Miner's Safety Lamp

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.

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

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: AG.MHI-MN-7851Catalog Number: MHI-MN-7851Accession Number: 235962

Object Name: lamp, safety, miningmining lamp

Measurements: overall: 11 1/2 in x 3 1/2 in x 3 1/2 in; 29.21 cm x 8.89 cm x 8.89 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b2-476e-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_872252

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.