Kerosene Lamps

Kerosene lamps can include a variety of lighting devices that use kerosene as a fuel. Kerosene lamps have a wick or mantle as light source, protected by a glass chimney or globe. They may be used on a table, or hand-held lanterns for a portable light source.

Kerosene lamps are useful for lighting without electricity, such as in regions without rural electrification, during power outages, at campsites, and on boats.

The most common of kerosene lamps is the flat-wick type which draws fuel up through the lamp burner attached to a fuel tank or fount. A glass chimney or globe is attached to the top of the burner to aid air flow facilitating a cleaner and brighter flame.

Most kerosene lamps are made of practical and plain clear glass. Lamps of colored or frosted glass, porcelain, and painted glass are considered a status symbol.

 (Click picture to enlarge.)