Antique oil lamp

[Zeuhl]

Is there a section on AB devoted to antiques?

I can't find one. There is 'How it Works' but there are tumbleweeds blowing around in there.

Anyway, CB has lots of intelligent, knowledgeable people ....

My daughter has bought an old brass oil lamp about 20" high. British made, manufacturer's mark is a 'V'. There are two brass knobs to adjust the wicks but there is also another control we don't understand on the opposite side of the body of the lamp.

It's a type of spring-loaded trigger/lever also in brass. We just can't work out its purpose.

Anyone know?

Any info gratefully received.
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[NazNomad]

Photos?

[RATTER15]

I used to be a miner in a clay mine, we used the old Davey lamps, they were lit using a trigger on a flint, im wondering if you have a trigger it maybe the same, to activate a flint to light the wick?

[ChuckFickens]

I'd guess it's a snuffer for putting the lamp out.

[Zeuhl]

Interesting answers. No sign of a snuffer though of course it may have been lost.

Photo is a good idea. I'll get one and post again.

Thanks all

[mccfluff]

does it look like this?

http://www.antiquelam...english-duplex-burner

[mccfluff]

if so chucks right tis a snuffer

[Zeuhl]

Yes!!

almost identical. Thank you very much for that guys.

I still don't understand how the extinguishing action works.
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[Zeuhl]

Thanks mcfluff for link to american oil lamp site - fascinating

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