I appreciate that this forum is largely about restoration, but is anyone interested in enhancements? I have the following top shade/reflector on my Kirkman cold blast lantern, and find that it does a great job of putting light under the lantern when hung from the ceiling. {image removed} I put it on my Butterfly on a whim and it fit better than the factory shade! I'm going to ask the local Amish tin smith to make some for me, and now I'm looking for a better design for a side reflector. Here's a link to the Kirkman site. They are made in the U.S. and have attempted to improve on the design of the Dietz lanterns that are dominant over here. W. T. Kirkman lanterns
If Woody makes them why bother to have a copy made? Sounds to me he has someone already tooled up to make them. ::Neil::
They fit SOME lanterns, but not all. I'm going to try and get replicas for some other lamps with different dimensions...
Ah OK that mkes sense. I guess it depends on what you want them for. They won't look right of course but if you are using a lamp as a hanging light then the reflector makes a big difference as it eliminates shadow. ::Neil::
I also have one of these on my Kirkman galvanized lantern. Not cheap; it cost more than the lantern itself, but I did not mind paying the extra as he has these made in a local California shop. I admire Woody for keeping at least some of his manufacturing in the states and keeping some locals employed. He could have had these banged out in China for a fraction of the cost. Dan
Dan, I agree on all counts! I have the shade/reflector on a Kirkman #2 "Champion", and I was impressed that it was all domestically produced! I went with the galvanized version, but I was impressed that he also has brass and copper versions ($). I wish that he got more exposure for his lanterns. They appear to be technically superior to the Dietz, and it's even better that they are home-grown!
Well they should be good. Not much Woody don't know about tubular lanterns so if he makes them I would expecta superior product. Mind you I think he is misguided and rather sad for devoting a fine mind to wicky crap but I suppose someone has to. ::Neil::
Our local Amish won't use pressure lanterns/lamps, and no one seems to use Aladdins. (I haven't heard why...) The sad thing is that they get many of their wick lamps/lanterns locally which doesn't make for a very good selection. I've always wanted to have a small lamp shop on the side, but taking pressure lamps out of the mix would suck the fun out of it...
The Kirkman shade is welded, and I'm thinking of making some but brazing them instead. (I'm lousy at welding thin material...) I visited the Amish tinsmith tonight, and he liked the Kirkman shade. The Amish buy local, and the local supply for flat wicks is lame. I'm going to visit him in January and bring him some historical literature for side and top reflectors. I got the impression that they would be well received since the most that he as seen are pie tins and the like...
