Cambrian miners lamp
Way back in 1977, while browsing in a second hand shop in Brecon, I came across and bought this beautiful heavy brass Cambrian miners lamp. Within a few seconds I recognised its deep Welsh heritage, thanks to the well-worn engraving of the three feathers – among other things the emblem of the Prince of Wales.
This spurred me on to more research, and I soon discovered that the lamp was manufactured by E Thomas & Williams Ltd of Aberdare, which began business in 1860. The lamp has a milled tank and internal grid for protection against explosion, and weighs 1.37kg.
The brass label, attached to the lamp funnel with two copper rivets, reads ‘Lancaster Steam Coal Collieries’ at the top, and ‘Cwmtillery’ at the bottom. The large unique lettering in the centre reads ‘No 1 Pit 441’.
That refers to the first shaft at Cwmtillery Colliery near Abertillery, South Wales, which was sunk in 1843. Lancaster Steam Coal Collieries (originally Lancaster Spier & Co) owned the colliery, which by 1918 employed 2,760 men. It closed in 1982.
In the 42 years that I've owned the lamp, I can't begin to imagine how many litres of Brasso I've used to keep it in gleaming condition... but it's been worth it!
Cambrian miners lamp
Way back in 1977, while browsing in a second hand shop in Brecon, I came across and bought this beautiful heavy brass Cambrian miners lamp. Within a few seconds I recognised its deep Welsh heritage, thanks to the well-worn engraving of the three feathers – among other things the emblem of the Prince of Wales.
This spurred me on to more research, and I soon discovered that the lamp was manufactured by E Thomas & Williams Ltd of Aberdare, which began business in 1860. The lamp has a milled tank and internal grid for protection against explosion, and weighs 1.37kg.
The brass label, attached to the lamp funnel with two copper rivets, reads ‘Lancaster Steam Coal Collieries’ at the top, and ‘Cwmtillery’ at the bottom. The large unique lettering in the centre reads ‘No 1 Pit 441’.
That refers to the first shaft at Cwmtillery Colliery near Abertillery, South Wales, which was sunk in 1843. Lancaster Steam Coal Collieries (originally Lancaster Spier & Co) owned the colliery, which by 1918 employed 2,760 men. It closed in 1982.
In the 42 years that I've owned the lamp, I can't begin to imagine how many litres of Brasso I've used to keep it in gleaming condition... but it's been worth it!