An early 19th century "naked gauze" DAVY LAMP

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AUCTION DESCRIPTION: Offered for sale on this auction is an early 19 th century DAVY LAMP. I have seen these lamps described elsewhere as “naked gauze” lamps in that later lamps had a metal covering or bonnet over the mesh to protect it from damage. The lamp has a brass font, brass burner, and smoke bell with iron support rods and an iron hanging hook. This lamp has a primitive locking mechanism that is a simple setscrew that easily turned out with the use of a needle nosed pliers and disassembling the lamp was a few simple steps after removing the setscrew. The font unscrewed easily from the body of the lamp and the brass retaining ring for the burner also unscrewed easily. There are remnants of old burning fuel in the font, but it is otherwise in usable condition. I did clean some of the grit and dust off of the old piece, but if lighting it is desired the purchaser would need to clean the mesh gauze and find a wick to fit the burner. The wick is adjusted on this lamp by a simple wire mechanism that the user would operate from the bottom of the lamp and this is still operational. Please see the pictures for more details of these various parts. This lamp is 8 inches tall to the top of the smoke bell and is 11 inches tall with the hook extended. The diameter of the font is 3 ¼ inches. The lamp weighs 2 pounds 2 ounces and would probably ship between 2 to 3 pounds when packed for shipping. MAKER AND DATING: This lamp has no maker’s marks, but it does bear several numbers. The number "5" is imprinted on the smoke bell. The number "153" is inscribed on the inside of the font along with what appears to be the number "1" inscribed near the burner. Last, the main body of the lamp is inscribed with the number "66" and the font has this same number a numbering system that likely allowed for matching the bottom with the top. An exact date of production is unknown but the lamp, but Sir Humphrey Davy produced the first naked gauze safety lamp in 1815, but this lamp likely dates a bit later than this owing to the fact that it has a locking mechanism on it albeit a primitive one. I have read that locking the lamps became a law in the Collieries in England because miners would take the lamps apart in the mine for various reasons (increasing the light output or cleaning the gauze) and the result would be in some instances an explosion from methane gas. CONDITION: The lamp is in very good condition with no cracks or breaks. There is a very minor dent in the brass font and a small one in the screen. There is also some surface rust on the iron parts. As can be seen from the pictures of the disassembled lamp, all the parts are present and in working condition. PACKING, SHIPPING, AND OTHER POSTAL INFORMATION: For overseas bidders please contact me for a postal rate BEFORE BIDDING. This can save a nasty surprise at the end of the auction, as shipping overseas can be quite expensive. Please also note that any customs fees are the responsibility of the winning bidder in an overseas transaction and please do not ask me to mark the shipment on custom forms as a “gift”. Last, shipping overseas can take time, so patience is a virtue. I use the US postal service and generally ship using Priority Mail, since this method proves more rapid than other types. I generally try to ship within twenty-four hours of receipt of payment. Most winning bidders understandably want the piece in their possession as soon as is possible, but this of course depends upon the postal system, and postal hours. I usually will require insurance if the final bid exceeds $100.00. I would estimate that this Davy lamp would ship at close to a final weight of between 2 to 3 pounds when packed for shipping. Bidders can get an estimate of shipping costs within the USA by using my zip code of 55021 to calculate postage or bidders can email me with shipping quotes via eBay. I do not charge for packing, handling, or other such hidden costs and I pack very carefully. I have never had a complaint regarding a damaged ite... read more

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