Ask The Experts

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Many people may have questions regarding a specific category of mining artifact or mine lamp they may have found. Eureka has identified several individuals who are highly qualified in a particular category. "Experts" are:

1. Willing to promptly answer questions to interested parties.

2. Researchers and collectors whose primary interest is NOT the commercial trade of collectibles.

3. Published historians in a related field.

4. Ethical and honest.

(Please to not request to be an "Expert." The Eureka administrator will determine which individuals are qualified, based upon the criteria above.)

Carbide Cap Lamps

Dave Thorpe has written many articles on this subject. His book, Carbide Light: The Last Flame in American Mines, is now available.

Blasting Cap Tins

Andy Martin, has written the only book on this subject. Copies are still for sale.
Graham Living, has a large collection and is very knowledgeable, especially in DuPont products.

Miners' Candleholders (Candlesticks)

Al Winters continues to publish in this category.

Signs

Dave Thorpe is the default expert in this category. Though he is by no means uniquely qualified in this specialty, he is willing to provide advice as needed.

Oil Wick Lamps

Dave Johnson is believed to have the largest collection of oil wick lamps and can answer almost any question. He has an extensive library of patent information.

Hand Lamps

These lamps are larger than the small lights worn on the cap. They often have a bail and hook, and/or hand handles. Dave DesMarais has written the only comprehensive article on this subject.

Scranton, PA Carbide Lamps

Dave DesMarais has done extensive research into Scranton area lamps including Pathfinder, Scranto, and Scranton labels.

Safety Lamps

Manfred Stutzer of Germany is the expert in European and American flame safety lamps. Visit his homepage: Safety Lamps.

Smalls and Ephemera

Mining related advertising items (fobs, lighters, matchbooks, matchsafes, pocket mirrors, pens, pencils, letter openers, etc.), UMWA items (fobs, ribbons, badges, working buttons, etc.), other mining fobs, ribbons, badges, Coal & Iron Police badges, safety awards, scrip tokens and bills, brass check tags, etc. Contact: Dave Johnson and/or Bill Collins.