Two specimens of Saxon miners lanterns and two candle holders

These holders, known as "blendes", were used into the twentieth century in Saxony, Germany, in both coal and metalliferous mines. They comprise simply an open-fronted metal -lined wooden case in which is carried a globular oil lamp; for the use of officials a tallow candle replaces the lamp, and no iron enters into the construction, as it is used in compass surveying. The holder is slung by the hook at the back on a strap round the neck.