Miss Estelle

Jim Van Es is a walking library of lamp information. He’s collected and studied lamps for more than 40 years, and he can take them apart and put them back together, which he does at his shop in Virginia, The Wooden Show. He’s also a Worthologist, one of WorthPoint’s experts. In this video he pulls out an Aladdin lamp, an old Cornelius & Baker and even and old whale oil lamp.

Different kinds of antique oil lamps; tips on types of fuel, shapes, andmore in this free diy collectors video from an antiques dealer collection expert. Expert: Sue Shea Contact: www.SheaAntique.com Bio: Sue Shea has been dealing in antiques since 1979, and has her own shop, Shea Antiques, located in Shelburne Falls, MA. Her passion is early American 18th & 19th century antique country furnishings. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Question by davidgarciadrg: What’s a good reference for antique lamps?
I’ve been given an antique lamp and want to have the wiring redone before I put it to use. Though not experts, the friends and family I’ve spoken to swear the lamp must be an antique, due to its design and material.

Before I leave it in the hands of a restoration shop I’d like to narrow down this lamp’s origin as much as possible on my own. Any good books or websites? – And any advice about what I should be wary of at an antique restoration shop would be helpful too. Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by Bare B
There are at least a half dozen guides to antique lamps that I know of. As a part time auctioneer, I come across lamps occasionally, and have to look one up. Best bet, unless you want to buy a book, is to check the library. You could also go to Barnes and Noble, and read up on your lamp.

Check the bottom of the lamp to see if there are any marks there. Copy them down for reference when you look them up. They will tell you who made the lamp, as well as an approximate age.

You could also take the lamp to an auctioneer or antique dealer and they may be able to enlighten you. If it were me, I would do this for you, but they may charge you a small fee.

Next, only allow the restorer to change the cords, plug, lamp base, if necessary. Do NOT allow him to alter the lamp in ANY way from it’s original design. Changing these items will not decrease your value, but drilling a hole bigger to acommodate a larger cord will. Ask him what he will do to fix the lamp, and be VERY clear with him that he is not to alter the lamp. Do not remove any finish or refinish the lamp. Some lamps are copper based, and the patina that has happened over time is important.

Tell your restorer that you want the old parts. If you ever decide to sell the lamp, you will have the original parts.

Lastly, enjoy your antique!

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by hyleidos

Question by flowerchild: What is the proper way to clean and light antique oil lamps?
And the proper care of these lamps?

Best answer:

Answer by fishineasy™
A piece of sponge fastened on the end of a stick or wire is the best thing with which to clean lamp chimneys. Old newspaper will make lamp chimneys sparkling clean. Simply turn the chimney while stuffing in the paper. You will be amazed at the results. Lamp chimneys are made less liable to break by putting in cold water, bringing slowly to boiling point, boiling for an hour, and allowing to cool before removing from the water. If a small hole is broken in a glass chimney, paste on a piece of paper and it will answer its purpose until you get a new chimney. If you use oil, buy the best kerosene. Test it “outside” by placing a very small quantity in a teacup, and if it does not easily ignite when brought in contact with a lighted taper or match, it is good; poor oil will ignite instantly. Keep lamp oil in a cool dark place; keep all the articles used for cleaning, filling, and trimming lamps by themselves. For these purposes provide an old waiter (to hold the things), a lamp filler, pair of scissors or a lamp trimmer, box of wicks, soap, washing soda, and several soft cloths and towels, also a wire hairpin with which to keep open the vent in the burner. When lamps need an extra cleaning, add one tablespoon soda to a quart of water, being careful that none of the bronze or gilding comes in contact with the soda. When the wick becomes too short to carry up the kerosene, and if you have not time to put in a new wick, a small piece of cotton rag pinned on below will prove a good feeder. When the burners of the lamp become gummy and prevent the wicks moving freely, boil them up in suds over the fire a short time, and they will become entirely clean and work well. Lamps may become incrusted inside with settlings from the oil, and ordinary washing will not remove it. Take soapsuds and fill the lamp about one-third full, then put in a little sharp sand, and shake vigorously. A few minutes will remove every particle of settlings.
Important: Always fill the lamps every day and in the daytime; never fill a lamp after dark near a lighted lamp; never light an almost empty lamp, as the empty space is nearly always filled with a very explosive gas. Never fill an oil lamp when lighted. If the lamp wick is dry after filling, allow it to become saturated with oil before lighting. Adjust the wick making sure it is level and trim with scissors if necessary. The wick may have to be adjusted to avoid smoking after lighting. In putting out a lamp, turn the flame down low, and wave a fan, book, or paper across the top of the chimney. Blowing down the chimney is very dangerous when a lamp is nearly empty and turned up high. To prevent lamp wicks from smoking, soak them in vinegar and then dry them thoroughly. Never start a fire in a stove or fireplace with the kerosene lamp oil.

Always be very careful around antique oil lamps, especially when children and young people are present; unlike the youth of Grandma’s day, they are not as aware of the dangers. Lamp oil is quite flammable and should always be used with caution. A dropped oil lamp could explode and destroy a house with fire. Here are a couple of lamp safety tips I learned from my old Dad:
1. Never overfill the container with oil; fill to just over three-quarters full.
2. And always make sure the lamp or lantern is sitting on a stable, level surface and never leave burning lamps unattended.

nfd?

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by Webb Zahn

The Beauty Of Antique Lamps

Antique lamps are a special medium through which you can bring light and history into your home. There are several different kinds of antique lamps that you can choose from. As a part of your home decor, antique lamps can serve the function of bringing light, as well as adding class and style to your home.

Antique kerosene lamps are wonderful for decorating your kitchen, especially if you have a country style design. You can put them on your desk or hang one up in the bathroom. They are great for the front porch or to light up the back yard as well. The flicker of a flame adds to the beauty of an antique kerosene lamp, which makes it an excellent choice. These days, this type of lamp is primarily used for camping trips, and you can certainly use it for that. It is nice to add it to your home, however.

If you prefer another style of antique lamp, try an antique piano lamp. They can be clipped onto things like a desk and used as a reading lamp or they can light up a framed picture on a shelf or the fireplace mantel. Piano lamps can be used in the hallway or in the kitchen. The style permits antique piano lamps to be a part of just about any room of your house.

For those looking for something a little bit larger, and antique floor lamp might serve the purpose. Antique floor lamps are tall and slender. They are usually designed with special lamp shades of colored glass, frills, and brass stands. They can light up a corner, or the whole room. Antique floor lamps certainly command attention in whatever room they are in. They go best in living rooms, family rooms, dens, and hallways. It is nice to sit on an easy chair and read under an antique floor lamp.

There are many more types, sizes and styles of antique lamps, including antique crystal lamps, antique bridge lamps, and antique oil lamps. Each type has its own special features. It is all up to you how much you would like to spend on your antique lamp. Determine your budget, think about where you will put the lamp, and consider what you will use the lamp for. Once you have a good idea about these things, you can go ahead an shop for your very own antique lamp.