My mother's partner has mentioned in passing that he's like to get a Davy Lamp. Although he's not from a mining family or town, he has a keen interest in this and in British industry in general.

I know nothing about them, but I see that "original" Davy Lamps are available on eBay but the prices vary wildly (buy it now prices ranging from £50-£300+).

Is there anything to look out for? Are there fakes? Are certain types more sought after than others?

Anyone with any knowledge at all would be very helpful.

Thanks.

Yes there most certainly are fakes out there.

In fact there is a whole industry in the far east manufacturing fake brass lamps, Davy lamps and ships lamps in particular.

There will be more fakes around than genuine old ones and they are often distressed to look as though they weren't made yesterday.

Distressed, what an awesome word

As in 'my coupe is distressed'?

I think the best word to accurately describe your Coupé is patina Neil

Oh yes, pardon me, I was distracted.

My coupe is patinated. My *wallet* is distressed.

Keep your eye out for your local auction house. You'll not pay anything like that amount.

Unless you need it for Xmas, in which case you might be buggered!

Regularly listed on auction sites at not a lot of money .

But you still need to make yourself confidnet that its a 'real' one rather than a copy.... sometimes the auctioneers get it wrong too !

Thanks all.

This looks like something I need to research in more detail to avoid getting a fake.

For now, he’ll have to make do with a new England rugby shirt.

Thanks again

Auctioneers may get it wrong, but if they do, they are usually pretty willing to put it right.

No Davy Lamps at the auction today, but I did get a genuine original Crestworth lava lamp!!