Lamp

Brass coloured metal cylinder base with a circular hole in the top for filling; silver coloured metal dish on the front; round flint for lighting; original cardborad box with instructions for use and cleaning on the side.

Exhibition Label Text: Carbide lamps. 1940 – 1950s.

Introduced in 1905, these open flame lamps burned acetylene gas giving a bright flame, The were used in some non-gassy mines until the 1970s.

Digital image on Keeper’s computer – S:/Keeper/MyPictures/Exhibitions/DisplayNewVisitorCentre. Taken October 2003.
Item belonged to the donor’s father. INSTRUCTIONS: Disengage the Carbide chamber and water vessel. Charge the carbide chamber 2 thirds (not more) of it’s capacity with small mesh calcium carbide open filling hole cap of water vessel, fill vessel with clean water and test the water spindle in order to ensure the water way is perfectly clear, after which shut off water spindle. Rebuild the lamp, turn on water spindle and after allowing a few seconds to permit gas to generate, light the lamp. MAINTENANCE: Burners should be cleaned periodically by means of the special wire burner brushes. India rubber rings which are fitted to ensure a gas-tight joint between carbide chamber and water vessel, should be replaced when showing signs of deterioration. After use the lamp should be thoroughly cleaned and all spent carbide removed from carbide chamber. To obtain satisfactory results from acetylene lamps of any design cleanliness is of the utmost importance.

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