Authentic antique Auto-Lite brass carbide miner’s cap lamp, manufactured by the Universal Lamp Company of Chicago, Illinois, circa 1920.

This remarkable piece of American mining history was designed to attach to a miner’s helmet and produce light by combining water with calcium carbide to create acetylene gas. The lamp is marked “United States of America” and retains its reflector, mounting hook, water cap, control mechanism and additional hardware shown in the photographs.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has comparable Auto-Lite carbide mining lamps in its collection and dates examples of this design to around 1920. The museum describes Auto-Lite as one of the most popular and dependable mining-lamp brands of the early 20th century.

The lamp measures approximately 4½ inches tall, with an approximately 4½-inch reflector. Its naturally aged brass finish, surface wear and working-life patina give it wonderful industrial character.

Antique, pre-owned condition with tarnish, oxidation, scratches, discoloration and general wear consistent with approximately 100 years of age. The reflector shows surface clouding and wear. The lamp has not been polished, preserving its original aged appearance.

This lamp is untested and is being sold as-is for collecting or display. No carbide fuel is included. Components and condition are shown closely in the photographs; please review all images before purchasing.

A terrific collectible for mining-history enthusiasts, industrial-antique collectors, railroad or cave-exploration collectors, or anyone creating a Western, mining-camp or historical display.