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. One problem with glass in safety lamps was the glass cracking, which occurred in this lamp.

Location: Currently not on view

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

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Virginia W. Hillyer

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: AG.MHI-MI-1003Catalog Number: MHI-MI-1003Accession Number: 136485

Object Name: lamp, safety, miningmining lamp

Measurements: overall: 11 1/2 in x 5 in x 3 3/4 in; 29.21 cm x 12.7 cm x 9.525 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a6-fb6a-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_872326

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