1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️ This is a rugged and authentic Auto-Lite carbide lamp, a true industrial artifact from the early 20th century. Crafted from solid brass, this lamp, with its adjustable reflector and robust design, embodies the grit and determination of early 20th-century American industry. Its clear maker's marks and patent numbers, dating to 1931, provide verifiable provenance, making it a compelling piece for collectors and history enthusiasts.
2. About the Carbide Lamp 📖✍️✨
This lamp was a vital piece of personal equipment used in underground settings, such as mining and cave exploration. It operated by a simple chemical reaction: water dripping onto a bed of calcium carbide created acetylene gas, which was then ignited to produce a bright, clean flame.
Its design includes a hook on the back, allowing it to be clipped to a helmet or belt, providing hands-free illumination for the user.
3. About the Maker: Auto-Lite and Bumpergrip ✍️🏛️
"Auto-Lite" and "Bumpergrip" were brand names associated with carbide lamps produced by the Justrite Manufacturing Company.
This company was a key manufacturer of safety equipment and lighting devices in the early 20th century. Known for their reliability and sturdy construction, these lamps were the preferred choice for miners and explorers across the United States. Owning an Auto-Lite lamp is to own a piece of that American industrial legacy.
4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜
This lamp's patent date places it squarely in the Great Depression era, a time of significant industrial activity and a golden age for mining. Carbide lamps were a technological advancement over earlier flame lamps, offering a much brighter and more stable light source.
This lamp is a tangible connection to the men and women who worked in the challenging and dangerous conditions of the American coal and mineral mines of the time.
5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️
This lamp will appeal to a wide range of discerning collectors. It is an excellent acquisition for industrial decor enthusiasts, history buffs, collectors of mining equipment, and caving enthusiasts.
Its compelling industrial aesthetic makes it a perfect accent piece for industrial-style decor, a valuable addition to a history collection, or a unique gift for a history buff.
6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️
This lamp's value lies in its authenticity, verified maker's marks, and compelling industrial aesthetic. Its age and rugged condition tell a story of hard work and utility, which is a desirable feature for collectors of industrial antiques.
This lamp is approximately 94 years old.
7. Condition 🔎📚✨
This vintage carbide lamp is presented in its original, unrestored condition, suitable for decorative purposes only. It has a beautiful, aged patina with some areas of rust and wear, consistent with decades of use.
The adjustable parts function, but the lamp has not been tested to work. It would require professional refurbishment to be used as originally intended. The wear and patina are part of the item's historical character.
8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩
This lamp was a technological advancement over earlier flame lamps. The Justrite Manufacturing Company was a key manufacturer of safety equipment and lighting devices.
This specific lamp has a patent number dating to 1931. Its design includes a hook on the back to be clipped to a helmet or belt.
9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰
Item Type: Metalwork/Lamp
Genre: Industrial Antiques, Americana, Mining History, Home Decor, Collectibles
Dimensions: H: 4.5", L: 4", W: 3.5"
Weight: 7oz
