On Nov. 05, 1998 @ 22:00, Fil Graff, Guild Secretary wrote:
Ed: I'd be very surprised if it were a "hurricane lamp", at least by the definition we use. A "hurricane lamp" is basically a candle with a big chimney to protect it from drafts. The Rochester is the classic central draft kerosene lamp originally patented in 1884, and sold by The Rochester Lamp Co. of NYC, NY. I feel, based on claims made by them, that Edw. Miller manufactured the lamps after 1888. The marble base indicates it is probably a parlor lamp (the plain "table lamp" had an all brass font and stem) that had a decorated glass globe or pan shade.
The Rochester was likely the first widely successful round wick Argand type lamp in the US, and inspired MANY similar lamps. They were produced in table, banquet and hanging lamp configurations in several sizes up to the big "store lamp" Mammoth font and burner. They were always well made, and reliable, but couldn't stand the competition from either electricity or the mantle lamp like Aladdin. They were likely produced into the late 20's. There has been at least one catalogue reprinted (some time back, so secondary market available only now).
Hope that's at least a start to answering your question! :: Fil ::
- On Nov. 06, 1998 @ 17:07, Ed Gscheidle wrote:
  Fil, Thank you so much for your reply and valuable information on The Rochester. You're right, I shouldn't have termed it a hurricane lamp, particularly since I've been an Aladdin lamp collector for years. With the important clues you've provided, I can now speed up my own research. Thanks again! -- Ed

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