Object Details
- Description (Brief)
- This oil-wick cap lamp was made by an unknown maker during the second half of the 19th century. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s. The font contained a mix of fat and oil for fuel, and a wick was inserted into the spout. The resulting flame was much brighter and more efficient than the candles it replaced. The hook enabled the lamp to be worn on a cap, or hooked onto any other suitable location.
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- Credit Line
- Board of Trustees of Lafayette College
- Measurements
- overall: 3 1/2 in x 4 1/4 in x 2 in; 8.89 cm x 10.795 cm x 5.08 cm
- Object Name
- lamp, oil, cap, mining
- mining lamp
