AboutStuart Driver Expertise KEROSENE/OIL LAMPS, PARTICULARLY THOSE MADE BY
EDWARD MILLER & CO. (E.M. & Co.) - U.S.A.
Website: www.edwardmillerkeroseneoillamps.com
Experience Experience in collecting and restoring of this brand of lamp, and kerosene or oil lamps for 20 years. My knowledge and expertise is widely recognised and due to the lack of informtion about this sort after lamp on the internet I have created a website dedicated to the central draught lamps of Edward Miller and Co. and it is becoming an information source for this brand of lamp.
I am a member of the Lamplighters Guild of Australia
I have written a number of articles about Miller Lamps for various publications including Antique magazines.
Education/Credentials - BaPS(ccs)
Awards and Honors - N.M.,NSWPSM.
Past/Present Clients - I assist an internationally based cliental and supply lamp parts internationally.
Expert: Stuart Driver Date: 6/9/2008 Subject: Princess Feather oil lamp
Question I recently came across an amber colored princess feather oil lamp, but it has a hole drilled out in the bottom. Can this be repaired, and does it still have value if repaired? How much should I pay, or should I just pass on buying this?
Thanks
Answer Hi Bill,
The decision to purchase something is purely a matter for you and your judgement. I cannot advise you in the manner you seek. Two 'rules of thumb' I have always advised however
1. Never buy anything just because you think it might be worth more than the asking price.
2. If you like it, and you can afford it, then buy it so long as the price is reasonable. Even if you pay a little too much for it, the pleasure that you receive from owning it and enjoying it will outweigh the 'money in the bank' so to speak.
Further the value of any object is dependent on its condition, rareity and demand. This varies greatly depending on where you live and many other factors.
Yes, if an item has been altered (like damage to a lamp as a result of it being electrified at some time) lessens its value. The ability of somebody to restore it back to its original function certianly restores some of its value, but it can never reach its original potential value if the repair leaves the item less than perfect.
Although I have not responded in the manner that you had wished, I hope I have been of some help.
