Old Protector Model 176 oil lamp

The Old Protector model 176 oil lamp, dating back to before 1911, appears to have undergone modifications around 1913 to comply with the Coal Mines Act 1911. 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 Coal Mines Act 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.

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