The Miller Table lamp 

 Table lamps were any companies 'stock' lines, and this was the same for Edward Miller.  Table lamps were churned out in all manner of sizes and design to suit the very rich and the working classes.  They were produced to meet the market in a broad range of uses.  Table lamps were needed everywhere - but you would not want to take an expensive, heavily embossed nickel table lamp to the workshop, or into the kitchen.  Similarly, you would not take a plain lamp into the sitting room, if you were fortunate enough to have one.

Likewise table lamps came is many sizes, and with the size dictating its use, light output and economy.  These lamps were designed for stability, light output and ease of movement. 

Table lamps exist with each of the miller patented designs, each patent was produced in four main font sizes ('Tiny', No. 0, No. 1 and No. 2) and each size was produced in plain and various levels of embossing (except for the 'tiny' which is not known in plain brass but embossed only).  Each size is was also produced in brass or nickel plated.

'Cup' lamps, lamps with two decorative handles fitted (one to each side of the lamp) are just a further decorative version of the table lamp and were not in themselves designed to be 'carried' (like hand lamps were).  A 'tall' table lamp also exists, it is essentially the same as the No. 2 table lamp but with a slightly longer stem, giving the lamp a little extra height. 

 The following table identifies the types of table lamps that exist.  I have only included lamps that I have actually seen (either physically, from original sales catologues or photographs of collectors).  If you know of others, please identify them by sending a photograph and I will gladly include it 

TABLE LAMPS

      ‘Tiny’

    ‘Number 0’

     ‘Number 1’

   ‘Number 2’

Brass

Nickel

Brass

Nickel

Brass

Nickel

Brass

Nickel

Plain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  - Miller

 

 

Yes

Yes

 

Yes#

Yes

Yes

  - Juno

 

 

 

 

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

  - New Juno

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

Yes

  - Vestal

 

 

 

Yes

 

 Yes

Yes

Yes

Embossed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  - Miller

  Yes

 Yes#*

 

Yes

 

Yes

Yes

Yes

  - Juno

  Yes

 Yes

 

 

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

  - New Juno

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

  - Vestal

 

 

 

Yes

 

 

 

 

Cup

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  - Miller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

  - Juno

 

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

  - New Juno

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

  - Vestal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Footnotes:

# lamp identified had been nickeled in recent times.  No photograph was available of the lamp in its original condition.  

* Although the lamp seen is embossed 'The Tiny Miller' it is fitted with a 'Juno' wick raiser - not the 1892 patent 'Miller' raiser. 

 

The Miller No. 2 Table lamp c.1892

 

This is an example of one of Miller’s ‘stock’ lines, although its nickel plating and heavy decoration and embossing indicate that it is from the ‘top’ of the range.  It is this size of lamp, often brass with no decoration that is the most common Miller lamp seen today.  This size of lamp was probably the most prolifically produced by Miller given its usefulness, size, economy and light output and exists right across the era of Miller lamps. This particular lamp alone could make its own display as I know of more than a dozen different styles and versions. 

 

This lamp, as the name suggests, is fitted with the standard Miller No.2 sized burner.  This is a well proportioned burner that gives excellent light output and is economical on kerosene. Table lamps have a low centre of gravity ensure stability. This lamp is nearly always fitted with a tripod and 10” Miller dome shade allowing for maximum light output while still shielding the eyes from the relatively harsh flame. The font holds 2 3/4 pints (1.3 ltrs) of kerosene, is rated to 60 candlepower and burns for seven to eight hours.

 

Stored in family rooms on sideboards these lamps would be placed on the table either at meal times or when the table was being used for work or play or left on the sideboard/cupboard as general lighting.  A ‘best quality’ one like that displayed might find its way to the sideboard in the formal dining room.  Also photographed is the Miller No. 2 'Tall' table lamp, and a 'Juno' No. 2 'Cup' Lamp.

The Miller No. 1 Table lamp c. 1892

 

Essentially the same as the Miller ‘No. 2 lamp displayed adjacent, this lamp was slightly smaller, with a smaller No. 1 sized burner and font with less capacity.  This lamp gives less light but was much more economical to use.  It was never a popular size and is thus scarce today. 

 

Cheaper to purchase than its larger cousin its size and smaller 7” dome shade made it easier to move around.

The font capacity is 1 quart (2 pints – 950ml) and is rated to 35 candle power with a burning time of 9 hours.

 

A lamp for a smaller room, often used in bedrooms on a chest of drawer, bathrooms, or halls and kitchens where economy was needed but low light could be tolerated.

The Miller No. 0 Table lamp c.1892

 

Again this lamp is simply a ‘smaller cousin’ to the Miller No. 2 Table lamp.  Much smaller in size it was not a ‘general use’ lamp.  Its smaller size and small 6” diametre dome shade enabled it to be placed in areas of limited space.

 

A nice stable lamp small in size gave it increased economy to use although it gives off only limited light (25 candlepower) with it’s No. 0 burner and due to it’s scale, is somewhat ‘fiddly’ to light.  It has a small font capacity of 1 ½ pints (710ml) which lent it to being used occasionally for short periods of time.

 

This lamp was for the dressing table, or perhaps a child’s bedroom.  Perhaps a plainer cheaper version (no embossing etc) might have been found in the cellar or pantry. 

The Miller Tiny ‘Juno’ Table lamp c.1895

 The smallest of all Miller central draught lamps, this dainty little lamp was only of very limited use.  Unlike the other three table lamps this lamp is of the ‘Juno’ range and post dates the others.

 

Although used as a night light, this lamp is not designed to be carried.  Its small size makes it somewhat unstable, particularly with a shade, even though it itself is only 6” in diametre.  Fitted with the small No. 0 burner it gives off little light, but is extremely economical to burn.  The small font only holds ¾ of a pint (350ml) of kerosene and when lit will burn for only 4 hours at 25 candlepower.

A lamp for the bedside table, a child’s night light or perhaps for a child’s dressing table.  With it is a matching 'Tiny Juno' cup lamp - an extremely scare lamp.