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Miner's Cap Lamp

Miner's Cap Lamp

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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.
Object Name
lamp, oil, cap, mining
mining lamp
Measurements
overall: 4 in x 3 1/2 in x 1 1/2 in; 10.16 cm x 8.89 cm x 3.81 cm
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8777G
catalog number
MHI-MN-8777G
accession number
265669
Credit Line
Board of Trustees of Lafayette College
See more items in
Work and Industry: Mining
Mining Lamps
Work
Industry & Manufacturing
Natural Resources
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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