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RARE RINGROSE FIREDAMP ALARM / SEWER GAS LAMP
INTERNATIONAL GAS DETECTORS LTD – LEEDS, ENGLAND
A fascinating and highly unusual piece of British industrial and mining history: an original Ringrose automatic firedamp alarm / gas detection lamp manufactured by International Gas Detectors Ltd (I.G.D.), Leeds, England.
This is considerably more specialised than a conventional miner\'s safety lamp. The Ringrose system was developed as an automatic warning device for detecting dangerous firedamp – principally methane – in mining environments.
The design incorporated an enclosed detection mechanism together with electric warning lamps. Historical technical descriptions of the Ringrose system explain that under normal conditions a clear/white lamp was illuminated, while detection of firedamp at the predetermined level operated the mechanism and activated a red warning lamp.
Both the internal mechanism and the distinctive red warning bulb can still be seen through the cylindrical glass chamber of this example.
HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE
Ringrose firedamp detection equipment formed part of the development of automatic gas-warning technology used within the British mining industry during the 20th century.
Ringrose firedamp alarms were sufficiently important to mine safety that their testing and use were discussed in the British Parliament during the 1930s.
Examples of Ringrose firedamp detection equipment are now preserved within major museum and industrial-history collections, including the Science Museum Group and other international museum collections.
MARKINGS & PATENTS
The body carries extensive original raised lettering including:
“FIREDAMP ALARM”
BRITISH PATENT Nos:
267990
293125
344287
411959
426981
“OTHERS PENDING”
“MINISTRY OF FUEL AND POWER APPROVAL”
“I.G.D. LTD.
LEEDS – ENGLAND”
One side also retains its original applied metal identification plate reading:
SEWER GAS
The opposite side carries original operating/test instructions, including directions for testing the alarm and reference to the RED BULB warning system.
These surviving inscriptions, patent numbers, manufacturer\'s identification and approval markings make this a particularly interesting piece for collectors of mining equipment and British industrial technology.
Heavy cast metal body with a substantial carrying/suspension hook.
The upper section incorporates a cylindrical glass enclosure protected by vertical metal supports.
Internally there are numerous original mechanical and electrical components, including the distinctive red warning bulb, clear lamp components and detection mechanism.
The industrial construction and exposed internal apparatus give the piece fantastic visual presence and make it equally suitable for a specialist collection or industrial display.
CONDITION
Offered in genuine vintage industrial condition with age-related oxidation, surface wear, marks and patination throughout.
The glass enclosure is present and the internal components shown in the photographs remain in situ.
No attempt has been made by us to restore, dismantle, polish or electrically test the mechanism.
It is therefore being sold strictly as a historic collectible/display object and NOT as functioning or certified modern gas-detection or safety equipment.
Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and show the exact condition, markings and components.
COLLECTORS
A superb specialist piece for collectors of:
Mining lamps
Miners\' safety equipment
Firedamp detectors
Methane detection equipment
Sewer gas equipment
Industrial antiques
British mining history
Colliery memorabilia
Scientific instruments
Gas detection technology
Vintage engineering
Industrial lighting
Occupational safety equipment
Museum and technical artefacts
The combination of the Ringrose name, I.G.D. Leeds manufacture, Ministry approval markings, numerous British patent numbers, original glass chamber, internal warning apparatus and “SEWER GAS LAMP” identification plate makes this a highly distinctive survivor of British industrial safety technology.
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS WELCOME. Please get in touch for shipping quote.
We are happy to ship internationally.
The item will be professionally and carefully packed for transport. International buyers are responsible for any applicable customs duties, import taxes or local charges.
A fantastic conversation piece and an increasingly unusual survivor from Britain\'s industrial and mining heritage.
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