1A LAMP

hi terry,
we made the 1a for the gpo then bt.
it was approved to tm1 ie testing memorandum 1 for oxygen deficiency.
it will also detect firedamp. it burns paraffin.
the engineers light them above ground then hang it down the manhole and if it goes out they need to ventilate.
many telecoms contractors use them now.
we also supply them to the naval dockyards for checking ships holds and on subs.
we are currently trialing a new cap lamp at mines rescue mansfield with mick noble.
regards david mather

T Edney wrote:
Dear Sir
I wonder if you could help me. I have just aquired a safety lamp
that bears your manufacturers plate with the No 1A stamped on it.
There is a logo stamped on the riveted seam of the chrome bonnet
which resembles the old Telecom logo, this being the letter ''T'' in a
circle and the right hand bar of the ''T'' made with two small circles.
The bonnet cannot be locked as there is no sliding bar built into the frame
and there is no provision to lock the base.
The wick is the flat type and is adjusted by a handwheel under the base.
If a few photographs would help please let me know
Hoping you can help.
Yours Sincerely

Terry Edney

Ex Mines Rescue Brigadesman
Houghton Le Spring Rescue Station
Tyne & Wear

M1 CAP LAMPS ON TRIAL

THE LAMPS ARE NOW ON TRIAL AT THE MINES OF BRITISH GYPSUM IN THE UK AND AT THE REOPENED HATFIELD COLLIERY IN YORKSHIRE

M1 CAP LAMPS ON TRIAL

THE LAMPS ARE NOW ON TRIAL AT THE MINES OF BRITISH GYPSUM IN THE UK, AT THE REOPENED HATFIELD COLLIERY IN YORKSHIRE AND AT CLEVELAND POTASH'S BOULBY MINE.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE MINING OPERATIONS VISIT THE LINKS
BRITISH GYPSUM
POWERFUEL
CLEVELAND POTASH

ECCLES LAMPS IN SOUTH WALES

hi graham,
we do not have lists. what i can tell you is that from nationalisation in 1947 the ministry of power adopted our type 6 lamp as the standard for gas testing.
to avoid a monopoly situation they brought thomas & williams and wolf into the supply chain who between them had about 10% of the market.
in the main i would have expected most of the pits you mention to be supplied by thomas & williams.
however the eccles lamp was quite well known in south wales.
hope this helps.

Hi. I wonder if you could send me a list of all the pits in South East Wales, if any, that were supplied with your lamps. I'm doing some local research of several local coal mines, and I would welcome any information you could let me have. especially Oakdale, Markham, Wyllie, North Celenyn, South Celenyn, Llanbradach. Looking forward to your reply. Many thanks for your valued time..........Regards, Graham.

DATING YOUR LAMP

IT WAS MADE IN 1978


Hi,

I have found in my attic a miners lamp of your manufacture, I was most surprised to find you were still producing !

I wondered if you could date the lamp for me, I suspect its not that old judging by the condition. The details on the plate are Type 6 M & Q safety lamp Approval B/28. On the horizonal area below the glass there is a M and 78/ stamped in.

Regards

David Baldock

UNSCREWING THE LAMP BASE OR VESSEL

if the locking /fuel filler flap is out of the way there is nothing to stop the vessel unscrewing. try leaving it on top of a radiator for a few hours having dosed it with some wd40 then unscrew. it is a normal thread ie unscrews anti clockwise.
regards david

Hi,

Further to my last e-mail, I have a question, how does the base remove. The locking mechanism opens but it doesnt seem to want to unscrew, does it need a tap with a bit of wood and hammer or have I missed something.

I did look at the faq blog but that only seemed to deal with the locking mech and had me totally confused as to why a magnet is needed and what for :)

David

SIR HUMPHRY DAVY

DAVY'S STATUE AND BIRTHPLACE IN PENZANCE







Apart from the famous lamp, Davy also isolated three elements, alkali metals Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), and Calcium (Ca). He discovered Nitrous Oxide, and its anaesthetic properties, often referred to as "laughing gas." This, when first discovered, was often produced and used by nobility and gentry of the day, much like "recreational drugs" today. Davy was also an accomplished poet, and known to Coleridge, and Byron et al. Davy also travelled extensively through Europe during the Napoleonic wars, such was the respect he commanded at the time for his amazing achievements.
THANKS TO MARTIN ORCHARD FOR THE PHOTOS AND FACTS

lamp identification

the most obvious ommissions are the CT33/33A this was a high candle power lamp from the late 40's and early 50's. it burnt paraffin and was lit by a high tension current in the lamp room. it was intended to compete with electrification of lighting in mines and failed dismally. to be intact it has all the usual items plus a ceramic burner and inner glass.
then their is the MC40 again an oil lamp with ht lighter.
this was developed for manchester collieries, the duke of bridgewater's mines around worsley, manchester.
t
the type 6 deputies relighter lamp was certified for mining use between the great wars.
it became most widely used in the uk from nationalisation in 1947 when it was adopted by the ministry of power as the standard gas testing lamp in uk coal mines.
it has a shut off ring for remote gas testing. the 6rs is basically the same,this was used in the pits in the north east.

in 1964 we prototyped the GR6 which is a modified type 6. this adopted the garforth mechanism for gas testing.
the type 6 began to be replaced by the gr6 and then the gr6s from the mid 60's to the mid 70's. the gr6s is still used in uk mines today.
type 6,6rs , gr6 and gr6s are all flint relighters. as deputies were allowed to relight underground.
the other lamps would be lit by low or ht in the lamp room or at an underground lighting station as workmen are not allowed to relight underground.
sl standing for side lit or workmans lamp. again the 6's have a shut off or garforth mechanism as deputies need to take remote samples underground via a rbber bulb on a long pole. this sample is then injected in to the lamp.
type ai is the garage or utility lamp as opposed to 1a which we built for gpo engineers. this was to test for bad air in tunnels and man holes and is also used by the navy in ships holds and submarines.
we do come accross lamps with different badges and bonnets so beware. hopefully these basic rules will be of use.also meant to say all 6's will have a stainless steel top,a very few are chromed, these were managers lamps and some have brass tops. all three are mines approved although the brass were usually for presentation.
sl's had black iron tops until the mid 60's so should be rusty, from then on stainless steel.
a1 brass and 1a stainless steel.

TYPE 6 DEPUTIES RELIGHTER LAMP

dear daniel,
the type 6 deputies relighter lamp was certified for mining use between the great wars.
it became most widely used in the uk from nationalisation in 1947 when it was adopted by the ministry of power as the standard gas testing lamp in uk coal mines.
in 1964 we prototyped the GR6 which is a modified type 6. this adopted the garforth mechanism for gas testing.
the type 6 began to be replaced by the gr6 and then the gr6s from the mid 60's to the mid 70's. the gr6s is still used in uk mines today.
regards david mather

Daniel & Sara wrote:

Hi there, I recently purchased a lamp with the markings M & Q on the serial plate. I’ve searched the web and can’t find any information pertaining to this model. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Daniel

SL/WORKMANS LAMP LIGHTING

Dennis Buckenham wrote:
I wonder if you could help me with some information. Following the death of a relative two of your lamps have come into my pocession. I am very interested in trying to trace some history of these lamps. Both the lamps are marked as type SL with an approval no of B120. One has the number 61 stamped on the case and the other has 1814 stamped on it. Both appear to be in very good condition. I believe they ould have been used in the area around Worksop. Would there be any instruction manuals available for these.
As I live in Norfolk any information in my local area is very limited.
Many Thanks
DEAR DENNIS,
THE SL OR SIDE LIT IS A WORKMANS LAMP WHICH WERE IN USE FROM BETWEEN THE WARS TO THE 1990,S.
THEY WERE LIT (BY A LOW VOLTAGE CURRENT THROUGH A PLATINUM WIRE NEXT TO THE WICK) IN THE LAMP ROOM AS WORKMEN CANNOT RELIGHT UNDERGROUND.
WE DO NOT CARRY SPARES FOR THEM NOW OTHER THAN THE WICKS.
REGARDS DAVID MATHER
Dear David,
Thanks for the information. Sorry to be a nuisance but could you possibly answer the following questions.
Does it require a special tool to supply the current or would any low voltage supply do? (if so what voltage is required)
Could normal lamp oil be used in the lamps? (I have checked the lamps and the wicks and all the seals appear new).
I really would like to see them working.
Regards
dear dennis,
its approx 4 volts applied accross the vessel and the glass plate.
you need to make sure all the insulating washers are intact. you can use thin fuse wire in place of the platinum wire.
lamp oil will probably not light with low volt\age.most paraffin lamps used high voltage.
petrol or lighter fuel with a low flash point is best.
good luck.
david

THE FIRST CORDLESS CAP LAMPS

THE FIRST 10 ATEX M1 CORDLESS LED CAP LAMPS IN THE UK HAVE GONE ON TRIAL AT MINES RESCUE HQ IN MANSFIELD.
THE FIRST TO USE THE LAMPS WERE PART TIME RESCUERS FROM WELBECK AND ROSSINGTON COLLIERIES WHO WERE ON A TRAINING DAY.
THE NEW CORDLESS LED CAP LAMPS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR FIREFIGHTERS,CAVERS AND INDUSTRIAL USE.

M1 CAP LAMPS ON TRIAL

THE FIRST 10 ATEX M1 CORDLESS LED CAP LAMPS IN THE UK HAVE GONE ON TRIAL AT MINES RESCUE HQ IN MANSFIELD.
THE FIRST TO USE THE LAMPS WERE PART TIME RESCUERS FROM WELBECK AND ROSSINGTON COLLIERIES WHO WERE ON A TRAINING DAY.
THE NEW CORDLESS LED CAP LAMPS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR FIREFIGHTERS,CAVERS AND INDUSTRIAL USE.

MAG LOCK OPENING & FUEL

peter cosgrove wrote:

> Cheers for the sound advice David!
> Got hold of 4 earth magnets out of two old hard drives...did the trick on the lock perfectly!
> Also the wick did come out eventualy after soaking it and a little more persuasion..All i need to do now is find the right fuel for it?
> Havent got any Colzaline for sale by any chance have you David?
>
> Regards again.. Pete
>

>
>
DEAR PETE,
WE DO HAVE IT HERE BUT YOU HAVE TO COLLECT.
YOU CAN USE PETROL, LIGHTER FUEL OR I AM TOLD BY A COLLECTOR IN FRANCE THAT THEIR EQUIVALENT OF B&Q SELL ESSENCE C WHICH IS NAPHTA BASED AS IS COLZALENE.
HAVEN'T HAD CHANCE TO LOOK IN B&Q YET.
REGARDS DAVID

How do I open the Top on a Protector lamp ?

dear lars,
on the type 6 and gr6s there are 5 fixed brass or steel wires or posts round the glass. next to one is a 6th wire which slides down when the base is unscrewed enabling the top to be unscrewed.
regards david

-----Original Message-----
From: Lars Molander
Sent: Mon 18/09/2006 13:32
To: david mather
Subject: How do I open the Top on a Protector lamp ?



Hello



I have recently bought a Protectors lamp and thanks' to your FAQ have I
managed to open up the bottom part of the lamp.

But is there some locking mechanism to the top part of the lamp, for taking
it apart so that I can clean the inside of the glass?



Kind Regards

Lars M

TRIMMING WICK REMOVAL

dear pete,
the round wick is approx 1" long and is pushed in to butt up with the long wick from the base which should be left alone.
if you use a small corkscrew or similar you shouild be able to get enough grip to pull it out. if you soak the wick in wd40 it should soften up.
most people use the rare earth magnets from computers you will need about 3 or 4 together.
good luck.
ps if you are still struggling ring us on 0161 789 3013 and speak to andy.

-----Original Message-----
From: peter cosgrove
Sent: Mon 18/09/2006 22:05
To: david mather
Subject: Re: GR6 Wick and pin problems

Hi again David!
Sorry i didnt make it clear on my last email...No!,the lamp came from an
elderly ex miner in surrey who obtained it in the 1960's from Bevercotes
Colliery in Notts.
He is around 80 now and has had the lamp as an ornement from 1972!..unused!
I think the wick has welded itself in?!!(lol)

Pete

>From: dmather@btconnect.com
>To: peter cosgrove
>Subject: Re: GR6 Wick and pin problems
>Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 11:32:30 +0100
>
>peter cosgrove wrote:
>
>>Hi David..
>>Ive just purchased a GR6 deputies lamp and im having a couple of
>>problems..Firstly with the wick?
>>It appears to be stuck solid inside the wick tube?!!..it wont move no
>>matter what I do to it!..Any ideas?
>>Also..the magnet you have mentioned to pull back the pin must be very
>>strong?..ive tried a few different kinds now and non of them will budge
>>it?The lock was already open on the lamp when i bought it,so i have wd40'd
>>the pin and it moves freely now against the spring when pushed down with a
>>knife blade.But no magnet has yet made any impression on it?
>>Any help would be very welcome
>>Cheers.. Pete

SL LAMP PLATINUM WIRE

Keith Button wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I’m attempting refurbishing my fathers old pit lamp. Can you help with a spare part or know of another source?
>
> I need the Platinum wire (Code number SLP) for type 6 SL.
>
> Any assistance would be greatly appreciated as I would like to get it back to its original condition.
>
>
>
> Many thanks in anticipation – Keith Button
dear keith,
we do not have any.you can use thin fuse wire which should work.
regards david

boulby mine

boulby potash mine is on the east coast just up from whitby,its a cracking drive accross the moors from york.
its the largest working mine in the country with upto 550 men below ground.
its also one of the deepest mines at 1300m and they are digging in virgin rock so temperatures are upto 45c.
the mine is owned by ICL Fertilizers

johnson clapham & morris

johnny wrote:
> i hope these will help
> regards john
jcm were a wire and gauze maker who also made miners lamps.
they were based in gorton and we purchased their lamp business in the mid 1950's. the lamp appears to have 5 standard wires which would make it post first war.
regards david


> Sent: Monday, September 04, 2006 3:06 PM
> Subject: lamp
>
>
>> can you send us some photos

lock opening

Thanks David

It appears it wasn't locked after all. A sharp tap with a wooden mallet was
all that was required



dear alan,
the lock is a sprung pin which locates in the fuel filler flap which then
swivels out on a rivet.
rare earth magnets from a computer should do it. the pin tends to get stuck
with coal dust so plenty of wd40 helps.
the threads do get tight once the flap is loose leave it to warm up and try
tapping with a wooden mallet.
regards david

mag lock opening

Nicholas Boot wrote:

> HI THERE, JUST ENQUIRING WHETHER POSSIBLE TO DIS- ENGAGE BASE LOCKING MECHANISM ON MY LAMP AS I WOULD LIKE TO REFUEL IT IFPOSSIBLE, EX USED LAMP FROM LEA HAll COLLIERY GR6TYPE.
> THANKS , FROM EX MINER LEA HALL.

dear nicholas,
if you are local to us you can open it on our magnet.
regards david

fuel filler

I have an old but unused lamp complete with original glass etc. It is a number six with a flint mechanism. I have figured out how to get into it and access the wickand regulate the flame but do not know where to pour the fuel. Can you help

Thank you

the flap that acts as the lock is also the fuel filler cover.


you will see a hole with gauze pour the fuel in there.

service pack

Hi Peter,

What I would recommend is that you buy a service kit off our website. www.protectorlamp.com. This will include everything you need to get it back in to working order, including a service manual. The website will also tell you what kind of fuel you will need for your lamp depending on what model it is; unfortunately, we don't sell fuel.

Yours,
Paul Mather.

PETER PARKINSON wrote:

Hope you can help. My dad recently gave me his lamp which he had when he was colliery overman at Dawdon Colliery. I want to have it filled with oil and and if needed, be fitted with a new wick and flint and be returned to working order.

fuel for flat wick lamp

dear larry,
paraffin/ kerosene or lamp oil.
regards david mather.
larry harley wrote:

i have a type 1A

what kind of fuel do i use

harley

www.lonesomepineknives.com

introduction

we are often asked for information on our lamps and various other topics.
in future we will add these questions and answers to this blog so it can be shared by all
if you have questions on other lamps please follow this link
National Mining Memorabilia Association

lamp production at eccles

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flame trap production

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