I have an Adlake Non-Sweating Lamp - Chicago that has “1264” on what appears to be a cast iron base. It is complete with all original parts, including the lantern lenses; everything is in near mint condition. I have reason to believe it was never used, at least commercially. My question is this: every lamp I have seen of its type, whether exact or similar, is painted either black or some other color, while mine has a highly polished, pristine exterior that appears to have never even seen paint. Is this normal? It is does this hurt or help its condition? Should I paint it?
Obviously, I am new to this and any help or direction would be GREATLY appreciated.
Years ago I attended a clinic at a train convention on collecting lanterns. There are some books out there on the topic, more than a few websites, and a heck of a lot of dealers in lanterns. What I learned at the clinic is that if you are serious about collecting lanterns and thus, paying serious prices for them, this is not for the dabbler! That is because seemingly identical lanterns can differ in age or rarity by nearly a century!
I guess what I am saying is that this is an inquiry for real experts. Based on my only partially informed situation I have a few thoughts.
The Adlake non sweating lantern or lamp with 1264 on the base is a common item – the 1264 was a common base style. the marking of Chicago might or might not make it more rare, but I have seen references to others so it is not utterly unique.
As to it not being painted, I have seen yellow lanterns or lamps at train shows but they were clearly repainted and rather poorly and crudely at that, presumably by a railroad. Every other one I have seen was black and I assume, or have always assumed, that black is how it came from the factory. I wonder if someone stripped the one you have either for repainting or because they liked how it looked. The other possibility that occurs to me is that this particular one was intended by Adlake as a presentation item not a working item.
Does the interior show signs of having been used ever?
Wryanc: As with most antiques, it is recommended that it not be restored, as value is lost went you do so. Collectors like to keep the patina. But restoration is up to you.