Nautical Hanging Oil Lamp by Vermont Lanterns. Antique Davy Lamp The antique brass miners' lamp was used in the coal mining industry. This is a real antique brass Victorian-era, coal miners' lamp with 160 years of history behind it. It doesn't get any darker than a coal mine. In a mine, you can hold your hand directly in front of your face, and not see it. Providing enough light for miners to work was a major obstacle in the early years of the industry. Used to detect gases, and for safety, nowadays this lamp is often used as a boat lamp or wall lamp in the home. For domestic use only, is not intended as a working miners safety Lamp, but is beautifully made and has the essential look and feel of the real thing. They are heavy, solid antique brass and glass and very wind resistant like our hurricane lanterns. The antique brass completes the feel of the classic lantern. Use ordinary Lamp oil for a lantern. The Miners Lamp can stand independently on a table or can be mounted to a wall with our brass wall hook that acts like a gimbal for boaters.