The Protector Lamp

Object/Artifact

West Virginia Mine Wars Museum

Name/Title

The Protector Lamp

Entry/Object ID

MW.0221

Description

An open flame lamp made in Eccles England by the Protector Lamp and Lighting Company. Also known as a Davy Lamp.

Use

Illumination in underground coal mine. First produced by Humphry Davy as a response to a series of explosions in UK coal mines the lamp provides a safe way of producing light without the risk of igniting pockets of flammable gas. The enclosure allows for protection of the flame from igniting gases and coal dust. Flames burned higher and with a blue tint when methane was present, while the flame would diminish in the presence of carbon dioxide.

Collection

Coal Mining Tools

Acquisition

Notes

Helene Susman

Made/Created

Manufacturer

The Protector Lamp & Lighting Co. LTD., ECCLES

Date made

1950

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Inscription

Location

Brass Circle on top portion of lamp

Transcription

The Protector Lamp and Lighting Co. LTD. Eccles, Manchester / No. 216

Type

Struck

Location

On rim below glass

Transcription

50/2246 G

Type

Struck

Location

In brass below the previous inscription

Transcription

PR SWITCH PATENT

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Approximate

Height

8-3/4 in

Circumference

9-1/2 in

Material

Aluminum, Brass, Glass, Fibre

Location

Shelf

Unit C: Shelf 2

Room

Artifact Storage Room

Moved By

Shaun Slifer

Date

June 9, 2025

Web Links and URLs

https://www.protectorlamp.com/?v=0b3b97fa6688