ARCHIVED Questions and Answers
Miller Lamps
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Miller Lamps by Sue
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
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
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 ::