Authentic antique Lampe Pigeon by Charles Pigeon, France, dating from the late 19th century, approximately 1885–1900. This characteristic French safety lamp was designed for use with mineral spirit and became well known for its patented “inexplosible” construction. Charles Pigeon patented his safety lamp in 1884, after which the design became widely used for domestic lighting. The cylindrical brass body retains its extensive original inscriptions, including: LAMPE-PIGEON – GARANTIE VÉRITABLE – INEXPLOSIBLE À L’ESSENCE MINÉRALE” The body also carries the characteristic Pigeon trademark imagery and references associated with the genuine patented model. Similar surviving examples show the pigeon standing on a globe and carrying a lamp in its beak as one of the identifying trademarks. The lamp has its original side handle, wick-adjusting mechanism and small chained cap. The aged brass surface has developed an attractive natural patina, giving the piece a particularly authentic antique appearance. The original glass chimney/globe is not present, so the lamp is offered in its current incomplete condition.