The specific shape of a Frosch lamp often depends on the region it comes from. In Germany, for example, region-specific designs developed, such as the Harz Frosch lamp (from the Harz region), the Saxon Frosch (from Saxony), the Westphalian Frosch (from Westphalia), the Saarland Frosch (from the Saarland), and so on.
Harz Frosch lamps with a closed reservoir often have a shield attached to the carrying handle, arched at the top. Both the Saxon and Harz Frosch lamps were often decorated with three crosses on the shield, referring to the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) — believed to offer miners protection during their work. Of course, the main purpose remained the same: to provide light.
Due to their knowledge and skills — and especially in times of need — miners sometimes moved to other mining regions, including abroad. These miners brought with them not only their region-specific expertise and experience but also their customs, traditions, and superstitions. These cultural influences can also be seen in the evolving design language of the Frosch lamps.
The lamp presented here, because of its shape and the lid covering the oil reservoir, has features characteristic of Frosch lamps from the Saar region.
