Images(3)

Helmet, Miner's

Object number2008.14.1 a-c

Manufacturer Mine Safety Appliances Company

Manufacturer Edison Storage Battery Company

Datec. 1920

OriginOrange, NJ

MediumPlastic; Rubber; Various metals; Cotton

Credit LineIn memory of Ercole and Zio Pasquale Del Signore

DescriptionMiner's helmet, metal casing, and battery.Dimensions(a) Height: 6 ; Width: 10.75 ; Length: 14 ; Depth: 1
Cord approximate Length: 37
(b) H: 1.375 ; W: 6 ; L: 6.625
(c) H: 6.25 ; W: 1.25 ; L: 5.125

Marks(a)
Embossed text on lamp mount: "MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES CO.PGH.PA." Embossed around rim of lamp: "EDISON SAFETY LAMP MFD. BY EDISON STORAGE BATTERY CO,ORANGE, N.J. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA".

(b)
Embossed on front: "PERMISSIBLE / PORTABLE / ELECTRONIC MINE LAMP / [ circular seal] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF MINES / APPROVAL No. 18 / ISSUED FOR SAFETY AND FOR / PRACTICABILITY AND EFFICIENCY / IN GENERAL SERVICE / TO THE / EDISON STORAGE BATTERY CO. / ORANGE, N.J.U.S.A. / MADE IN U.S.A." On left side, engraved, "292".

(c)
Engraved at top, on both: "2-31 M-14+".

Engraved circular marker's stamp on left sides of both cells "EDISON STORAGE BAT... / ORANGE N... / EDISON / Thomas A.Edison / MADE IN U.S.A."

Historical NotesMining Safety Appliance helmet and battery lamp from Robena Mine #1, used by Ercole and Pasquale Del Signore, immigrants from Italy who worked as coal miners at Robena, c. 1930s. Robena Mine is located at Greensboro and Carmichaels, Greene County, Pennsylvania, which are served by barges on the Monongahela River. The mine consists of three interconnected mines, Numbered 1, 2, and 3. On December 6, 1962, Number 3 was the site of an explosion that killed 37 men; 133 survived. Created by Edison Storage Battery Company in conjunction with Mine Safety Appliances Company, the flameless safety lamp greatly reduced the risk of mine explosions. Prior to the invention of the Edison light, miners carried open-flamed “sunshine” lamps. Such lamps were blamed for igniting methane gas and coal dust, leading to mine explosions.Label TextCreated by Edison Storage Battery Company in conjunction with Mine Safety Appliances Company, the flameless safety lamp greatly reduced the risk of explosions by ridding mines of the earlier open-flame lamps. This weathered unit belonged to Ercole and Pasquale Del Signore, Italian immigrants who worked at the Robena Mine, Greene County.

Previous owner Ercole Del Signore

Previous owner Pasquale Del Signore

Related institution United States Steel Corporation

Related institution United States Bureau of Mines

Related person Thomas Alva Edison (1847 - 1941)

Subjects