mining lantern

Sorry, but you simply are going to have to give some more details, preferably with photos, before any sort of analysis can be done on them. The data provided is simply too vague. It sounds like you might have some explosion resistant mining lanterns. Basically they had a mesh screen that prevented the flame from passing beyond the lamp. It also resisted explosive dust and gasses from getting to the flame. You can check out various science sites on flames and meshes to get pictures of that process. The most common shows a candle or other flame source with a wire mesh held in it. The flame clearly stops at the mesh. But there are dozens of different makers of these items, and each one has many versions as they were refined over the years. So without details we simply cannot tell you anything about the maker, the age, the rarity or commonality of the three you have. The best I can do for you is to direct you to a general history of the lanterns site. It might help you identify them, at least it's a starting point for you. http://www.minerslamps.net/homepage/safetylamphistory.htm Garry