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Miner’s Cap Lamp

Object Details

Description (Brief)
This oil-wick cap lamp was made by George Anton & Son in Monongahela, Pennsylvania during the second half of the 19th century. It has as double spout, indicating that it burned "Sunshine" fuel, a mixture of paraffin wax and 3% mineral oil produced by the Standard Oil Company. Called a "Sunshine Lamp," the outer spout served to insulate the wick in the inner spout, thereby conducting enough heat to melt the wax in the Sunshine fuel. This kind of lamp hooked onto a miner’s cap, and produced an open flame.
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Credit Line
Mr. W. D. Truster
Measurements
overall: 3 in x 3 1/2 in x 2 in; 7.62 cm x 8.89 cm x 5.08 cm
Object Name
lamp, oil, cap, miner's
mining lamp
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