This John Davis & Son safety lamp manufactured in the early 20th century is notable for its prominent padlock latch. Many mining safety lamps were fueled, locked, and distributed at the entrance of the mine by the mine boss. Opening the lamp inside the mine exposed the flame to potentially flammable gas that could cause fatal explosions. Hence, refueling the lamp inside the mine was prohibited, and most safety lamps were locked by some means, with this lamp exhibiting a classic padlock design.