Hi all, I am seeking some information on a table lamp I acquired from a relative of an elderly neighbour undertaking a clean out of the house. Consequently I can't contribute anything about its history. From the pictures below, it appears to be a Veritas Famos kero or oil lamp. I know next to nothing about this lamp, and it is missing a wick (which I may be able to source) and maybe it was also intended to run an incandescent mantle (which I'm learning is going to be difficult to source). I understand the wick is a tubular shape. I cannot say whether the chimney, which is marked "Superb" , matches the lamp. It is 13.5" high. The chimney also has boxed numerals at the very top, inverted, of 6 50. I'm thinking this could refer to a date of manufacture? Is anyone able to help with some background on this lamp, or kindly direct me to a User Manual? Thanks, Ian.
Hi vicky, I think you have a veritas superspeed CD model, if you look up the website www.emmens.me.uk there is info on famos lamps with references to the one you have. Hope this helps. Regards Ian.
You have a nice and well designed burner there. It is a blue flame mantle lamp like Aladdin still makes them. Without a mantle they produce only heat, hence blue flame and that is also the catch: your 120cp mantle is illusive are rare to find. You should ask your neighbour where he/she got the mantles from. Maybe you are lucky or perhaps they have them in the attic.
Nice lamp there Ian Hope you can get it working.. as the link says base-camp look to have wicks in stock great link @Mr cod not seen that one before.. some good fettling and ideas :-)
That is one of the last British made Famos lamps and a very similar lamp was marketed as the Veritas Superspeed, wicks and mantles do turn up on Ebay UK., sometimes, but they can be expensive and your chimney is one of the correct ones.. The link below shows relevant information. Other brands of mantle Lamps
thank you all for the replies, espcially mr cod and Jeff for the links. my enquiries continue. have been in touch with base-camp about their wicks, now to track down a suitable mantle substitute. In fact was advised by base-camp to be wary of using the chimney, do to fragility. cheers, Ian.
Well mr cod and Jeff and others, having looked through that very comprehensive material in the emmens link, it does appear likely my lamp is an early Veritas Superspeed CD. Thank you again for pointing me in the right direction. A fettling job ahead, which I look forward to with anticipation. cheers, Ian.
Keep us posted on the fettle, the end product should look pretty good. In the meantime here is a picture of my 2 famos 120,s Regards Ian
very nice Mr cod. When I have acquired the parts and work is in progress I will certainly post a pic.
Wow, Is that 2s & 9d? 30 cents in AUS money. I suspect you're lucky to have 1, let alone 2. Nice stockpile Paul.
@paul m , I see you have a veritas FAMOS 120cp mantle which seem to be rather new. When did they make those?
In what appears to be totally attributable to dumb luck, I may have found a Veritas Superspeed mantle to fit my lamp in the possession of a dealer here in New South Wales and for sale. It appears that the box contains mantle plus cage. Just arranging to take delivery now. One step closer.
Well done @Icky - in case you don't know - once in place you need to burn off the mantle, after which it becomes fragile.. The manual for the "modern" Aladdin 23 might help for operation https://www.bplampsupply.com/help/AladdinEnjoymentManual.pdf
Thanks for the tip Fireexit. Having never used this lamp previously I'll certainly be taking it cautiously.
Since last posts I have managed to locate a new-in-box mantle and metal carrier for my Veritas lamp. The seller is a small shop perhaps known to some, "The Original Lamp Shop" at Braidwood NSW, not far from Canberra. Proprietor Robert Aernout, only open on weekends, www.kerolamps.com Quite an Aladdins cave of collectible stuff and a very big array of lamps and shades. Anyway he had a mantle in stock which I preferred to collect in person due to the vagaries of Australia Post, and I now have the dilemma whether to use it or look at it. I have now commenced the polish of the lamp itself, which was very tarnished, but it is cleaning up nicely. Few pics attached.
Nice polishing job, those centre draft mantle lamps give a excellent soft white light. Take care not to wind the flame up to high or else black carbon spots will occur in the mantle. At worst a runaway flame.
thanks for the link Firexit1. Thanks also, Walkop. When I collected the mantle I asked for some help with the operation and installation and Robert in the shop kindly showed me the method (I also bought some oil, metal polish and a chimney). Additionally (perhaps anticipating my likely stuff up) he fired up an equivalent Aladdin lamp to demonstrate. He deliberately turned up the flame so that black carbon spots appeared on the mantle then with the flame turned down to a moderate height surprisingly they seemed to burn themselves into nothingness. I bought a non-genuine heel-less chimney as he suggested (as some on here also cautioned) that the original Veritas chimney I have just might not be up to it any more. I should also mention the wick was obtained from Base Camp. I'll cogitate upon my options while the polishing continues ........
Ah, it sounds like you got the good oil when at Robert's lamp shop. We are lucky such places are about. Enjoy your Veritas lamp.
