Vintage Justrite Carbide Mining Helmet – South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

Features:

• Helmet Markings: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
• Lantern Markings: Justrite, Made in USA, Pat No. 115123
• Materials: Fiberglass helmet, brass Justrite carbide lantern, steel hardware
• Era: Mid-20th century (likely 1940s–1960s)
• Dimensions: 6" H x 8.5" W x 13" D

Description:

This vintage mining helmet with a carbide lantern is a rare piece of mining history, originally used by students at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology for hands-on training in mining engineering and underground work.

The helmet is fiberglass, a durable material used from the 1940s onward as an alternative to metal for improved shock resistance. The attached Justrite carbide lamp, a brass construction model, was a standard in mining from the early 1900s to the 1960s. Justrite Manufacturing Company was a leading producer of safety lamps and carbide lighting equipment for miners and industrial workers.

About the Justrite Carbide Lamp:

• Patent No. 115123 suggests this is an early- to mid-20th-century model, manufactured by Justrite in the USA.
• Operates by mixing calcium carbide and water, producing acetylene gas for a bright, long-lasting flame.
• Brass construction made these lamps durable and resistant to harsh mining environments.
• Commonly used in coal mines, gold mines, and mineral excavation sites before electric headlamps became widespread.

Condition:

• Visible wear: Scratches, chipped paint, scuffs, and patina on brass.
• Helmet suspension intact, though aged.
• Carbide lamp not tested for functionality.

Historical Significance:

The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (founded in 1885) has been a key institution for mining education in the U.S. Students would have used helmets like this in underground mining labs and field training exercises, making it a unique collector’s item.