Wicks for Oil Lamps

I received a call this morning from a reader who reader the article on Kerosene Lamps in What’s Up? .She asked me if I could recommend a store where she could purchase a wick for her old oil lampl. Evidently she has been driving all over Annapolis and could not find a wick! Immediately I thought of stores that sell marine supplies because many boaters use kerosene lamps in their cabins. So if you live near Annapolis Maryland, I have verified that: Stevens Hardware
142 Dock Street, Annapolis, MD 21401-1803
(410) 269-0629‎, sells wicks and has five different kinds in stock. The best way to purchase a replacement wick is to bring in the old wick you are replacing or the oil burner itself. For those folks reading this blog who do not live near an old-fashioned hardware store, you can always buy wicks online. The Pepperell Braiding Company has been in business since 1917. Located in Peperell Massachusetts their website is www. wickstore.com. If other readers want to share suggestions please do.

Shades for Kerosene Lamps

Dear Ms. Maril,
I read your February article in What’s Up Eastern Shore on kerosene lamps. I have a question regarding the shades that were used with those lamps. Were they always glass? I have seen them at antique shows with pretty paper stenciled and cut-up shades, but maybe they are not authentic. What shades were used in the 19th century?
M.M.S

You are correct that not all shades were glass. In fact I came across an old advertising brochure that pictured a wide selection of fancy shades made of crepe paper, that’s right crepe paper. My first thought was, how flammable! After all, these shades rested right on top of the glass chimney with the open flame inside. There were also lovely shades made of silk with lots of ruffles, edged in lace. We don’t see any of these shades nowadays because they rotted away as they aged or were thrown away when they became too filthy and dusty. There are some silk reproduction shades being made and yes, some hobbyist decorated shades of heavy parchment paper but glass was the most practical and certainly the most durable!

Value of Antique Beaded Purse

Enjoyed your article on the beaded bags of yore. I have a bag exactly like the one with the expandable top pictured on page 47. I would like to know it’s value. Thank you for any information you can give me.
Sincerely, Annie
For those who have not read the article on beaded bags:

–http://www.whatsupmag.com/home-garden/antiques/09-11-24/Vintage_Handbags.aspx

This particular bag, used most likely during the summer months when attired for church or special occasions, is a nice example of an expandable beaded bag from the first decade of the 20th century. If in mint condition it is worth approximately $265.