Kerosene lamps that delighted
Americans in the last half of the 19th Century provided light and colorful
decor. The lamps were manufactured in England, France, Canada and the United
States, with the favorite style made of glass or glass in combination with
other materials such as bronze, brass or marble. 
The
glass lamps were either clear or colored in white, blue, turquoise, pink, rose,
amber and green.
The
glass lamps were either clear or colored in white, blue, turquoise, pink, rose,
amber and green.
As might be expected during an era
when Americans were drawn to the innovative, some kerosene lamps were designed
for specific uses, such as reading and sewing.
The miniature lamp-4 1/2 to 6 inches
tall-served as a night light or, more romantically, as a ``sparking lamp.``
Supposedly only a small amount of
oil was put into the lamp`s font when a suitor came to call. When the light
went out, he knew it was time to leave. Kerosene lamps of the 19th and early
20th Century merit collecting.
When safely used, with chimney and
burner in good working order and with a tight-fitting collar, kerosene lamps
are handy to have around for emergency lighting.
Kerosene lamps also can be
electrified. They make a charming bridge between past and present and they can
heighten the coziness of countrified rooms abundant with textured plaid or
checkered fabrics. When lighted, they enhance the mellow appeal of cherrywood
chests, tavern tables and other antique furniture.
Fortunately, there are many
desirable lamps sited for conversion to electricity-without cracks in the glass
or marble parts or splits in metal components-available at antiques shows and
shops.
They generally range in price from
under $50 to $250. Colored glass lamps are frequently higher priced than clear
glass ones, and rare art-glass lamps can cost hundreds of dollars.
It is difficult to identify the
maker of a lamp, as so many factories made the similar patterns or sold
separate parts to other firms.
Source: chicagotribune.com
