Oxweld No. 2155 Carbide Railroad Inspector's Lamp

A striking piece of early railroad history! This substantial Oxweld No. 2155 carbide lamp was designed to provide railway inspectors and maintenance crews with a strong, concentrated portable light.

The lamp features a large convex glass lens backed by a metal reflector, together with a detachable lower carbide chamber, upper water reservoir, tethered filler cap, control valve, burner assembly and hinged front bezel. It could be carried using its metal frame and original wooden handgrip or hung from one of the keyhole-shaped mounting slots in the handle.

The embossed maker’s plate is marked “Oxweld Railroad Lamp No. 2155” and “Pat. 1605505.” The handle is additionally stamped with the five-digit equipment or serial number 48449. Patent No. 1,605,505 was granted on November 2, 1926, placing the manufacture of this example after that date and most likely in the late 1920s or early 1930s. The patented arrangement used a water reservoir above a detachable carbide receptacle to generate acetylene for the lamp.

Its timeworn metal surfaces, original fittings and honest evidence of industrial use give the lamp wonderful character. An impressive display piece for a railroad collector, transportation-themed interior or industrial decor.

Condition: Good antique used condition. The convex glass lens is intact, and the lamp appears to retain its principal external components. There is oxidation, rust, finish loss, scratching and general wear consistent with age and railway use. The carbide chamber has interior residue and corrosion, while the wooden handgrip shows age-related wear. There is no railroad marked on this lamp.  The lamp has not been tested and is offered as a decorative collectible only. Please see photos for condition.

Dimensions:
Height – 10"
Diameter (at base) – 5.75"
Depth (lens to handle) – 8"
Weight – 1.4 kg