According to the Princeton Library, the carbide lamp was invented by Thomas "Carbide" Wilson in 1860. This small lamp made it both easier and safer to work in the underground mines that were being developed throughout the world at that time.
The carbide lamp uses a chemical reaction to produce its light. The top section of the lamp contains a supply of water and the bottom section of the lamp holds the carbide. A drip-mechanism allows small amounts of water to enter the carbide section. This produces a chemical reaction that produces acetylene gas. It is this gas that is burned to produce the light. At the front of the lamp is a flint striker that is used to light the lamp.
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Front view of the JustRite Carbide Miner's Lamp. Notice the flint striker below and to the left of the gas nipple. |
The lamps were used throughout the mining industry and literally hundreds of different types have been produced. Most were made of brass which could stand the corrosive carbide better than most other metals. Some were made of aluminum and most of these have "corroded" away.
| This rear view shows the top fill spout and the hook on the back used to hang the lamp. |  |
The lamp shown on this page was "rescued" from the new mining operation near Rochester, NV. Athough not in great condition, it does give a good indication of the type and size of many of these early miner's lamps. This one was made by the JUSTRITE coorporation and carries a patent date of November 23, 1915. It is made of brass.
References: Antique Mining Equipment and Collectibles by David W. Pearson and Ron Bommarito, and the Princeton Library