That one is a carbide lamp. The user would place calcium carbide in the bottom part and water in the top. A valve allows the water to drip very slowing into the carbide. A chemical reaction causes acycetelene (sp?) gas to be formed which is allowed to escape through a tiny hole in the front. This is lighted and ideally adjusted so that the flame is about 3/4 to one inch long. These were used on bicycles many years ago.
They were very commonly used by some miners from the late 1800's until the 1980's or so. The company Union Carbide is named for this carbide which is also used in welding operations. Often caller miner's lamps, I used them extensively during my cave exploring days in the late 1960's and 1970's.
They will generally operate about 2 hours before needing a refil.
The opening bid on that one is extremely optimistic. They are typically worth anywhere from $20 to circa $75 depending on model and condition.
They have mostly been replaced by battery powered devices.
Ken Sanford
Kensington, MD
> Anyone have knowlege on this thang?
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> http://ebay.com/
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