Oil Lamp Chimneys
Chimneys are an integral part of an oil lamp, both functional and decorative:
- They protect the flame from wind and air currents which could blown out the flame or cause excessive flickering.
- They help reduce the risk of fire often associated with open-flame lamps.
- They, along with the burner design, help induce a draft, which promotes better combustion, increased fuel economy, and decreased smoking.
- At some point in time, chimneys became quite decorative and elaborate, further enhancing the beauty and value (especially today) of a lamp.
From an early advertising card - The "GEM" Chimney