Entire Collection
American Safety Lamp and Mine Supply Co. Davy Lamp
Specifications
American Safety Lamp and Mine Supply Co. Davy Lamp
Category
Science and Technology
Classification
CHENHALL - Furnishings - Lighting Equipment - Lighting Devices - Lamp - Lamp, Safety - Lamp, Davy
Object Origin
American Safety Lamp and Mine Supply Company
c. 1900
Physical Characteristics
Object Description: Dark metal cylindrical lamp with a black metal mesh body surrounded by three (3) metal support poles. The top of the lamp has an arched topper with a hanging hook attached at the highest point. Text is engraved on the side of the top.
metal
Marks: "****** / SCRANTON P.A. / & M.S CO"
Measurements: Object:
Height: 10.5 in, Width: 3.75 in, Depth: 4.25 in
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Credit
Gift of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, 31.1232c
Display Status
Not On View
American Safety Lamp and Mine Supply Co. Davy Lamp
About: American Safety Lamp and Mine Supply Co. Davy Lamp
About: American Safety Lamp and Mine Supply Co. Davy Lamp
The Davy Lamp (also referred to as a “safety lamp”) was first invented in 1815 by Sir Humphry Davy, an English chemist and inventor. It was designed to provide a safe light in coal mines, where methane and other flammable gases could pose serious dangers for the miners working in them. When the lamp was lit, miners could estimate the amount of dangerous gases, if there were any, based on the flame's intensity. If the flame burned brightly, the environment was safe; if it flickered or was extinguished, it indicated the presence of dangerous gases and workers would have to evacuate immediately.
Throughout the course of the 19th century, the Davy lamp became a regular part of a miner’s tools and instruments intended to make mining safe. It was often a requirement for mines to have these lamps on site and to conduct safety checks before miners commenced their work. Although they were also used for lighting the interiors of mines, the illumination from Davy lamps was generally poor, and it was only with the advent of electric lamps that the problem of improving light levels in mines was finally solved.
Multimedia
Additional media
360° View
Additional information
Copyright information
The objects and content presented on this website have been reviewed for the copyright status to the extent possible. However, if you believe that any material has been used improperly or without proper authorization, please contact us. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and will address any concerns promptly.
Have a question or comment about this object? Contact us.