Lamps Glossary
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Lamps Definitions & Glossary

Jump To: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

3

3-Way_Switch |

1. 3-Way Switch
These lamps give you the option of using two or more on/off switches. These lamps are great if you want to use your wall switch to control the light as well as the switch on the lamp itself.


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A

Acid_Etching | Angle_Lamp | Annealing | Annealing_Crack | Argand | Arm_Chair | Armoire | ASID | Astral |

2. Acid Etching:The process of etching the surface of glass with hydrofluoric acid. Acid-etched decoration is produced by covering the glass with an acid-resistant substance such as wax, through which the design is scratched. A mixture of dilute hydrofluoric acid and potassium fluoride is then applied to etch the exposed areas of glass.

3. Angle Lamp-The trade name for a lamp manufactured by The Angle Manufacturing Company designed to eliminate the undershadow produced by most lamps. The burners were set at an angle and were fitted with bowl shaped elbows topped with conical chimney-shades.

4. Annealing
The process of slowly cooling a completed object in an auxiliary part of the glass furnace, or in a separate furnace. This is an integral part of glassmaking because if a hot glass object is allowed to cool too quickly, it will be highly strained by the time it reaches room temperature; indeed, it may break as it cools.

5. Annealing Crack:A defect that occurs during the glass manufacturing process (during cooling) and generally results in a fine, hairline crack. Often, the crack does not go through the glass.

6. Argand-The burner type designed by Ami Argand which employs a circular wick held between to concentric metal tubes and uses a chimney and improved air flow design to produce a brighter, more efficient flame. Also refers to the early style of lamp using the Argand principle with a centrally located oil fount feeding the burner that is mounted on an arm away from the fount. The more recent student lamp is a revival of this early design.


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B

Base | Base | Battery_Operated | Bed-in-a-bag | Bergere_Chair | Blaze_Hole | Blown_Glass | Bombe_Chest | Bracket_Lamp | Bruise | Bubbles | Burner | Burner_Cone | Burner_Tube | Burning_Fluid | Burst_Bubble |

11. Base
The bottom portion of a lamp, or foot, upon which the lamp rests.

12. Base
Definition:The base of your lamp usually determines how your lamp functions for you. Adjustable bases have arms that let you move your light source. Plastic or metal bases can be molded into decorative shapes. Ceramic bases can come in different shapes and with different designs. Your base usually expresses the personality of your contemporary desk lamp.

13. Battery Operated:Powered by batteries, these lamps are extremely portable and efficient. Great for students or crafters who need concentrated light in different areas.

14. Bed-in-a-bag:A bed-in-a-bag includes a comforter set and a sheet set. The pieces in the bag will usually be a comforter, bedskirt, pillow shams, a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases. Most sets include two pillow shams and pillowcases, however the Twin Set includes just one pillow sham and one pillowcase.

15. Bergere Chair:
A bergère chair is an upholstered chair having closed, upholstered sides, arm rests, seat, and back. It also includes exposed carved wooden legs. These chairs are considered French country in style and are often used with an upholstered ottoman having similar exposed carved wooden legs.


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C

Camel-back | Canopy | Cased_Glass | Ceiling_Extension | Center_or_Central_Draft | Cherry | Chimney | Chimney-Shade | Chip | Cigar_Lighter | Cold_Blast | Collar | Comforter_Set | Commode | Composite | Connector | Copper-wheel_Engraving | Coronet | Crease | Crown | Cutting |

27. Camel-back:-A camel-back sofa or chair has a hump or raised curve at the center of the back.

28. Canopy:The part of a lighting fixture the mounts to the ceiling. In a pull-down hall lamp fixture, the part that hangs from the ceiling and contains the pulleys.

29. Cased Glass:-Glass formed by layering glass of varying colors together. Usually two colors, sometimes more. In founts, it is often wheel cut to produce geometric designs. Sometimes referred to as "overlay."

30. Ceiling Extension:
The mechanism of a hanging lamp that allows the lamp to be raised and lowered for service or lighting. Often consists of a set of chains that are wound by a heavy spring. Most have a decorative cover. Commonly called "motors" or "winders".

31. Center or Central Draft:A burner type, using the Argand principle, characterized by a hollow tube running through the center of the fount or lamp. Generally uses a flame spreader to diffuse the air.


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D

Data_Ports | Dead_Flame | Deflector | Dent | Dimmer_Switch | Ding | Dip | Double-Jack_Chain | Down_Light | Drip_Cup | Drop-leaf | Duplex |

48. Data Ports:-These handy ports are usually located in the base of your desk lamp and give you the option to connect and disconnect your computer or laptop with ease. Most desk lamps with data ports are as sleek and modern as the technology they contain.

49. Dead Flame-A lantern design whereby the airflow to the flame is strictly controlled, reducing the draft, and thereby reducing or eliminating flickering.

50. Deflector:
The domed part of the burner which encloses the wick tube and wick. Directs air flow to the wick and helps control combustion, thus producing a stable flame.

51. Dent:
A larger depression in the metal greater than ½" in length.

52. Dimmer Switch
Change the intensity of your desk lamp at your leisure. Some switches let you fine tune the brightness on your lamp, while others have 2 or more preset light settings that you can change by turning or pulling on the light switch.


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E

Embossed | Energy_Efficient | Engraving | Etagere | Etching | Expander | Extinguisher |

60. Embossed:Any pattern or design that is pressed or molded into a piece. Term can apply to both metal and glass items.

61. Energy Efficient:Energy efficient lighting uses about 75% less energy than regular lighting. A desk lamp that is energy efficient can help the environment and your electrical bill. As energy efficient lamps become more commonplace, it is becoming easier to find a stylish, eco-friendly light for your desk.

62. Engraving-A method of producing a design/pattern on glass whereby shallow cuts are made using copper cutting wheels and abrasives.

63. Etagere
An étagère is a cabinet with open shelves used to display decorative items.

64. Etching
A method of producing designs/patterns on glass whereby acids are used to remove part of the glass and make the design.


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F

Fairy_Lamp | Feeder_Tube | Figural_Stem | Filler_or_Feeder_Cap | Finger_Lamp | Finial | Fire_Polished | Fitter | Flake | Flame_Spreader | Flea-Bite | Folded_(or_Rolled)_Rim_(or_Edge) | Fount_or_Font |

67. Fairy Lamp:-Generally a candle or night lamp with a glass base and domed shade the burns a stubby (votive-type) candle. Range from plain to ornate art glass types.

68. Feeder Tube:On a Student or Argand lamp, the structural horizontal tube through which the fuel passes from the fount/tank to the burner.

69. Figural Stem:-A classification of a composite lamp which has a stem that is molded, carved or cast in relief that depicts a person, animal or object, or combination of elements.

70. Filler or Feeder Cap:-A removable cover (usually threaded) that allows fuel to be added to the fount without removing the burner.

71. Finger Lamp:-A lamp made with a loop that allows it to be carried by inserting the index finger through the loop to support the lamp. Can have a flat base, or a footed (raised) base.


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G

Gallery | Gauffer | Gimbal_Lamp | Globe | Gone_With_The_Wind_Lamp | Gooseneck |

80. Gallery:
Refers to the circular metal ring on the top of a burner that accepts the chimney.

81. Gauffer-The act of crimping or fluting, such as a chimney top or lamp shade. Can be hand formed or formed with the use of tools.

82. Gimbal Lamp:Lamps mounted in double trunnions, or gimbals, with a weighted base that allows it to hang vertically despite movement. Often used on ships and trains.

83. Globe:-A term often used to describe a lamp shade, particularly a ball shade. Also to describe the lamp glass used in a lantern.

84. Gone With The Wind Lamp:-Generally a vase or parlor lamp with a removable fount and matching painted or embossed decoration on both the lamp base and shade.


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H

Hall_Lamp | Hand_Lamp | Hanging_Lamp | Hardwood | Harp | Haze | Heat_Check | Height_Adjustable | Highboy | Hinge | Hot_Blast |

86. Hall Lamp:
Generally a pull-down lamp with a decorative glass shade, used to illuminate halls and stairways during the night for safety. Not used for general lighting as they do not give a very bright light.

87. Hand Lamp-Generally another name for a finger lamp where the fount forms the base of the lamp. Designed to be carried by hand from one place to another. Made of metal or glass.

88. Hanging Lamp-Any lamp designed to be suspended from the ceiling.

89. Hardwood
Definition:Woods from deciduous trees such as walnut, mahogany, cherry, oak, and teak are called hardwoods. They are characterized by a fine, compact grain, durability, and heavy weight, which makes these woods ideal for furniture construction and flooring.

90. Harp:
In a hanging lamp, the frame that holds the fount and often supports the shade. Can be heavy wire, cast iron, or brass.


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I

Insect_Screen |

97. Insect Screen:Any perforated metal or wire mesh accessory placed on the top of a lamp chimney to prevent insects and other debris from falling into the burner.


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J

Jeweled |

98. Jeweled
Definition:Any lamp or component part (such as a hanging lamp frame) that is adorned with cut or faceted colored glass cabochons.


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L

Ladder_Chain | Lantern | Leveler | Lip | Loveseat | Lowboy |

99. Ladder Chain-A type of chain commonly used on hanging lamps characterized by links that are configured into the shape of a ladder. Sometimes solid brass, but most often made of brass-plated steel for strength.

100. Lantern:
A lighting device, commonly used outdoors, that utilizes a globe to protect the flame from wind and the elements. Most often carried from place to place, thus of fairly rugged construction.

101. Leveler:-A device used on a hanging lamp to keep the lamp hanging level. Often a spreader that pivots in the center.

102. Lip:Commonly the flanged area of a chimney or lamp shade used to secure it to the burner or shade holder, respectively.

103. Loveseat
A love seat is a small sofa or double chair usually for seating two persons. It us often upholstered, but can be of cane or rattan, with cushions or without.


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M

Mahogany | Mantle | Maple | Marked | Mechanical_Lamp | Miniature_Lamp | Mold_Blown_Glass | Mold_Marks | Motor |

105. Mahogany
Mahogany is a reddish-brown hardwood with a medium grain. It is used for formal style tables, cabinets, and other pieces of furniture.

106. Mantle
A specially made 'tube' or cone of treated material that produces an incandescent glow when heated by a kerosene or gas flame.

107. Maple
Definition:Maple is a hardwood with light brown tones and a closed grain pattern. It was used extensively in furniture manufacture for many years, but has been replaced by other hardwoods in recent years. It can now be found in kitchens on cabinet and drawer fronts.

108. Marked:Referring to an item that contains any manufacturer's mark, logo, hallmark, patent information, etc. Could be either molded in the glass or embossed on the metal.

109. Mechanical Lamp-Any lamp characterized by a key-wound, clockwork driven mechanism to "fan" the flame. The fans create a sufficient draft that these lamps are designed to burn without chimneys.


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N

Night_Lamp_or_Night_Light |

114. Night Lamp or Night Light:A small kerosene lamp designed to be used at night. See also Miniature Lamp.


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O

Oak | Oil_Guard |

115. Oak:
Oak is a very hard wood with obvious open grain. It is valued for its durability, strength, and hardness. Oak wood colors range from very light yellow-brown to soft red tones.

116. Oil Guard-A term associated with Lomax (and similar) lamps that employs an lipped outer rim to catch spilled kerosene. Also referred to as a "spill-guard" lamp.


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P

Patent_Dated | Pearl_Top | Peg_Lamp | Perforations | Petal_Top | Piano_Lamp | Pickwick | Pie_Crust | Pine | Pontil_-_Polished | Pontil_-_Rough | Pot_Stone | Pressed_Glass | Primary_Colors | Prism_Ring | Prisms | Prong | Pull-Down |

117. Patent Dated-Any information on an object that contains actual patent dates, patent numbers, or other patent information; or information that can be associated with known patents or dates.

118. Pearl Top
A rim treatment of a lamp chimney characterized by a ring of beads that encircle the top of the chimney. Usually machine made as the beads are of a uniform size.

119. Peg Lamp
In general, a lamp fount designed to use a candlestick as its base. They have a small "peg" resembling the base of a candle and are merely inserted into a candle holder for use.

120. Perforations
Definition:A series of holes that are stamped or drilled in the burner components to promote air flow.

121. Petal Top
A rim treatment of a lamp chimney characterized by hand-made gauffering in a shape resembling the petals of a flower. Petals can vary greatly in size, some are small and others are quite large. Since the petals are formed by hand, the size and shape may vary slightly on the same chimney.


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R

Reducer | Redwood | Reflector |

135. Reducer:
A threaded metal ring that reduces the opening of the lamp collar to the next smaller size.

136. Redwood:Redwood is a valuable and costly hardwood characterized by its red color. Because it is durable and weathers in interesting ways, it is often used for casual furniture, including outdoor pieces. It is also used for outdoor decking and fences.

137. Reflector-Any mirrored surface, often blown mercury glass, or concaved metal surface designed to increase light output by reflection.


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S

Scratch | Scuffing | Secondary_Colors | Secretary | Set_Screw | Shade | Shade | Shade_Ring | Sheet_Set | Side_Chair | Sinumbra | Skater and #39;s_Lantern | Slipper_Chair | Sliver | Smoke_Bell | Smoke_Shade | Sofa | Spear | Spider | Split | Spreader_or_Spanner | Staining | Stand_Lamp | Stem | Stop_Balls | Store_Lamp | Straw_Mark | Stress_or_Age_Crack | Striae | Student_Lamp | Suspended_Lamp | Swing_Arm |

138. Scratch:-Significant abrasions with measurable depth. If you scraped your fingernail over a scratch, you could feel it.

139. Scuffing
Light rub marks or abrasions with no appreciable depth.

140. Secondary Colors
Definition:The secondary colors are purple, green, and orange. They are created by mixing two of the primary colors.

141. Secretary:
A secretary is a tall desk having a slanted front writing area, a low chest of drawers below, and a cabinet or bookcase on top.

142. Set Screw
A small, gnurled screw that is finger-tightened to secure a shade or chimney into it's holder.


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T

Teak | Thumb_Wheel | Trim_Ring | Tripod |

170. Teak
Definition:Teak is a very hard wood from trees that grow in east India. It is a yellow-brown and is a high-quality, durable, heavy, close grained wood. It has been used extensively for shipbuilding, but is also used for fine furniture.

171. Thumb Wheel:-The knob on the burner that is used (turned) to adjust the height of the wick.

172. Trim Ring-A decorative brass ring used to protect the tops of ball shades on GWTW and other lamps. Also, any decorative ring used to embellish the top of a lamp base with a drop-in fount.

173. Tripod
A three-arm wire lamp shade holder, sometimes encircled by a ring-shaped channel to enclose the shade fitter.


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V

Vapor_Vent |

174. Vapor Vent
Definition:A means of preventing pressure from building up in the fount by allowing it to vent through the burner by way of a small tube.


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W

Wall_Plate | Walnut | Wheel_Engraving | Wick | Wick_Trimming | Wick_Tube | Wick_Wheel | Winder | Wing_Chair |

175. Wall Plate
Refers to the mounting plate that attaches to the wall to hold a bracket lamp.

176. Walnut-Walnut is a hardwood characterized by its dark brown color and medium grain. It is used for traditional style furniture pieces including tables, chairs, chests, desks, and armoires. English walnut and black walnut are the most common varities used today.

177. Wheel Engraving:-A process of decorating the surface of glass by the grinding action of a wheel. An abrasive in a grease or slurry is applied to a wheel, as the engraver holds the object against the underside of the rotating wheel. See Copper-wheel engraving

178. Wick-That which carries liquid fuel from the fount to the burner for combustion. Usually of cotton or similar material. Flat, round, braided, etc.

179. Wick Trimming-The act of cutting or shaping the wick to produce a better shaped flame (and to remove carbon build-up), thus producing better light. Often done with specially made scissors. Also refers to a special adaptation of many burners which allows the gallery to be raised to expose the wick without removing the chimney and in some cases, the shade. The burner can also be lighted in this fashion.


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