L.170

A relatively compact double student lamp with lateral invert font that is not only in excellent condition, but has two Vesta shades in a rare light blue colour. Found on eBay USA. It is odd that the lamp has two German 10''' Kosmos burners, which are completely unused. The lamp has no marks at all. I suspect that this student lamp was made in Germany in the first half of the 20th century for export to the USA and served there unused for decoration. Such double student lamps were popular and widespread in the USA.

Burner logos could indicate Brökelmann, Jaeger & Busse, but this is uncertain. The burner tubes have air holes at the bottom, as if they had central draft according to Argand's principle, but this is not the case. The assumption is that they wanted to imitate the appearance of the old student lamps by Kleemann, which were very successful in the USA.

The Vesta shades, which are rather rare in their beautiful light blue colour, have a 154 mm fitter width. They are held in shade holders that have a variable diameter. With their two elastic arms, these shade holders can also accommodate other Vesta shades with fitter widths of 145-155.

Except for 2 chimneys, the lamp was complete. I got the missing chimneys from France.

The central post stands on a round base made of sheet brass, under which a lead weight had been cast. The base had been damaged during transport: The sheet metal was deformed, which I repaired to the best of my ability, and the lead weight had come loose, which I glued back in place with epoxy glue. After cleaning and polishing, the lamp shines as if it had just been made.

Lamp Data

Added by me:
Two glass chimneys.

Cleaning and repairs:
The deformed brass plate of the base is bent into shape. The lead weight is glued in place.

Lamp body:
Base of stepped brass sheet, round, Ø 122 mm. Under the base a lead weight. Total height of the central rod 45.5 cm. Two burners and fuel container are connected with tubes and variable in height.
Tinplate invert font concealed in a cylindrical container of sheet brass, Ø 66 mm.

Burner:
Two 10’’’ Kosmos burners of Brökelmann, Jaeger & Busse, Neheim.
Wick knobs marked: Kosmos Brenner.
Flat wicks 49 mm.

Glass chimney:
Two 10’’’ Kosmos chimneys. Height 250 mm, Ø fitter 39 mm.
Marked: Cristal Supérieur Made in France 10'''+ crown and garland.

Shade and shade holder:
Two Vesta shades, white milk glass overlaid in light blue, flat upper rim.
Height 133 mm, Ø fitter 154 and bulge 181 mm.
Two own special shade holders for 145-155 mm shades, width variable, with special mounting.

Lamp dimensions:
Height minimum 45.5 cm (height of the central rod), total height with chimney maximum 70.0 cm.
Total weight 3320 g.