Coal Miner's Safety Lamp, Hailwood & Ackroyd.

Gas was one of the greatest dangers in the mines. It was difficult to detect and could ignite without warning, particularly at a time when miners needed flame to provide the minimal light required to work underground. Although gas remained a great threat, the danger was reduced by the development of a safety lamp, which could provide light and also provide warning of the presence of gas through changes in the flames color. Although replaced by safer electric lamps in the beginning of the 20th century, they remained in use as the easiest and most reliable gas indicators well into the middle of the century.

This model bears the maker's plaque: "Hailwood & Ackroyd Ltd, Makers, Improved Lamp, No. 46, Type 01, Morley Leeds England." The company traded under this name Ackroyd & Best until 1927 when it was reformed under the title Hailwood & Ackroyd Ltd. This is a heavy, beautifully machined solid brass, iron, and glass lamp. The glass chimney is intact; the fuel reservoir is in great condition with wick raising wire, spark mechanism, and wick. England, Ca. 1930.

Hailwood & Ackroyd Safety Lamp (No. C656). Dimensions: 10"H x 3.25" Diameter not including the hanging hook which would add another 3.75". Shipping: $10.