A good early example of a Patterson Lamp Company HCP ('High Candle Power') miners lamp. Patterson Lamps Ltd was one of the UK's foremost makers of miners lamps, their lamps offering a much safer alternative to open flames and significantly reducing the risk of underground methane gas explosions, thus saving many thousands of lives. The company was based at Felling-on-Tyne in the North East of England, close to the Felling Colliery where one of the worst accidents in UK mining history took place, claiming 92 lives. This incident was one of the key drivers for the early development of miners safety lamps. Patterson Lamps was established in 1885. Its HCP lamp - patented in 1934 - was one of company's most successful lamps. It was much brighter than conventional miners lamps and intended to compete with electric lighting.

This example bears an embossed makers plate marked 'Type H.C.P., Patterson Lamps Ltd, Felling-on-Tyne, Approved under Lighting Schedule' and is engraved with the serial number 27. It stands 29cm high (excluding the hanger) and is 9.5cm in diameter. Weight 1.8kg

Condition: In good, used condition, the steel components with light surface rust and the glass with a small edge chip. Brass components in good condition with good definition to the maker's plaque. Internal components look to be complete. Untested.