Pony Express,
I believe it was a measurement that originated in France. The history is a little vague . . .
But, the English folks I know in the "lamp community" call the Aladdin lamp wicks a 15''' (line/linge) size. Many of the early mantle lamps were 14''' (Saxonia, Index, ). So, Aladdin wicks are 1" dia. and the 20 line lamps are just shy of 1 1/4" and 30 lines are 1 1/2". The Rayo lamp is considered a 30 line burner. If the round wick is cut and laid flat, I believe the total width is the "line" number.
Delmonico,
I'm almost sure K1 Kerosene is cheaper by the gallon than lighter fluid but I could be mistaken. I know folks that will burn Mineral Spirits in their lamps, still more expensive (where I live anyway, GA.).
We burn some "open flame" lamps, Angle lamps, but outside only. They are great looking lamps but for inside, we use only mantle lamps. The Famos lamps will run for about 14 hrs at about half its output (about an Aladdin at almost full brightness) and put out a lot of heat.
The best part about mantle lamps (for those that don't know) is they are probably the most efficient user of a fossil fuel. They burn with a blue flame (total combustion) have an incandescent mantle for a catalyst for anything escaping the "total combustion " part, give off abundant white light , heat and water vapor. Therefore, there is no smoke or odor, just slient white light and heat. They are great "ambient lighting" during the cold months if that's your "thing".
So, I won't argue what fuel folks can or can't use in whatever lamp they have but, these were made for use for " water clear Kerosene" and for almost 30 yrs, that is what we've used in the mantle lamps. Colored oils will clog wicks and "lesser" fuels will do the same.
I'll try and post any pics I can of the Famos 120s and especially the Kronos Mammoth.
Mike
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