The Victoria is unique in being the only Aladdin kerosene lamp style to be made of porcelain china. The flowers on the Victoria are a decal, and may be found in two variations. Many collectors think that Aladdin just used two different decals, and that the Victoria lamp itself is the same no matter which decal adorns it. I thought that myself until I had the opportunity to set the two lamps side by side. When I did, however, it was quite apparent that the two lamps really are completely different lamps, made from completely different molds, with completely different dimensions.
Actually there are three different Victoria lamps. You will see two of them in this section. The third Victoria was a single unique example that was never marketed. It was a lamp with smaller dimensions, like one of those shown here, except it did not have an oil fill molded into the bowl of the lamp. I have actually seen this lamp, and so far it is the only one ever found with no oil fill.
The Simplicity Decalcomania (also called Decalmania) on the right, and the Victoria shown on the left, share the same decal. The Victoria and Decalcomania also have the same style of gold band on their base. Sadly, the gold bands on both share the tendency to wear through from handling. One of the first things that collectors check on these lamps is the degree of wear on the gold highlights.
While all the Simplicities have the same decal, the Victoria has two decals that vary slightly in appearance. One decal has smaller flowers with a poppy flower on the upper right of the decal, while the other has larger flowers without the poppy flower on the upper right edge of the decal.
However, what people probably aren't aware of is that the lamps have different decals because they really are different Victoria lamps. They were made from two completely different molds.
Look closely at the stem of the lamp where it flares outward just below the bowl on both lamps. This is where you most readily notice that the designs are different. It will take you a little longer perhaps to realize that the dimensions of these two lamps are completely different. One is larger than the other. Such things are hard to identify unless you have the two lamps sitting side by side, but they become readily apparent when they are.
One of the Victoria lamps is definitely slimmer in its dimensions than the other, supporting the fact that two different Victoria lamps were manufactured. The third, without the oil fill, may have been a prototype since there have been no other examples found.
Click image to zoom in
Smaller flower decal (note the poppy). Look at the gold band just below the bowl and the flare just below it, then look at the next photo of the lamp with the "no poppy" decal and note the difference. The bowl on this lamp is also smaller. This is the smaller Victoria lamp.
Click image to zoom in
Larger flower decal (no poppy on upper right). Larger bowl, bigger flare just below the bowl, larger stem and foot. This is the larger Victoria lamp.
Click image to zoom in
The gold highlights are a main feature of the Aladdin Victoria lamps. Lamps with pristine gold bands and details being the most desirable.
Click image to zoom in
The Victoria is well adorned with gold including a leaf on each side of the oil font.
Click image to zoom in
There are three gold bands on the foot of the Victoria and the condition of the bands is a big factor in the collectable value of the lamp. The better the bands the greater the desirability of the lamp.
Click image to zoom in
Another area of great concern to collectors is inside the lamp. Since it is porcelain make sure to examine it for any hairline cracks as well as chips.
