Hurricane Lamp: "The Rochester" model
-
Hurricane Lamp: "The Rochester" model
by Ed Gscheidle (gsch@cyberhighway.net)
Posted: Nov. 03, 1998 @ 23:00.
I am trying to determine the manufacturer name and date of
manufacture of a brass hurricane lamp whose only identification is
the name "The Rochester" embossed on the top of the font. It's
distinguishing feature is a 1/4 inch layer of marble at the base of
the font.
-
On Nov. 05, 1998 @ 22:00, Fil Graff, Guild Secretary (fgraff@comcast.net) 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 (gsch@cyberhighway.net) 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