Magazine lamp, hand, copper, for use in magazines, sealed pattern, 1880

Made by C and J Oliter, Wapping, London, 1880.

Lamps like these could be carried in powder and cordite magazines in fortifications to inspect propellant charges for artillery pieces. They were specially designed to avoid the risk of naked flames coming into contact with gunpowder or cordite. They were made of copper to avoid the risk of sparks.