Antique oil lamps can stir feelings of happiness and warmth just by their looks. As you may know, most all were hand painted by very talented artists from long ago. Even their whimsical shapes and styles can bring a sense of joy and pride if you are lucky enough to display one in your home. While they are certainly beautiful to look at, in reality, they are antiques. You should question whether the lamp is safe enough to be used in your home environment.
The hanging oil lamps can present a few more concerns that those that sit upon a table out of the way. When you purchase the lamp be certain to examine the chain which supports it. Is it sturdy? Or, has it become rusted with time? If it is rusted, you may consider replacing it for safety reasons. Of course, I would recommend hanging onto the old chain if you think you may resell it at a later time. Oil lamp enthusiasts often look for antiques that contain as close to 100% as possible original parts.
You should also try to deal with reputable sellers in selecting your antique oil lamps and hanging oil lamps; they can help you identify potential problems before you buy. It doesn’t hurt to deal with someone who will be around after you make the purchase as well.
Some lamp safety oriented questions to ask your antique dealer be the following:
Has the burner or the socket been tested to insure that it is now working properly?
Is there a motor or pulley so I can raise and lower my lamp, or will I need a ladder just to light it?
Have the framework and suspension been safety checked?
Just by asking these simple questions, you can avoid making a purchase that may prove to disappoint you after the sale.
i love antique oil lamps, but have no one yet. it’s pretty and of course safe with a careful care
Hey there chandeliers,
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, they are so beautiful. I think their fragile nature makes them all the more awe inspiring to me. I used to go ‘antiqueing’ with my parents and I look back now and think they must’ve been nervous wrecks watching me move around the antique shops with these amazing lamps all around.