Miner's lamps
Ever heard the term ‘carrying coals to Newcastle’?
We are situated in what once, was one of the biggest coal producing regions in the world. Moreover, our Westerhope saleroom is situated very close to two former pits, long since closed, the Coronation & North Walbottle.
For many centuries, miners were frequently at danger from explosive mixtures of methane gas in the atmosphere of the mine. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, pressure mounted to find an alternative to naked flames that would provide adequate and safe light to enable miners to work underground.
In the end, two of the period’s finest minds, Sir Humphrey Davy and George Stephenson, raced to produce the first safe lamp for the mining industry.
Later other British and European makers refined and bettered these designs, which gave rise to lamps such as The Clanny, Mueseler, Marsaut, Clowes Hydrogen, Electric Cap, and Flame-safety.
Our specialists welcome enquiries from vendors of miners lamps, for inclusion in our Collectors’ auctions held three times a year. Open gauzed Clanny and Davy lamps are of particular interest.
Live bidding, targeted mailing lists and Internet marketing, ensure that collectors, enthusiasts and dealers come from across the world to buy at our sales.
We offer free pre-sale valuations for auction at our offices in Newcastle between Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and selected Saturday mornings. Please call us on 0191 430 3000 to arrange a valuation appointment. Alternatively, please fill out our online valuation form with details and photographs of your advertising signs and antiques and we will get back to you with an estimate. Free home visits are available for larger collections.
