Historical information
Originally these mantles where produced to be used in gas street lights in Europe and North America cities.There use started in 1891. These mantles were used before electrical power street lighting was installed. They have been used ever since until safety concerns regarding radiation from their thorium infused particles made alternate mobile lamps more attractive. The age of open flame recreational lighting is fast coming to a close. The greater use of battery and generator powered lighting(ease of operation) has brought the costing of these alternative lighting to an acceptable level. The age of miniaturisation and volatility of the open flame has seen a greater swing to smaller and more stable lighting. These incandescent gas mantles were initially used in the Coleman White Gas Lanterns
Significance
The Kiewa Valley, with its closeness to the Victorian Alps, allows greater opportunity for the "happy" campers to enjoy the outdoors. The lighting provided by the incandescent gas lamps allow the adventurer at heart to enjoy an alternative lifestyle and still having the comforts of "home" at their finger tips. The numerous camping facilities in the Kiewa Valley and the upper alpine region is testament that those living in the cities need a break from the day to day grind and go to a quieter and more spiritual environment. Artificial lighting, as provided by mobile apparatus, is highly valued by the urban gypsy. The outdoor recreational industry has significantly provided for, if only at holiday time, an industry that has a relatively high employment rate and beneficial to local communities.
Physical description
The gas mantle is in a fabric, pear shaped, of rayon fabric impregnated with cerium. It's appearance is similar to a very small fishing net. The fabric is very ply-able until it is heated by an open flame then it becomes more rigid and lets out an incandescent white light. Its colour is white to off white. It has a draw string fastened a t the bottom (to wrap around the flame source)
