The Ultimate Chimneys for Victorian Era Center Draft Lamps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WICKS TO FIT  THE   HEATERS LISTED BELOW - AND MORE!

Unique Specialty wicks
for 19th Century lamps

 

     .    .

World's Largest Selection of Wicks!
      Wicks for virtually every heater, stove and lamp made since 1850.
 heater wick, lamp wick 
<< wicks by heater & model number in the column at left.

The Ultimate Chimneys
for Victorian Era Center Draft Lamps,
 Student Lamps and Kosmos Lamps

Chimneys listed ascending by size.

Junior / "0" size chimneys 
Success reduced base
Imperial/Vulcan 2 7/16" base
2 1/2" base for many Center Draft Lamps  
2 5/8" base for most Center Draft Lamps 
 Radiant #5 - Belgian 30''' 2 15/16" fitter
 Store Lamp 4" fitter 
Mammoth - B&H #89 4 1/2" fitter

Fitting Chimneys 

 Principle chimneys & dimensions chart (below)
Overseas Postage - See Below.
 Special Order Lamp Chimneys

Victorian "white light" lamps are a wonder to behold, producing a beautiful white reading light while consuming little fuel.  For decades, though, wicks and the proper chimneys were impossible to find.  I have had terrific wicks made in England to the precise dimensions required by the finest wick maker in the world, Hattersley.   I now have excellent chimneys of the correct dimensions made from tempered borosilicate glass for these wonderful rare lamps.  Super smooth and strong Pyrex chimneys!

Original chimneys of the proper original design can be almost impossible to find, and when found are extremely expensive and often very fragile.  The actual shape of a chimney directs the flow of air and flame around the flame spreader in such a way as to create the most flicker free light possible.  Modern replacement chimneys appear to be made from molds designed for duplex lamps - not a center draft lamp, and certainly not the precise center draft lamps listed below.  The height, width and shape of the bulge was very carefully crafted by the original designers to mold the flame into the desired shape and burn odor-free.  My chimneys were designed to put the top of the flame spreader inside the base of the bulge where it should be to produce a full curl flame.

From left to right:  Success chimney; Radiant #5/Belgian 30'''/Dresden chimney; and the Mammoth Chimney with 4 1/2" fitter for the B&H #89, Globe Incandescent #2 and Pittsburgh Mammoth.  The chimneys are hand made and production is limited.

These chimneys are made in the USA from borosilicate glass, thick, defect free, and can take the heat generated by these "white light" lamps without breaking. 

  • Borosilicate glass is a type of glass (Pyrex) with the main glass-forming constituents silica and boron oxide. Borosilicate glasses are known for having very low coefficients of thermal expansion (~5 Χ 10−6 /°C at 20°C), making them resistant to thermal shock, more so than any other common glass.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borosilicate_glass

Rare original chimneys were duplicated in shape to ensure the designed characteristics were retained.  The craftsmanship of these new chimneys is evident in the photo above, showing the polished top edge.  Alex Muzyka, Dick Stauffer and I have tested these chimneys on many lamps.

Please measure the distance between the chimney fingers before ordering.

Junior / "0" size chimney  for Tiny Miller/Juno, Tiny B&H lamps, and other finger lamps.

The cheap chimney commonly used on "Jr." and "Tiny" lamps has too large a base.  That is why so many of the "finger" and other junior size lamps are found with the chimney finger/prong support band/fitter split or broken.  The proper chimney is the rare Macbeth #4, with a base diameter of 1.572", which allows the fitter "fingers" to have spring action with room to expand when the chimney is hot.  The 7" height has the proper "draw" for small center draught lamps.
These chimneys are precise duplicates of the Macbeth #4 - in ultra smooth, strong borosilicate glass with perfectly square cut and smooth ends!  The smoothest glass  you will ever see or feel.

Photo at right:  My chimney on left, Macbeth #4 on right.

Junior / "0" size chimney*

1.580" fitter, 7" tall
Thickness:  2/32"
Top opening:  1 1/4"
Glass weight:  2 3/4 ozs.
 Made in USA of fully annealed heat resistant borosilicate glass. 
*The "Little Jewel", "Little Prince", "Little Royal" and some others require a chimney with a fitter diameter of 1.34".  Measure first.

     

Tiny Miller, left.

Tiny B&H, right.
See lamps using this chimney:  Miller "0" Chimney, duplicate of the original Macbeth #4;  Tiny Miller, Tiny B&H; Miller Finger lamp; Tiny Miller 0 Table lamp; Tiny Miller Hanging lamp.

Extra postage for shipping beyond North America: (Up to four (4) per order.)

"Jr." - "O" size chimney, $27.95 -  In stock now!

~

Student Lamp Sans Rival Chimney for 1 7/8" fitter student lamps, click here

Miller #1 and small Belgian chimney, Themis brand, Bohemian Glass made in CZ, click here.

Sans Rival 14''' Kosmos chimney

 Borosilicate glass, made in the USA from a mold made from an original German Sans Rival chimney.

At right is a photo of a typical 14''' Kosmos Concierge.  Note the brilliant white light in the "Christmas Tree" effect from the Sans Rival Chimney.

The Sans Rival's enhanced draft and flame control allows for the brightest white light on any 14''' Kosmos lamp.  And that wonderful draft control means that even at a very low setting, for example as a night light, the lamp produced clean, odor free burning.  So clean, in fact, that the chimney seems to stay clean and without a trace of smudge even after many days of burning.  Click on photo to enlarge it.

Sans_Rival 14''' Kosmos Chimney, 2.031" base diameter, 10 3/4" tall.  $37.95

British Duplex borosilicate chimney (round)

British Duplex - round
2.603" base, 12" tall
1.872" throat
small bulge, long taper             (More information here)

Success (PL&B), Belgian 20''' Chimney

The chimney commonly used on Success lamps these days is actually a duplex chimney - designed for two flat wicks.  The chimney on the right was developed from an original Success chimney. There were apparently two burners used throughout the lifespan of Success/PL&B, as on some a 2 1/2" chimney base fits fine but on others is too tight.  Heat expands the glass, and either the chimney breaks or the fitter is split.  As modified by  Alex Muzyka, this chimney has a base diameter of 2.3575" to 2.3875", allowing the fitter fingers to have spring action on the chimney for uniform expansion.  Note the shape of and placement of the bulge at the right place for the flame spreader, resulting in a perfect "tulip" flame, as shown at lower right.  The 12" height allows used of the chimney in GWTW style lamps with a ball shade and odor-free burning. 

Please note that these small base chimneys were mostly used on early Success lamps.  Please be sure of your measurements!  Most Success and other lamps use the 2.485" base chimneys below.

Success, Belgian 20''' chimney, small base

2.3575" fitter, 12" tall
Thickness: 3 /32"
Top opening: 1 3/4"
Bulge:  2.835"
Glass Weight: 9.1 oz.
Shipping weight:  1 lb, 2 oz.

Made in USA of fully annealed heat resistant borosilicate glass.

Success chimney, small base $36.95     In stock now!

The chimney above was designed by Alex Muzyka for those lamps which require a smaller base chimney to avoid contact with the base of the chimney with the fitter collar.   The chimney below, designed by Dick Stauffer, is for most of the Success, Radiant No. 4, Belgian 20''', Veritas and Hinks 20''' lamps requiring a nominal 2.5" base chimney.  The chimney below is also excellent for any center draft lamp using a nominal 2.5" fitter, yet still allows for base expansion against chimney finger tension to avoid compression breakage. Ends are ground and polished flat without a "swell" to interfere with proper seating in fitter fingers and without air leaks at the base.

2 1/2" Chimney for Center Draft Lamps with 2 1/2" fitter
2 1/2" Chimney for #2 Center Draft Lamps - Royal, B&H, Miller (GWTW style), including Success, Radiant No. 4, P&A Banner #1; also fits European 20''' lamps using a 63.5mm (2 1/2") base chimney (Hinks, Veritas, L&B Belgian, etc):
2.470" - 2.485" fitter, 10.5" tall.  (12" tall for ball shades)
Thickness: 3 /32"
Top opening: 1 3/4"
Bulge:  3.060"
Height to bulge: 1.6"
Glass Weight: 5.6 oz. (10.5")
Shipping weight:  1 lb, 2 oz.
Made in USA of fully annealed heat resistant borosilicate glass.		 Notice the pure white light produced by the L&B Belgian 20''' at right. 

Click on photos to enlarge them.

Belgian 20'''
Also fits: Argand center draft, 60 c.p. Granville Belge, 12 p. Mitraileuse, 50 c.p. Belge, 2 Silber, 54 c.p. Annular, 45 c.p. Hinks, Nusunlite, Duplex, Comet or Tram.  All 20 '''  Wizard, Ariel, Juno, Hesper, National, Venus, Blitz, Imperial, Premier, Clarissa, Matador, Cilaxo, Helios, Sunrise, Marvel, Sunbeam, Triumph, Daylight, English Sun, Sun Pine, Odin, some Rayo, Rayo 22, B & H, and Young's Court 20'''. (measure first).

See lamps using these chimneys:  SUCCESS chimney  (on Success Stand Lamp) (full curl flame); B&H No 4 Radiant; L&B Belgian 20```;  Veritas 20''' table lamp, Veritas 20''' Hanging; Hinks 45 CP Annular, my Hinks 45 cp Annular.

Hinks 45 cp. L&B 20''' Messengers Radiant #4 Ideal Brenner 20''' DHR
Extra postage for shipping beyond North America =
(Limit one chimney per order/per package, but lamp wicks can be included.)

$4.00
Overseas orders

    

Center Draft lamp 2 1/2" base, 12" tall, for tall shades and high altitude

$34.95

For Center Draft lamps using a 2 1/2" base chimney: 10.5" tall   In stock now!

$34.95

2_5/8" Chimney for Center Draft Lamps      (Click on image to enlarge.)

P & A Royal #2

 Rochester #2

Juno #2

B & H #2

Parker #2

Handlan #30 Caboose Lamp

The perfect center draft 2 5/8" chimney!
Fits Rayo, Royal, B&H, Miller (GWTW style) #2 Lamps
Hand made from borosilicate glass (Pyrex) in the USA
Ideal base width = Tapers from 2.570" to 2.600" for easy insertion in fitter.
     (Fits in center of "seat" between cone and finger base without touching either. Adjust fingers for ideal tension.)
Height = 10"  (12" height on order to fit through ball shades)
Top inside = 1.842"; top outside = 2.018"
Height to bulge = 1.1"; The flame spreader is up inside the base of the bulge for a perfect flame!  
     (With the correct shape and proper airflow, the flame is white instead of dull yellow.)

Fits Royal #2, Rayo, B&H, Miller #2, Duplex, Aladdin Heelless: MATADOR, GWTW and #1 Queen Ann Burners, Fostoria #2, Rochester #2, Union #2, #2 New & Old Defries, Famos, 11 Aladdin, Handlan-Buck #30 Caboose.

Bulge width = 3.60"  (#2 lamps generally have a wide flame spreader and need a wide bulge of the correct taper to have sufficient flame height to project reading light. (See photo above right.)
Ground & polished ends = no flame bulges and perfectly flat ends-no air leaks.                          
>>>   NOW IN STOCK!!!   <<<

Extra postage for shipping beyond North America =
(Limit one chimney per order/per package, but lamp wicks can be included.)

$4.00

    

Mailed out of  U.S.

Center Draft lamp 2 5/8" base, 12" tall, for tall shades and high altitude

$34.95

Center Draft lamps using a 2 5/8" x 10" chimney    In stock now!

$34.95

IMPERIAL and GLOBE VULCAN CHIMNEY (2 7/16" wasp-waist)

Wild & Wessel of Berlin developed the "Kosmos" burner in 1865, where a flat-wick is formed round. By the early 1880's their absolutely perfected Kosmos burner was being imported into the US as the "Imperial" burner by B&H; in England it was imported by the Catterson Lamp Company and was known as the "Globe Vulcan" burner, and they used a post-style flame spreader.  An Imperial burner may have been used as a replacement for a duplex burner originally fitted on the lamp. Most of the lamps using the Imperial/Vulcan burners were table lamps, but a few were large, elegant banquet lamps.  My 1884 B&H Imperial is shown at right. The actual Imperial fount is shown in the foreground:  A period Parker fount is in the lamp base itself so the lamp appears intact as it would be if the Imperial fount was in place.  To enlarge, click photo.

The Wild & Wessel Imperial/Vulcan chimney was very unusual, with a wasp-waist below a tall flame spreader.  Without the correct flame spreader and chimney, these lamps burn poorly at best.  With the correct flame spreader and chimney, they burn magnificently!  No other chimney will work on this lamp to produce a decent burn except the original design...and original chimneys have not been available for many decades - until now!!!  These chimneys are made from borosilicate glass in a mold made from a signed original 1884 W&W chimney.  Alex Marrack makes reproduction flame spreaders so there is no excuse for not burning these magnificent lamps.  (For more on these lamps, click here.)

Imperial / Globe Vulcan Chimney

2 7/16" fitter (2.412"), 11 1/2" tall
Special wasp-waist as per the original German design
Thickness:  2/32"
Glass weight:  5.1 oz.
Shipping wt:  1 lb.

Made in USA of fully annealed heat resistant borosilicate glass.

Extra postage of $4.00 for shipping beyond North America =
(Limit one chimney per order/per package, but lamp wicks can be included.)

Imperial / Vulcan Chimney - $39.95  -  In stock now!

Belgian 30''' - B&H Radiant #5 - P&A Plumwood - Miller's Dresden, Empress & Liberty 2/0 Chimney (2 15/16")

Belgian 30'''; Dresden-Empress-Liberty; Radiant 5; P&A Banner #2 & Plumwood chimney   (Belgian 20''' and Radiant #4 use the 2 1/2" base chimney above)

One of the finest "white light" lamps ever made was the "Belgian."  They were expensive lamps, however, so the "big three" of B&H, P&A and Miller produced their more affordable versions of the Belgian as close to the original as possible.  These lamps were perhaps the culmination of center draft lamp design, using a thick 1 1/2" circular wick to produce an incredible amount of nice, white light, very close to the light output of a full sized store lamp, but with 1/3rd the fuel consumption.  To produce that light, however, the bulge had to be in the perfect location to produce a nice, tight "tulip" ball, as shown at right below. 

Note the position of the flame spreader right at the base of the bulge, as shown on my Miller Dresden.  The fit is the same on B&H Radiant #5's and P&A Plumwood lamps.  The chimney is 12 1/2" tall to fit through ball shades and large dome shades, and provides the proper draft for odor-free burning.

Far right is a full "tulip" flame on Alex Muzyka's Belgian. 

Click on any photo to enlarge them, then click "back" to return.

See lamps using this chimney: BELGIAN 30'''; B&H Radiant #5; P&A Plumwood; Miller's Dresden, Empress and Liberty 2/0 Chimney - flame at full curl on Belgian - chimney on  Dresden lamp, lighted on Dresden.

"Superb chimney, perfect flame, just as nice as it can be.  My 5 star, unqualified recommendation by actual test."   Dick Stauffer  3/7/09

Belgian/Dresden/Radiant 5/Plumwood chimney
2 15/16" fitter, 12 ½" tall
Thickness: 3/32"
Top opening: 2 3/16"
Glass Weight: 10.3 oz.
Made in USA of fully annealed heat resistant borosilicate glass.
 (For lamps using wick #2B - the large Belgian, and Radiant #5.  Smaller 20''' Belgian lamps and Radiant #4 use 2 1/2" chimney above.)

At right, my Miller Dresden at full "tulip" flame, lighting up the entire living room.

Extra postage of $4.00 for shipping beyond North America =
(Limit one chimney per order/per package, but lamp wicks can be included.)

The Belgian 30'''/Radiant #5/Dresden chimney, $44.95 @
(Limit one chimney per order/per package.)     In stock now!

The Perfect 4"_Store Lamp chimney!!!

The first store lamp was produced by Rochester in 1884, utilizing the Jan. 15, 1884 Henkle patent flame spreader. Between 1884 and 1905, Rochester sold hundreds of thousands of store lamps, the first being made by Miller and after 1892 made by Ansonia. By 1886, every large lamp manufacturer was selling store lamps, and over a million were sold before WW I. That was a time before electricity was commonly available, before cars and trucks, even before wide-spread mass transit. There were no big box stores, no strip malls or mini-malls. People shopped at small "mom and pop" stores within walking distance in their neighborhood. The "store lamp" was revolutionary, both lighting and heating a small store by hanging a lamp near the cash register.  With a 2 ½" diameter wick of 0.113" thickness, a store lamp can produce up to 13,000 BTU/hr of heat along with 300 cp of light. The glass chimney can get very hot. Even a cold draft could shatter the chimney!  Any "stress raisers" in the form of "flea bits" can cause the chimney to crack, which is why my chimneys have polished ends. Today we can use those old store lamps for both light and heat. A chimney that can safely harness that heat for decades is a wise investment.

These large chimneys are shipped one to a box and therefore have a "Buy Now" button.  You can add lamp wicks to an order to be included in the box without extra postage being paid.  Send me an email for details.

The Perfect 4"  Store Lamp chimney!!!
Width base = 4.095";  Height = 12 1/2"
Top inside throat = 2.567"
Height to bulge = 1 1/4";  Bulge width = 5.75"
Note: base taper from 4.095" to 4.06" for easy insertion in chimney fingers.
Polished and flame smoothed ends.
Glass weight: 12.5 ounces
Thickness: 3/32"
Made in USA of fully annealed heat resistant borosilicate glass.
 (Photos right: Rochester Store lamp, first model.  Second model lighted.)      In stock now!

Store Lamp Chimney - 4" base  
 [These are large chimneys and are shipped one per box.]

$59.95

4"_ Store Lamp Chimney, plain glass, $17.95
3 7/8" x 13"
Bulge 5 5/8"

Mammoth chimney - B&H #89 - Globe Incandescent #2 - Pittsburgh Mammoth

The three real "Mammoth" lamps were the Globe Incandescent #2, Pittsburgh Mammoth and the most common, the B&H #89.  Whereas most " store lamps" utilized a 4" fitter chimney, these three lamps used a 4 1/2" fitter chimney with an unusual wasp waist and tall flame spreader. 

The 2 1/2" diameter wick used in these mammoth lamps produced over 10,000 BTU/hr of  heat: Essentially the same wick was later used in the Perfection heater!  With that heat came a price to be paid, however - fragile chimneys.  Original chimneys were made with a soda lime glass and only 1/16" thick.  These new chimneys are 3/32" thick and made from annealed borosilicate glass, and they can take the extreme heat without cracking.  

B&H 89, Globe Incandescent #2, Pittsburgh Mammoth

4 ½ fitter, 11 ½" tall
Thickness: 3/32"
Top opening: 3 11/64"
Bulge:  6"
Glass Weight: 1 lb, 1 oz.
Base tapers gently from 4.542" to facilitate quick insertion between chimney fingers.
Made in USA of fully annealed heat resistant borosilicate glass.

The photo at right shows the new chimney on a Globe Incandescent #2.  The brilliant light from the chimney distorted the apparent shape of the bulge and the flash of the camera had a reflection off the extremely smooth surface at the top of the chimney.  My photography needs serious help, sorry.

These large chimneys are shipped one to a box and therefore have a "Buy Now" button.  You can add lamp wicks to an order to be included in the box without extra postage being paid.  Send me an email for details.

Borosilicate Mammoth Chimney for 4 1/2" fitter - $79.95
[These are large chimneys and are shipped one per box.]
 In stock now!

Original 4 1/2" fitter Mammoth chimney, same dimensions as above, plain glass.  $49.95

Special Order Lamp Chimneys

Some Victorian Era lamps are so rare that demand for chimneys to fit them is very low.  The moulds to make those chimneys have been produced at great expense, however, so it is possible to special order one or two at a time.  Delivery is slow because they are hand made, just like the chimneys listed above, in borosilicate glass.  Putting the lamps back into use, however, is worth the hassle.  The chimneys below are $49.95 each.

30''' Veritas   
Base fitter diameter: 3.15"
Throat diameter: 2.242"
Base to bulge: 1.5"
Height: 12.5".

 English Sun
Fitter 3.250" OD
Total height 13 3/4"
Bulge diameter 105mm OD
Tapered throat.		 Matador
Fitter: 46mm OD to 52mm OD
Height: 10"
Top opening 38mm OD
Bulge diameter 64mm OD

~~~~~~~~~~~ Principle Lamp Chimneys ~~~~~~~~~~

The tables listed below are intended to provide more information on lamp chimneys in general.

The symbol ‘’‘ , referred to as ‘line’, is an old measurement that changed from country to country. For comparison, a 20'’‘ lamp was rated as 50 candlepower and a 30 ‘’‘ as 100 candlepower when the lamp was a center draft design using a circular wick. The system of line measurement is of German origin and was widely adopted. There is no exact conversion of line to chimney dimensions or wick sizes.

The following table, taken from an old British publication, lists the principle chimneys and globes and gives their dimensions and fittings. The list gives alternative names where they are known.  You will note that some lamps are listed under various sizes - they varied.  This is a guideline only...measure your lamp to be sure of the size chimney it requires.

Base Diameter Lamp

1 1/8"

Nutmeg and Acorn

1 3/16"

1 '’‘ Lilliput

1 1/4"

Improved Wonder

1 5/16"

10 Defries, 3 '’‘ Lantern, 6 '’‘ Kosmos, P&A Victor, E. Miller Boudoir

1 3/8"

10 ‘’‘ Wizard

1 7/16"

8 ‘’‘ Kosmos

1 ½"

10 ‘’‘ Securitas, Original Wonder, 15 Defries, 0 Miller, 0 Rochester, 0 Union, 1 Thermidor, 6 Slip, 5 ‘’‘ Lantern, Stella, 10 ‘’‘ Kosmos

1 9/16"

2 Termidor

1 5/8"

Gem, Miller #0

1 3/4"

8 Bulge, Bijou, Queens 12 ‘’‘, Kosmos 12 ‘’‘

1 7/8"

15 ‘’‘ Wizard, 15 ‘’‘ Mikado, 15 ‘’‘ Ophir, 14 ‘’‘ Securitas, 30 c.p. Belge, 15 ‘’‘ Charmer, 15 ‘’‘ Reform, 10 Sunbeam, 10 Triumph, 10 Daylight, 14 ‘’‘ Orion, 14 ‘’‘ Radiant, 14 ‘’‘ Progress, 14 ‘’‘ Britelite, 14 ‘’‘ Southwark, 14 ‘’‘ Superba, 14 ‘’‘ Queens; many small European burners with galleries, including small duplex burners and Kosmos #12 burner; Veritas "The Reader,"  Hinks Coronation Hand Lamp, student lamps (special chimney)

2"

14 ‘’‘ Lighthouse, 1 Miller; Miller New Vestal; 1 Rochester, 1 Union, 4 Silber, 14 ‘’‘ Vulcan, 14 ‘’‘ Kosmos (Brit?), STUDENT LAMPS and larger German & French banquet lamps  (MacBeth #6 chimney)

2 1/16"

 16 ''' Court, 16 ''' Eagle, 20 Defries, 15 ''' English Sun, 15 ''' Viceroy, 18 ''' Queens, 10 Bulge or Slip, Eureka, Comet, Queen Anne, Tram, Kosmos 14 ''' (AM)

2 1/8"

 #0 Rochester-Miller, #0 size Queen Ann burner, 16 ''' Wizard, 16 ''' Ariel, 16 ''' Helios, 16 ''' Orbit, 16 ''' Radiant, 16 ''' Perfection, 18 ''' Southwark, 15 ''' Clarissa, Candesco, Esso, Edina, Arro, Morelite, Lucisca, New Fumar, Pifco, Challenge, Kronos, 16 ''' Odin, 15 ''' Matador, 15 ''' Reform Wonder, 16 ''' Vulcan, 16 ''' Kosmos

2 1/4"

 16''' Vulcan, 16 ''' Kosmos

2 3/16"

 15 ''' Marvel, 15 ''' Sunbeam, 15 ''' Triumph, 15 ''' Daylight

2 3/8"

 1 New and Old Defries, 18''' Vulcan, Paragon

2 7/16"

 18 ''' Kosmos; special chimney for Globe Vulcan/Imperial

2 1/2"

  Duplex and Argand center draft, Perfection, 60 c.p. Granville Belge, 12 p. Mitraileuse, 50 c.p. Belge, 2 Silber, 54 c.p. Annular, 45 c.p. Hinks, Nusunlite, Duplex, Comet or Tram.  All 20 ''' - Wizard, Ariel, Juno, Hesper, National, Venus, Blitz, Imperial, Premier, Clarissa, Matador, Cilaxo, Helios, Sunrise, Marvel, Sunbeam, Triumph, Daylight, English Sun, Radiant, Veritas 20''', Sun Pine, Odin

2 9/16"

 20 ''' Court, 20 ''' Eagle, Sunlight, Rarelight, Litenite

2 5/8"

 Royal, Rayo, B&H, Miller #2 (GWTW style), Duplex, Central Draft and Aladdin Heelless: MATADOR: GWTW and #1 Queen Ann Burners,  Radiant, Rochester, Fostoria, 2 Miller, 2 Rochester, 2 Union, 2 New and Old Defries, Famos, 11 Aladdin, Handlan-Buck

2 3/4"

 24 ''' Vulcan, 14 Slip or Bulge

2 7/8"

 30 ''' Marvel, 30 ''' Triumph, 30 ''' Sunbeam, 30 ''' Daylight, 5 Anucapnic

2 15/16"

 80 Hinks, Veritas 30''' (newer); Dresden-Empress-Liberty; Radiant 5; P&A Banner #2 & Plumwood

3"

 All 30 ''' - Juno, Hesper, National, Venus, Blitz, Imperial, Premier, 100 c.p. Belge, 1 Silber, Comet, Sun Pine, Victoria 8; Miller Liberty & Dresden 2/0

3 1/16"

 Various obscure 30 ''' - Clarissa, Matador, Court, Eagle, 3 Old Defries

3 1/8"

 30 ''' Veritas (old), 30 ''' Vulcan, Triplex, Victoria 9, 20 c.p. Matrailleuse, 7 Anacupnic, Hesperus

3 3/8"

 30 ''' Monstre, 30 ''' English Sun

3 1/2"

 9 Anacupanic

3 3/4"

 12 Anacapnic

3 7/8"

 50 ''' Vulcan

3 15/16"

 10 Union

4"

 Miller #3, Rochester #3, store lamps, B&H #96, 200 c.p. Juno #3

4 1/4"

 60 ''' Veritas

4 1/2"

 B&H #89, Globe Incandescent and The Pittsburgh (rare double constriction - see illustration below)

FITTING CENTER DRAFT LAMP CHIMNEYS

Victorian Era lamp manufacturers were experimenting with a new way to efficiently light homes. Innovations were constantly being patented. Literally thousands of different styles and sizes of center draft lamps were produced. Those lamp makers were also in intense competition with one another, each trying to produce the best "white light" lamp at the best price. It was inevitable that variations in chimney base sizes would appear even among the lamps produced by the same maker. The proper chimney is one that fits in the center of the chimney seat. The chimney fingers are adjusted to hold the chimney - a chimney is not selected to fit the "fingers."

The chimney holders should be adjusted (bent) so they only gently hold the chimney in place - NOT TIGHTLY!  These lamps produce a lot of heat and glass expands with heat - if gripped too tightly, the base of the chimney will break or the fitter will split.  Bending the chimney "fingers" is best not done using your own fingers - the pressure cannot be uniformly applied in the right places.  If the chimney fingers/prongs are bent in too far, a teaspoon can be used to gently push them back out from the inside - where your own fingers will not fit.  If the chimney does not fit tight enough, a teaspoon pressed against them from the outside surface will apply uniform pressure to bend the fingers without breaking them.  If  the adjustment (bending) is begun directly above the wick winder knob, you will know where you began the adjustment and therefore where to stop.  Then check the tension on the chimney and gently bend the fingers until the tension on the chimney is correct.  Go slow and easy and you won't break the chimney fingers.

Some P & A Royal and B&H lamps used a 2 1/2" fitter for the chimney, while others used 2 5/8" chimney fitters - but there are no firm "rules" here.  Almost all Rayo lamps used the 2 5/8" x 10" chimney.

The fit of the chimney to a center draft P & A lamp is quite critical.  There are quite a few cheap chimneys for sale which have a height from the base to the bulge of 1 5/8": the flame spreader is not in the bulge, but within the diameter.  Center draft amps generate a considerable amount of heat, and the flame spreader not up into the bulge often results in the chimney cracking horizontally at the base of the bulge on the first burning!   Those cheap chimneys which appear to be a good buy turn out to be not so charming when they break the first time you use them!

"The chimney HAS to be right. Your wicks won't perform properly if the chimney isn't exactly right. I have experimented with several chimneys hat ''fit'' the Success burner base, but there is a vast difference in how the flame works. I wish I could be more descriptive, but there were major differences. One chimney produced a perfect flame while another produced ''spikes'' of flame that prevented the wick from being raised properly."  Dick Stauffer

Any air leak at the base of the chimney will cause excess oxygen to enter a gap and upset the delicate air/fuel balance, resulting in "spikes" of flame.  One potential "cure" for cheap chimneys which cause a "spike" of flame is to flat sand the base of the chimney.  (This is not necessary for my borosilicate chimneys - the have flat-ground ends.) Most modern chimneys are made pretty cheaply, and often the base is not level.  Using 400 grit emery paper on a perfectly flat surface, gently and carefully hold the chimney base flat on the sandpaper and gently stroke straight away from you.  Lift the chimney, return it to the front of the sandpaper and make another stroke.  Then look at the base of the chimney.  If you see a dull spot, that is a high place that got sanded.  Sand the base again until all the gloss is gone, and therefore all the "high" places are sanded down even with the "low" places. 

ADDITIONAL MEASUREMENTS AND COMMENTARY BY ALEX MUZYKA

Lamp Type

Draft Tube OD

OW Tube ID

Chimney

Sub OK *

Rayo Jr.

7/8"

1 1/8"

2" X 8"

Yes

Miller Juno Jr.

1 1/32"

1 9/32"

2" X 8"

No

B&H Junior

1 3/32"

1 11/32"

2 1/8" X 8

Yes

P&A Royal Finger Lamp Size #1

1.00"

1 3/8"

2" X 8"or 2" X 6 Ύ"

No

Miller Junior Lamp

 

 

2" fitter

 

* As far as chimneys are concerned, most Junior size lamps are not picky when it comes down to chimneys. The Rayo Jr. gallery and burner are the most tolerant. The lamp burns well with both vintage chimneys, modern Czechoslovakian chimneys and cheaper Chinese imports with the longer than normal necks.

The B&H Junior uses an unusual 2 1/8" X 8 ½" chimney. The only replacement that I could find that fits is an cheaper Chinese import. Fortunately, the chimney fits perfectly and burns perfectly with the taller neck since the flame spreader is quite tall in the B&H junior.

The Plume & Atwood Royal #1 burner works the best with a vintage 2" X 8" junior chimney. The lamp burns with a very bright, clean and steady flame. The longer neck of the cheaper Chinese import causes the flame to flicker. The P&A flame spreader is short and does not have a stabilizing disk. The long neck of the chimney results in over-drafting and flicker. Modern Czechoslovakian chimneys don’t fit. The lamp gallery only accepts a chimney with a 2" fitter. These chimneys are ever so slightly bigger at the fitter…. No good. The lamp would probably burn well should the chimney fit. There is enough draft in the lamp design that a shorter 6 Ύ" chimney burns cleanly. The smaller chimney looks nicer on a finger lamp, more proportional to its small size. Notice that the P&A Royal burner, even in the #1 size, uses a wick that is slightly thicker than the rest, as is the case with the P&A size #2 burners!

In my opinion, the lamp manufacturers did not standardize the junior size at all. Just look at the draft and wick tube diameters. Finding a wick for each lamp is nearly impossible. Finding chimneys for them is not that much easier either. For example, the Rayo Jr. wicks do not fit any other junior lamp. Fortunately for Rayo Jr. owners, Miles Stair’s #1 wick is a perfect replacement for the Rayo lamps…. but to my dismay aren’t wide enough for any other lamp. The B&H junior lamp not only boasts an oddball wick, but chimney as well. I could not find any vintage 2 1/8" X 8 ½" chimneys. Fortunately the cheap 2 1/8" cheap Chinese import chimneys fit perfectly. Their longer fitter neck mates well with the tall flame spreader of the B&H junior lamp, resulting in a tall, bright and clean burning flame.

On a positive note, junior lamps are beautiful in their own right. Their small size makes them attractive almost anywhere. They put out a good amount of light while being thrifty on fuel at the same time. They are brighter than 15’’’ Matador lamps. The Rayo Jr. is certainly no "fuel hog" as its full sized cousin. They do not put out a tremendous amount of heat but radiate enough infrared heat to keep you cozy on a cold day. The few junior lamps that I have come to own burn very cleanly. The Miller junior and Rayo junior burn better (IMHO) than their full sized cousins. Unfortunately, they are not as common as their full sized counterparts, even on Ebay. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these gems, consider making it work if it doesn’t. You will not be disappointed with them!

Alex Muzyka

 

The image below was scanned from a reproduction of an old Success catalog.  Sorry it is blurry, but the image from the catalog itself appeared to be a reproduction.

Overseas_Postage:  Because of the strong box and packing material needed for overseas shipping (beyond North America), the following surcharges must be added to the automatic postage charged at checkout.  Except for the small "0" size chimneys, there is a limit to one (1) chimney per order/per package, in order to ensure safe delivery by limiting potential shipping damage.

Junior / "0" size chimney  (Up to four (4) per order.)

$2.00

Success, Belgian 20''', Imperial & 2 1/2" and 2 5/8" chimneys;  Belgian 30'''; Dresden-Empress-Liberty chimneys. (Limit one chimney per order/per package.)

$4.00

4" Store Lamp and 4 1/2" Mammoth lamp chimney
(Limit one chimney per order/per package.)

$4.00

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