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A bit OT: Any miners' lamp experts out there?
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Roger Mills
Feb 17, 2013, 10:22:35 AM2/17/13
to
SWMBO recently bought this lamp from a junk shop for a fiver.
http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp1.JPG It was pretty grubby, but cleaned
up fairly well with Brasso, although bits of the casing are still
slightly pitted.
She wonders exactly what it is, and whether it's worth anything.
The oval plate on it http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp2.JPG refers to the
Hetton Coal and Mining Co. From Google, it appears that there is (or
was) a Hetton Colliery in the north east of England, and another one in
Australia (New South Wales) - so this could have come from either but
the Australian connection doesn't seem that likely.
It has quite a heavy base - presumably to stop it tipping over - which
also acts as the container for the paraffin. On the bottom, there's some
information telling you to use only paraffin in it, and detailing how to
trim the wick, thus: http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp3.JPG
It doesn't look as if it has ever been used. There's no smell of
paraffin and the plate has never been engraved with Colliery No. and
Serial No.
Anyone know whether it's a genuine miner's lamp, or just an imitation?
I don't think it's a Davy lamp - because I would expect the flame of
that to be surrounded by a metal gauze, whereas this one has a glass tube.
As far as I can see, the only way to light it would be to unscrew the
top section, light the wick with a match and then reassemble it.
http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp4.JPG
And presumably the same thing to blow it out. Some similar lamps which I
found in Wikipedia seem to have a rod poking out through the bottom
which operates a flint for lighting it, but this one has nothing like that.
Any comments?
--
Cheers,
Roger
____________
Please reply to Newsgroup. Whilst email address is valid, it is seldom
checked.
http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp1.JPG It was pretty grubby, but cleaned
up fairly well with Brasso, although bits of the casing are still
slightly pitted.
She wonders exactly what it is, and whether it's worth anything.
The oval plate on it http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp2.JPG refers to the
Hetton Coal and Mining Co. From Google, it appears that there is (or
was) a Hetton Colliery in the north east of England, and another one in
Australia (New South Wales) - so this could have come from either but
the Australian connection doesn't seem that likely.
It has quite a heavy base - presumably to stop it tipping over - which
also acts as the container for the paraffin. On the bottom, there's some
information telling you to use only paraffin in it, and detailing how to
trim the wick, thus: http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp3.JPG
It doesn't look as if it has ever been used. There's no smell of
paraffin and the plate has never been engraved with Colliery No. and
Serial No.
Anyone know whether it's a genuine miner's lamp, or just an imitation?
I don't think it's a Davy lamp - because I would expect the flame of
that to be surrounded by a metal gauze, whereas this one has a glass tube.
As far as I can see, the only way to light it would be to unscrew the
top section, light the wick with a match and then reassemble it.
http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp4.JPG
And presumably the same thing to blow it out. Some similar lamps which I
found in Wikipedia seem to have a rod poking out through the bottom
which operates a flint for lighting it, but this one has nothing like that.
Any comments?
--
Cheers,
Roger
____________
Please reply to Newsgroup. Whilst email address is valid, it is seldom
checked.
Nightjar
Feb 17, 2013, 10:47:54 AM2/17/13
to
On 17/02/2013 15:22, Roger Mills wrote:
> SWMBO recently bought this lamp from a junk shop for a fiver.
> http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp1.JPG It was pretty grubby, but cleaned
> up fairly well with Brasso, although bits of the casing are still
> slightly pitted.
>
> She wonders exactly what it is, and whether it's worth anything.
>
> The oval plate on it http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp2.JPG refers to the
> Hetton Coal and Mining Co. From Google, it appears that there is (or
> was) a Hetton Colliery in the north east of England, and another one in
> Australia (New South Wales) - so this could have come from either but
> the Australian connection doesn't seem that likely.
>
> It has quite a heavy base - presumably to stop it tipping over - which
> also acts as the container for the paraffin. On the bottom, there's some
> information telling you to use only paraffin in it, and detailing how to
> trim the wick, thus: http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp3.JPG
>
> It doesn't look as if it has ever been used. There's no smell of
> paraffin and the plate has never been engraved with Colliery No. and
> Serial No.
>
> Anyone know whether it's a genuine miner's lamp, or just an imitation?...
> SWMBO recently bought this lamp from a junk shop for a fiver.
> http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp1.JPG It was pretty grubby, but cleaned
> up fairly well with Brasso, although bits of the casing are still
> slightly pitted.
>
> She wonders exactly what it is, and whether it's worth anything.
>
> The oval plate on it http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp2.JPG refers to the
> Hetton Coal and Mining Co. From Google, it appears that there is (or
> was) a Hetton Colliery in the north east of England, and another one in
> Australia (New South Wales) - so this could have come from either but
> the Australian connection doesn't seem that likely.
>
> It has quite a heavy base - presumably to stop it tipping over - which
> also acts as the container for the paraffin. On the bottom, there's some
> information telling you to use only paraffin in it, and detailing how to
> trim the wick, thus: http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp3.JPG
>
> It doesn't look as if it has ever been used. There's no smell of
> paraffin and the plate has never been engraved with Colliery No. and
> Serial No.
>
Given that the Hetton Colliery closed in 1959 and the instructions on
the base give the height of the wick in millimetres, I would say it is a
modern copy.
Colin Bignell
Bill
Feb 17, 2013, 10:54:46 AM2/17/13
to
In message <JrmdnVRyUMsxZr3M...@giganews.com>, Nightjar
<c...@insert.my.surname.here.me.uk> writes
>>
>> Anyone know whether it's a genuine miner's lamp, or just an imitation?...
>
>Given that the Hetton Colliery closed in 1959 and the instructions on
>the base give the height of the wick in millimetres, I would say it is
>a modern copy.
>
>Colin Bignell
Plus the serial plate has no number on it, so no traceability. So I
would also imagine a modern copy.
--
Bill
<c...@insert.my.surname.here.me.uk> writes
>>
>> Anyone know whether it's a genuine miner's lamp, or just an imitation?...
>
>Given that the Hetton Colliery closed in 1959 and the instructions on
>the base give the height of the wick in millimetres, I would say it is
>a modern copy.
>
>Colin Bignell
would also imagine a modern copy.
--
Bill
Lobster
Feb 17, 2013, 11:50:49 AM2/17/13
to
On 17/02/2013 15:22, Roger Mills wrote:
> I don't think it's a Davy lamp - because I would expect the flame of
> that to be surrounded by a metal gauze, whereas this one has a glass tube.
We had a genuine one at home when I were a lad (for ornamental purposes,
> that to be surrounded by a metal gauze, whereas this one has a glass tube.
not functional) and IIRC the flame was surrounded by glass like this
one, but the gauze was contained within the chimney part. You could
certainly see it when it was dismantled (which naturally enough happened
regularly on my watch...)
--
David
Peter Parry
Feb 17, 2013, 11:57:05 AM2/17/13
to
On Sun, 17 Feb 2013 15:22:35 +0000, Roger Mills <watt....@gmail.com>
wrote:
>
>Anyone know whether it's a genuine miner's lamp, or just an imitation?
Almost certainly a modern imitation. Real colliery lamps were filled
and maintained in the above ground lamp room. They were then sealed
before being issued for the shift. They could not be easily
disassembled by the user. One fill would last 10 hours or more
The giveaway, apart from the absence of gauze and locks, is the
instruction to use paraffin. Real mining lamps did not use paraffin
but Colzaline (or Solvent40 or SAFSOL 2). These are similar to
lighter fuel or Coleman's fuel.
wrote:
>
>Anyone know whether it's a genuine miner's lamp, or just an imitation?
and maintained in the above ground lamp room. They were then sealed
before being issued for the shift. They could not be easily
disassembled by the user. One fill would last 10 hours or more
The giveaway, apart from the absence of gauze and locks, is the
instruction to use paraffin. Real mining lamps did not use paraffin
but Colzaline (or Solvent40 or SAFSOL 2). These are similar to
lighter fuel or Coleman's fuel.
Roger Mills
Feb 17, 2013, 11:59:25 AM2/17/13
to
been in a store-room ready for issue, but never actually issued, I'm not
sure whether or not these details would have been stamped on it, or
whether they would have been added at the time of issue.
The wick trimming instructions in mm seemed odd to me too - and would be
consistent with being a modern copy *unless* it's Australian (I don't
know whether the Aussies are metric and, if so, for how long).
If it's a copy, a copy of *what*? Is this a recognisable design that was
actually used in the past?
I think that SWMBO only wants it as an ornament, and not to use in
anger. However, if we were to put paraffin in it and light it, what are
the chances that it would actually *work*?
Lobster
Feb 17, 2013, 12:26:18 PM2/17/13
to
On 17/02/2013 16:59, Roger Mills wrote:
> I think that SWMBO only wants it as an ornament, and not to use in
> anger.
So she's not planning a bit of open-caste mining in the garden then?
> I think that SWMBO only wants it as an ornament, and not to use in
> anger.
--
David
ss
Feb 17, 2013, 1:01:26 PM2/17/13
to
explanations ie copy, genuine etc
Nightjar
Feb 17, 2013, 1:25:27 PM2/17/13
to
On 17/02/2013 16:59, Roger Mills wrote:
> On 17/02/2013 15:54, Bill wrote:
>> In message <JrmdnVRyUMsxZr3M...@giganews.com>, Nightjar
>> <c...@insert.my.surname.here.me.uk> writes
>>
>>>>
>>>> Anyone know whether it's a genuine miner's lamp, or just an
>>>> imitation?...
>>>
>>> Given that the Hetton Colliery closed in 1959 and the instructions on
>>> the base give the height of the wick in millimetres, I would say it is
>>> a modern copy.
>>>
>>> Colin Bignell
>>
>> Plus the serial plate has no number on it, so no traceability. So I
>> would also imagine a modern copy.
>
> Yes, I noted that in my OP. It's clearly never been issued. It it had
> been in a store-room ready for issue, but never actually issued, I'm not
> sure whether or not these details would have been stamped on it, or
> whether they would have been added at the time of issue.
>
> The wick trimming instructions in mm seemed odd to me too - and would be
> consistent with being a modern copy *unless* it's Australian (I don't
> know whether the Aussies are metric and, if so, for how long).
The Australian Hetton Colliery became the Hetton Bellbird Colliery in
>> In message <JrmdnVRyUMsxZr3M...@giganews.com>, Nightjar
>> <c...@insert.my.surname.here.me.uk> writes
>>
>>>>
>>>> Anyone know whether it's a genuine miner's lamp, or just an
>>>> imitation?...
>>>
>>> Given that the Hetton Colliery closed in 1959 and the instructions on
>>> the base give the height of the wick in millimetres, I would say it is
>>> a modern copy.
>>>
>>> Colin Bignell
>>
>> Plus the serial plate has no number on it, so no traceability. So I
>> would also imagine a modern copy.
>
> Yes, I noted that in my OP. It's clearly never been issued. It it had
> been in a store-room ready for issue, but never actually issued, I'm not
> sure whether or not these details would have been stamped on it, or
> whether they would have been added at the time of issue.
>
> The wick trimming instructions in mm seemed odd to me too - and would be
> consistent with being a modern copy *unless* it's Australian (I don't
> know whether the Aussies are metric and, if so, for how long).
1911. By the mid 1920s, that seems to have become simply the Bellbird
Colliery. Australia began metrication in the 1970s.
> If it's a copy, a copy of *what*? Is this a recognisable design that was
> actually used in the past?
http://www.ncm.org.uk/collections/tools-of-the-trade
I suspect what you have was probably first bought in the shop at a
colliery museum.
> I think that SWMBO only wants it as an ornament, and not to use in
> anger. However, if we were to put paraffin in it and light it, what are
> the chances that it would actually *work*?
Colin Bignell
michael adams
Feb 17, 2013, 1:49:35 PM2/17/13
to
"Roger Mills" <watt....@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:aocar2...@mid.individual.net...
> SWMBO recently bought this lamp from a junk shop for a fiver.
> http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp1.JPG It was pretty grubby, but cleaned up
> fairly well with Brasso, although bits of the casing are still slightly
> pitted.
>
> She wonders exactly what it is, and whether it's worth anything.
>
It's a replica. There are always loads on eBay.
> http://www.mills37.plus.com/Lamp1.JPG It was pretty grubby, but cleaned up
> fairly well with Brasso, although bits of the casing are still slightly
> pitted.
>
> She wonders exactly what it is, and whether it's worth anything.
>
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRASS-PARAFFIN-MINERS-LAMP-MADE-IN-WALES-/190797743265?pt=UK_Collectables_Memorabila_RL&hash=item2c6c6e84a1
There's another one currently on offer at £19.99 with no
takers which has 25 minutes left
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Replica-Working-Brass-Miners-Lamp-Un-used-stored-many-years-/181076480371?pt=UK_Collectables_Memorabila_RL&hash=item2a28ffd173
The instructions on the bottom are for modern purchasers.
As has been pointed out, the lamps were maintained, filled,
lit, and handed over above ground by designated employees
in no need of instruction. The idea of miners dismantling
refilling and re-lighting the lamps underground -
presumably using matches or cigarette lighters would
rather defeat the object of their being used in the
first place.
michael adams
...
Sam Plusnet
Feb 17, 2013, 2:07:10 PM2/17/13
to
In article <No8Us.108220$8a5....@fx23.fr7>, davidlobsterpot601
@hotmail.com says...
But if it's open cast she wouldn't need a lamp.
Better check who owns the mineral rights before getting out the shovel.
--
Sam
@hotmail.com says...
Better check who owns the mineral rights before getting out the shovel.
--
Sam
Sam Plusnet
Feb 17, 2013, 2:16:03 PM2/17/13
to
In article <_9OdncwcTtPau7zM...@brightview.co.uk>,
mjad...@ukonline.co.uk says...
> As has been pointed out, the lamps were maintained, filled,
> lit, and handed over above ground by designated employees
> in no need of instruction. The idea of miners dismantling
> refilling and re-lighting the lamps underground -
> presumably using matches or cigarette lighters would
> rather defeat the object of their being used in the
> first place.
>
>
Especially as miners were often searched just before they went below -
to make sure they didn't have any matches or a lighter on them.
--
Sam
mjad...@ukonline.co.uk says...
> As has been pointed out, the lamps were maintained, filled,
> lit, and handed over above ground by designated employees
> in no need of instruction. The idea of miners dismantling
> refilling and re-lighting the lamps underground -
> presumably using matches or cigarette lighters would
> rather defeat the object of their being used in the
> first place.
>
>
to make sure they didn't have any matches or a lighter on them.
--
Sam
Bill Wright
Feb 17, 2013, 2:26:26 PM2/17/13
to
Lobster wrote:
> So she's not planning a bit of open-caste mining in the garden then?
If she got mucky you'd probably think she was half-caste...
> So she's not planning a bit of open-caste mining in the garden then?
Bill
michael adams
Feb 17, 2013, 2:31:27 PM2/17/13
to
"Sam Plusnet" <n...@home.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.2b8b3ccfe...@news.plus.net...
when they didn't change clothes before going underground. Where
slipping over on top of a box of Swan Vestas accidentally left
in your pocket might have dire consequences. And not only
for your trousers.
michael adams
...
Anon
Feb 17, 2013, 3:00:58 PM2/17/13
to
On Sun, 17 Feb 2013 18:49:35 -0000, "michael adams" <mjad...@ukonline.co.uk>
wrote:
>As has been pointed out, the lamps were maintained, filled,
>lit, and handed over above ground by designated employees
>in no need of instruction. The idea of miners dismantling
>refilling and re-lighting the lamps underground -
>presumably using matches or cigarette lighters would
>rather defeat the object of their being used in the
>first place.
Lamps issued to deputies who are effectively in charge of safety underground
were always capable of being relit with a steel flat bar with a rack on its edge
fitted into a slot on the top of the fuel chamber. This was partly withdrawn
and then hit with the palm of the hand to re-ignite, a knurled wheel was rotated
by this flat bar and, just like a cigarette lighter, a flint provided the spark
to reignite the wick. Despite this feature the lamp was still as safe as a
normal miners lamp as everything was enclosed
Can't find a clear picture of a lamp with one fitted but this is the part:
http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/949/operating20key20p614.jpg
This is it in situ and fully inserted
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv68/elaine3080/GEORGIANFAN/GEORGIANFAN134.jpg
The reason they were required a relight facility is that the lamps were often
accidentally extinguished when checking for gas where you have to adjust the
flame height and make observations for a separated or double flame cone.
Checking for gas was their primary purpose once electric lighting became
commonplace underground.
As for not having serial numbers then the lamp won't have been issued, but
having said that the genuine lamps never had instructions on the bottom, maybe
a makers stamp or a batch number but often nothing. Also genuine lamps will
have some form of locking arrangement for the fuel chamber to the upper section,
usually a hinged catch that can have a locking pin inserted.
Like this
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv68/elaine3080/GEORGIANFAN/GEORGIANFAN131.jpg
--
wrote:
>As has been pointed out, the lamps were maintained, filled,
>lit, and handed over above ground by designated employees
>in no need of instruction. The idea of miners dismantling
>refilling and re-lighting the lamps underground -
>presumably using matches or cigarette lighters would
>rather defeat the object of their being used in the
>first place.
were always capable of being relit with a steel flat bar with a rack on its edge
fitted into a slot on the top of the fuel chamber. This was partly withdrawn
and then hit with the palm of the hand to re-ignite, a knurled wheel was rotated
by this flat bar and, just like a cigarette lighter, a flint provided the spark
to reignite the wick. Despite this feature the lamp was still as safe as a
normal miners lamp as everything was enclosed
Can't find a clear picture of a lamp with one fitted but this is the part:
http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/949/operating20key20p614.jpg
This is it in situ and fully inserted
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv68/elaine3080/GEORGIANFAN/GEORGIANFAN134.jpg
The reason they were required a relight facility is that the lamps were often
accidentally extinguished when checking for gas where you have to adjust the
flame height and make observations for a separated or double flame cone.
Checking for gas was their primary purpose once electric lighting became
commonplace underground.
As for not having serial numbers then the lamp won't have been issued, but
having said that the genuine lamps never had instructions on the bottom, maybe
a makers stamp or a batch number but often nothing. Also genuine lamps will
have some form of locking arrangement for the fuel chamber to the upper section,
usually a hinged catch that can have a locking pin inserted.
Like this
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv68/elaine3080/GEORGIANFAN/GEORGIANFAN131.jpg
--
Roger Mills
Feb 17, 2013, 3:05:24 PM2/17/13
to
On 17/02/2013 18:25, Nightjar wrote:
> On 17/02/2013 16:59, Roger Mills wrote:
>
>> If it's a copy, a copy of *what*? Is this a recognisable design that was
>> actually used in the past?
>
> You can see some original lamps here:
>
> http://www.ncm.org.uk/collections/tools-of-the-trade
>
> I suspect what you have was probably first bought in the shop at a
> colliery museum.
>
The left-hand lamp in the group of 3 looks extremely like it, but that
> On 17/02/2013 16:59, Roger Mills wrote:
>
>> If it's a copy, a copy of *what*? Is this a recognisable design that was
>> actually used in the past?
>
> You can see some original lamps here:
>
> http://www.ncm.org.uk/collections/tools-of-the-trade
>
> I suspect what you have was probably first bought in the shop at a
> colliery museum.
>
has some extra gubbins round the base for locking it shut, or whatever.
Sadly I can't find that one in their catalogue, to get any further details.
Roger Mills
Feb 17, 2013, 3:10:28 PM2/17/13
to
On 17/02/2013 18:49, michael adams wrote:
> "Roger Mills"<watt....@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:aocar2...@mid.individual.net...
>>
> "Roger Mills"<watt....@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:aocar2...@mid.individual.net...
>>
>> She wonders exactly what it is, and whether it's worth anything.
>>
>
>
> It's a replica. There are always loads on eBay.
> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRASS-PARAFFIN-MINERS-LAMP-MADE-IN-WALES-/190797743265?pt=UK_Collectables_Memorabila_RL&hash=item2c6c6e84a1
>
>
> There's another one currently on offer at £19.99 with no
> takers which has 25 minutes left
>
> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Replica-Working-Brass-Miners-Lamp-Un-used-stored-many-years-/181076480371?pt=UK_Collectables_Memorabila_RL&hash=item2a28ffd173
>
Both of those are extremely similar. The first action is now closed -
>>
>
>
> It's a replica. There are always loads on eBay.
> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRASS-PARAFFIN-MINERS-LAMP-MADE-IN-WALES-/190797743265?pt=UK_Collectables_Memorabila_RL&hash=item2c6c6e84a1
>
>
> There's another one currently on offer at £19.99 with no
> takers which has 25 minutes left
>
> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Replica-Working-Brass-Miners-Lamp-Un-used-stored-many-years-/181076480371?pt=UK_Collectables_Memorabila_RL&hash=item2a28ffd173
>
with no bids - and there aren't yet any bids for the other one, either.
It doesn't look as if we're sitting on a fortune! <g>
>
> The instructions on the bottom are for modern purchasers.
>
> As has been pointed out, the lamps were maintained, filled,
> lit, and handed over above ground by designated employees
> in no need of instruction. The idea of miners dismantling
> refilling and re-lighting the lamps underground -
> presumably using matches or cigarette lighters would
> rather defeat the object of their being used in the
> first place.
>
would have been sealed shut - so ours is clearly unsuitable for that!
Sam Plusnet
Feb 17, 2013, 3:30:31 PM2/17/13
to
In article <EqidnZPed52ErbzM...@brightview.co.uk>,
mjad...@ukonline.co.uk says...
No. Such things were always verboten & still are checked.
Quote from UK Coal website (i.e. current practice)
"Miners swipe their 'pass cards' before going underground to register
their presence in the mine. Before entering the cage to descend into the
mine, there is a further check to ensure that no combustible
'contraband' (such as cigarettes, matches or aluminium foil), enters the
mine."
Anyone know what special hazard aluminium foil presents?
--
Sam
mjad...@ukonline.co.uk says...
Quote from UK Coal website (i.e. current practice)
"Miners swipe their 'pass cards' before going underground to register
their presence in the mine. Before entering the cage to descend into the
mine, there is a further check to ensure that no combustible
'contraband' (such as cigarettes, matches or aluminium foil), enters the
mine."
Anyone know what special hazard aluminium foil presents?
--
Sam
michael adams
Feb 17, 2013, 3:41:07 PM2/17/13
to
news:aocrms...@mid.individual.net...
lamps for bicycles.
Seemingly also an endless supply. On eBay at least.
They're probably a regular feature at antique/collectors
and car-boot sales as well
While it might be nice to think that some of these lamps
are simply original lamps which have been adapted
for modern day use - its hard to see how this could
have happened. How all these lamps were all
preserved for years in the hope that someone
would put an advert in the paper, or knock on the
door or haunt house clearence sales so as to be able
to buy up large quantities of old miners or bicycle
lamps.
And its doubtful that any genuine lamps kept for sentimental
reasons would have been given away for the sort of prices
the restorers could afford to pay.
What both the bicyle lamps and the miners lamps have
in common is that they both have been "adapted" for
presnt day use, there are even spares for the bicycle
lamps on eBay, and that presumably they can be sold
at a good profit when shipped in by the container load.
michael adams
...
> On 17/02/2013 18:49, michael adams wrote:
>> "Roger Mills"<watt....@gmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:aocar2...@mid.individual.net...
>
>>>
>>> She wonders exactly what it is, and whether it's worth anything.
>>>
>>
>>
>> It's a replica. There are always loads on eBay.
>> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRASS-PARAFFIN-MINERS-LAMP-MADE-IN-WALES-/190797743265?pt=UK_Collectables_Memorabila_RL&hash=item2c6c6e84a1
>>
>>
>> There's another one currently on offer at £19.99 with no
>> takers which has 25 minutes left
>>
>> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Replica-Working-Brass-Miners-Lamp-Un-used-stored-many-years-/181076480371?pt=UK_Collectables_Memorabila_RL&hash=item2a28ffd173
>>
>
>
> Both of those are extremely similar. The first action is now closed - with no
> bids - and there aren't yet any bids for the other one, either.
>
> It doesn't look as if we're sitting on a fortune! <g>
There's a similar phenomenon with acetylene and carbide
>> "Roger Mills"<watt....@gmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:aocar2...@mid.individual.net...
>
>>>
>>> She wonders exactly what it is, and whether it's worth anything.
>>>
>>
>>
>> It's a replica. There are always loads on eBay.
>> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRASS-PARAFFIN-MINERS-LAMP-MADE-IN-WALES-/190797743265?pt=UK_Collectables_Memorabila_RL&hash=item2c6c6e84a1
>>
>>
>> There's another one currently on offer at £19.99 with no
>> takers which has 25 minutes left
>>
>> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Replica-Working-Brass-Miners-Lamp-Un-used-stored-many-years-/181076480371?pt=UK_Collectables_Memorabila_RL&hash=item2a28ffd173
>>
>
>
> Both of those are extremely similar. The first action is now closed - with no
> bids - and there aren't yet any bids for the other one, either.
>
> It doesn't look as if we're sitting on a fortune! <g>
lamps for bicycles.
Seemingly also an endless supply. On eBay at least.
They're probably a regular feature at antique/collectors
and car-boot sales as well
While it might be nice to think that some of these lamps
are simply original lamps which have been adapted
for modern day use - its hard to see how this could
have happened. How all these lamps were all
preserved for years in the hope that someone
would put an advert in the paper, or knock on the
door or haunt house clearence sales so as to be able
to buy up large quantities of old miners or bicycle
lamps.
And its doubtful that any genuine lamps kept for sentimental
reasons would have been given away for the sort of prices
the restorers could afford to pay.
What both the bicyle lamps and the miners lamps have
in common is that they both have been "adapted" for
presnt day use, there are even spares for the bicycle
lamps on eBay, and that presumably they can be sold
at a good profit when shipped in by the container load.
michael adams
...
Ericp
Feb 17, 2013, 3:57:15 PM2/17/13
to
"rusty surfaces".
Rust plus ali makes thermite?
michael adams
Feb 17, 2013, 4:11:27 PM2/17/13
to
news:MPG.2b8b4e46b...@news.plus.net...
Nowadays that's probably because half of each shift will have been
bussed in from the local Jobcentre, for their 2 weeks work
experience.
The women will have been sent to Poundland, the blokes to
the local mine.
michael adams
...
bussed in from the local Jobcentre, for their 2 weeks work
experience.
The women will have been sent to Poundland, the blokes to
the local mine.
michael adams
...
Peter Parry
Feb 17, 2013, 4:53:14 PM2/17/13
to
On Sun, 17 Feb 2013 20:41:07 -0000, "michael adams"
<mjad...@ukonline.co.uk> wrote:
>While it might be nice to think that some of these lamps
>are simply original lamps which have been adapted
>for modern day use - its hard to see how this could
>have happened. How all these lamps were all
>preserved for years in the hope that someone
>would put an advert in the paper, or knock on the
>door or haunt house clearence sales so as to be able
>to buy up large quantities of old miners or bicycle
>lamps.
A lot came on the market from the old stock of Protector Lamp and
<mjad...@ukonline.co.uk> wrote:
>While it might be nice to think that some of these lamps
>are simply original lamps which have been adapted
>for modern day use - its hard to see how this could
>have happened. How all these lamps were all
>preserved for years in the hope that someone
>would put an advert in the paper, or knock on the
>door or haunt house clearence sales so as to be able
>to buy up large quantities of old miners or bicycle
>lamps.
Lighting. Real but brand new lamps are available at about £75 made
from ex British Coal supplies and manufacturers spares.
However, there is also a large industry in India dedicated to
producing fakes. No only of lamps but compasses, sextants,
telescopes, binoculars, theodolites etc. Brass seems to be a favourite
material and the relatively rough manufacturing techniques convince
many they are originals. I first encountered this in Oman a decade or
so ago where there were stalls in the souk selling nothing but
theodolites. Two stalls down would be the compass stall, and next
door the sextant stall. There was no way 100 original theodolites
were going to end up on one stall in one market.
>And its doubtful that any genuine lamps kept for sentimental
>reasons would have been given away for the sort of prices
>the restorers could afford to pay.
rare by any means.
Frank Erskine
Feb 17, 2013, 5:00:44 PM2/17/13
to
On Sun, 17 Feb 2013 20:41:07 -0000, "michael adams"
>news:aocrms...@mid.individual.net...
>Seemingly also an endless supply. On eBay at least.
>They're probably a regular feature at antique/collectors
>and car-boot sales as well
>
>While it might be nice to think that some of these lamps
>are simply original lamps which have been adapted
>for modern day use - its hard to see how this could
>have happened. How all these lamps were all
>preserved for years in the hope that someone
>would put an advert in the paper, or knock on the
>door or haunt house clearence sales so as to be able
>to buy up large quantities of old miners or bicycle
>lamps.
orders for private purchase of authentic lamps (new ones), usually by
miners to use as souvenirs.
ISTR that around 1980 they could be purchased for around 20 to 30
quid.
I don't know what the "official" (BC) line was on this.
--
Frank Erskine
John Walliker
Feb 17, 2013, 5:58:29 PM2/17/13
to
On Feb 17, 10:00 pm, Frank Erskine <frank.ersk...@btinternet.com>
wrote:
> ISTR that around 1980 they could be purchased for around 20 to 30
> quid.
I have one that was bought from an antiques shop around 1970. It
looks
as if it has been polished a few thousand times, has a colliery name
and serial number, clear thick glass (slightly cracked) and the metal
gauze in the chimney. The base is brass, the chimney iron.
The locking mechanism is a robust spring-loaded ratchet which can
only
be released with a powerful magnet from below the base. There is a
glass feedthrough for a spark igniter.
John
wrote:
> ISTR that around 1980 they could be purchased for around 20 to 30
> quid.
looks
as if it has been polished a few thousand times, has a colliery name
and serial number, clear thick glass (slightly cracked) and the metal
gauze in the chimney. The base is brass, the chimney iron.
The locking mechanism is a robust spring-loaded ratchet which can
only
be released with a powerful magnet from below the base. There is a
glass feedthrough for a spark igniter.
John
Windmill
Feb 17, 2013, 7:37:25 PM2/17/13
to
--
Windmill, Til...@Nonetel.com Use t m i l l
J.R.R. Tolkien:- @ O n e t e l . c o m
All that is gold does not glister / Not all who wander are lost
John Williamson
Feb 17, 2013, 8:53:47 PM2/17/13
to
Roger Mills wrote:
> On 17/02/2013 18:25, Nightjar wrote:
>> On 17/02/2013 16:59, Roger Mills wrote:
>
>>
>>> If it's a copy, a copy of *what*? Is this a recognisable design that was
>>> actually used in the past?
>>
>> You can see some original lamps here:
>>
>> http://www.ncm.org.uk/collections/tools-of-the-trade
>>
>> I suspect what you have was probably first bought in the shop at a
>> colliery museum.
>>
That's the most likely source, or an online supplier of replicas.
> On 17/02/2013 18:25, Nightjar wrote:
>> On 17/02/2013 16:59, Roger Mills wrote:
>
>>
>>> If it's a copy, a copy of *what*? Is this a recognisable design that was
>>> actually used in the past?
>>
>> You can see some original lamps here:
>>
>> http://www.ncm.org.uk/collections/tools-of-the-trade
>>
>> I suspect what you have was probably first bought in the shop at a
>> colliery museum.
>>
>
> The left-hand lamp in the group of 3 looks extremely like it, but that
> has some extra gubbins round the base for locking it shut, or whatever.
>
All real mine safety lamps that I've seen have a lock, and so can only
> The left-hand lamp in the group of 3 looks extremely like it, but that
> has some extra gubbins round the base for locking it shut, or whatever.
>
be lit by an authorised person, who will be aware of the total ban on
naked flames inside coal mines. If the lock isn't there, it's either a
fake (Highly likely in this case), or it's been modified.
--
Tciao for Now!
John.
Brian Gaff
Feb 18, 2013, 6:08:01 AM2/18/13
to
Seems like a lot of work to put all those labels on if it was just a repro
job though. Maybe it was an export model.. grin.
Brian
--
From the Sofa of Brian Gaff Reply address is active
"Nightjar" <c...@insert.my.surname.here.me.uk> wrote in message
news:JrmdnVRyUMsxZr3M...@giganews.com...
job though. Maybe it was an export model.. grin.
Brian
--
From the Sofa of Brian Gaff Reply address is active
"Nightjar" <c...@insert.my.surname.here.me.uk> wrote in message
news:JrmdnVRyUMsxZr3M...@giganews.com...
ARW
Feb 18, 2013, 5:54:04 PM2/18/13
to
<http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1296355/Peggys-Mine-Coal-extracted-garden-semi-detached-house.html>
--
Adam
Frank Erskine
Feb 18, 2013, 6:50:56 PM2/18/13
to
rights. :-(
Certainly mine do, but since there was a colliery centred about 1/4
mile from here, it's a bit unlikely that there's much black stuff
under me...
--
Frank Erskine
ARW
Feb 18, 2013, 6:59:49 PM2/18/13
to
my Dad) but it's a while since he retired (but his job was related to the
subject).
--
Adam
Sam Plusnet
Feb 18, 2013, 7:40:54 PM2/18/13
to
In article <kfuf88$nqt$1...@dont-email.me>, adamwa...@blueyonder.co.uk
says...
Coal is an exception I think.
Nicked from
http://www.countrylife.co.uk/news/article/523352/Need-to-Know-Mines-or-
minerals-and-owning-land.html
" Silver, gold, oil and other petrochemicals are also minerals of
course, but are owned by the Crown. Pity.
Coal is the other obvious exception; although ownership was nationalised
in the early twentieth century, the coal industry was subsequently re-
privatised in the 1990s, with the majority of viable mines being sold to
private companies. This means that current ownership of coal deposits
is complicated and needs to be researched carefully."
--
Sam
says...
Nicked from
http://www.countrylife.co.uk/news/article/523352/Need-to-Know-Mines-or-
minerals-and-owning-land.html
" Silver, gold, oil and other petrochemicals are also minerals of
course, but are owned by the Crown. Pity.
Coal is the other obvious exception; although ownership was nationalised
in the early twentieth century, the coal industry was subsequently re-
privatised in the 1990s, with the majority of viable mines being sold to
private companies. This means that current ownership of coal deposits
is complicated and needs to be researched carefully."
--
Sam
Frank Erskine
Feb 18, 2013, 8:32:40 PM2/18/13
to
dig weeds out of the garden.
--
Frank Erskine
bert
Feb 20, 2013, 6:20:11 PM2/20/13
to
In message <4al5i81nknghpeaum...@4ax.com>, Frank
Erskine <frank....@btinternet.com> writes
And just think of all that CO2 and pollution and all our environmental
targets going up in smoke.
--
bert
Erskine <frank....@btinternet.com> writes
targets going up in smoke.
--
bert
Frank Erskine
Feb 20, 2013, 6:49:23 PM2/20/13
to
On Wed, 20 Feb 2013 23:20:11 +0000, bert <bert@[127.0.0.1]> wrote:
> In message <4al5i81nknghpeaum...@4ax.com>, Frank
>Erskine <frank....@btinternet.com> writes
>>
> In message <4al5i81nknghpeaum...@4ax.com>, Frank
>Erskine <frank....@btinternet.com> writes
>>
>>I don't think I'll bother digging for coal. It takes me all my time to
>>dig weeds out of the garden.
>>
>And just think of all that CO2 and pollution and all our environmental
>targets going up in smoke.
All the more reason to dig for coal then...
>>dig weeds out of the garden.
>>
>And just think of all that CO2 and pollution and all our environmental
>targets going up in smoke.
"environmental targets" - pah!
--
Frank Erskine
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