Antique Petroleum / Oil Lamp - Banquet - Metal + Glass Shade

Hi everybody,

I'm having a couple of questions about the next oil lamp.
Unfortunately it's been electrified. But still is a very nice lamp.

I'd like to know it's origin & age, plus I'd like to know if
there's still some value in this lamp.

I think it's very beautiful.
Plus, it's a very large one: 70 cm / 27.56 inch.

1) The bottom is stamped: B.R.
I don't really know where it stands for.
I remember I have seen lamps before with B.R.,
having something to do with British Railroad company or something.
But I can't believe that's applicable in this case.

2) The knob of the burner is glued somehow. It could even be faked.
The top of the burner seems to be original. I don't know if there's a possibily
to restore that. Maybe it just need a new burner. But....
if I place a new burner, and remove all the electrical parts...... --->

3) To make this electric lamp an oil lamp again...
Most important for an oil lamp of course is a watertight oil reservoir.

You can see from the pictures that there is an hole in the reservoir.
Now I think that hole is drilled for the electra. However I'm not sure.
Maybe there is just a part missing that would close/occlude the hole.

I'd like to know if there's a solution for this, without having to buy myself
a whole new oil reservoir.

4) I'm not sure if the metal pieces are just metal or brass or bronze.

5) Middle onyx-looking piece is just glass.

6) Lamp's shade is etched.
To me it looks like it's decorated with olympic symbols.
(Olympic fire torch + some sort of wreath/garland)


Thank you very much in advance!
R. Antonis

 

More pics

 

I can't help, but just wanted to say I really like the glass shade.

 

Since the exit for the cord is depressed into the base you could go to NAPA or any auto supply that has either Neoprene gasket or sheet gasket material. This is oil and fuel resistant material.
That large washer there is usually termed a 'fender' washer.
Assuming you can get into the inside of the reservoir get a set of thick fender washers at the auto store and at least a 1/4" bolt, nut and star washer set. 3/8" may be better. Then seal it all up with Neo washers on each side.

 

Personally, I think this is a 1960ish electric lamp made to look like an oil lamp. Probably been rewired with that electric cord (as that looks like current wiring).

I'm basing this on a couple of things. 1. The blue font does not appear to have been drilled for the cord. The edge of the hole looks molded. 2. The collar is wrong for an old lamp. The electric element would have screwed down into the collar for a conversion. Still available today if you want to turn oil lamps into electric.

The top of an oil font would be ground. This looks molded to fit the collar


Still a nice looking lamp.
Can't tell if the shade is new or an old one that was used to replace the original.

Also BK would be the metal fabricator and not the lamp maker. Who ever made the lamp and sold it under their name, bought the parts from various companies and assembled it.


Adding:
I could very well be wrong. Wait for other opinions.

 

It is, or was, a Kosmosbrenner (cosmos burner) lamp, a rather frightening name.

Here is some info:
http://www.milesstair.com/KOSMOS-BRENNER_LAMPS_&_WICKS.html

 

@clutteredcloset49 But if the top of the font supposed to be grounded.
How would the burner be attached to it? Or is this a stupid question

 

@KingofThings Thank you for your explanation.
I'm affraid, if the lamp isn't antique, it would be a waste of time and money to convert the lamp. It probably would effect the value very much neither.

 

Speaking of value.... What do you guys think would be a acceptable price to OFFER this lamp in the condition it's in? Or should I trie to convert it first?

 

I don't know about your lamp but a lot of years ago I bought a Victorian oil lamp that had been converted to electricity.
I use it with a low watt bulb and it gives a nice soft glow as an oil lamp would.
I still love mine, I know now with the knowledge I have picked up over the years that I paid far too much for it as it had been devalued but I wouldn't exchange it for another.

 

Not a dumb question.
The glass would not have been ground all the way down, there still would have been about a quarter inch rise.
The collar would have been attached with plaster of paris.

I'm not familiar with Eurpean collars and burners. American burners screw down into the font. When I see the threads on the outside, I usually think new.

 

Yes, I think you're right about screwing down on the inside. And I indeed have seen it before.