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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: Nickyd6865 on May 02, 2015, 06:18:23 PM
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Hi all and thanks for being here. I'm lost on these 3 old light fixtures I have. On it it clearly states "patented October 1888" and even has a patent number, 37748. Anybody help with identifying who may have made these pieces? Any help,would be greatly appreciated.
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Are you sure there are only 5 numbers?
Wonder if this was a gas fixture converted to electric.
Can you take a pic of the patent and date information and post it please?
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I'm curious to know if the 'base' of this item is actually a gear , or simply metal that looks like one , Nicky6865 ?
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The ring on the bottom is definitely not like a gear it's got to be strictly decorative. I have no doubts that it was a gas lantern prior to being converted. I still only see 5 numbers but take a peek and tell me your thoughts.
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What is the size of this? Dimensions?
Reminds me of an old street light/lamp.
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I was thinking an old "gas" street light because the base has a hinge to permit the globe to be "flipped" open to light the gas flame.
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Actually looks like the remains of a "Carbon Arc Electric" light to me.
Might be some information here? http://www.kbrhorse.net/strpatents/index.html (http://www.kbrhorse.net/strpatents/index.html)
(I don't believe the "5 digit" patent number is entirely correct. Foundry mold makers could easily omit a digit at times.)
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Yep Rauville, in 1888 they had 6 digit patent numbers. I have tried looking it up by adding every number at the end but without any success. I even looked through that same site you just posted without finding anything.
I am wondering if the number is supposed to be a patent number or a inventory number.
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In that it is marked NO 37748 then I have to assume that is a manufacturing Part #.
And if so, one might be wasting their time trying to figure out what it means.
And what I mean by that is,
. the #s might have to be read as, to wit:
3
. 77
. 48
(3-77-48)
3
774
8
(3-774-8)
37
. 74
8
(37-74-8)
37
. 7
48
(37-7-48)
377
48
(377-48)
Manufacturers have all sorts of different numbering schemes so that they can keep in-house track of what they are producing for sell to vendors.
In other words,
. part #s are the employees language
.. and that is bout all they talk
from sales orders to finished goods shipment.
HA, the boss man might say,
. We just got an order for a thousand 37748s and they want them by next Friday
. so get them made and shipped by next Wednesday noon.
And every employee knows what has to be done without any further explanation.
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Totally agree cogar.
I see I did a brain hiccup above when I wrote I am wondering if the number is supposed to be a patent number or a inventory number.
I was thinking I wrote "I am wondering if the number is supposed to be a parts number or a inventory number." not a patent number. Yep, I was with it - NOT.
I have been on here spottily (if that is a word) due to the major storms here.