Antique China Questions About Antique Oil Lamps

Posted in Antique Store on 01/23/2012 06:05 pm by Ling

Donna asks…

HELP FOR Science Fair....Lamp oil?

My 9 year old son is in the science fair. He wants to find out if 'antique' lamp oil burns different than 'new' brands. I have a bottle of OLDE VILLAGE SENTED/COLORED LAMP OIL MADE BY KAADAN. It is so old that the back lable reads:
Lamp oil...caution combustible mixture
N.Y.F.D. C. of A. No. 4521
Contr. Appvd. B.S.A.
Cal. #864-79-A

If anyone can help....please hurry, I have 2 days before this project is due. Thanks. by the way, the oil is green bayberry.

Ling answers:

I don't think your bottle of old oil is actually that old for several reasons:
1. If you search KAADAN oil on Ebay, the "vintage" lamps are only from 1980.
2. Truly antique oil is very unlikely to be scented.
3. The numbers on the back of the bottle refer to manufacturerer numbers and safety numbers - not a large concern 150 years ago.

BUT...
Perhaps your son can research the difference in how new vs. Old lamps burn the same oil (rate of use, cleanliness)

And as a science teacher myself, I am concerned that you say that YOU have two days to do the project....your SON should be doing this. It is ALWAYS obvious when parents do their children's work. Let him do this and figure it out....the teacher is likely trying to get the kids think scientifically - you are not helping your son by doing the project for him!

Best of luck to him at the science fair.

Charles asks…

The Genie and the lamp...?

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out.

The Genie says, "I'll give each of you just one wish."

"Me first! Me first!" says the admin clerk. "I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world."

Puff! She's gone.

"Me next! Me next!" says the sales rep. "I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life."

Puff! He's gone.

"OK, you're up," the Genie says to the manager.

The manager says, "I want those two back in the office after lunch."

Ling answers:

That is not that funny but at least it made me smile!

John asks…

Another important lesson?

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, "I'll give each of you just one wish"

"Me first! Me first!" says the admin. clerk. "I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world." Poof! She's gone.

"Me next! Me next!" says the sales rep. "I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life." Poof! He's gone.

"OK, you're up," the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, "I want those two back in the office after lunch."

Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.

Ling answers:

Great joke.

But the moral is actually very true to life..

I have learned that if I can psyche my boss into thinking my sole purpose is to make him look good. HE IS HAPPY. HE DOESN'T LORD OVER ME, as much.

Sandy asks…

Ohhhhh Noooooo????

A secretary, a paralegal and a partner in a city law firm are walking through a park on their way to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out in a puff of smoke. The Genie says, "I usually only grant three wishes, so I'll give each of you just one."

"Me first! Me first!" says the secretary. "I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world. Poof! She's gone.

"Me next! Me next!" says the paralegal. "I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of pina coladas and the love of my life." Poof! He's gone.

"You're next," the Genie says to the partner.

The partner says, "I want those two back in the office after lunch."

Ling answers:

Haha! Very funny! Good one!

Linda asks…

Management Course - Lesson 3?

LESSON 3
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, "I'll give each of you just one wish." "Me first! Me first!", says the admin clerk. "I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world." Puff! She's gone
''Me next! Me next!" says the sales rep. "I want to be in Hawaii ,
relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life."
Puff! He's gone.
"OK, you're up," the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, "I want those two back in the office after lunch."