Miller Lamps
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Miller Lamps
by Sue (solson@coinet.com)
Posted: October 22, 1998 @ 17:06.
Hello! I just read in the archives about Miller Lamps. I wonder if
anyone could expand on this a bit as it seems I might have a similar
lamp. Mine is a silvered metal with "The Miller Lamp Made In USA"
stamped on it. On the round fuel bowl, there's a cap with the threads
on the inside (cap is missing) - I'm assuming that's where you pour
in the fuel. There is also on the fuel bowl a knob that lowers and
raises a metal tubing shaped like an upside-down "u". There is no
chimney - nor any "cloth" type wick...just all metal. Okay..now my
questions would be if the wicks are avaialble - if "spare" parts
would be available (like the missing cap) and that such. I'd love to
be able to utilize this lamp! Does anyone an address (email) where I
might find parts and such for these Miller Lamps??
Thanks!!
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On October 24, 1998 @ 15:43, English Archbishop (Lightinter@aol.com) wrote:
Miller lamps were made at Meriden Conn. from the mid-1840's and were
sold throughout the world - some were very decorative, all were high
quality. Wicks and chimneys and filler caps should be available
easily in US - I am in England so know only of what is available here
and in Underneath (Australia). Guild Secretary Fil and others will
supply you with the rest. Use only good quality lighting kerosene
which MUST be clean. John in
England.
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On October 25, 1998 @ 18:30, Fil Graff, Guild Secretary (fgraff@comcast.net) wrote:
Sue: I'm glad His Grace, the Archbishop, covered for me whilst I was
away (and thank you, friend John!) I cannot tell from the description
if the burner is complete or no, or even which model Miller Lamp you
have. If there is a removable part at the top that has 4 "prongs" to
hold a chimney in position, likely the "gallery is OK. The wick on
the table lamp size is, I believe, the same diameter as the Rayo (if
you measure the round tube in the center...outside diameter, I can
tell for sure), and so could likely be rewicked. I've never been
terribly enamored with the Miller wick raising mechanism you mention
(they tend to jam), and often pieces of it are left behind when the
smelly old wick is removed by someone readying the lamp for sale.
There are likely several of us around that could restore the lamp for
you (myself included)...if you are interested, please let me know
(and where you are as well...URLs are often very poor indicators of
geographic location), and I can suggest someone, perhaps even
reasonably locally, that could check it out, and provide the parts.
The appropriate filler cap is likely to be the hardest, and maybe
most expensive part, and if it's a table lamp, even that shouldn't
break you! If this is a BIG "store lamp" (4" chimney bottom, with a
font probably 12" in diameter, and meant for a hanging frame and
reflector shade), I would NOT recommend attempting to restore it to
kerosene burning! These big old hogs have an awful tendency to smoke,
and are (my humble opinion, and quite contrary to my usual
preference) better electrified! They are thus useful, and make a
great kitchen lamp (if you have a nice high ceiling). Table lamps can
also be electrified, often non-destructively, for easier use in a
modern home. The choice is entirely up to the owner...we all have
opinions and preferences, but it's YOUR lamp! :: Fil ::