ARCHIVED Questions and Answers
Pump Lamps
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Pump Lamps by Jacques P. Maurissen
Posted: July 14, 1998 @ 00:51.
Date: June 3, 1998
Maurissen, Jacques (JP) wrote:
Fil,
I am not a member of the Guild, I tried to ask a question and I got [an] error message: Error processing SSI file
My questions deals with pump lamps. How do I know that a pump lamp is complete and in working order? Is there always a spring in a pump lamp? Is it always visible? (I have been told once that there was a spring, but it could not be seen) What should I know about the seals? What are they made of? I will be travelling to Europe and I wonder whether there are places there where it would be easier to find pump lamps? Any suggestions? Thank you very much.
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On July 14, 1998 @ 00:52, Fil Graff
wrote:
Guild Response
Jacques: The "interactive" part of the Q&A page isn't finished yet, so I still have to do the posting. Voila! An error message! When it's done, this page will work just like the Research inquiry page, except no Password will be needed!Do you mean by a "pump lamp" one like a Carcel or Moderator? These lamps had INTERNAL springs. If you are to be wandering around Europe, check out Ara Kebapcioglu's (well, maybe his "Monsieur Ara" is easier!) shop (in Paris) page on the 'Net before you go. He might have what you are looking for! Here's a direct link: M. Ara Or you might contact Carl Gaeth at the Antique Lamplight Gallery, Versailles, Kentucky (606)873-1297. Carl sells and repairs these lamps, but may respond to questions with something like "Knowing EXACTLY what to look for is what makes the difference between a good dealer and a potential customer!" You're dealing in pretty rarified atmosphere with those old mechanical lamps, and those that have knowledge of them may NOT be willing to share it, as that is how they make part of their living!
Anyone else out there with any suggestions for Jaques?
:: Fil Graff, Guild Secretary ::
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On July 14, 1998 @ 00:54, Heinz Baumann
wrote:
Date: June 3, 1998
A few years ago, I described and illustrated the basic constructions of the 2 major types of French manual pump lamps in the "Newsletter" of the Canadian lamp club. (These lamps are different from the mechanical pump lamps, the Carcel and Moderator types.) The type that pumps oil to the upper compartment when first depressing the "candle-like" extension of by a lever, must have an internal pump spring to return the extension to the "up"-position. The pump is located at the bottom of the oil reservoir. The type that delivers the oil to the upper compartment when first lifting and then depressing the upper the candle-like extension does not have an internal spring. The function of that pump is comparable to the action of a syringe. The valves in both pump lamps are simple metal disks in valve housings. Many Carcel lamps have dual piston pumps driven by a clock work. The piston seals are made of thin leather and the valves are metal disks. The moderator lamp shows a construction that is reminiscent of a grease presses: a big spring (looks like the ones found in old fashion mattresses) pushes onto a large leather washer that compresses the oil in the lower oil reservoir and delivers the oil through a narrow tube to the burner. If Jacques' interest is to have a functional pump lamp (any type), I would like to suggest to buy one that is complete. My experience is that without a wealth of parts, it is most difficult to restore these lamps. I tend to agree, the best source of any pump lamps is France.
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On July 14, 1998 @ 00:56, M. Ara wrote:
Date: June 6, 1998
Ara wrote:
Jacques' lamp could be one of those shown in "Early Lighting", a Pictorial Guide, by the Rushlight Club. Please see the illustrations 4-41 and 4-42, page 46.
I wonder how one can answer to Jacques' request without seeing a picture of his lamp. That's what I asked him for: send me a picture. Regards, Ara