Oil Lamps

Lighting And Care Of Antique Oil Lamps

Oil lamps and kerosene lanterns fell quickly out of fashion once electricity and electric lighting came into widespread use. Unfortunately, many households got rid of their old kerosene lamps and lanterns. Now, however, people are wanting both new and antique kerosene lamps either for decoration or to provide useful mood lighting for backyard decks and patios.

It is, therefore, important to know the practical and safe way to operate and maintain these old-fashioned light sources. Oil lamps are beautiful when lit and are completely safe when properly used. These practical tips on how to light and care for old-fashioned lamps should prove helpful.

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.