Aladdin Lamps

I have used kerosene lanterns on various occasions and while they work, the light is not the best.  We have had electricity all our lives and are spoiled by good light.  I recently came across an old Aladdin lamp that uses a mantle and wick.  I am in the process of ordering the mantles and getting the lamp cleaned up for use.  New Aladdin lamps are quite expensive.  Mine was built in the 1930 and came from an old railroad caboose.  In researching the lamps, I found the following information.

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“Aladdin lamps were unique in the use of a round wick to provide an even non-flickering flame and a rare earth mantle that glowed to produce the light of a 60 watt light bulb when heated by the flame from the kerosene lamp.  The difference between the light of the Aladdin lamps and any other oil or kerosene lamp was so great that the company offered a one thousand dollar reward to any person who could show them an oil lamp that could equal its light.  The reward was never collected, and by the early 1930s seven million Aladdins had been sold!”

I have been told that you cannot burn liquid paraffin in them without damaging the mantle.  If you have experience with Aladdin lamps, I would appreciate hearing from you.

Howard

See also  Fire Protection for the Homestead.

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8 thoughts on “Aladdin Lamps”

  1. Great lamps. the best prices I have found on mantels and wicks is from Sims Supply
    https://www.simsupply.com/casearch.aspx?SearchTerm=aladdin
    Aladdin had a production problem with their burners where the chimney retaining ring would crack. I had two news lamps in the box and the retaining ring for the chimney cracked. Without this ring it is impossible to keep a chimney on the burner. I believe this is the reason Aladdin changed to the heelless chimney because of production problems with the older type of retaining rings. Aladdin replaced the burners without charge. Check your lamps now before you need them.

    1. Do you know if there are less expensive mantles that can be used on newer aladdin lamps? The lowest price I have found for aladdin mantles are 27.00 each.

  2. My experience with mantles is about the same as a coleman lantern. Mantles are so fragile once touched by flame they do not last long. I have used several types of fuel and it is my experience that burning paraffin with mantles does not effect the life cycle of the mantel. You use a much lower flame due to the increased heat and it is the heat that makes the mantel glow not the flame. The advantage of paraffin is smell. What I would like to know is, are there any cheaper mantels that the Aladdin brand that can be use on a lox-on frame? Would a coleman mantel work as an example?

  3. Ebay has a lot of Aladdin Lamp Parts as well as whole lamps. I am new to this type of lamp but have used other kerosene lamps. I accidentally purchased the lower part of a vintage aladdin lamp model 11. Now I am in the process of learning about the lamp and how to get the parts needed to make it work.

    Using yahoo search, I have found a LOT of information. The sims link doesn’t have any mantles listed. Some parts are interchangeable and some not without a modifying device. Aladdin parts are on Amazon in addition to several other online stores.
    My model was made between 1922 and 1928 so is now in group of parts shortages AND antique since it is approaching 100 years. The base I have is in excellent condition and nickel plated. Now I have a interesting challenge to get the correct parts to get some light.

  4. I am in the process of getting my aladdin lamp working. However when I put the flame to the burner I get a huge flame that doesn’t seem to dissipate. I then freak out and blow it out. What’s the problem?

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