Antique 1920s Auto-Lite Carbide Miner’s Lamp – Universal Lamp Co. Brass

Antique Auto-Lite carbide miner’s cap lamp, manufactured by the Universal Lamp Co. This appears to date to approximately the 1920s and is a great piece of early American mining history. The lamp is constructed primarily of brass and retains a beautiful aged patina. The original embossed markings are still very clear, including: - AUTO-LITE - MADE IN U.S.A. - UNIVERSAL LAMP CO. - Large ON/OFF markings - Original water reservoir and hinged cap - Carbide chamber - Control mechanism - Miner’s cap/helmet hook - Nice original brass patina These lamps used water and calcium carbide to generate acetylene gas, which was burned to provide light for miners before electric cap lamps became standard. PLEASE NOTE: This example is not complete. The original reflector and burner/nozzle assembly are missing, as shown in the photos. I am selling it exactly as found and have not attempted to restore, polish or operate it.