ANTIQUE - "STAR" GRIER BROS. PITTSBURG MINERS WICK CAP LAMP -TEAPOT MINING LIGHT
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Antique -*ST*AR* GRIER BROS. PITTSBURG - Miners Wick Cap Lamp This is a great little piece of mining history. It is a Miners Wick Cap Lamp from the late 1800's, most likely around 1890. These were worn on the front of a miners cap to provide light by which to see in the total blackness of the mine. This type of lamp burned a fuel called Sunshine Wax. Apparently it is a parafin wax based paste which came in a can. When placed in the wick lamp, it would soften and melt, soaking into the cotton wick, and being lit to give a welcome flame. These lamps were popular in the mines until the carbide lamps came into use around 1905. They like any other open flame light could cause explosions in a coal mine with firedamp or explosive gasses like methane. But for many years the lamps were attached to caps, carts, mules & pit ponies as well. This one is very clean for its age, and has no dings or dents. The lid opens and closes smoothly. This is a double walled spout model, which I think was to help keep the wick warm. This one has a piece of wicking with it, which I will put inside the lamp for shipping. Don't miss out on this great little lamp! It displays very nicely on shelf, or better yet, on a miners cap! Please bid responsibly, and ENJOY!
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