Francis Powell (1861-) and Francis Hanmer (1858-1925) founded Powell and Hanmer Ltd in the Summer of 1885 for the manufacturer of bike and carriage lamps. Their first advertisements began to appear in November of 1885. Early models of the automobile, motorbike and bicycles used carbide lamps as headlamps. Acetylene gas, derived from carbide, enabled early automobiles to drive safely at night. Thick concave mirrors combined with magnifying lenses projected the acetylene flame light. These type of lights were used until reliable batteries and dynamos became available, and manufacturers switched to electric lights.Acetylene bicycle light carbide. Green and red side lens. 200 cm High. Inscription Powell & Hanmer Birmingham. Previous Catalogue Number 112.lighting, accessories, bicycle light

Acetylene lamp with metal base and white glass lampshadeRiemann DR.M.SCH - on upper body|Herm Reimann Chemnitz Gable N Zlighting, kerosene & oil

Francis Powell (1861-) and Francis Hanmer (1858-1925) founded Powell and Hanmer Ltd in the Summer of 1885 for the manufacturer of bike and carriage lamps. Their first advertisements began to appear in November of 1885. In 1890 they lodged a Patent for “velocipede” lamps to be used by lightweight wheeled vehicles propelled by a rider, such as a bike, tricycle and railroad handcar. In April of 1913, they were selling headlamps for cars and in 1914 built their second factory manufacturing dynamo lighting sets in Rocky Lane Birmingham, also for the production of dynamos for motor cars. Then in 1929 Powell and Hanmer Ltd, was acquired by the Lucas company which was at that time the main competitor for the manufacture of non-electrical equipment for cycles and motorcycles. When a director of Powell and Hanmer joined the board of Austin motor cars, Lucas feared that Austins might encourage Powell and Hanmer to start to produce electrical equipment for supply to the company and as a result this association might affect Lucas's business with other large vehicle manufacturers. As a result, Lucas made an offer to Powell & Hanmer and purchased the business for £500,000. Carbide lighting was used in rural and urban areas of Australia which were not served by electrification. Its use began shortly after 1900 in many countries and continued past the 1950s. Calcium carbide pellets were placed in a container outside the home, with water piped to the container and allowed to drip on the pellets releasing acetylene. This gas was piped to lighting fixtures inside the house, where it was burned, creating a very bright flame. Carbide lighting was inexpensive but was prone to gas leaks and explosions. Early models of the automobile, motorbike and bicycles used carbide lamps as headlamps. Acetylene gas, derived from carbide, enabled early automobiles to drive safely at night. Thick concave mirrors combined with magnifying lenses projected the acetylene flame light. These type of lights were used until reliable batteries and dynamos became available, and manufacturers switched to electric lights. Acetylene lamps were also used on riverboats for night navigation. The National Museum of Australia has a lamp made in about 1910 that was used onboard the PS Enterprise, an 1878 Australian paddle steamer, currently owned by the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. It is still operational, and one of the oldest working paddle steamers in the world, listed on the Australian Register of Historic Vehicles.Acetylene Carbide lamp, Model “Panther” distinct patterned side red and green lenses. These lamps were also known as acetylene gas lamps. They work off a chemical reaction between calcium carbide and water.Model 75flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, carbide lamp, motor vehicle, bike lamp, lighting, vehicle lighting, powell, hanmer, acetylene gas lamp, early lighting

For original image see EDHS_00533 This photo was originally mounted on 3mm MDF fibre board with notes and stickers applied as part of a display on the former Police Residence and now present day Local History Centre, home to Eltham District Historical Society; possibly put together by Harry Gilham during his time as president of the society. Eltham Police Station and Residence: A brief history 1860 Eltham Courthouse built in Main Road, together with an adjoining police residence, office, lock–up and stables. 1959 Police Department purchases a house in Pryor Street to be refurbished as Eltham Police Station 1961 Police in Eltham move into Pryor Street refurbished buildings and office. c.1961-1981 Occupied by Vermin and Noxious Weeds Destruction Section of the Department of Crown Lands and Survey. Former Police Station dragged around to rear of Police Residence (prior to August 1967) to make way for the construction of a driveway and access from Main Road. The building was placed on the site of a former Scullery and modified for Lands Department use. 1981 Shire of Eltham take over management of old Police Residence in Eltham. It remains unoccupied for a period of time whilst its future is discussed in Council. 1981-1985 Used for community job creation scheme 1985 Shire of Eltham Parks and Environment occupy the residence. Council improve the driveway but later add a second rear access from Brougham Street due to the dangerous nature of the Main Road entrance. Also add a rear toilet facility between the Police Residence and former Police Station, which was doubling up as a lunch room. Council also commence discussions to re-establish a replica Police Station. c.1986 November. Former Police Station demolished; believed to have been suffering termite damage. c.1989 After some years of discussion a replica Police Station is built, based on photographs, to act as a lunch room and meeting room for Parks and Environment staff and volunteers doing community service. 1996 Eltham District Historical Society in discussions with Nillumbik Shire Council commisioners throughout the year regarding a home for the Society. A proposal put forward by the Society in October to occupy the former Police Residence. 1997 March. Eltham District Historical Society gains access to former Police Residence. 1998 July 12th. Eltham District Historical Society Inc moves into its Local History Centre, 728 Main Road Eltham (the former Police Residnce built in 1860). 2018 July. Eltham District Historical Society gains access to the replica Police Station for use as part of regular heritage tours for schools and community based groups.Black and white photocopyLabels and handwriting in pencil and ink identifying various buildings. Also highlighted is the acetylene gas lamp and on reverse is written "Lamplighter Jimm Saville"728 main road, eltham, local history centre, parks and environment, police residence, police station, shire of eltham

These lamps belonged to Ernie Eaton and were used for spotlighting rabbits. Carbide lamps, or acetylene gas lamps, are simple lamps that produce and burn acetylene (C2H2) which is created by the reaction of calcium carbide (CaC2) with water. Acetylene gas lamps were used to illuminate buildings, as lighthouse beacons, and as headlights on motor-cars and bicycles. Portable acetylene gas lamps, worn on the hat or carried by hand, were widely used in mining in the early twentieth century. They are still employed by cavers, hunters, and cataphiles Torches, candles, oil lamps and kerosene lamps were designed to be carried around but they could be dangerous because they have flame as a source of light. These lanterns are significant examples of lighting devices widely used used before the use of battery powered devices. A pair of Germania lamps. They have brass cases with steel bodied generators and convex lens. .1 is a metal carbide coach lamp. .2 is a similar lamp but has the chimney missing. .3 is a metal handle used to attach a lamp to the front of the vehicle.Germania Base has circle with three leaves.lantern lamp germania coach-lamp

Francis Powell (1861-) and Francis Hanmer (1858-1925) founded Powell and Hanmer Ltd in the Summer of 1885 for the manufacturer of bike and carriage lamps. Their first advertisements began to appear in November of 1885. In 1890 they lodged a Patent for “velocipede” lamps to be used by lightweight wheeled vehicles propelled by a rider, such as a bike, tricycle and railroad handcar. In April of 1913, they were selling headlamps for cars and in 1914 built their second factory manufacturing dynamo lighting sets in Rocky Lane Birmingham, also for the production of dynamos for motor cars. Then in 1929 Powell and Hanmer Ltd, was acquired by the Lucas company which was at that time the main competitor for the manufacture of non-electrical equipment for cycles and motorcycles. When a director of Powell and Hanmer joined the board of Austin motor cars, Lucas feared that Austins might encourage Powell and Hanmer to start to produce electrical equipment for supply to the company and as a result this association might affect Lucas's business with other large vehicle manufacturers. As a result, Lucas made an offer to Powell & Hanmer and purchased the business for £500,000. Carbide lighting was used in rural and urban areas of Australia which were not served by electrification. Its use began shortly after 1900 in many countries and continued past the 1950s. Calcium carbide pellets were placed in a container outside the home, with water piped to the container and allowed to drip on the pellets releasing acetylene. This gas was piped to lighting fixtures inside the house, where it was burned, creating a very bright flame. Carbide lighting was inexpensive but was prone to gas leaks and explosions. Early models of the automobile, motorbike and bicycles used carbide lamps as headlamps. Acetylene gas, derived from carbide, enabled early automobiles to drive safely at night. Thick concave mirrors combined with magnifying lenses projected the acetylene flame light. These type of lights were used until reliable batteries and dynamos became available, and manufacturers switched to electric lights. Acetylene lamps were also used on riverboats for night navigation. The National Museum of Australia has a lamp made in about 1910 that was used onboard the PS Enterprise, an 1878 Australian paddle steamer, currently owned by the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. It is still operational, and one of the oldest working paddle steamers in the world, listed on the Australian Register of Historic Vehicles.Acetylene Carbide lamp, marine pattern burner housing and reflector missing Carbide Lamp, metal. Has plate for attaching to wall, & gimbal to allow lamp to remain vertical. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, carbide lamp, motor vehicle, bike lamp, lighting, vehicle lighting, powell, hanmer, acetylene gas lamp, early lighting, marine lighting

Murray Robert Shapter donated these lighthouse fittings. He was a local fisherman and employee of the Public Works Lighthouse service for many years in the Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale area.Fittings from two lighthouses in the Queenscliff / Point Lonsdale area. Key to switch sunvalve on or off and an acetylene pilot light burner from the light at the Black Lighthouse in Queenscliff, and a bolt head sheared off the dome of the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse.lighthouse maintenance, fittings

Manufactured by Holden and Frost Ca 1900, for use on their manufactured buggies.Manufactured and utilised by Holden and FrostPair of steel carriage lamps. Square lens to front (opening) and round lens to side, either left or right, Brass fixing point and chimney. acetylene, carriage, lamps

Dhurringile Mansion South view 1944. Water tower on top of the original brick tower that contained the original acetylene gas plant.Black and white photograph of south view of Dhurringile Mansion. Water tower right of centre.dhurringile mansion, water tower

The Panther lamp was made by Powell and Hanmer of Birmingham. (see Item 7354) This model appears to be dated from the 1920's. Early models of the automobile, motorbike and bicycles used carbide lamps as headlamps. Acetylene gas, derived from carbide, enabled early automobiles to drive safely at night. Thick concave mirrors combined with magnifying lenses projected the acetylene flame light. These types of lights were used until reliable batteries and dynamos became available, and manufacturers switched to electric lights.Carbide Vehicle Lamp. -Silvered Metal, Lens Assembly. Small Green lens on both sides of the assembly, with a clear lens in front. 'Panther B'Ham' is stamped on the lower part of the assembly. In addition, a Logo is Stamped with 'P H' and 'Ltd' under those letters. Carbide Gas section missing.Panther B'Hampowell and hammer, automobile, lamp

BHS CollectionBendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from Saturday, November 27, 2004. Wartime work: the Ordnance factory, Bendigo, 1944. The woman working an oxy-acetylene profile cutting machine is believed to be Ellen Cecilia White from Barney Street, East Bendigo.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Twenty four page book with light card covers, side stapled and green cloth bound titled "The Oxy-Acetylene Resurfacing of Railway Crossings". Cover green paper with darker green mottled finish. Cover and title sheet printed in black ink, the rest printed by Gestetner process using stencils with hand drawn sketches. Gives information on the resurfacing of railway crossings using oxy acetylene rods, including equipment, preparation, flame adjustment, procedures, notes, protection and material consumption. Includes an index. On inside of rear cover has printed "Issued by / Sales Department / The Commonwealth Industrial Gases Limited / Alexandra NSW" No date given for printing, possibly c1960. Company later known as CIG,On front cover in faded black ink are a number of names and a number - unreadable.trams, tramways, trackwork, railway crossing, repairs

Main Street from front of Town Hall looking East. Mr Richard Miller on ladder to the gas light on left of photo. After 1901 Acetylene Gas lamps were installed in Main Street. Benzene lamps were used for some years. A lamplighter was employed from 1913.B/W Photo With Mr Richard Miller lighting the light on the left and the Town Hall on the Rightstawell streetscape

black and white photograph, overhead and underhand stoping 1930's ( James Lerk 26th. November, 1999 ) Note acetylene gas lamps illumination. 'down below' at Bendigo in black lead pencil on rear. ' Hercules and Energetic ' J.J. Stone' in black lead. ' Mine underground working, Bendigo ' Not to be reproduced unless by special permission of the Australian national Travel AssociationAustrralian Nat. Travel ?organization, business, hercules and energetic mine

Rail used by The North Melbourne and Essendon Tramways and Lighting Co. at their Essendon Depot. Based on item 2566, originally rolled by Carnegie Steel in Pittsburg. The reference link provides the history of the company. Section taken from No. 13 road July 2005. Has rolling date welded onto one side, with location and date written in yellow paint on the foot of the rail.Yields information about the type of rail used in 1906 at Essendon Tram depot.Section of rail recovered from Essendon Tram depot relay with "1906" welded to one side. Has a hole on the underside cut using an oxy-acetylene torch for a bolt possibly to secure the rail. Has been sawn from a salvaged section of rail. See item 2566 for a photograph of a section of rail at Essendon depot with the date and manufacturer's name rolled onto it. tramways, rail, essendon tram depot, carnegie steel, nmetl

Tender document - two foolscap sheets, carbon copies, titled "Tramway Board - Lighting of the Board's cars - Particulars of the Board's requirements". Gives the tram car numbers to be lit (1014 in total), from either electricity, acetylene or other method. Information required to be provided, guarantees, testing or trial and a contract rights. Signed by W. O. Strangward as Secretary. Two copies held.Second copy has the stamp "Copied to Board etc" and dated 28/8/16 in ink.trams, tramways, tramway board, cable trams, tenders, contracts, equipment, lights

Port and Starboard channel markers are internationally recognised sea markers used in maritime pilotage to indicate the edge of a channel. This Port Phillip West Channel marker was built in 1955 and was run on acetylene, therefore requiring a platform and circular hut rather than the modern buoys or posts. It was painted green as it marked the starboard side of the channel. West Channel Marker, Grimes No. 5 Built 1955 Accetylene poweredchannel markers, west channel, port phillip, pile light

The light was powered by a kerosene lantern that had to be kept alight by the keepers until the introduction of bottled acetylene gas in 1925. The light operated for 111 years until 1985 when it was turned off for a trial period. It was never turned back on. A sun valve is a flow control activated by sunlight heat which automatically shuts off gas during daylight hours. Relic from the Hovell light run on acetylene from 1925 to 1985Sun valve from the Hovell Pile Lighthovell pile light, south channel, port phillip

In Australia, the wholesale druggists Fenton, Grimwade and Company, established in 1876, were producing small quantities of oxygen for medical and industrial purposes(11,11). In 1910, they produced a booklet promoting the therapeutic use of oxygen, suggesting it's use in pulmonary and cardiac affections, asphyxia, and morphine poisoning(9). Eventually, oxygen was to play a more significant role in medicine following two significant events. In 1895, Karl Von Linde succeeded in liquefying air, and then fractionally distilling its individual components, including oxygen. This new technique for the production of oxygen from air was revolutionary, but large demand for it did not develop in the wider community until Claude and Hess managed to compress acetylene into cylinders safely in 1897, keeping the highly explosive fuel stable by dissolving it in acetone. By 1900, the oxy-acetylene welding technique was born, and the demand for oxygen for industrial purposes accelerated worldwide. In Australia, Russell Grimwade, working for his father's company, ordered the first oxygen plant to be built in Australia in 1910. (George Kantianis, 2013)Medium sized black coloured cylinder with rounded base once containing oxygen with a large black on white diamond shaped manufacturer's label adhered to the front. Much of the label has been degraded with missing bits, and rust stains.Printed on to manufacturer's label: OFFICIALLY PREPARED FOR MED? / AUSTOX [in logo] / COMPRESSED / OXYGEN / CONTENTS / 33 [handwritten in pencil] Imperial Gallons / KEEP COOL / Australiand Oxygen and Industrial ? / Pty. Ltd. / MELBOURNEoxygen, cylinder, therapeutic, russell grimwade

Black and white photograph of a cable tram trailer loaded onto a truck operated by the Maine Carrying Co with a banner advertising "Trams - Anywhere". Has two workers standing alongside. Thought to be photographed at Spencer St Station goods yard with one of the sheds behind it. Possibly for shipping to a country location. The truck has the telephone Central 684, solid tyres and an acetylene lamp. On the rear of the photograph is a dated 1929. Two prints held.On rear in red ink "1929" and "4-108-1" in blue ink. The date appears to be in Bob Lilburn's hand writing.trams, tramways, cable trams, sale of trams, disposal, spencer st

Photograph - shows a view along Lonsdale St looking East with the ICI building in the far distance. Photo taken from near Elizabeth St and has one worker with some toolboxes and oxy-acetylene in the view. The cable tram track has been exposed and in the process of being dismantled or removed. This work was done c1960, when the MMTB determined that they no longer needed the routes for possible conversion to electric trams. The work to removed them was normally given to the relevant Council with the MMTB paying for it.Yields information about the removal of cable tram track in Lonsdale St Melbourne.Colour photograph with a plain back.melbourne, lonsdale st, cable trams, track removal

Hall designed by H G French erected by E Cowlishew, seated 350, lit with acetylene light, opened with a grand ball 26 September 1907. Later altered, bio-box added to show films. Hall was drastically altered in 1962, demolished 1998. New Civic Centre and library built on site.|This is the before paired photograph used in the 150 year Lakes Entrance 1858-2008 display.|The after paired photograph Number 02401.1 Also one 12 x 16 framed photograph used in room display.Black and white photograph of the timber Mechanics Hall. Building has gable roof, four ventilators and chimney, foyer at end of building has gable roof, steps leading to doors of foyer and main building. Many windows. Lakes Entrance VictoriaMechanics Hallhalls, room display, historic buildings

Brooklyn Park homestead built 1875 by Stephen George Staughton, son of Simon Staughton. In 1907 the residence was refurbished for Cr Stephen John Staughton who was returning from England with his bride. The building contained over 25 rooms some 25x20 feet. There were elaborately decorated rooms with friezes, embossed wall papers, massive curtains, marble and carved mantle pieces. A Ryder Erickson Hot air engine pumped water from underground tanks up to elevated tanks to circulate water through the house. Acetylene gas generator for 100 light and chandeliers. Prominent family with civic connection in Melton holding very large areas of land. 'Brooklyn' mansion built by Stephen Staughton, local identities, pioneer families

View looking east across the Glen Park Bridge and the railway crossing towards Main Road circa 1920. The bridge was originally built as a replacement for an older private bridge built by a man named Foley around 1880. In 1911 Heidelberg and Eltham agreed to share the costs to build a new bridge (the Diamond Creek was the border between the two). Construction began in June 1915 and it was officially opened by Cr. Taylor on Cup Day, November 1915. This photo, dated around 1920, is of the Glen Park Bridge crossing over the Diamond Creek about 50 metres north of the present-day Wattletree tree Road Bridge. Glen Park Road intersected Main Rain Road along an alignment following present day Coleman Cresent. In this this picture we see the narrow wooden bridge over a high flowing Diamond Creek at Glen Park, now Eltham North. In the background is a railway crossing sign. There is a self-contained carbide streetlamp situated in front of the bridge. In the early 1900s, carbide (acetylene gas) streetlamps emerged as a lighting technology for regional towns across Victoria, Australia, before municipal electricity grids were widely established. During the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras, major hubs like Melbourne relied on centralized coal-gas infrastructure. However, small regional Victorian shires lacked the funds or population density to build large gasworks. When the commercial production of calcium carbide became viable around 1900, it offered a quantum leap in brightness over traditional kerosene streetlamps. Acetylene gas burned with an intense, crisp white flame—significantly brighter than oil or candles. Many rural towns used self-contained lampposts. A lamplighter had to climb each post daily to manually place calcium carbide pellets in a lower chamber and fill an upper chamber with water. The water dripped onto the carbide, producing acetylene gas to feed the burner. Lamplighters carefully measured the fuel amounts so the chemical reaction would naturally exhaust itself and "turn off" around midnight. While carbide streetlights provided unparalleled visibility for early motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, they were incredibly labour-intensive and inherently volatile. The gas was highly explosive, prone to leaks, and left behind a pungent, sulphur-like odour. By the end of World War I, local Victorian councils rapidly phased out acetylene infrastructure in favour of safer, independent electric powerhouse generators. In the context of Eltham's local history, the Eltham Shire and surrounding Yarra Valley region actively relied on carbide streetlamps and kerosene lighting during the early 20th century before the expansion of the Melbourne electric grid. Eltham was an outer-rural, heavily timbered farming and orchard district at the turn of the century, it faced unique civic infrastructure challenges. In rural Eltham, early streetlamps were exceptionally sparse. The community relied heavily on "innkeeper laws" which dictated local hotels—such as the historic Eltham Hotel—were legally required to keep external oil, kerosene, or acetylene lamps burning through the night to illuminate the main roads for travellers and coaches. The volatile carbide and kerosene lamps on Eltham's main thoroughfares were progressively phased out during the 1920s. The district steadily transitioned to electricity, which allowed for developments like the installation of modern electrical wiring at the local fire station on Arthur Street by 1928. The Glen Park Bridge was a low structure and subject to flooding readily. In 1959 Eltham Council erected a new crossing over the Diamond Creek and realigned the road to the present-day Wattletree Road Bridge. Construction was not fully complete when on Sunday, 20 September 1959, heavy flooding occurred in the stream and at 3:53 pm the old bridge was washed away forever. - Research by Peter Pidgeon, EDHS, June 2026Photograph copy eltham north, wattletree road, coleman crescent, bridges, diamond creek (creek), bridge, carbide streetlamp, floodwater, glen park bridge, street lamp, glen park road, glen park estate