"vintage" safe light

[Rick L]

we stopped in an antique shop today, one where I often see cameras (i got a 5x7 Kodak Empire State 2 there a couple weeks ago)

among the finds today was a very vintage oil/kerosene Kodak safe light - just imagine using this in a closed area

period correct for LF I'm sure but I'll stick with electricity and use this one for display

[Mark Sawyer]

Pretty cool, but I'd keep it away from any collodion processes...

[Bill Burk]

Nice - box too! I've been watching for one of these, didn't think further into what would happen if I lit it.

[Rick L]

found the description in a 1920 catalog

https://mgroleau.com/galerie.php?pic...ak%201920&im=1

I figured that these were likely made for some time, as many rural areas did not get electricity until well into the twentieth century

[Jim Noel]

found the description in a 1920 catalog

https://mgroleau.com/galerie.php?pic...ak%201920&im=1

I figured that these were likely made for some time, as many rural areas did not get electricity until well into the twentieth century

MY family's farm in West Tennessee didn't get electricity until after WWII. It was on the last road in the state to do so.

[dsphotog]

Ideal for an off the grid darkroom.

[Molli]

I use both of these - late 19th Century/ early 20th Century as best I can tell. The glass and metal one does have a reservoir for lamp oil/kerosene, but the wick holder is long gone. I could borrow one from one of my other lanterns, but a tealight candle is easier and less smelly.
The other is fully collapsible and made using either a fabric or paper coated with something. As recently as yesterday I endeavoured to find out what the material is as it's a tad tatty and I'd like to patch it up safely as I intend to take it interstate with me.
Any ideas what the fabric might be and if it has some sort of fire retardent coating?

[Molli]

found the description in a 1920 catalog

https://mgroleau.com/galerie.php?pic...ak%201920&im=1

I figured that these were likely made for some time, as many rural areas did not get electricity until well into the twentieth century

I've just followed your link AFTER posting my question and see the answer directly above the listing for your Safelamp! Admittedly "special, tested Ruby fabric" isn't digging me out of my ignorance overly much.

[eli]

No really, as the fumes will no only kill you in a too closed darkroom, (for the off-gassing) but may, react with other materials, including chemicals, and give unwanted results.

It's safer just to use rechargeable batteries in a cordless workman's light or three with film coverings or glass that will give you the light you need.

IMO.

[LabRat]

For a real "labor of love", get one of those old horizontal wood enlargers with a kerosene head...

With the color of light, it must have taken an endless exposure on old materials to get (somewhat) of an image... (At least today's materials are MUCH faster now...)

Thank the gods for electricity!!! ;-)

Steve K