Mines lantern

Mines lantern as used in collieries in South Staffordshire coalfields

Ventilating currents are now so strong as to blow out unprotected lights; in the South Staffordshire coalfield the oil lantern shown is used by miners, where inflammable gas is absent, when walking to and from their work on the roadways underground. A lantern is cheaper, gives better light, and weighs less than a safety lamp. The lamp proper is held by a bayonet joint to a cylindrical case, the lower part of which is of thick glass; below this are holes for the admission of air, and above is a conical hood.