Miner's safety lamp

Miners used safety lamps such as this from the nineteenth century to light underground mines. In coal mines they shielded the naked flame from potentially explosive mixtures of methane and oxygen. The flame is also an indicator of the presence of toxic and explosive gases. 

Dimensions
Depth: 
80mm
Height: 
250mm
Width: 
80mm
Description: Brass and steel lamp with carry handle loop on the top and a glass cover on the bottom of the lantern. 
Publication Place: 
Salford, Manchester, England
Publisher: 
Queensland Museum
Rights: 

Copyright © Queensland Museum, 2010

Location: 
Australia
Date captured: 
23 November 2010