Let's see them Kerosene lamps!

[Forgotten Man]

I figured since Jamespowers mentioned something about starting a thread about old kerosene lamps, I thought I’d start with this new thread.

The Kerosene lamp is quite a unique collectable and it has played a rather interesting part in history.

To start off, kerosene lanterns were the first thing I collected! I had an interest in the gold rush, the 1800’s and log cabins… you know, frontier stuff.

Well, visiting Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, I recall being a child and looking at all the rustic electrified lanterns adorning so much of the structures in Frontier land and so on. For some reason I loved the soft glow of them, even if they were lit by an electric flickering bulb, it was something I was drawn to.

At the age of 9 years, my dad (after much hounding) bought me a Chinese made cold blast lantern from a local surplus shop. It was my pride! I loved that thing, I took it everywhere I went! One day I was at a friend’s house and I stumbled on some steps… I rolled down the stairs and was pretty much ok… but the glass glob to my lantern was busted! I cried like I had been shot… My poor Mother came to my aid and found that I was ok and cursed me for crying like a stuffed pig when there was no harm to my person… I pointed at my joy with glass shards around… she said it would be fixed… we found a pickle jar that fit in it… it never received a new glob. I still have it just the way it was that day back in 1988… pickle jar and all!

Since then I have acquired many great lanterns… my favorite now are the hot-blast Dietz Hi-low’s… they are really good lamps and produce at least 12-15 candle power. At the time they were new that was much more than one candle!

My folks didn’t allow kerosene in the house and I would fix a candle inside some of my lamps… just to hang around the room like it was a mine shaft from the 1880’s… I was a very careful boy.

Ah, those early days are gone but still love my old lanterns. I have a few of them hanging on my porch that I light when I have company over… this last Halloween was fun, Had many hanging and a few of the red globed Dietz’s around to ad a sense of hazard to the property.

With my hand carved jackolantern on the porch with a sinister pointed teeth grin to one side, and the car parked on the front lawn with a Dietz hi-lo burning with a red globe… it was quite a spooky non “Wal*Mart synthetic approach” to Halloween. Most kids needed the aid of their folks to guide them down the dark driveway.

Here is one photo to start the thread off right, late 30s Dietz Hi-Lo hot blast taken one night wile exploring some abandoned property in San Dimas… the tiled steps it sits are all that remains of an old Spanish home (I’m assuming) at this site.

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/10/l_8652649b492a3fca63eba06563cda9d4.jpg

So, till I get more photos up, let's see the Lanterns that are hiding in your garages or attics or maybe in your house!

[Forgotten Man]

BUMP!

What, no one has any of these things? Am I the only one who likes'em?

Share yous people, SHARE! Get me?

[bburtner@moran]

Yes,they are GREAT,used to collect only railroad lanterns(must have RR on glass and lantern body)conductors lanterns are VERY collectable! I always keep a few around the homestead in case the power goes out,also plenty of firewood...............

[Forgotten Man]

I have a few that are stocked with oil just in case of an emergency, I do need to buy some more lamp oil... it's getting hard to find here in CA! I guess the fire marshals are going nuts about having "flammable" oils in stores... which makes NO SENSE seeing all the hardware stores carry paint thinner and strippers that are MUCH more volatile then purified sudo kerosene!... Jerks!

I found a really neat lamp at a Redlands antique mall a year ago or so... It's old, we're talking turn of the century! And it's in grand shape! We're talkin' light surface rust but, all in tact with the original globe with the thick lip at the top... even has a really old wick! Tossed down $20 bucks and then filled it up! Works like a charm! The neat thing is, it has the very small cap on the tank with the cap!

[kpreed]

I love lamps like this and have five of them right now. Two are glass bases with oil in them, the others are metal hand lanterns which I use karosene in. 2 are Dietz and one is an Adelake made railroad, but no photos of any, yet!

[Forgotten Man]

Well, I'm very interested to see what you have tos hare, pelase do take some photos of them soon, I'm sure we'd all enjoy seeing them!

As for I, I'll fallow my own advice and put a few up soon as I'm home from work!

[jamespowers]

Ok, ok I just found this. ;) :p
I found my pride and joy Keystone Dark Lantern just a few weeks ago. Fortunately is was listed as a convertable heater. :rolleyes:
These lanterns have always fascinated me. Made for WWI from about 1917 to 1925, these lanterns obviously had a military/ merchant marine use. The Dark portion of th name denotes the fact that there is a shade that can be easily raised. It covers the globe and makes it instantly dark. Perfect to disappear when hunted by a submarine or anything else floating at that time.
There are usually two hold downs that the lantern could be tied down to the deck with. The globes came in red, clear and purportedly green and blue. I have only seen the red and clear in person to make sure they are authentic. ;) Mine is similar to this except mine has a red globe:
http://www.darklanterns.com/darkkystn1.JPG

With the shade up:
http://www.darklanterns.com/darkkystn2.JPG

[jamespowers]

Since then I have acquired many great lanterns… my favorite now are the hot-blast Dietz Hi-low’s… they are really good lamps and produce at least 12-15 candle power. At the time they were new that was much more than one candle!

My folks didn’t allow kerosene in the house and I would fix a candle inside some of my lamps… just to hang around the room like it was a mine shaft from the 1880’s… I was a very careful boy.

Ah, those early days are gone but still love my old lanterns. I have a few of them hanging on my porch that I light when I have company over… this last Halloween was fun, Had many hanging and a few of the red globed Dietz’s around to ad a sense of hazard to the property.

With my hand carved jackolantern on the porch with a sinister pointed teeth grin to one side, and the car parked on the front lawn with a Dietz hi-lo burning with a red globe… it was quite a spooky non “Wal*Mart synthetic approach” to Halloween. Most kids needed the aid of their folks to guide them down the dark driveway.

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/10/l_8652649b492a3fca63eba06563cda9d4.jpg

[COLOR="wheat"]So, till I get more photos up, let's see the Lanterns that are hiding in your garages or attics or maybe in your house!


Is that Hi-Lo a square base model or the round base model?
You can easily find replacement globes for just about any lamp really close to you at W.T. Kirkman. ;)

[Forgotten Man]

That IS a very neat lantern Mr Powers! I like it a lot! I've never seen one of them before!

I'd sure like to see some photos of the one you bought!

[jamespowers]

That IS a very neat lantern Mr Powers! I like it a lot! I've never seen one of them before!

I'd sure like to see some photos of the one you bought!


I'll try to get some photos of the twelve or so assorted ones that I have. ;) :D

[Forgotten Man]

Is that Hi-Lo a square base model or the round base model?
You can easily find replacement globes for just about any lamp really close to you at W.T. Kirkman. ;)

That Hy-Lo is a traditional round base. The square base jobs were very large square base... mostly found being used by City departments on construction sites or on road ways during construction or a road closure.

The name Hy-Lo came from Dietz offering this model as a High quality at a low cost. They were introduced in 1912 and were discontinued in 1947. This one I'd assume is from the 30s. The others that have the Y type of guard over the globe are 20s.

They're my favorite hot blast lamp... there are a very simple design; there's no glob lift, just a wire loop that you can push up on to light. The replacement globes are fine, but the originals are the best because they're embossed like the one I pictured with: DIETZ NY "FITZ ALL" or something like that. The replacements aren't as fancy. And sometimes the originals do show up! I found a clear "FITZ ALL" glob for a Hy-Lo or Monarch for 3 bucks! I also see the red ones a lot more... this is due to the fact that more Hy-Lo's and Monarch's were ordered with the red globe. More use for them in the work world.

[jamespowers]

That Hy-Lo is a traditional round base. The square base jobs were very large square base... mostly found being used by City departments on construction sites or on road ways during construction or a road closure.

The name Hy-Lo came from Dietz offering this model as a High quality at a low cost. They were introduced in 1912 and were discontinued in 1947. This one I'd assume is from the 30s. The others that have the Y type of guard over the globe are 20s.

They're my favorite hot blast lamp... there are a very simple design; there's no glob lift, just a wire loop that you can push up on to light. The replacement globes are fine, but the originals are the best because they're embossed like the one I pictured with: DIETZ NY "FITZ ALL" or something like that. The replacements aren't as fancy. And sometimes the originals do show up! I found a clear "FITZ ALL" glob for a Hy-Lo or Monarch for 3 bucks! I also see the red ones a lot more... this is due to the fact that more Hy-Lo's and Monarch's were ordered with the red globe. More use for them in the work world.

Exactly! They were used on barriers and such at night. They used red lights to keep them visible and the red color to denote danger.
You can easily find replacement globe originals but your cheap one with the pickle jar in it now needs a new globe. ;)
The fitzall is more for the tall globe lanterns. For some of my favorites like the D-lite, Little Wizard and Little Giant you need a different type of globe.
I have only one Hot Blast lantern---a Rayo No. 90. Man that was a mess when I got it! It took forever to get the wasp nest out of the top tubes. :eusa_doh: :rolleyes:
It works fine now though. They had nice brass burners with brass caps---slip fit. :D

[jamespowers]

That Hy-Lo is a traditional round base. The square base jobs were very large square base... mostly found being used by City departments on construction sites or on road ways during construction or a road closure.

The name Hy-Lo came from Dietz offering this model as a High quality at a low cost. They were introduced in 1912 and were discontinued in 1947. This one I'd assume is from the 30s. The others that have the Y type of guard over the globe are 20s.

They're my favorite hot blast lamp... there are a very simple design; there's no glob lift, just a wire loop that you can push up on to light. The replacement globes are fine, but the originals are the best because they're embossed like the one I pictured with: DIETZ NY "FITZ ALL" or something like that. The replacements aren't as fancy. And sometimes the originals do show up! I found a clear "FITZ ALL" glob for a Hy-Lo or Monarch for 3 bucks! I also see the red ones a lot more... this is due to the fact that more Hy-Lo's and Monarch's were ordered with the red globe. More use for them in the work world.


perhaps you should also explain to folks about the difference between a hot blast and cold blast lantern---maybe throw in a bit about the dead flame ones as well. :D

[jamespowers]

Ok, I'll do the cold blast versus hot blast explanantion then. ;) :p
http://www.lanternnet.com/icon/cold.jpg
This is a cold blast lantern. Called as such due to the air flow being cold fres air. In all tubular lanterns as such, the kerosene vapor mixed with air, in proper ratio, composes the burning mixture. The burner acts as a carburetor to which the side tubes (thus the tubular lantern name) convey properly controlled air in regulated volume. Result: perfect combustion and bright, clean light. A cold-blast lantern, easily the most efficient of all, is constructed so that only fresh, cold fresh air enters the tubes, while the spent air is diverted and expelled.

http://www.lanternnet.com/icon/hot.jpg
This is a typical hot blast lantern. Hot-blast lanterns permit a portion of spent air to recirculate through the tubes. Cold-blast provide about twice the brightness of hot-blast due to better air circulation. Hot blast is an older technology.

http://i.ebayimg.com/15/!Bej(rPwBWk~$(KGrHqQOKkIErzLU3MPjBK9wb73S6Q~~_35.J PG
This is a Dead-Flame railroad lantern. Dead-flame lanterns take in fresh air through the baffles at bottom, expel spent air at top. Hot and cold-blast lanterns produce much more light than the dead-flame type. Again, this is due to the air circulation and better combustion of the fuel in the other two types.

Ok now what type of lantern is this:
http://i.ebayimg.com/01/!BekpVU!!2k~$(KGrHqEH-C0ErephKK-4BK9y19lUqw~~_35.JPG
:D

[Forgotten Man]

Cold blast are brighter, but they also will burn more kerosene from what I understand... the life of a tank for a typical cold blast is less then a typical hot-bast lamp.

Thanks for going over the two James, oh I mean three! Never knew much about the Railroad types.

[jamespowers]

Cold blast are brighter, but they also will burn more kerosene from what I understand... the life of a tank for a typical cold blast is less then a typical hot-bast lamp.

Thanks for going over the two James, oh I mean three! Never knew much about the Railroad types.


Alas, brightness has its costs. ;) :p The Hot Blast tubes are what goes on them first. The tank is still there but the tubes are all rotted out from the hot exhaust. :p
Ok, guess which type the last lantern is someone.

[Forgotten Man]

Took some photos of one of my favorite hot-blast... I'll post them when I get the chance, it's the real early one I have!

Staty tuned!

[jamespowers]

Took some photos of one of my favorite hot-blast... I'll post them when I get the chance, it's the real early one I have!

Staty tuned!

I bet you have at least one Monarch, right? :D

[Forgotten Man]

Yes, I have the post 1936 model that came in blue with the more curved lines and stepped tank. Came with a red globe... the funny thing is, it cost me $25. Back in 1990 or so, and I still see them for the same price, some times more. The old timer who sold it to me back then said that Dietz used gold in the red glass to keep the ruby red color from fading.

[jamespowers]

Yes, I have the post 1936 model that came in blue with the more curved lines and stepped tank. Came with a red globe... the funny thing is, it cost me $25. Back in 1990 or so, and I still see them for the same price, some times more. The old timer who sold it to me back then said that Dietz used gold in the red glass to keep the ruby red color from fading.


I never heard of gold being used. [huh]
I see a few Monarch go for about $10 on eBay lately. I guess it is a sign of the times. [huh]
You have the streamlined Monarch models. The earlier ones were very square looking. My Rayo hot blast has that square tube look. That is not to say that the tubes are square like some of the early Dietz and such. :D

[Forgotten Man]

Yes, mine is the streamlined Monarch, introduced in '36 and was made into the 60s I believe, after Dietz pulled up roots and high tailed it to China. :eusa_doh:

The late 1800's and early 1900's Dietz had very sharp pointed corners on their hot-blast's. I'm looking for one of them in a reasonable price range. Most of them are very high in price.

[jamespowers]

Yes, mine is the streamlined Monarch, introduced in '36 and was made into the 60s I believe, after Dietz pulled up roots and high tailed it to China. :eusa_doh:

The late 1800's and early 1900's Dietz had very sharp pointed corners on their hot-blast's. I'm looking for one of them in a reasonable price range. Most of them are very high in price.


Dietz produced its last American made lanterns in 1956.
How reasonable is reasonable?
This looks pretty good:
http://i.ebayimg.com/17/!Be-c71g!mk~$(KGrHqEH-DMErc6Ln,HIBK+dyWs42g~~_3.JPG
$50 though and not a hot blast lantern. [huh]

[carouselvic]

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/438/lampsa.th.jpg (http://img36.imageshack.us/i/lampsa.jpg/)

[PADDY]

I have a couple of old brass Tilley Lamps that work on a pressure system where you pump up the kerosene with a little hand pump, then release slightly and light the mantle (the fragile netting that lights up). Great for evening barbies and when the electricity goes down.
I also like the fact that you can buy all the parts as spares to keep it going a lifetime. It really is 'old time' camping!!

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc260/ROSSANDHARRY/TILLEY%20LAMP/rb005.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc260/ROSSANDHARRY/TILLEY%20LAMP/spd_20070624212510_b.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc260/ROSSANDHARRY/TILLEY%20LAMP/tilley-lamp.jpg

[carouselvic]

Ivory Alacite Art Glass

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/934/lamp001.th.jpg (http://img98.imageshack.us/i/lamp001.jpg/)

[carouselvic]

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/6898/lamp002.th.jpg (http://img214.imageshack.us/i/lamp002.jpg/)

[carouselvic]

As electricity spread to the rural areas the Mantle Lamp Company promoted their inexpensive Aladdin Converter. This device easily inserted into the central air tube, quickly converting the Aladdin to use electricity without sacrificing its capacity to burn kerosene.

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/9550/lamp003.th.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/lamp003.jpg/)

[Forgotten Man]

Very interesting, that's a unique lamp and even more interesting info on it as well!

Some I speak with regarding the 30s and 40s some are surprised to find out that there were still plenty of people who didn't have electricity in farming areas outside the city at that time. In fact, when the radio started to enter the home, battery operated sets were the first type of radio receivers to be sold. It wasn't till 1928 when Atwater Kent offered an AC/DC radio.

I've seen so many gas/kerosene lamps from the turn of the century that have been converted to electric... either country styled restaurants or for theme parks... but, when I find one that still has it's original wick and the tank cap isn't rusted closed, I'll buy it and fill it some and light that old wick and watch it crackle and come back to life; it's fun!

[John in Covina]

I have a small RR type lantern out on the back porch. Somewhere in the basement of the hous my parents owned is a glass base lamp my parents refered to as a hurricane lantern or lamp. Electricity out from a storm, no problem same thing they had a portable propane stove that would come out for cooking if the electricity was out. (we had an electric stove.)

[carouselvic]

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/737/lamp004.th.jpg (http://img32.imageshack.us/i/lamp004.jpg/)

[Big Man]

This is my Grandmother's old milking lantern. It is marked "Paull's No. 230". From what I could tell, this old lantern was made around 1920. It hung on a nail in the basement for as long as I can remember. Everything on the old lantern still works, and it even has an old wick.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/Burke1777/DSC01695.jpg

[Big Man]

There are four of these kerosene lamps at the old house. These are the same lamps that my grandparents used for light before they got electricity in 1930. I would guess that they had them since they began housekeeping in 1904.

I recall when the power would go out in the winter, that my Grandmother would get one of the old lanterns out and use it for light. Also, when it got bitter cold in the winter she would keep one lit in the bathroom (the bathroom is on the back porch) to help keep the pipes from freezing.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/Burke1777/DSC03258.jpg

[Forgotten Man]

This is my Grandmother's old milking lantern. It is marked "Paull's No. 230". From what I could tell, this old lantern was made around 1920. It hung on a nail in the basement for as long as I can remember. Everything on the old lantern still works, and it even has an old wick.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/Burke1777/DSC01695.jpg

Yep, they work great! Even if they look like that! I find most of mine have old wicks! And why wouldn't they work? You know, they don't really burn down... they mostly burn the kerosene that's in the wick! So, the wick it's self will last for a very long time.

I like that lantern, I can sure see that thing hanging on a nain in a barn or a basement! Just wonderful! Never clean it up! Leave it just like that! Perfect!

[Big Man]

When I started housekeeping back in 1976, we moved into a one room cabin that I built ("back to the land" kind of living was big at that time). We didn't have electricity or running water for the first two years, and relied on an old kerosene lamp and an old lantern for light. Even after our house grew to four rooms we got electricity, we still used kerosene lamps a lot. I still have a number of them around. They are good to have in the event the power goes off during a storm.

[Forgotten Man]

Oh wow, you just reminded me of a book my folks had I used to look at called "Back To Basics" and it was popular in the 70s... I used to sit on the floor and check out the list of old wood burning stoves, I was very interested in the pot bellied stove... now I own one! lol Got it at age 11!

Yeah, it's good to have these old lamps on hand in case the power goes out... sometimes I hope it would go out so I can use them! Nothing like a cold windy night, rain and lightning... and then the power goes out, looking around in the dark for matches and then lighting that old lamp... the smell of a burned match and soon burning kerosene... ahhhhhh, what a smell that is!

[jamespowers]

This is my Grandmother's old milking lantern. It is marked "Paull's No. 230". From what I could tell, this old lantern was made around 1920. It hung on a nail in the basement for as long as I can remember. Everything on the old lantern still works, and it even has an old wick.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/Burke1777/DSC01695.jpg


Love the No. 230! I have one as well. They do a fine job of lighting for an 8 candle power lantern.
With old wicks, I kind of think of them more like filters than wicks. They filter out crud that is not only in the kerosene but in the tank. I usually wash mine if they are old and stiff. It softens them up and makes them more absorbent---thus burning the kersosene more efficiently through capillary wicking action.

[RetroToday]

Cool thread,

I was given this figural oil lamp a while back, not sure if it used kerosene or not. Guessing it's from the 1890s, but they made this style of lamp for many years.
Would it be considered a banquet lamp? I thank you in advance for any help or shared knowledge about this.

The burner and clear glass chimney are old, but not original to the lamp, I added those.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2336/2105264304_dca2d1f6a1_b.jpg
Was given the cranberry glass shade along with it, don't know if it's original to the lamp.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2232/2105264062_b25f8fdf93_b.jpg
I placed the shade on it to see if it looked reasonably well. If it is the correct shade, it needs a proper burner attachment ring to raise it up off the reservoir.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2008/2104490367_d280d7719c_b.jpg
The base appears to be concrete covered in black laquer.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2064/2105267320_21b7dfdf7a_b.jpg
The cast metal boy and dog were covered in a layer of gold that has seen better days. However, I like the worn look.

[John in Covina]

The operating design is kerosene type. There is a place for the wick and the nob to adjust the height. Here you can use kerosene or lamp oil and there are outdoors versions that have a little citronella to keep the bugs away that will also work. The outdoors stuff is used in Tiki Torches.

[RetroToday]

The operating design is kerosene type. There is a place for the wick and the nob to adjust the height. Here you can use kerosene or lamp oil and there are outdoors versions that have a little citronella to keep the bugs away that will also work. The outdoors stuff is used in Tiki Torches.

Hi John, thanks.

I added the burner and chimney in the above photos, which is why I wasn't sure of the original way it was used.
The burner threaded in perfectly so it was probably the same configuration, as far as I know.

[carouselvic]

Hi John, thanks.

I added the burner and chimney in the above photos, which is why I wasn't sure of the original way it was used.
The burner threaded in perfectly so it was probably the same configuration, as far as I know.

There are volumes of books available on this subject. My copy of Oil Lamps has been swiped, so I can't reference your lamp, but as a lamp collector for the last thirty+ years I can tell you a few things. Your red shade is not cranberry glass, just red glass. A lamp shade would never obstruct the thumb screw for the wick riser. The burner you put on it is a basic #2, but there are a lot of accessories that would have been available to accommodate various shade types if desired. Hope this helps.

[jamespowers]

A Defiance 200 that I just picked up for $5.

http://i.ebayimg.com/14/!BdvPj0QBWk~$(KGrHqQOKiYEq5FvmbtNBK6NhHf(cw~~_35.J PG

http://i.ebayimg.com/17/!BdvPn6QBWk~$(KGrHqMOKj8Eq4mf5s-WBK6NhWcnl!~~_35.JPG

http://i.ebayimg.com/05/!BdvPlcgB2k~$(KGrHqIOKiwEq4bSsd8jBK6NhNgwRg~~_35.J PG

The globe is incorrect and it needs a new font cap. However it is still in decent shape for something made around 1919. It will get a good cleaning and a new coat of paint for its years of service. This lantern is one of the largest hand lanterns ever made at 15 3/4 inches tall---not including the handle. Finding a new cap might be a little tough but the globes are fairly easy to find---I can use the globe on it for one of my other globeless ones too. ;)

[carouselvic]

What kind of lantern did Mrs. O'Leary's cow kick over?

[Forgotten Man]

I wouldn't clean it up too much, I wouldn't paint it... I like the way it looks as it is!

Lanterns should be a little rusty! ;)

[jamespowers]

What kind of lantern did Mrs. O'Leary's cow kick over?


I have no idea since both cold blast and hot blast lanterns will go out if the are not vertical---contrary to polular belief. The fuel cuts off the flow of air to the burner. It would have to have been a dead flame lantern or something like that. [huh]

[jamespowers]

I wouldn't clean it up too much, I wouldn't paint it... I like the way it looks as it is!

Lanterns should be a little rusty! ;)


I am sort of with you on that. My problem is that I usually store them in a cool dry room. They just rust more if I don't paint them with something. I have clear coated several after cleaning them up to preserve them for the next generation. They can always remove the paint but they can't replace the metal that is rotted away. ;)

[carouselvic]

http://www.lehmans.com/store/catalog?Args=

[Mike in Seattle]

I've got to dig through the garage. When we moved up here and bought this house, one of my aunts sent a set of 4 each in 4 colors - chrome, royal blue, red and white. The idea was chichi dinner parties on the deck during the summer at twilight with the lights twinkling around the deck and yard.

Alas...twilight in summer is vastly different in Seattle and Los Angeles. Here, sunset in summer is really late - it's still pretty light out at 10, and dinner's long over and people thinking of heading home long before it's dark enough for candles or oil lamps. And when it is dark enough early enough, it's too cold out, unlike LA or Palm Springs. Like this time of year - you're driving aroudn with the headlights on at 4:30 in the afternoon.

[SameRound]

http://img.skitch.com/20091204-54ubnbxeyk4g2c6fqj8y2fetj.jpg


http://img.skitch.com/20091204-frwmspqtngqrt4g973nwsm4fk.jpg



....... and here is my fabulous lamp that I found in an antique shop in Karachi. It is a Tilley lamp. It is complete, but the glass is in poor condition. I absolutely wanted to use, this explains the bulb (the oil is too dangerous in a house of course). For processing electric nothing has been punctured or destroyed was very important to keep in the original condition.
I have long believed that it was a lamp that served in the Navy ...... in fact it was on the train. :)


a fine and instructive collection of Tilley lamps and pressure lamps here :
http://www.geocities.jp/gkpllantern/21_Tilley_1.html

http://www.geocities.jp/gkpllantern/index.html

[Forgotten Man]

http://img.skitch.com/20091204-54ubnbxeyk4g2c6fqj8y2fetj.jpg


http://img.skitch.com/20091204-frwmspqtngqrt4g973nwsm4fk.jpg



....... and here is my fabulous lamp that I found in an antique shop in Karachi. It is a Tilley lamp. It is complete, but the glass is in poor condition. I absolutely wanted to use, this explains the bulb (the oil is too dangerous in a house of course). For processing electric nothing has been punctured or destroyed was very important to keep in the original condition.
I have long believed that it was a lamp that served in the Navy ...... in fact it was on the train. :)


a fine and instructive collection of Tilley lamps and pressure lamps here :
http://www.geocities.jp/gkpllantern/21_Tilley_1.html

http://www.geocities.jp/gkpllantern/index.html

Swell Tilley lamp! But, may I make a suggestion? CHANGE THAT BULB!!! lol You'd get a much more pleasing light from a flame styled incandescent bulb then that CFL junk!

[SameRound]

:) :) I Know !
Unfortunately I did not choose : the oil jet nozzle go up high in the lamp. (Bulb is fitted onto the nozzle). This is the easiest solution I found which preserves the original appearance of the lamp.

All suggestions are welcome.;)

[Forgotten Man]

They do make long narrow type of bulbs for desk lamps... I'm sure there's one that will fit in that thing that isn't a CFL clunker. ;)

[John in Covina]

You may be able to find some of the more unusual bulbs at a good Lighting / Lamp Store. Rumor has it the California legislature has banned incandescent bulbs for the most part so we may have to order outside the state soon.

[Forgotten Man]

You may be able to find some of the more unusual bulbs at a good Lighting / Lamp Store. Rumor has it the California legislature has banned incandescent bulbs for the most part so we may have to order outside the state soon.

From what I understand, it's the 100 watt variety that is in danger, designer bulbs of lesser wattage will be safe... If CA bans them all together, I'll be makin' a special visit to Sacramento, and it won’t be no social call neither, see! lol

Say, when we were at the Million Dollar Theater to see "It's A Wonderful Life" in a scene that Mr. Potter was talking on the phone from his home office I noticed that chandelier, and it was a gas burning type! You could see the flames burning in it! How neat to notice that, I never did notice that before until I watched it on a larger screen! Has anyone else noticed that?

[jamespowers]

From what I understand, it's the 100 watt variety that is in danger, designer bulbs of lesser wattage will be safe... If CA bans them all together, I'll be makin' a special visit to Sacramento, and it won’t be no social call neither, see! lol

Say, when we were at the Million Dollar Theater to see "It's A Wonderful Life" in a scene that Mr. Potter was talking on the phone from his home office I noticed that chandelier, and it was a gas burning type! You could see the flames burning in it! How neat to notice that, I never did notice that before until I watched it on a larger screen! Has anyone else noticed that?

I had not noticed that. Good eyes there. I'll check it out next time I watch the movie.
I am going down to the local Home Depot and stocking up on regular bulbs. Those CFL things are not something I want around young children. If they break---all that toxic mercury gets released. Neither the government nor the producing companies have figured out what to do with these things once they have burned out either. Imagine them breaking in your garbage can or breaking in the dumpster. I wouldn't want to be a garbage man (sanitation engineer;) ) nowadays. :eek:
Mad as a Hatter anyone?:eek: :eusa_doh:

[Forgotten Man]

CFL's are all made in China, GE has closed light bulb plants here in the US thus, costing US jobs... why can't they make them here in their existing plants? Because they want to make more money when they can save money by manufacturing those toxic things overseas.

Typical.:rolleyes:

So, let's see some more Kerosene rusty riggs!

[jamespowers]

CFL's are all made in China, GE has closed light bulb plants here in the US thus, costing US jobs... why can't they make them here in their existing plants? Because they want to make more money when they can save money by manufacturing those toxic things overseas.

Typical.:rolleyes:

So, let's see some more Kerosene rusty riggs!

Then again, that is where Dietz lanterns are made today as well. :rolleyes:

[Forgotten Man]

Then again, that is where Dietz lanterns are made today as well. :rolleyes:

And they made their move early... about 1955 or 56 it was!

But, I'd rather buy a Dietz then a lousy CFL POS! lol

[jamespowers]

Here is a new addition to my collection. It is brass but obviously needs some polishing and a new globe. Not a big deal when you consider how seldom you find decent deck lanterns. I have no idea what the brand is but I'll figure it out when it gets here. ;) :p

http://home.roadrunner.com/~hudval/nautlant1.jpg

[Morris G.]

This one — Rayo No. 0 Hot Blast (on the glass), Rayo No. 75 (on the body) — was hiding in my garage for the past 15 years...and in my parents’ garage for 20+ years before that...and in my grandparents’ garage (I think) for an unknown number of years prior to that. For the past couple years or so, I had been thinking that I really should clean it up — and I finally got around to it this week. Now, it’s properly displayed in my living room. And then, in an effort to learn more about it, I stumbled upon this thread. Thanks! —MG

http://www.thetigerbeat.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/rayo75.jpg

[jamespowers]

Ah a nice Rayo. My great uncle gave me two lanterns that he had kept from my great grandfather's farm. One of them was a Rayo No.2. That one lantern spawned an interest in Rayo and Prisco. A few weeks ago, I picked up another No. 2 with a copper tank. That was an interesting find. :D

[Forgotten Man]

This one — Rayo No. 0 Hot Blast (on the glass), Rayo No. 75 (on the body) — was hiding in my garage for the past 15 years...and in my parents’ garage for 20+ years before that...and in my grandparents’ garage (I think) for an unknown number of years prior to that. For the past couple years or so, I had been thinking that I really should clean it up — and I finally got around to it this week. Now, it’s properly displayed in my living room. And then, in an effort to learn more about it, I stumbled upon this thread. Thanks! —MG

http://www.thetigerbeat.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/rayo75.jpg
:eusa_clap

Well, for however long it took, it was worth the wait. Lovely lamp; do you light it ever? These lamps are so lovely when lit. Such warm soft light for a nice evening out on the porch... *Sigh* I miss my porch.:(

[shortbow]

Me too Morris, I'd like to see a pic of it burning if possible. I had a Dietz hot blast once and could never get it to burn right, no matter how I trimmed the wick. All my cold blasts burn with a nice even tongue of flame, but the hb would never do that for me.

[jamespowers]

Me too Morris, I'd like to see a pic of it burning if possible. I had a Dietz hot blast once and could never get it to burn right, no matter how I trimmed the wick. All my cold blasts burn with a nice even tongue of flame, but the hb would never do that for me.


There are several reasons why that might have been the case. Sometimes you have to clean the air tubes as they do get obstructions in them. I had to clean a wasp nest out of my Rayo Hot Blast. What a mess that was! The mud they had used dried quite hard. I had to use a coat hanger to get it all out. :eusa_doh:
Another probem could be the burner itself. Sometimes they get loose and leak air from the wick tube. That will keep them from burning evenly. I had that happen with my great-grandfather's Dietz Little Wizard. A new burner straightened that out.
Anything that affects the air flow through the lantern will make it burn strangely. A hot blast in particular as they really use up every bit of heat and air circulation possible. A cold blast lantern breathes more freely and thus the light given off is brighter. However, I would rather use a hot blast lantern for enclosed areas as they give off less smoke and soot.
I should also mention that I was using my Defiance and Dietz Little Wizard a few nights ago to keep the mosquitoes at bay. They tend to do that quite well when the kerosene is mixed with the citronella old stuff they use in tiki torches. I mix it ten to one. That is enough citronella oil to keep from fouling the wick while still giving off enough scent to keep the bugs at bay. :D

[Morris G.]

:eusa_clap

Well, for however long it took, it was worth the wait. Lovely lamp; do you light it ever? These lamps are so lovely when lit. Such warm soft light for a nice evening out on the porch... *Sigh* I miss my porch.:(

No, I have yet to light it. But first, I will need to locate a proper wick. Is there anything special that I should know? I think earlier in this thread there might have been some comments about “replacement parts”—including wicks—and fuel (kerosene or lamp oil?). —MG

[jamespowers]

No, I have yet to light it. But first, I will need to locate a proper wick. Is there anything special that I should know? I think earlier in this thread there might have been some comments about “replacement parts”—including wicks—and fuel (kerosene or lamp oil?). —MG


You should be able to find a local source for wicks. Maybe a hardware store or such a place. You first need to figure out what width your wick should be. I think you use a 5/8" or a 1/2" for that lantern but I don't remember offhand.
While you are replacing the wick, check the tank and make sure it is clean inside as well. You'll like want to clean the lamp up so that you can use it without getting dirty yourself so that will likely be in order as well.
Here is a link to a website that has some good advice and perhaps parts if you need them. They are not cheap though. ;) http://www.lanternnet.com/lanterncare.htm

[Mike K.]

Great thread topic everyone!

I have been thinking about purchasing a Dietz #90 D-Lite Cold Blast Lantern.
Any feedback on the quality, quirks, etc. of these modern production pieces?

[shortbow]

Good tips James, unfortunately I don't have that lantern anymore, it was a modern Deitz, or I'd check your info. Will sure bear it in mind for the future however.

Mike, the current Dietz lanterns are made in China and have been for lotso years now. They are not the same quality as the old American ones, but are still the best out there, they are used all over the world, you can't go wrong with a Dietz, and when I've gone to them for info or help they've been magnificent.

[jamespowers]

Good tips James, unfortunately I don't have that lantern anymore, it was a modern Deitz, or I'd check your info. Will sure bear it in mind for the future however.

Mike, the current Dietz lanterns are made in China and have been for lotso years now. They are not the same quality as the old American ones, but are still the best out there, they are used all over the world, you can't go wrong with a Dietz, and when I've gone to them for info or help they've been magnificent.


A modern dietz is nearly the same thing. The Chinese have the original stamping machinery from Dietz. They make them on the same equipment the originals were made with. The materials they start with and quality control are something completely different though. :rolleyes:
The equipment and such was shipped over there in 1956 if my memory serves correctly. The old lanterns of the same models could use the new burners etc---I think. [huh]

[jamespowers]

Great thread topic everyone!

I have been thinking about purchasing a Dietz #90 D-Lite Cold Blast Lantern.
Any feedback on the quality, quirks, etc. of these modern production pieces?


You might be better served by an original D-lite Dietz. They give a lot more light and parts are plentiful (as are originals on the Bay).
They all have quirks. It is just a matter or knowing how to use them properly. ;)

[Mike K.]

Very useful advice. Thanks everyone! :)

[shortbow]

I have two original Dietz Comets which they stopped making in the '30's if memory serves. They are tiny little things, built for trips to the outhouse and such. Unlike the modern ones they, aside from heavier gauge steel and nice attention to detail, have the Dietz logo and the word 'Comet' embossed in the glass of their globes and the logo and 'Made in the United States of America' in various places in the steel. They are 8.25" high.

My Little Wizard is a later lantern, vintage unknown but I think it is one of the early Chinese ones as the details noted above are absent but quality is still there. It works great and is well made. When I first got interested in these I had a number of the current models and all worked very well. I did a lot of research on oil lanterns at the time but have now forgotten most of it, but both period sources and later writers all claimed Dietz as the best.

When camping, I leave the Wizard hanging on a tree in the middle of the camp, it give a nice, soft, warm light, no hiss and bang like the gas lanterns and safe, reliable and trustworthy.

My first Comet had a leaky tank and I contacted Dietz for help. I now can't remember their suggestions for fixing it, but whatever it was it worked. The lady I talked to told me that if I couldn't fix it, I could send it to them and they would fix it free of charge. I was tickled by that.

[jamespowers]

I have two original Dietz Comets which they stopped making in the '30's if memory serves. They are tiny little things, built for trips to the outhouse and such. Unlike the modern ones they, aside from heavier gauge steel and nice attention to detail, have the Dietz logo and the word 'Comet' embossed in the glass of their globes and the logo and 'Made in the United States of America' in various places in the steel. They are 8.25" high.

My Little Wizard is a later lantern, vintage unknown but I think it is one of the early Chinese ones as the details noted above are absent but quality is still there. It works great and is well made. When I first got interested in these I had a number of the current models and all worked very well. I did a lot of research on oil lanterns at the time but have now forgotten most of it, but both period sources and later writers all claimed Dietz as the best.

When camping, I leave the Wizard hanging on a tree in the middle of the camp, it give a nice, soft, warm light, no hiss and bang like the gas lanterns and safe, reliable and trustworthy.

My first Comet had a leaky tank and I contacted Dietz for help. I now can't remember their suggestions for fixing it, but whatever it was it worked. The lady I talked to told me that if I couldn't fix it, I could send it to them and they would fix it free of charge. I was tickled by that.

They are very quiet that is for sure. They are also very safe---contrary to the Western movies. If they tip over, the air flow to the burner is cut off and they go out---not catch fire to everything around them. :rolleyes:
For a leaky tank, you can coat it with the same stuff they use for car gas tanks. let it dry and it is ready to go. I have seen that method used to fix old tanks that had decent sized holes in them. They just tape up the hole from the outside, swish the stuff around in the tank, pour off the excess and let dry. It will fill the holes and dry hard.

[shortbow]

That is a GREAT tip James, thanks a lot. I will write that down in my compendium of arcana for future reference. I've learned a lot hanging around this place.:eusa_clap

[jamespowers]

That is a GREAT tip James, thanks a lot. I will write that down in my compendium of arcana for future reference. I've learned a lot hanging around this place.:eusa_clap


No problem at all. If you mess with a lot of stuff long enough, you learn a few things along the way. ;) :D