‘Premier’ Miners Cap Lamp

Here we have unearthed something of interest to scientists and underground enthusiasts that shines a light on the region’s mining history.

This acetylene lamp would have been worn on the front of a miner’s cap to provide a bright light by which to work. The acetylene that is burnt to provide the flame is produced by the reaction of calcium carbide with water; the rate of water feed from the upper chamber onto the carbide in the lower chamber, and hence the rate of acetylene production, is controlled by the lever on the top. The reflector on the front of the lamp has a burner in the centre and a striker wheel for generating sparks with which to light the flame. The benefits of an acetylene lamp over candle or oil lamps were a brighter flame and longer working time before a refill was needed. Carbide lamps only became truly viable with the economical manufacture of calcium carbide at the very start of the 1900s, but were soon the norm throughout the mining industry. However, their use was relatively short-lived, with the naked flame being linked to mine explosions and the development of battery technology. By the 1930s, electrical lamps had taken over.

Carbide lamps are still in use today, being the preferred choice of lighting for some cavers due their long working time and ease of replenishment on long underground expeditions, far from the nearest battery charging point. There is also the added benefit of the chemical reaction between carbide and water being exothermic, providing a ready-made means for warming cold hands.