The Aladdin metal table lamps were the beginning of the great era of Aladdin. In 1908 sales began with the Practicus (also spelled Praktus) table lamp. This lamp was not manufactured in America, but was imported from Germany. The Mantle Lamp Company sold both the No. 2 and No.3 Practicus lamps. The No.3 Practicus is shown in their sales literature, and has a "snowflake" emblem on the wick-raiser knob.
The Practicus lamps, along with the Aladdin Mantle Lamp Companies models 1 through 3 were not marked with any model number. The model-4 lamp was the first lamp to have the model number on the flame spreader.
Further marking of the model numbers began with the model-5 lamp. The model number appeared on the flame spreader just like the model-4, but it also appeared on the wick raiser knob as well. This process of marking the lamps with model numbers continued on all the metal lamps from model-5 through model-12. This process made it much easier for people to identify the different models and to coordinate the proper parts to fit them.
The problem with this identification process, however, was that the Aladdin Mantle Lamp Company itself often interchanged parts between some of their models. This became quite apparent in some of the early metal lamps, because there were times when two different models of the metal lamps were being sold at the same time, and parts from one model often ended up being used in the other.
An example would be that the model-3 lamp has been found with a model-4 flame spreader. The Aladdin Mantle Lamp Company suggested the use of the model-4 flame spreader in the model-3 lamp after discovering a fault in the number three flame spreader. The model-4 flame spreader was much more durable and also generated a better flame, so Aladdin advised dealers and customers that the number-4 flame spreader should be substituted for the number-3. The metal gallery that holds the glass chimney was also switched between these two models at times as well. Collectors often refer to these mixed part lamps as "transition" lamps.
Between May of 1909 and April of 1935, twelve different models of metal lamps were sold. The brass lamps (lamp, bowl, and burner) for models 1 through 12, as well as the Nu-Type A, B, and C burners were manufactured by Plume and Atwood Manufacturing Company (P&A) of Waterbury, Connecticut.
These were the early years for the Aladdin Mantle Lamp Company, and they were wrought with change as efforts to make the lamps burn smoother and more efficiently were pursued. New parts were developed, and new patents applied for. Some lamps were changed within the model year, or their sales period, to incorporate the newly developed parts. The Model 1 for example used two different styles of mantles, and was sold with two different sized fuel tanks. The Model 2 was also sold in several variations, the most apparent being the type of threads used to mount the burner in the font, and the way the wick raiser knob was secured. Models 3 and 4 can often be found with parts interchanged. One of the lamps shown below is a Model 3 transition lamp. It was sold with a Model 3 font, burner, and flame spreader, but used a Model 4 gallery to mount the chimney. Parts were often switched at the factory in those early days. Whether it was an attempt to update the present model, or just due to the supply of parts on hand is uncertain. My guess would be a little of both.
Below is a sampling of the Aladdin metal table lamps made during this early period. I have not chosen to go into great detail on these lamps, but if you would like to pursue information on the different models you may obtain both the latest books, "Aladdin, the Magic Name in Lamps" and "Aladdin Collectors Manual & Price Guide #24" written by author J. W. Courter from the "aladdincollectors.org" web page.
The books you will find on this web page provide a fountain of information on the Aladdin lamps themselves, as well as the company that manufactured them. The price guide is invaluable in providing the most recent price ranges for each style of Aladdin lamp. They are a must have if you are serious about collecting these lamps.
While you're at it, look into joining the Aladdin Knights collectors organization. Information on how to do so can also be found on the above web link, and doing so will put you in contact with other people that share your interest in Aladdin lamps. Through them you will not only gain access to an invaluable information source, but also access to hundreds of the lamps themselves in a very friendly atmosphere.
The Aladdin lamps shown below illustrate some of the metal Aladdin lamps, and should help you with their identification. They are meant to show a cross section of the metal table lamps for your enjoyment, but there are many variations of them that aren't shown here as well.
Try to remember the model number will be on the wick-raiser knob, and flame spreader, of all metal lamps "after" model 4 and will help make their identification easier for you. Make sure the two numbers match if you want a completely original lamp.
You will need to consult Mr. Courter's books to help you recognize the Practicus lamps as well as models 1-4 due to their variations. Studying the diagrams in the book will enable you to distinguish if a particular font and burner combination are original, or whether the parts have been changed out at some time.
A model-8 metal lamp is not "original" if it has a No.11 flame spreader, and a No.11 lamp isn't complete if it has a No.12 burner--Yes, they do interchange! You can build an Aladdin lamp out of parts---but they have to be the right parts if it is to have the value of an original! Don't pay the price of an original lamp if you are only buying parts put together to look like an original. It's up to you to know the differences before you buy!
Aladdin Brass Model-1. One of the earliest collectible lamps in the Aladdin line, featuring a 1½-quart font and embossed foot. Manufactured May 1909 to August 1910.
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Aladdin nickel plated Brass Model-2, with embossed foot. Later models had a plain foot. Manufactured September 1910 to December 1910.
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Aladdin nickel plated brass Model 3-4 Transition Lamp. A fascinating variation that combines Model 3 and Model 4 parts — a common factory practice during a period of continuous design change. Probably manufactured near the end of the model-3 sales period and start of model-4 season. August and September 1912.
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Aladdin Model 4. It is nickel plated brass and manufactured September 1912 to August 1913.
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Aladdin Model 12. Manufactured May 1928 to April 1935. It was available in multiple finishes including brass, nickel-plated brass, and bronze. The earlier lamps have straight sides on the oil font, while the later lamps have slanted sides.
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