Antique Hurricane Lamps
Hurricane lamps are typical oil lamps, which were invented in 19th century. They are also known as the library lamps and are beautiful and useful source of light. Usually, a hurricane lamp is consisting of three major components, the base, the chimney, and the wick.
The base is the valuable, ornate, and the most important part of antique hurricane lamps. The fuel or the oil of the lamp remains in this portion of the lamp. A base of an antique hurricane lamp may be made of ceramic, metal, or glass. You will find fine designing and carvings in this portion, which enhances the beauty of the lamp by manifolds. If the ceramic or glass base needs cleaning you may rinse it with simple water.
If you are unable to clean the base with simple water you can use some mild soap or diluted liquid cleaner used for washing dishes. If the lamp base is with a colorful finish like the carnival glass, it is suggested to test the cleaner before actually cleaning the base to avoid the possible color loss. In case of the mildew stains in the unglazed ceramic or glass lamp base, treat it initially with ammonia, which will kill the mildew then clean with care. It is not advisable to apply bleach on ceramics or glass.
You can repair a metal base of your antique hurricane lamp. Sometimes, simple hammering or soldering will make the base run for long time. You can make the metal sparkle by using a good polish, but make sure the polish matches the type of metal used in the base.
In most of the antique hurricane lamp you will find a regulating metal part, which holds the wick, and you can adjust the flame by moving the wick up and down. Most of the time it is permanently set on the lamp base. The wicks are the most ordinary part of the antique hurricane lamp and can be replaced very easily. The shape and the size of the wicks depend on the wick holder or the entire lamp.
The chimney of the antique hurricane lamp protects the flame from the gust of air and also serves as a décor. The ornate chimneys are usually painted, pressed glass, or engraved. You can clean the chimneys in the same process as the glass base but you need to handle them very carefully while washing, as they are made of thinner glass.
The antique hurricane lamps are a lovable addition to the décor of any room. It is good to dust it regularly before using, because the smoke and the dust may dim the light as well as reduce the aesthetics of the lamp.
