posted on August 4, 2001 10:44:17 AM
I have a passing interest in old oil lamps and this finger lamp has me confused. It is about 5 inches tall and obviously old. The font is cloudy (you can't tell in the pic because it's full of vinegar), and there are major bubbles in the glass. It's the collar, however, that has me stumped. I though that they were all pretty much made of brass with threads in them, but this is very heavy steel? A magnet sticks to it, and there are no threads on it, inside or out.
If anybody can give me information on it, I would appreciate it!
posted on August 4, 2001 07:49:24 PM
I looked in my oil lamp collector books and I do not see any collar like that. Maybe someone replaced the brass with this for some "special purpose".
The lamp does look old, probably about 1880. Melon pattern. That is all I can say. No help at all.
posted on August 4, 2001 08:01:03 PM
There were collars made of stamped out sheet metal in the 1870's, and some were still being designed/used in the early 1900's.
I can't say I ever seen a steel one though?
posted on August 4, 2001 08:22:22 PM
<i>Veddy Interesting. Looks 1840-1880. Any Glass Buffs out there? Large Bubble Imperfections may provide a Clue. Mfg. Prototype? LBS? How is the Iron Collar attached to the Glass? "Shrunk-On"? Cement? Any distinctive Base characteristics? Seems like American Mfg. English would likely have a Brass Collar, not be Imported with the Large Bubbles in the Glass. Whatchall think? Carolinas? Upstate NY? Kentucky? Any slight Set-Screw Markings on the OD of the Iron Collar? Be a shame to try to Restore with Oil Lamp Parts by Guessing! Good Luck</i> <b>-PJ38-</b>
posted on August 4, 2001 09:54:24 PM
Thanks all!
I'm really not sure what the metal is. A heavy sheet metal or tin is possible since it does show some rust. And although there is visible cement inside, the inside of the collar is pretty much imbedded in the glass so I seriously doubt that the collar is a replacement (I considered that too). There is also a "slit" up the side of the collar lined up with the handle. I guess that is how it was applied. Otherwise there are no markings anywhere on the lamp. The "foot" or base is a three part mold, and I'm guessing the three part mold continues up the melon lines, but the top section of the glass just has two seams. Everything about it says "old" except that there is no shelf wear on the bottom. I guess it could have just sat somewhere without being used (or on a doily) for 100+ years. I just find it unusual.
I guess I was hoping someone could tell me what kind of burner goes with it. Thanks for all your advise.
posted on August 4, 2001 11:17:16 PM
In New England, esp. CT, there are Clock Museums; also Firearms Museums (Many CT River Valley Clockmakers became Flintlock Firearms Mfgs. in the 1700's-1800's) such as Colt in the Hartford Area; also in Patterson, NJ. Many Lamp and Glass Mfgs. maintain their own Museums across the US. Yall seem to great "Searchers" on the Web. Betcha can run with this and trace your Oil Lamp Base down. Try the Smithsonian yet? Your great PIX could be E-Mailed around to some of these Curators, Technicians, Conservators, and Restoration Specialists. If it is not Early American, I'd next try England and Scotland. Somebody out there must be a Heavy-Duty Lamp Buff and Collector. I'm stuck on further ideas right now. -PJ38-
The gents that run this site should be able to answer your questions. I've used them in the past & they are very hard to stump, even with the very rare lamps & parts.
posted on August 5, 2001 01:53:13 AM
Kiawok and Kiara, thanks for the links!
I think I'll get some clearer pics in the daylight and spend some time searching as PJ38 suggested, I was just hoping someone could give me a head start.
