This is to introduce Barbara and Richard Dudley, the Lamp Doctors. We have over 20 years
experience in restoring antique lighting, including gas, electric, and especially oil lamps.
Since joining the Mystic Light of the
Aladdin Knights (member #1785) in 1979, I've conducted
seminars on lamp restoration, exhibited extensively at regional and national shows, and
contributed to articles on lighting. In addition, our business is listed in several
antique resource guides such as Mahoneys, and serves as a referral source for old lamps and
parts from Aladdin Industries.
I am also a charter member of the International Guild of Lamp Researchers, which provides
access to a vast array of lamp expertise and parts sources.
Restoration Services
- Rewiring of electric lamps.
- Electrification of oil and gas lamps.
- Limited restoration of electrified oil lamps (back to oil burning, when possible).
- Replacement of parts
Reference Guides
Restoration Tips
Lox-on Mantle adaptor
An Aladdin Collector/machinist advised me of an adapter he has made to
use the less expensive Lox-on Mantle in-place of the Kone-Kap
Mantle. He machined the top of an unused KoneKap bottom shell to fit
the Lox-on Mantle frame. This device is available from Huntington
Christie at 814-827-9141. Call him for the particulars. Yes, you
can make one yourself, but even with one of his as a model it took
over 30 minutes and a lot of frustration. See the pictures of the
adapter and it mounted on a lamp.
Restoring dingy brass
A conservative approach to restoration of dark dingy brass finishes is
the application of a paste floor wax to the finish. Wait 20 minutes
and buff metal with a shoe brush and then a clean soft towel. This
will give you a nice soft patina and will only enhance the value of
the antique instead of reducing the value by buffing the finish with buffing compounds.
Charring Aladdin wicks
Empty the oil font of kerosene, let the wick dry somewhat and then raise the wick to the top of the draft
tube (on Aladdin Lamps) and trim the rough edges of the top by cutting
a thin slice from the wick top with a "Brand New" single edge razor blade.
Then briefly dip the top of the wick, about 1/2" in kerosene.
The wick is then burned to create the charring. Next "lightly" and
carefully apply the wick trimmer to finish the job. The wick should now
burn evenly and heat the mantle properly.
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