My Aladdin Lamp Collection: Gathering Exlusive Fonts (2011-2023)

Gathering Lamp Details

Each year, the National Association of Aladdin Lamp Collectors, or the NAALC, presents a limited edition lamp font to sell to raise funds for the Gathering and other related costs. From 2011 to 2018, there were several 0500 Scallop Drape Footed Drape style fonts created in various colors. Another one was added in 2023 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Aladdin Gatherings. The 0500 mold appears to date back to 1940, however, the lamp wasn't put into production until 1955, coming with Model C burners. The original 0550s came in Alacite and clear, and did not have oil fills.

My New Lamp Fonts

I did not intend to start a mini collection, but, just like Aladdin collecting in general, it just kind of happened! Here is the story...

At the 48th Aladdin Gathering, in Louisville, Kentucky, I saw a particular font that I have been dying to add to my collection. I didn't really want to start getting any lamp fonts that didn't have burners, but this particular font was so interesting! It's a dark purple/blue carnival glass. It was something that we had in our warehouse to glue on the collars and filler collars/caps (which I somehow had forgotten about until I came across the pictures I had taken). I hadn't seen anyone that had this lamp for sale on eBay or at any previous Gatherings, so this was the first one. The catch with this one, though, was that it was being sold as a set...5 total Gathering exclusive fonts, as the one I wanted was part of a series. Well, when looking at what he was asking for them - all WITH burners - it was too good of a deal to pass up! This would be my first purchase from Tom Sauro, and it wouldn't end up being the last! From Tom, I got the following:

• Vaseline (2014)
• Ruby Red Carnival (2015)
• Passion Pink (2016)
• Hunter Green (2017)
• Amethyst Carnival (2018) - this one was my reason for getting the entire collection!

I knew there were at least a couple of fonts missing from this collection, so I was on the lookout for the rest. It turns out, I didn't have to look too far. About 10 feet away to be exact, just across from our Crownplace display table, I noticed one I was missing! It happened to be on the table of another collector I know, Fred Stevenson! He was selling it as a complete lamp, mantle, chimney, and all. I was able to convince him to lessen the price to just give me the burner to match what I had for the others. And with that, I was only one lamp short of the full collection. The font I got from Fred was:

• Royal Cobalt Blue (2011) - 285 made

The last lamp in the collection (at that time) was, seemingly, the most elusive of them all from 2012. That year there were 2 red lamps offered, the Pigeon Blood and the Art Glass Ruby. I would have taken either...whichever I could find first. 

Fast forward 1 year to the 49th Aladdin Gathering in Springfield, Missouri. We were getting ready to set up our table for the lamp show, and who did I run into? It was Tom Sauro. He immediately said he had something for me! I couldn't imagine what it was. To my total astonishment, it was the Pigeon Blood! We made the sale even before he could put it out on his table. I was so excited and shocked that he remembered that was what I needed and made a point to give me the first chance at it. I knew I was taking it home with me! 

• Pigeon Blood Ruby (2012) - 85 made

Fast forward again to the 50th Gathering in Peoria, Illinois. The NAALC went back to the 0500 mold for the 50th Anniversary lamp. Of course, I needed to get this one to complete the collection.

• Opal White (2023)

Now, I just hope they don't decide to add another lamp to this collection, because my lamp shelf is full!

Click here to check out my entire photo album for these lamps.

My Aladdin Lamp Collection: Model B Solitaire (1938)

 Introducing the 28th vintage lamp in my collection...

Model B White Moonstone Solitaire (B-70)

The Solitaire is highly sought after by collectors. There were only 1000 lamps produced in this style, and only one color - white moonstone. It has not been found in any printed sales literature and it has never been reproduced.

Nickel Table Lamp Details

Model - B

Years Produced - 1938

Font/Burner - Side Draft

Chimney - Lox-On

Model B Solitaire Lamp Styles

B-70 – White Moonstone

My New Lamp

After adding the Cobalt Tall Lincoln Drape with Scalloped Foot, the Solitaire was next on my list. It is even more valuable than that one, so I wanted to make sure it was the right lamp at the right time. I've seen several for sale at previous Meets and Gatherings, but just couldn't pull the trigger. The 50th Gathering proved to be the right time. I made my rounds around the large showroom and the dozens upon dozens of lamps. All so beautiful and tempting! The first pass-through didn't have anything that jumped out to me. On the second time through though, I saw a beautiful Solitaire on a corner table. I picked it up and looked at the price. I thought there must be a flaw somewhere for that price, but I sure didn't see it. I set it down and went back to our table to think about it. It just seemed like too good of a deal to pass by. There was a second Solitaire from another seller that didn't look as nice and was listed for $800 more! Yikes! I pondered some more, and with some encouragement, I grabbed my checkbook.

I also knew this seller (Tom Sauro) and had bought several other lamps from him in the past, so I felt good about dealing with him. I made my way back to his table and coyly asked if the Solitaire was his and told him I was interested. His eyes perked up and he jumped out of his seat to grab it off the table for me. Without me asking him anything, he said he would sell it to me for $200 LESS than what he had it listed at!!! How awesome is that?! As I started making out my check, he said to make it out to Stewart Black (I guess it was actually his, but was selling it at Tom's table). He grabbed his table partner and introduced us. The man was Stewart's father, Dennis, who I found out used to be a U.S. Senator from Iowa. He proceeded to tell me that his two sons have each found a Solitaire out in the wild, and pulled out his phone to show me a picture of his one son with his lamp find at age 11 (I think)! His son, Stewart, took longer to find this one, but he was super proud of it. He proceeded to grab the lamp from Tom before he wrapped it and said he wanted me to look at something. I joked that he was going to show me something wrong with it now that I paid for it. He said he has seen many Solitaires in his day and this was the nicest one he has ever seen - not a mark on it. I think I got lucky! In another strange turn of events, we ended up sitting with Tom at the banquet, and after we sat down, Dennis and Stewart joined the table! It is always so neat to meet the previous owners of a lamp and to learn more about its origins.

Click here to check out my entire photo album for this lamp.

My Aladdin Lamp Collection: Model B Tall Lincoln Drape (1940)

Introducing the 27th vintage lamp in my collection...

Representing the Model B Tall Lincoln Drapes: 
Cobalt, with Scalloped Foot (B76)

The Alacite version of the Tall Lincoln Drapes is one of the most popular versions of the Tall Lincoln Drape, as it was produced for nearly 10 years. The Clear, Cobalt, and Ruby were each only produced for 1 year and are rarer and have a much higher value than the Alacite version. The Alacite and Cobalt each featured an alternate foot design in addition to just the plain circle design, which was the scallop. Lamps with the scallop design are rare and considered valuable and desirable by collectors. The scallop design was never reproduced, so you can be sure lamps featuring that design are originals.

Tall Lincoln Drape Table Lamp Details

Model - B

Years Produced - 1940-1949

Font/Burner - Side Draft

Chimney - Lox-On

Model B Tall Lincoln Drape Lamp Styles

B74 - Clear Crystal

B75 - Alacite (plain and scalloped foot)

B76 - Cobalt Crystal (plain and scalloped foot)

B77 - Ruby Crystal

My New Lamp

The Cobalt Tall Lincoln Drape with Scalloped Foot has been on my list since I created my list. With it being quite expensive, I wanted to wait for just the right lamp at just the right time. That time came at the 43rd Eastern Lighting Collector's Meet in Wooster, Ohio. From our Crownplace table, I scanned the many tables filled with beautiful Aladdin lamps. Directly across from our table, I spotted the lamp on my list. I went over and looked at it. It was in perfect condition! I waited for at least half of the day as it continued to stare back at me, and with some nudging, I decided it was meant to be. I talked to the seller and made the purchase! He said it is one of the finest examples he's come across in his many years of collecting. He was glad it was going to a good home where it could be displayed properly instead of boxed in his attic.

Click here to check out my entire photo album for this lamp.

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My Aladdin Lamp Collection: Model 1 (1909-1910)

Introducing the 26th vintage lamp in my collection...

Representing the Model 1s: Nickel Table Lamp (101)

The very first Aladdin, the Model 1 was produced between 1909 and 1910.  They were the result of the Charles E. Wirth's patent applied to the Plume & Atwood (P & A), and was the American version of the Practicus.

Nickel Table Lamp Details

Model - 1

Years Produced - 1909-1910

Font/Burner - Center Draft

Chimney - Heel-less

Model 1 Lamp Styles

101 – Nickel or Brass Table Lamp with or without 201 Opal Shade
102 – Nickel or Brass Font (Store or Fount) Lamp
103 – Nickel or Brass Hanging Lamp
104 – Nickel or Brass Hanging Lamp with Shade and Smoke Bell
105 – Nickel or Brass Wall (Bracket or Fount) Lamp
106 – Brass Oil Pot
108 – Brass or Bronze Parlour Lamp with Green Cased Shade
110 – Brass Student Lamp

My New Lamp
I finally got one! The very first Aladdin, Model 1! So exciting! This is the first and only Model 1 I have seen on eBay. I thought my chances of getting it were next to none. After checking out all of the pictures and researching in my books, it appeared that the only issue the lamp had was the flame spreader. Original Model 1 flame spreaders are very hard to find. This one appears to have a reproduction because of how new the brass looks. Normally, I would wait to find a lamp that had everything original, but for this rare find, I made an exception. The starting bid was over $100 below the book's low price, so I thought it would be worth it. The lamp is complete with the reproduction flame spreader, so I'm still pretty happy about that. If I can manage to find an original flame spreader, I think the price I will have in the lamp will still be well within the range of what it is worth.

From the outside, the Model 1 font looks very similar to that of the Models 2-6, and even the 9-11 (if seen with the burner on). The difference and idenifying feature can be found in the center draft tube. Most center draft tubes are completely open. The tube of the Model 1 has a small pin and tiny brackets, or support, holding it in place. This supports the button flame spreader. Another identifier is the single low crease in the inner wick tube is specific to the Model 1.

The gallery looks like the Model 2, but a good idenifier is the imprinted marking on the side, which is PAT. OCT. 13 '08. Early Model 2s had this as well, but it should be present for a Model 1. I believe I have a later Model 1 as the gallery does not have the hole on the side for the very early cap mantles, and the holes around the cone are closed if you look at them from the bottom.

The burner basket is also similar to Model 2s. The back of the wick raiser knob is blank, which is a good indication that it is a Model 1. Some 2s are also blank ("Made in USA" is missing). Mine is blank, so that is a good sign. The only problem with my burner basket is that the knob and post appear to be missing the set screw :(. That's too bad, but the knob still works to raise and lower the wick, so I'm happy about that. Although I can't seem to get the wick and wick raiser to come completely out. I don't want to pull too hard and not be able to get it back in. My Model 2 slides right in and out with no problem, so I'm not quite sure what is preventing this one.

Another cool thing is the wick that came with the lamp. It appears to maybe be an original. It has a blue thread running down the center. I can't tell what word is printed in red on the wick, but it could be "Sunglight" because I can tell the last letter is a "T". I've read that this most likely would be original to the burner.


Click here to check out my complete photo album for this lamp.

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My Aladdin Lamp Collection: The "VertiLincoln" (2019)

The 47th Aladdin Gathering was such a blast! I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go! For only the second time ever, we offered Mix-and-Match glue-ups. The first time was for the Wooster Meet in April and it was a big hit. Collectors had the opportunity to pick a bowl and a pedestal of their choice - color and style, plus nickel or brass hardware to create their very own, hand-picked lamp creation. The best part was the opportunity to see their lamp come to life before their eyes, as Chuck glued it up for them.





I really wanted to take part in this awesome opportunity, and I wanted to make my choice before we opened our table to make sure the parts I wanted weren't sold out. I had thought about it for a few days, but I knew I was going to have to try everything out in order to make my choice. I kind of thought I wanted something vaseline because I don't have any of that in my collection yet. I also thought I might want something cobalt, because I don't have anything cobalt in my collection yet (still waiting on that Cobalt Scalloped Tall Lincoln Drape). Since there was only a vaseline foot (no bowls), I started with that one...and it was the ONLY one we had. We had a couple different cobalt bowls - one from the Grand Vertique and one from the Alexandria. I grabbed the Grand Vertique first, I tried that on top. Bingo! It was beautiful! Cobalt was the only color we had that would look right on the vaseline foot. Emerald Green and Honey Amber would do absolutely nothing for it, and would look terrible. I didn't even think to try the cobalt Alexandria. I loved the way these two pieces looked together and I was sold, this was it. Everyone else agreed that they were really digging it. I'm calling it the "VertiLincoln", combining Grand Vertique and Lincoln Drape :). It kind of just slipped out as we were trying different names, and it was so funny but really kind of had a ring to it.

My piece is going to have some interesting history. Technically it was "born" in 2019. However, the pedestal is marked "2012" (all modern Lincoln Drapes have the date imprinted on the bottom). The bowl was made for the Cobalt Grand Vertique Signature Series Lamp that debuted in 2018.

I made sure to take some "before" pictures, and I told Chuck that I wanted to take some pictures of him making it, and I even did video on part of it, too. How cool, to have my own one-of-a-kind lamp that I designed, and watch it being built. I had Chuck sign my certificate, so I think I have a really cool story to go with this awesome souvenir from the Gathering. I can honestly say that this is the only lamp like this in the world. I took the one and only vaseline foot, so no one else at the Gathering could make the same combination that I did.

We also had fun making a "tree" lamp for Jenni, made of an Emerald Grand Vertique bowl and Honey Amber Grand Vertique foot. It ended up being the talk of the Gathering when matched with a "throw-away" shade no one liked on its own, but when paired with the lamp was simply perfect! Jenni and I repaid Chuck for our lamps by putting together a lamp for him and his wife. That was so much fun!

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My Aladdin Lamp Collection: Model 9 (1920-1922)

Introducing the 25th vintage lamp in my collection...

Representing the Model 9s: Nickel Hanging Lamp (914)

The Model 9 was produced between 1920 and 1922.  The Model 9 is very similar to the Model 10 and Model 11. There were only a few slight differences between those models. To the untrained observer, they look identical, with the exception of the wick raiser knobs and flame spreaders, which each feature the Model number.

Nickel Hanging Lamp Details

Model - 9

Years Produced - 1920-1922

Font/Burner - Center Draft

Chimney - Heel-less

Model 9 Lamp Styles

900 - Nickel or Satin Brass Table Lamp

903 - Nickel or Satin Brass Font Lamp (used in Wall Bracket (904) and Hanging Lamps (914))

My New Lamp
I was really excited to add this lamp to my collection. I've been looking for an early model hanging lamp for quite some time. All my others have been table lamps, and they all look very similar.

My particular lamp appears to be a later version, because the knob design is the later of the 2 versions. 

Click here to check out my complete photo album for this lamp.

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Aladdin Lamp Sighting in "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee"

Another Aladdin lamp sighting! This time, in the movie "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee". This movie is about the Indian massacre at Wounded Knee. This is another example of Aladdin lamps being used in a time period prior to their existance. The lamp in the medical office appears to be anywhere from a Model 1 to a Model 6, or possibly a Model 9-11.

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My Aladdin Collection: Model 5 (1913-1914)

Introducing the 24th vintage lamp in my collection...

Representing the Model 5s: Satin Brass Table Lamp (101)

The Model 5 was produced between 1913 and 1914.  It is often considered a transition lamp because these lamps are often found with parts from the previous models 3 and 4, and later lamps may have parts that would go on to be used on the Model 6. 

Satin Brass Table Lamp Details

Model - 5

Years Produced - 1913-1914

Font/Burner - Center Draft

Chimney - Heel-less

Model 5 Lamp Styles

101 - Nickel or Satin Brass Table Lamp

My New Lamp
I was really excited to add this lamp to my collection! I'm slowly but surely filling in the blanks of the earliest lamps that I'm missing. Unlike later models (A and after), the early numbered models of lamps, there are only a couple options to choose from. All of my early lamps so far have been nickel, so I was excited to find one in brass. The Style 101 lamps all look very similar, with only slight, minor differences, so having one in brass adds some much needed variety to my collection.

This lamp is quite interesting.  Most of the components are that of the earlier version, however there are a couple parts that are common on later versions. All components that match either the 3/4 or the 6 are known as being original to the Model 5 lamps.

• Inner Wick Tube - 1 piece with a single hole which is common on early fonts
• Chime - flat chime is common on early fonts

Inner Wick Tube

Font - notice flat chime around the middle

• Burner Basket - pattern that matches Models 3/4
• Air Distributor - 2 pieces that matches Models 3/4

Burner Basket

2-Piece Air Distributor

• Gallery - pattern that matches Model 6
• Wick Raiser - matches Model 6

Gallery

Wick Raiser

My guess is that the wick raiser is not original, simply because the rest of the lamp seems to be of the earlier version. Because wick raisers (or carriers) were very difficult to reload with a replacement wick, the replacement wicks were actually sold pre-mounted in the wick carrier. If the lamp was actually used (which there is no reason to believe it wasn't), it is obvious that the wick would need replaced at some point. In years following, the Models 3, 4, and 5 carriers were eliminated and the Model 6 carrier was used as the replacement for all of those models. At some point, I would like to find a Model 5 wick carrier, but for now, my lamp still has all of the parts that are known to be found on Model 5s, so I'm OK with it. It is also likely that the gallery wasn't original to the lamp either. The original may have gotten damaged or lost at some point, and the Model 6 was used as the replacement. With that said, later Model 5s were sold with what would become the Model 6's gallery, so I consider it OK for my lamp :).

Click here to check out my complete photo album for this lamp.

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