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

Miner's Safety Lamp

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.
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.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-7851
catalog number
MHI-MN-7851
accession number
235962

Miner’s Safety Lamp

The Hughes Brothers of Scranton, Pennsylvania manufactured this Davy style safety lamp in the latter half of the 19th century.
Description (Brief)
The Hughes Brothers of Scranton, Pennsylvania manufactured this Davy style safety lamp in the latter half of the 19th century. 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. 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lamps were invented in the early 19th century, and are used to this day for gas detection, even as mine lighting has been replaced by electric lights.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9548C
accession number
280476
catalog number
MHI-MN-9548C

Miner’s Cap with Carbide Lamp

This cap was made by an unknown maker around the early 20th century. The cap is made of soft cotton canvas with a leather bill, and leather 'L' on the front for the attachment of the lamp. A carbide lamp (object number AG*MHI-MN-9442B) is attached to the cap.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This cap was made by an unknown maker around the early 20th century. The cap is made of soft cotton canvas with a leather bill, and leather 'L' on the front for the attachment of the lamp. A carbide lamp (object number AG*MHI-MN-9442B) is attached to the cap.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9442A
accession number
263098
catalog number
MHI-MN-9442A

Miner's Cap Lamp

This is a copper oil-wick cap lamp made by J&A McDougall of Pittston, Pennsylvania likely in the latter half of the 20th century. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s.
Description (Brief)
This is a copper oil-wick cap lamp made by J&A McDougall of Pittston, Pennsylvania likely in the latter half of the 20th 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.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1881
ID Number
AG.059073
catalog number
059073
accession number
014851

Miner’s Safety Lamp

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. This lamp is one of the popular and effective Wolf Company designs, employing a glass enclosure, wire gauze in 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
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MT-002677
catalog number
MHI-MT-002677
accession number
115670

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.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.059080
catalog number
059080
accession number
014851

Miner's Electric Cap Lamp

Manufactured in 1915, this Edison Electric Cap Lamp was an early cap lamp models. The Model "C" battery is larger than later designs, and the cord is protected at both ends by a flexible steel cover.
Description (Brief)
Manufactured in 1915, this Edison Electric Cap Lamp was an early cap lamp models. The Model "C" battery is larger than later designs, and the cord is protected at both ends by a flexible steel cover. The battery could power the six-candlepower lamp for 12 hours and was recharged at the end of a miner’s shift.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8039
accession number
236603
catalog number
MHI-MN-8039

Oil-Wick Miner’s Lamp Patent Model

This oil-wick cap lamp is a patent model constructed by William Pratt of Baltimore, Maryland that received patent number 18704 on November 24, 1857. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick cap lamp is a patent model constructed by William Pratt of Baltimore, Maryland that received patent number 18704 on November 24, 1857. 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. This lamp has a handle rather than a hook, indicating it was meant to be held rather than worn on a cap.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9735
catalog number
MHI-MN-9735
accession number
88881
patent number
018704

Miner’s Carbide Lamp

This carbide mining lamp was made by the Maple City Manufacturing Company of Monmouth, Illinois around 1901-1917. 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 Maple City Manufacturing Company of Monmouth, Illinois around 1901-1917. 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. The lamp would then be worn on a miner’s cap, with the reflector granting a much strong light than previous lamps.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8788D
catalog number
MHI-MN-8788D
accession number
265669

Miner’s Electric Cap Lamp

The Hirsch Electric Mine Lamp Company manufactured this electric cap lamp during the first half of the 20th century. The battery is enclosed in metal case, with a flexible cord that runs to the lamp that was worn on the miner’s helmet.
Description (Brief)
The Hirsch Electric Mine Lamp Company manufactured this electric cap lamp during the first half of the 20th century. The battery is enclosed in metal case, with a flexible cord that runs to the lamp that was worn on the miner’s helmet. The battery could be recharged at the end of the day for the next full day of use.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8758A
accession number
265669
catalog number
MHI-MN-8758A

Oil-Wick Lamp Patent Model

This oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by Edward Gough, of Allentown, Pennsylvania that received patent number 229,117 on June 22, 1880.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by Edward Gough, of Allentown, Pennsylvania that received patent number 229,117 on June 22, 1880. In his patent filing, Gough claimed as his invention “an improvement in lamps with the combination of a cast-metal body or can with a neck, provided with studs, of the cast metal cover, having notches and interior annular groove” constructed to secure the top to the lamp. The chain is usually attached to the top so it wouldn’t get separated from its lamp.
Location
Currently not on view
patent date
1880-06-22
patentee
Gough, Edward
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9742
accession number
088881
catalog number
MHI-MN-9742
patent number
229117

Mule Mining Lamp

This lamp was worn on the harness of a mining mule and would have been in use from about 1850-1900. Mules were used in the mining tunnels to haul ore to the surface. Some mules would spend their whole lives underground, even being stabled there.
Description (Brief)
This lamp was worn on the harness of a mining mule and would have been in use from about 1850-1900. Mules were used in the mining tunnels to haul ore to the surface. Some mules would spend their whole lives underground, even being stabled there. The metal casing surrounding the oil-wick lamp served to protect the mule from the flame.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.059165
catalog number
059165
accession number
014921

Miner’s Safety Lamp

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.
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
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8769A
catalog number
MHI-MN-8769A
accession number
265669

Miner’s Safety Lamp

This safety lamp was manufactured by the Hughes Brothers of Scranton, Pennsylvania in the latter half of the 19th century. This Davy-style safety lamp employs a wire gauze that surrounds the flame.
Description (Brief)
This safety lamp was manufactured by the Hughes Brothers of Scranton, Pennsylvania in the latter half of the 19th century. This Davy-style safety lamp employs a wire gauze that surrounds the flame. The flame is unable to pass through the holes in the gauze, preventing any methane in the air from igniting.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8774
accession number
265669
catalog number
MHI-MN-8774

Miner's Safety Lamp

This is a safety lamp in the Clanny style, manufactured in the mid-1800's by the American Safety Lamp and Mine Supply Company of Scranton, PA. The Clanny lamp has Davy-type gauze on the top and a glass bottom to protect the flame from strong gusts in the mines.
Description (Brief)
This is a safety lamp in the Clanny style, manufactured in the mid-1800's by the American Safety Lamp and Mine Supply Company of Scranton, PA. The Clanny lamp has Davy-type gauze on the top and a glass bottom to protect the flame from strong gusts in the mines. In this lantern the glass bottom has been removed.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8030
catalog number
MHI-MN-8030
accession number
236603

Miner’s Safety Lamp

This is a safety lamp manufactured by the Friemann and Wolf Company of Zwickau, Germany in the late 19th century. The Friemann and Wolf Company was a prominent lamp manufacturer that exported their lamps to the U.S.
Description (Brief)
This is a safety lamp manufactured by the Friemann and Wolf Company of Zwickau, Germany in the late 19th century. The Friemann and Wolf Company was a prominent lamp manufacturer that exported their lamps to the U.S. until World War I, when buying German products became unpopular. 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 lamp is inscribed with the number “250” in two places.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9655
catalog number
MHI-MN-9655
accession number
288353

Miner's Safety Lamp

This is a safety lamp manufactured by the Friemann and Wolf Company of Zwickau, Germany in the late 19th century. The Friemann and Wolf Company was a prominent lamp manufacturer that exported their lamps to the U.S.
Description (Brief)
This is a safety lamp manufactured by the Friemann and Wolf Company of Zwickau, Germany in the late 19th century. The Friemann and Wolf Company was a prominent lamp manufacturer that exported their lamps to the U.S. until World War I, when buying German products became unpopular. This lamp employs a glass casing to protect the flame from being extinguished, and wire gauze to cool the flame and prevent mine gas from igniting.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.062402
catalog number
62402
accession number
239748

Miner's Safety Lamp

This lamp is a safety Lamp made by John Davis and Son, in Derby, Leicestershire, UK in the late 19th century.
Description (Brief)
This lamp is a safety Lamp made by John Davis and Son, in Derby, Leicestershire, UK in the late 19th century. This lamp displays one of the most popular lamp designs; employing a glass enclosure, wire gauze on the top-interior, and a metal bonnet exterior to protect the flame.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-7857
catalog number
MHI-MN-7857
accession number
240639

Miner's Safety Lamp

This Davy safety lamp was made by J.W. Queen & Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the late 19th century. Sir Humphry Davy developed one of many safety lamp designs.
Description (Brief)
This Davy safety lamp was made by J.W. Queen & Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the late 19th century. Sir Humphry Davy developed one of many safety lamp designs. He discovered that if the holes in the metallic gauze enveloping the flame were smaller than they were deep, the flame would not pass through. This prevented the combustible mine gases (called firedamp) from exploding, as would happen with the open flames earlier oil-wick cap lamps.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.059268
catalog number
59268
accession number
15369

Miner’s Safety Lamp

This is a safety lamp manufactured by the Friemann and Wolf Company of Zwickau, Germany in the late 19th century. The Friemann and Wolf Company was a prominent lamp manufacturer that exported their lamps to the U.S.
Description (Brief)
This is a safety lamp manufactured by the Friemann and Wolf Company of Zwickau, Germany in the late 19th century. The Friemann and Wolf Company was a prominent lamp manufacturer that exported their lamps to the U.S. until World War I, when buying German products became unpopular. 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. This lamp is rusted, and inscribed with the number “125.”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9756C
accession number
304880
catalog number
MHI-MN-9756C

Miner’s Carbide Lamp

This carbide mining lamp was made by the Maple City Manufacturing Company of Monmouth, Illinois around 1901-1917. 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 Maple City Manufacturing Company of Monmouth, Illinois around 1901-1917. 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. The lamp would then be worn on a miner’s cap, with the reflector granting a much strong light than previous lamps.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8788E
catalog number
MHI-MN-8788E
accession number
265669

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-8768
accession number
265669
catalog number
MHI-MN-8768

Miner’s Cap Lamp

This oil-wick cap lamp was made by George Anton & Son in Monongahela, Pennsylvania during the second half of the 19th century. This cap lamp bears the maker’s mark of an eagle with shield. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick cap lamp was made by George Anton & Son in Monongahela, Pennsylvania during the second half of the 19th century. This cap lamp bears the maker’s mark of an eagle with shield. 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-MN-9773D
accession number
304880
catalog number
MHI-MN-9773D

Miner's Safety Lamp

This lamp was manufactured by J.W. Queen and Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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 was manufactured by J.W. Queen and Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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, which would happen with the open flames in oil-wick cap lamps.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.059083
catalog number
59083
accession number
14841

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.