raiser on this lamp seen on the outside of the spout.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by W. G. Dowd of Scranton, Pennsylvania that received patent number 90,434, on May 25, 1869. The patent filing is for the wick raiser on this lamp seen on the outside of the spout. Dowd claimed as his invention “a wire bent over the outer edge of the wicktube with its outer portion sliding in the guide, and its inner portion bent to form an eye to which are hung the fork,” so as to raise the wick by the sliding of the wire.
Location
Currently not on view
patent date
1869-05-25
patentee
Dowd, W. G.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9744
accession number
88881
catalog number
MHI-MN-9744
patent number
090434

Miner's Electric Cap Lamp

Manufactured around 1930, the Edison Safety Mining Lamp consisted of a battery enclosed in a self-locking steel case worn on the miner’s belt. A flexible cord connected the battery to the lamp, which was worn on a mining cap.
Description (Brief)
Manufactured around 1930, the Edison Safety Mining Lamp consisted of a battery enclosed in a self-locking steel case worn on the miner’s belt. A flexible cord connected the battery to the lamp, which was worn on a mining cap. The battery could power the six-candlepower lamps for 12 hours and was recharged at the end of a miner’s shift. This lamp is the R4 model.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-7876
accession number
240639
catalog number
MHI-MN-7876

Miner’s Safety Lamp Patent Model

This safety lamp is a patent model constructed by Joseph Defossez of Paris, France that received patent number 36,341 on September 2, 1862.
Description (Brief)
This safety lamp is a patent model constructed by Joseph Defossez of Paris, France that received patent number 36,341 on September 2, 1862. In his patent filing, Defossez claimed as his invention “the pneumatic locking device in combination with the oil reservoir, top plate, and chimney” constructed to avoid the risk of mining explosions.
Location
Currently not on view
patent date
09-02-1862
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9741
catalog number
MHI-MN-9741
accession number
088881
patent number
036341

Mining Cart Lamp

This battery-powered mining cart lamp was made by an unknown maker during the first half of the 20th century. This lamp has its battery in the cylinder and a red bulb at the top. The lamp hooks onto the back of a mining cart and acts as a taillight.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This battery-powered mining cart lamp was made by an unknown maker during the first half of the 20th century. This lamp has its battery in the cylinder and a red bulb at the top. The lamp hooks onto the back of a mining cart and acts as a taillight.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-7846
catalog number
MHI-MN-7846
accession number
239763

Edison Model S Electric Cap Lamp

Manufactured around 1930, the Edison Safety Mining Lamp consisted of a battery enclosed in a self-locking steel case worn on the miner’s belt. A flexible cord traveled from the battery to the lamp, which was worn on a mining cap.
Description (Brief)
Manufactured around 1930, the Edison Safety Mining Lamp consisted of a battery enclosed in a self-locking steel case worn on the miner’s belt. A flexible cord traveled from the battery to the lamp, which was worn on a mining cap. The battery could power the six-candlepower lamps for 12 hours and was recharged at the end of a miner’s shift. This is a Model "S" lamp.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8117C
accession number
240639
catalog number
MHI-MN-8117C

Miner's Safety Lamp

This John Davis & Son safety lamp manufactured in the early 20th century is notable for its prominent padlock latch. Many mining safety lamps were fueled, locked, and distributed at the entrance of the mine by the mine boss.
Description (Brief)
This John Davis & Son safety lamp manufactured in the early 20th century is notable for its prominent padlock latch. Many mining safety lamps were fueled, locked, and distributed at the entrance of the mine by the mine boss. Opening the lamp inside the mine exposed the flame to potentially flammable gas that could cause fatal explosions. Hence, refueling the lamp inside the mine was prohibited, and most safety lamps were locked by some means, with this lamp exhibiting a classic padlock design.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-7856
catalog number
MHI-MN-7856
accession number
240639

Miner's Cap Lamp

This lamp's strange markings and "Frostburg" inscription indicate that it was made by Frederick Zais of Frostburg, Maryland around the end of the 19th century. Zais was known for his lamps mysterious markings.
Description (Brief)
This lamp's strange markings and "Frostburg" inscription indicate that it was made by Frederick Zais of Frostburg, Maryland around the end of the 19th century. Zais was known for his lamps mysterious markings. His trademark was an oval with Frostburg stamped onto the lower interior of the oval. Strange, hieroglyphic markings were then stamped into the lamp on the upper interior of the oval. These markings may have been a letter-code for which only Zais had the key.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-7732
catalog number
MHI-MN-7732
accession number
234625

Miner's Cap Lamp

This lamp is an oil-wick cap lamp. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and remained 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.
Description (Brief)
This lamp is an oil-wick cap lamp. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and remained 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 light was much brighter and more efficient than the candles it replaced. The hook enabled the lamp to be worn on a cap, or hooked onto any other suitable location.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8012
catalog number
MHI-MN-8012
accession number
233426

Miner's Safety Lamp

This is a "Baby" Wolf Company Safety Lamp manufactured in Brooklyn, New York in the early 20th century. The "baby" name denotes the lamp’s smaller size.
Description (Brief)
This is a "Baby" Wolf Company Safety Lamp manufactured in Brooklyn, New York in the early 20th century. The "baby" name denotes the lamp’s smaller size. The baby Wolf safety lamp was manufactured for mine bosses or officials who only needed lamps for infrequent, brief periods and could therefore have a smaller lamp
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-7860
catalog number
MHI-MN-7860
accession number
240639

Miner's Safety Lamp

This safety lamp was manufactured by the Wolf Safety Lamp Company of America, from Brooklyn, New York in the late 19th century.
Description (Brief)
This safety lamp was manufactured by the Wolf Safety Lamp Company of America, from Brooklyn, New York in the late 19th century. This lamp is one of the most popular and effective Wolf Company designs, employing a glass enclosure, wire gauze on the top-interior, and a metal bonnet exterior. Lamps such as this were often used to gauge methane levels in mines, and were designed with upper air intakes so air on the mine’s ceiling could be tested.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-7762
catalog number
MHI-MN-7762
accession number
235037

Miner’s Safety Lamp

This safety lamp was manufactured by the American Safety Lamp and Mine Supply Company of Scranton, Pennsylvania in the latter half of the 19th century. This Clanny style safety lamp employs a wire gauze and a glass globe surrounding the wick to protect the flame.
Description (Brief)
This safety lamp was manufactured by the American Safety Lamp and Mine Supply Company of Scranton, Pennsylvania in the latter half of the 19th century. This Clanny style safety lamp employs a wire gauze and a glass globe surrounding the wick to protect the flame. Safety lamps were invented in the early 19th century, and are used to this day for gas detection, even as mine lighting has been replaced by electric lights.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8763A
catalog number
MHI-MN-8763A
accession number
265669

Miner’s Carbide Lamp

This lamp was manufactured by the Justrite Manufacturing Company, in Chicago, Illinois in the first half of the 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.
Description (Brief)
This lamp was manufactured by the Justrite Manufacturing Company, in Chicago, Illinois in the first half of the 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
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8788A
catalog number
MHI-MN-8788A
accession number
265669

Miner's Carbide Lamp

This 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.
Description (Brief)
This 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
ID Number
AG.MHI-MT-311986
catalog number
MHI-MT-311986
accession number
157348

Miner’s Safety Lamp

This is a safety lamp manufactured by the Wolf Safety Lamp Company of America in the early 20th century. This lamp is one of the most popular Wolf designs, employing a glass enclosure, wire gauze on the top-interior, and a metal bonnet exterior to protect the flame.
Description (Brief)
This is a safety lamp manufactured by the Wolf Safety Lamp Company of America in the early 20th century. This lamp is one of the most popular Wolf designs, employing a glass enclosure, wire gauze on the top-interior, and a metal bonnet exterior to protect the flame. The "permissible" engraved on the lamp means the lamp was approved by the U.S. Bureau of Mines, and the lines on the glass portion suggest the lamp was used to judge methane levels.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9550
accession number
280476
catalog number
MHI-MN-9550

Miner's Safety Lamp

This safety lamp was manufactured by Friemann and Wolf of Zwickau, Germany, in 1926. This safety lamp was one of employed a glass enclosure, wire gauze on the top-interior, and a metal bonnet exterior to protect the flame.
Description (Brief)
This safety lamp was manufactured by Friemann and Wolf of Zwickau, Germany, in 1926. This safety lamp was one of employed a glass enclosure, wire gauze on the top-interior, and a metal bonnet exterior to protect the flame. This lamp typifies one of the most popular and effective Friemann and Wolf designs.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-7865A
catalog number
MHI-MN-7865A
accession number
240639

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