Closed type oil lamps, also called ripsovke, repičnice or jamšarice, are simple lamps. They are of different dimensions. Oil tank – storage, was mostly in a typical pear shape. There are also some special-shaped specimens preserved (octagon; round), which were used by the higher mining officials. The top of the oil chamber – storage, has a movable opener. The screw (regulator), which is either on top or on the edge of the oil lamp, is used for burning regulation. In most cases, the oil lamps have a slightly curved hanging hook, with different shaped brackets.
Measures
15 oil lamps of different dimensions.
Materials
Iron, brass.
Dating
End of the 19th century
Author / Producer
Manufacturer information is mostly not known (they could have been made by the orders of mining administration or by the initiative of the miners themselves).
Picture attachments
Original use
The miners used the oil lamp with rapeseed oil burning for going to and out of the pit and to light the area of the ore digging. They also used for private purposes – for various tasks such as bobbin lacemaking and socialising in the evenings. The oil reservoir had a wick, which protruded out of the opening at the top of the reservoir. A lit wick provided a small flame, therefore the intensity of these lamps was modest. Better rapeseed oil burning, and thus a slightly better luminance, was achieved by adding kerosene to the oil. The hook was probably bent with the purpose of easier hanging of the lamps. The oil was the means of payment in kind for miners’ work in the pit for many years. They were used for more than 400 years, from the discovery of mercury in 1490 onwards. After 1913, they were replaced in the mines by carbide lamps. They used the oil lamps for private purposes for many years.
Present use
The described collection of 15 oil lamps is being preserved, secured and presented as important mining heritage of Idrija with exceptional universal values. They are a part of the mine collection of Idrija Municipal Museum. Most of them can be viewed within the permanent exhibition “Five Centuries of the Mercury Mine and the Town of Idrija”. The remaining part is stored and secured in the depot. These lamps can also be used for temporary museum exhibitions. The entire collection can be used for different types of mercury heritage promotions.
Original location
Idrija Mercury Mine (personal, working equipment of a miner).
Present location
Idrija Municipal Museum, Gewerkenegg Castle (showrooms 1 and 7); depot Prelovčeva 2.
STATE OF CONSERVATION
History of conservation:
The majority of oil lamps are fully preserved, or only some small parts of them are missing. The restoration-conservation procedure was performed on them. Additional interventions are not necessary. Security of the premises is taken care of.
Present state
good
Necessary activities:
Regular seasonal maintenance.
DOCUMENTATION
Addresses / collections / links etc. where further in-depth information is accessible: