Lamp identification help please

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warrydog

·Dec 24, 2020

Hello all. I picked up this lamp from my wife’s uncle’s estate several years ago and despite many hours of google searches, I can find no info on this. I can find no gas taps nor electric terminals and since there is soot in the top, I’m guessing it was used with a candle. There are no markings on it at all. Uncle Jim traveled often to India and I’m wondering if that is its origin. Is this something which had a real application or just something for the souvenir trade ?? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Tom

 

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Vitezi

·Dec 24, 2020

warrydog

I’m guessing it was used with a candle.

Might be the top half of a kerosene or oil lamp.

 

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SkunkPrince

·Dec 24, 2020

What's the diameter of the hole?

Might be missing a handle.

 

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Professor

·Dec 25, 2020

warrydog

I’m guessing it was used with a candle.

Or perhaps canned fuel with wick such as those used with Tiki Torches?
Or possibly whale oil.

Looks a bit nautical, perhaps a ships running light.
India produces numerous replica naval equipments from the age of sail.

The suspension pivots look like they could let the lamp remain level as a ship bobbed and swayed.

 

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SkunkPrince

·Dec 25, 2020

Professor

The suspension pivots look like they could let the lamp remain level as a ship bobbed and swayed.

I thought that too until I noticed it's actually holding the lid on. I think there's another piece to it that's missing.

 

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warrydog

·Dec 25, 2020

There is a latch requiring a special threaded key allowing the base plate and insert to be removed from the bottom. I’m seeing now how an oil or kerosene “candle” might have been used. Although the “bayonet “ style groves in the insert are a mystery unless the “candle” was spring loaded so as not to tip. The lamp can sit on a table on its own, but also makes me think it could be hung from a 19mm horizontal rod perhaps making it dual purpose?

I want to thank you all very much for your input. This has helped me think of more options and Given further fuel for research
Merry Christmas!!!

 

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SkunkPrince

·Dec 25, 2020

I think you're missing an oil pot that fills from the bottom and you have the bottom of it but not the rest. The pot would have been filled with cotton "waste" to hold the oil without sloshing it around, like a railroad lantern or in effect a Zippo lighter.

 

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warrydog

·Dec 25, 2020

There is also an air gap of about 3/8” between the bottom of the glass and the base to allow for combustion air. and yes, there is no doubt, the top mechanism holds the lid, but wold allow for sway in one axis. I too wonder if there is not a missing handle. If I find anything, I’ll post. Thanks again, Tom

 

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warrydog

·Dec 25, 2020

SkunkPrince

I think you're missing an oil pot that fills from the bottom and you have the bottom of it but not the rest. The pot would have been filled with cotton "waste" to hold the oil without sloshing it around, like a railroad lantern or in effect a Zippo lighter.

Great Idea !

 

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warrydog

·Dec 25, 2020

I'm also thinking ..... Could the missing handle be a the other half of a Gimbal ?

 

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SkunkPrince

·Dec 25, 2020

warrydog

I'm also thinking ..... Could the missing handle be a the other half of a Gimbal ?

It very well could be. Right now I'm thinking "coach lantern".

 

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Syrte

·Dec 25, 2020

Wondering whether @oinkitt might know as he appears to be such an expert on anything and everything vintage.

 

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Alpha

·Dec 25, 2020

Certainly a sturdy piece of kit ?

And it could swing in both axis, I would also be inclined to think of shipping, perhaps a galley lamp ?

 

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SkunkPrince

·Dec 25, 2020

Alpha

Certainly a sturdy piece of kit ?

And it could swing in both axis, I would also be inclined to think of shipping, perhaps a galley lamp ?

Remember the bail locks the lid on. Any gimbal would be external to the lamp.

 

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warrydog

·Dec 25, 2020

SkunkPrince

Remember the bail locks the lid on. Any gimbal would be external to the lamp.

Yes !! Correct. I'm pretty convinced I'm missing a gimballed mount.
I'm also pretty convinced because the keyed latch is only in a position to be used from the bottom, this must be a lamp which hung in a galley, hallway, passage maybe at a height which would allow the custodian the ability to reach up, unlatch the bottom cup, pull down the resevoir and refill it, check the wick, light it and snap it back in place.
Still no results on google searches this afternoon..... will persevere
Thanks again for all your ideas