Koehler No. 203 Mining Lamp

A Koehler Manufacturing Co. “Approval No. 203” flame safety miner’s lamp, a U.S. Bureau of Mines–approved permissible model introduced shortly after World War I, representing the federally regulated era of American mine safety equipment. This miners lamp was produced in the 1920s–1930s. 

These lamps were used to provide light, but also as early gas detectors to test for methane-contaminated air. They were a critical tool in mine safety.

The lamp hood is marked Miners Safety Lamp, Approval, No. 203, Issued to the Koehler Mfg. Co, Marlboro, Mass, USA. The glass insert is marked Pyrex R Made in USA. The metal tag labelled 1880 is a numbered tag used by the mine to track their inventory.  The lamp is made from multiple metal components including steel, aluminum, and brass.

The Koehler Manufacturing Company was founded in 1894 in Marlborough, Massachusetts. They supplied mining safety equipment such as flame safety lamps like this one. 

Condition: Good used. Surface corrosion present. Dual wire-gauze system intact. Note: this is an antique/vintage mining lamp and has wear, rust and dents. See photos for details.

Dimensions:
Height (base to top of handle) - 15"
Height (base to top of chimney) - 10.5"
Diameter (at base) - 3.5"
Weight - 1.33 kgs