Posted 13 years ago
shickey
(2 items)
I bought this lamp out of an antique shop in Fredericksburg Texas. The globe top is marked Colt and the kerosene holder is marked ... Hardware, Quincy Ill. I cannot read the hardware store name. I believe it was used on wagons, but really don't know. I would really appreciate any information anyone might have. I fell in love with this lamp and use it for a reading light (it has been electrified).
I have one of these, as you will see posted on this forum just yesterday, and have no idea what it is either! I cannot find anything out about it ! Mine is marked with advertising from an old Hardware Co. in Kansas City. If you happen to have found out about yours, please let me know. (Mine has not been electrified)
I bought one of these at an auction a few years ago. I was told it was a brush arbor lamp--used in outdoor gospel meetings. Ours doesn't have a globe and is not electrified. After many trials and errors, we think ours has Townley Hardware Co. impressed around the oil container. Yours is the first picture I've found, and believe me, I've researched under every descriptor I can think of. Thanks for posting it.
I am delighted to tell you that I found a sample of this "Oil torch" in my copy of a 1902 Sears, Roebuck catalogue. It's called an "oil torch." Information in the book states, "When the reservoir is filled it will burn full flame for 15 1/2 hours." Prices for the lamps in 1902 were $1.25 for a one burner to $2.65 for a two-burner.
Thanks to you both for your helpful comments. It's good to know exactly what I have. Have a good Memorial Day!
I found one of these "oil torches" in Brenham, Texas and except for this web site I have found no other reference. Very interesting mechanism and not sure how it works. One section of the copper tubing contains small rocks (charcoal?) located between two pieces of very fine wire screen. Mine has not been electrified and has no manufacture noted anywhere.
Colt made lamps to burn acetylene. This lamp tank and tubing used white gas. Someone has married the two..........and wired it.