Selecting Oil Lamp Chimneys

Oil Lamp Chimneys are used with or without a shade on antique lamps. Sometimes called glass globes or hurricanes these chimneys sit in a burner with tines or a chimney holder. The chimney is always put in burner first. The shade is then put on.

Chimneys are measured bottom diameter by height.

• Height is a matter of personal taste. Typically the oil lamp chimney extends up thru the middle of the lamp shade and rises 2″-4″ above the top of the shade.
• Bottom diameter is measured outside edge to outside edge. This measurement is important as it must fit the holder or burner. Most burners have a narrow seat for chimney to rest on. Particular care should be taken if the lamp is used to burn oil making sure the oil lamp chimney bottom fits securely.
• Fit: The chimney should put slight pressure on the tines of the chimney holder or burner which in turn holds the oil lamp chimney in a stable position. This ensures a proper updraft enabling the burner to function correctly.

Height and shape of chimneys affect the general appearance of oil lamps.

• Embossed, opal hobnail, and crimp top chimneys are typically used on lamps without a shade.
• The simpler styles with straight tops are most often used on lamps with a shade.

Reference Chart for Chimney Sizes

Burner Type	Chimney Base Diameter
Acorn	1-1/8"
Nutmeg	1-1/8"
Hornet	1-9/16"
Eagle	2-1/8"
Gem Artic	1-5/8"
#1	2-1/2"
#2	3"
English Duplex	2-1/2"
#3	3"
Aladdin	2-5/8"
Rayo	2-5/8"
Central Draft	2-5/8"

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Chimneys must be held in place with a chimney holder or the tines of a lamp burner . They are easily broken, therefore it is important for chimneys to fit correctly.

Electrified oil lamps often use chimneys as a decorative rather than functional aspect of the lamp.

• Torpedo shaped light bulbs should be used as they take up less space inside chimneys. This allows more air to circulate reducing heat build up.