Rare Archives - Old Flames

Exceptional Condition Protector Type HL (Hand Lit) Iron Bonnet Lamp

Gazza — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 08:50:08 +0000

This lamp, in remarkably well-preserved state, features an original blue oxide coating on the bonnet. It is a fully authentic specimen, complete with a stamped production number “No178” on the Cell, Cage, and Protector outer wick tube. The “58/” marking signifies its production year as 1958. This lamp was acquired through an online auction hosted by The British Heart Foundation Charity Shop. HL lamps are rather uncommon, and finding one in such impeccable condition is exceedingly rare.

The lamp’s cell offers wind wick adjustment, while the cage bars boast an outward taper and a magnetic lock (although this feature is currently disabled).

[See image gallery at oldflames.com.au]

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Eccles Type HL (Hand Lit) Protectors

Gazza — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 08:26:00 +0000

These lamps were employed until approximately 1960, likely not within the NCB mines when there were more than 30 individuals working below ground. The wick adjustment process involved rotating the fuel cell vertically to achieve the desired height. The locking flap underwent modification to accommodate the bars, leaving it elevated about a quarter-inch above the cage. The lamp used the Original Protector system, reminiscent of the old Type 1A utility lamp, as well as the antiquated W E Teale No. 1 and No. 2 models, along with the former Protector No. 1 iterations.

[See image gallery at oldflames.com.au]

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Old Protector Model 176 Oil Lamp

Gazza — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 11:54:24 +0000

The Old Protector model 176 oil lamp, dating back to before 1911, appears to have undergone modifications around 1913 to comply with the 1911 Mines & Quarries Act. Historical research indicates that while its patent date is listed as 1913, this likely corresponds to its upgrade to adhere to the regulations set by the Mines & Quarries Act of 1911. Remarkably, this particular lamp is one of the only two Protector workman’s lamps that endured the purge of non-conforming lamps in 1911. The other survivor is the “Prestwich Protector Patent” lamp with SL or BL ignition and the Protector twin wick tube system. Notably, this vintage Type 176 lacks the twin wick system and is ignited by hand with pricker adjustment.

The sole remaining lamp apart from these two is the Type “A” aluminium officials lamp, which has retained its original form and features a single capped gauze. This lamp is characterized by its loose top design, an early locking bar, and a slide band lock.

The limited survival of these lamps can be attributed to a plausible factor: the delicate nature of the thin iron plate at the base.

[See image gallery at oldflames.com.au]

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Extremely Rare Protector Prototype GR6S 66 / G

Gazza — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 09:40:17 +0000

Extremely rare Protector GR6S prototype marked as 66 / G (from 1966, Garforth). Although the GR6 was initially introduced in 1964, it quickly encountered an issue with its outer wick tubes, made of brass, which began to develop fractures during extended usage. This predicament necessitated a solution. The ultimate fix involved substituting the brass tubes with stainless steel ones for the outer and inner wick tubes. However, recalling and converting the existing lamps wasn’t straightforward due to the integration of brass outer tubes into the base plate casting. Consequently, machining was required to remove the brass tubes, creating a recess to accommodate the new stainless steel tubes and a rubber O-ring. Converted units were marked with a post stamp “S” on the badge, indicating completion of the modification, while subsequent models were labelled as GR6S from the factory (with “S” denoting Stainless). Observing the stainless steel inner wick tube, it becomes evident that its production costs were substantial, which likely contributed to its eventual abandonment. [See image gallery at oldflames.com.au]

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