Description: South African Railways Crestella Carbide Lamp. Circa 1920-1930 Ref. MA/41
Maker: Premier Lamp & Engineering Co. Ltd, Leeds, England
Date: Estimated date 1920-1930. Maybe a few years older.
History: These carbide lamps, known as the Crestella or Premier Carbide Lamp were made primarily for the railways and mining. Carbide lamps replaced the older traditional oil lamps around the beginning of the 1900s as the carbide light was estimated to be four times brighter than oil.
Description: A hand-held carbide lamp manufactured of pot metal. with a brass ring and a wood and iron handle. The lamp has a removable lower tank into which pellets of calcium carbide was added. The upper tank was filled with water and a small tap regulated the slow release of water onto the calcium carbide resulting in acetylene gas, which was sent, via a small tube to the burner in the lamp itself. A very simple and very efficient system, although the light would only last between four to six hours before it had to be cleaned and again filled with carbide. Interesting fact is that the first carbide lamp patented in the USA was in August 1900 not that long ago!
Condition: Overall in good condition although the water tank does show some small rust holes (due to the water). Solder these up and you should have a fully functional carbide lamp that is, if you can find the carbide. On the back of the carbide tank is a brass plaque stating Regd. No 878136, formerly 636127. Fill to this mark. A brass plaque on the top of the water tank shows S.A.R/S.A.S.
Dimensions: Height 26.5 cm, width including lamp 18cm.
For comparison look up Carbide lamps on Google to ascertain the different models and prices.
Price: R650.00
Please note, I am NOT a qualified archaeologist/antiquarian and the description I have given is based on research of the subject.
This is a genuine antique. Please remember the classification of an 'antique' is that it should be 100 years old, OR MORE.
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