Miner’s Carbide Lamp

Miner’s Carbide Lamp

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Description (Brief)
This carbide mining lamp was made by an unknown maker during the early 20th century. 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. This lamp is worn on a cap with a reflector to direct and focus the light. The cap pictured here is object AG*MHI-MN-9442A.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
lamp, carbide, cap, mining
mining lamp
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9442B
accession number
263098
catalog number
MHI-MN-9442B
Credit Line
Charles Norman, Sr. (thorugh Fred Norman)
See more items in
Work and Industry: Mining
Mining Lamps
Work
Industry & Manufacturing
Natural Resources
Mining Helmets
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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