Images(4)

Lamp, Carbide

Object number2015.23.10

Manufacturer George T. Anton & Brother

Datec. 1916

OriginMonongahela, PA

MediumBrass/Metal/Paint

Credit LineGift of Richard P. Anton

DescriptionMiner's carbide lamp. Cylindrical brass base with square brass body atop. Square body has circular metal disc attached at side with wheel in bottom left corner. Top has hinged cap with vent hole in back left corner and a mobile arm that swings over eight raised dots. Metal hook on back for attaching to miner's cap. From neck up was originally painted black, but there is paint loss. Stamped maker's mark on the proper right side of the square body is an eagle above a shield with text inside.Dimensions4 x 2.438 x 3.5 in. (10.2 x 6.2 x 8.9 cm)
MarksStamped maker's mark on the proper right side of the square body has text "TRADE MARK / STAR / GEO. T. ANTON / & / BROTHER / MONONGAHELA, PA. / PAT. JUNE 20 / 1916".

Historical NotesAdaptations to mining lamps tried to resolve the danger of an open flame with the desperate need for illumination underground. The Anton brothers of Monongahela, Pa., George, John, and Christopher, each began making lamps during the 1870s. Later George and John began marketing their lamps under the name Geo. Anton STAR brand lamps. The quality construction and brand name made them popular. Patents by the Antons added several features – a circular bezel under the spout to collect drippings from the wick and prevent the miner’s cap from catching fire and a double wall construction to maintain heat and ensure the lamp burned steadily and did not go out. In the 1910s carbide lamps began to replace these open flame lamps.Label TextAdaptations to mining lamps tried to resolve the danger of an open flame with the desperate need for illumination underground. The Anton brothers, George, John, and Christopher, each began making lamps during the 1870s. Later George and John began marketing their lamps under the name Geo. Anton STAR brand lamps. The quality construction and brand name made them popular. Patents by the Antons added several features – a circular bezel under the spout to collect drippings from the wick and prevent the miner’s cap from catching fire and a double wall construction to maintain heat and ensure the lamp burned steadily and did not go out. In the 1910s carbide lamps began to replace these open flame lamps.

Related person George Anton

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