ARCHIVED Questions and Answers
Phoenix oil lamp [INDEX: Pittsburgh Lamp, Brass & Glass/Plume &
Atwood]
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Phoenix oil lamp [INDEX: Pittsburgh Lamp, Brass & Glass/Plume &
Atwood marraige] by Terry Scott
Posted: July 30, 1998 @ 20:32.
I have an old kerosene lamp which has "Phoenix 881"
stamped on the bottom of the base. I am not sure if this is 1881 or
a number for the lamp. There are no other siginifcant markings on
the lamp but the wick is a circular wick which surrounds a brass
element which is stamped "Royal" on the top. Please let
me know where I can find more information on this type of
lamp.
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On July 30, 1998 @ 21:26, Fil Graff, Guild Secretary
wrote:
Terry: The word "Royal" on the flame spreader (the
brass element inside and protruding above the wick) indicates
that Plume and Atwood made the burner, at least. The ROYAL was
one of their commonest center draft burners. The
"Phoenix881" in the base (cast iron?) could just be a
die marking. I'd guessing the Royal burner is in an "oil
pot" (fount) that sits inside some sort of decorative base
with a heavy cast foot? If so, it could be a reception lamp, a
small banquet lamp, or just a table lamp. Send an image, and the
identification will be easier! :: Fil Graff ::
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On July 31, 1998 @ 08:43, Terry Scott
wrote:
I looked at the base again. The "Phoenix" is stamped
on the bottom and on the top side of the base (where the
decorative base sits) the letters PL& B CO are stamped in the
base. The base appears to be copper or brass as it is coppery
colored but also has the green discoloration associated with
copper. It is quite heavy. Thanks for the prompt reply.
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On July 31, 1998 @ 08:58, Fil Graff, Guild Secretary
wrote:
Terry: "PL&B Co." is Pittsburg Lamp, Brass & Glass
Co. They made much of their own product, and had the
"Success" brand on their burners (2 chimney sizes).
You seem to have a marriage of font and base (not unusual, as
the base fitter dimension was common to many lamps of the
period, but still "wrong" if complete originality
is desired). You are likely better off with a P and A
"Royal" font, as the Success fonts are terribly
prone to stress cracking, and thus are frequently not
restorable to kerosene burning. This could account for the
switch! :: Fil ::