This Victorian silver charm takes the form of a “Davy lamp,” the safety lamp invented in 1815 by Sir Humphry Davy for coal miners. Before that, open flame lamps posed deadly risks underground, as pockets of methane gas could ignite without warning. Davy’s innovation—shielding the flame with a fine mesh screen—saved countless lives and became a symbol of protection in dangerous work. Miniature versions like this one were worn as charms or pendants, a nod to industrial progress.
MATERIALS: 9k gold (marked), glass, new 14k gold chain
AGE: Chester assay marks for 1891
CONDITION: Very good - minor surface wear commensurate with age and use
SIZE: 1" length including the bail, 1/4" diameter, 18" chain