History of Kerosene Lamps

History of Kerosene Lamps

After the invention of modern oil lamps and the production of kerosene about 1800, population needed a way to use these lamps to do work outside. The oil lamps used a glass globe and wick to operate the amount of air flow colse to the wick, and protect the flame. But there was much work to be done outside, where these lamps were actually broken. Therefore a much stronger, more protected source of light was needed. So came the introduction of the kerosene lantern, also known as a hurricane lantern. This is a more rugged version of the kerosene lamp, which is designed to be portable. They consist of a metal base, which holds the fuel, and side tubes which securely hold the glass globe to prevent breaking.

These lamps had numerous uses in the early 1800's straight through the 20th century. They were used for lighting homes, and barns, to light horse drawn carriages, on ships, hasten cars, and even early automobiles.

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There were distinct kinds of kerosene lanterns made. One was the dead flame lantern. These were designed to eliminate or minimize the draft which reached the flame. These are also known as non-tubular lanterns. They consisted of a series of baffles inside the top, above the globe, and a series of lowest draft holes, that were positioned so no top draft, or wind could blow directly on the flame. These were often used by the railroads as signaling lights.

Another type of kerosene lamp was the tubular lamp. These include a ducting theory to stabilize and enhance the draft of air reaching the flame, creating a stable, wind defiant flame. They are added divided into the "hot blast" and "cold blasts" styles.

The "hot blast" lanterns are constructed to contribute air into the base of the lantern, which is heated by the flame. A measure of the hot air rises into the canopy over the globe, and is pushed by a downdraft straight through the side tubes to the air chamber below the burner supplying the flame. Hot blast lanterns produce a yellow flame.

The "cold blast" lanterns are constructed so the contribute of air straight through the side tubes, does not mix with heated air from the flames. The flame is supplied with fresh air, both straight through the globe plate and the side tubes. This produces a white flame, and twice the volume of light as a "hot blast" lantern. The most paramount maker of tubular lamps, R.E. Dietz, still manufactures lamps today, although his company has moved to Hong Kong and China.

The use of kerosene lamps decreased during the depression. Today most uses for kerosene lamps are supplied with flash lights, and outdoor lights. Kerosene lamps are often collectors items.

To view some high quality, brass and copper kerosene oil lamps, please visit www.Oilflames.com

History of Kerosene Lamps

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