Miner's Cap Lamp

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
View manifest View in Mirador Viewer
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.

See more items in: Work and Industry: Mining, Mining Lamps, Work, Industry & Manufacturing, Natural Resources

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Archie McPherson

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: AG.MHI-MN-8467Accession Number: 253945Catalog Number: MHI-MN-8467

Object Name: lamp, oil, cap, miningmining lamp

Measurements: overall: 3 in x 3 1/4 in x 1 3/4 in; 7.62 cm x 8.255 cm x 4.445 cm

Metadata Usage: CC0

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a6-e651-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_872138

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.