New Lincoln Drape Lamps by Alladin

by J. W. Courter
Rainbow Review Glass Journal - November 1974

Aladdin kerosene mantel lamps have been made by Aladdin Industries, Inc. (formerly the Mantel Lamp Co. of America) every year since 1909. The first ones were made of brass and commonly were nickelplated. Glass New Alladin lamp lamps in many styles and colors were made from 1930 until about 1955. Since then aluminum and brass styles have been available.

Aladdin is again molding glass Aladdin lamps. They are making the short "Lincoln Drape" design - NOT the tall "Lincoln Drape." The current plans are to "re-introduce" the lamp for emergency lighting to the hardware trade in November, 1974. See photo at right.

The first lamps to be introduced this fall will be available in amber crystal. The amber lamp is pretty and medium dark in color. It should be popular in modern home decor. Other colors will be introduced later. The lamps will be outfitted with 14-inch beige burlap shades.

Upon publication of news of the new lamp in the Mystic Lamp in May, 1974, Aladdin collectors had mixed emotions about the new lamp. Many were shocked and greatly disappointed to learn that Aladdin planned to reproduce a lamp in an old collectible style. The intention of the company, however, was NOT to make the lamp for the antique and collecting trade but rather for the hardware trade. Aladdin collectors (Knights of the Mystic Light) urged Aladdin to date the new lamps. Showing their concern for collectors, Aladdin undertook the necessary steps to permanently mark all new lamps. Those now being assembled are embossed with the date "New 1974" on the bottom of the lamp. The first production lamps were unmarked.

Needless to say, all Knights and, in fact, all collectors regard the dating as a very positive step by Aladdin. This accomplishment clearly demonstrates Aladdin's concern to protect the collector.

There are other readily apparent differences between the original and the new short "Lincoln Drapes:"

  1. The real key is the raised metal collar which supports the burner in the new lamp. This collar is very similar to the ones on several of the early styles (Venetian, Colonial, Cathedral, Corinthian, Majestic, Quilt and Vertique). The threaded collar of the original lamp is embedded in the glass itself.
  2. The new lamps are made in two parts (bowl and foot) which are glued together. However this glue joint may not be readily apparent. Only close examination will reveal that the new lamp is made in two parts and not one piece of glass as the original.
  3. The color of the lamp may show which one is new. First, the original was not made in green crystal. Second, the color of the amber glass (at least of the first production sample) was darker in appearance than the original. This difference, however, would be very difficult to distinguish by anyone who did not already have a B-61 lamp.
  4. The outer edge foot design of the new lamp differs from the original.

There are also other very minor differences in the new mold but these are difficult to see unless you study the lamps side by side.

Aladdin is planning extensive advertising of the new lamps. The forthcoming U.S. Bicentennial celebration with the current nostalgia and collecting craze has created much interest in kerosene lamps. The "Lincoln Drape," with its distinct Americana flavor, should become a top seller as well as a modern collectible.

Editor's Note: Condensed from "The Mystic Light of the Alladin Knights" by J. W. Courter, the author of "Alladin: The Magic Name in Lamps."