Guys Dropper Brass Carbide Miners Cap Lamp

Updated September 10, 2026

Guy's Dropper brass carbide cap lamp, the classic American miner's headlamp of the early 20th century. The water tank top is embossed GUY'S DROPPER around a fluted band and carries the hinged filler cap and the water feed lever. The threaded carbide chamber screws on below, fluted for grip, and the black rubber bottom is embossed Bumper Grip, Universal Lamp Co, Pat'd USA 1,796,709, British 341,846, Canada 310,911, with the brass center disc reading MADE IN U.S.A. PATENTED. That Bumper Grip patent puts the lamp in the 1930s or later, when Universal Lamp Company of Chicago was producing the Guy's Dropper line. The nickel reflector is about 3 inches across and swings on its bracket with the flint striker wheel and knurled thumb screw in place, and the wire cap hook is intact at the back. Carbide lamps burned acetylene made by dripping water onto calcium carbide, and Guy's Dropper is the name most mining lamp collectors look for first. Condition is good for age, with tarnish and dark spotting on the brass, a dull and lightly scratched reflector and old adhesive residue in places. Sold empty and not tested for function. Sold as-is. Photos are the most accurate description of this lot. Written descriptions are a guide only and may contain errors. Please review all photos before bidding.

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