My wife purchased this at an antique store and the owner was not sure what it is. It has two pans that fit in the top with the first one being a little larger and deeper which I believe held water. It has a wick inside to heat the box up and a mica type window for viewing. On the side barely readable is a patent with the date unreadable but it is by Rochester. Below are a few pictures I took.
Hi again, Karll. To have your pictures show off to their best advantage to all members, you should click "edit" on your post, then click "other Options" so you can change the images from Thumbnail to Full Image. Save, of course. And while you are at it, can we see the burner in full? Can it be removed easily?
Interesting. Can you get a shot of the patent/date area? Maybe try for some side light on it. Does it have anything on the wick advance knob?
Here are the pictures you requested. Yes it has a control knob and also an opening to a reservoir to add kerosene.
I think the patent is for the handle only. https://www.etsy.com/listing/480749...how_sold_out_detail=1&ref=nla_listing_details
OK, hmmm, I will take a guess. 1. Food warmer. Like a lunch box you could take to work with you and warm up your food at lunchtime. IDK. Ha ha.
Try searching the US Patents Office online with the number. Seems to me like an industrial/commercial stove of some kind.
There is a chart and searchable site here for Rochester patents. http://www.thelampworks.com/lw_companies_rochester.htm#patents
Interesting, couldn’t open any of the patents listed by number. I don’t think it was intended as a lamp because of the two boxes on top. I was thinking it might be for melting wax or something similar.
Oh I see, I didn’t test it first. That is a possibility, wax. We’ll see of anyone has any other ideas.
OK, for a little fun I asked my Aunt & Uncle what this was. Showed them the picture and my Aunt (93 years old) automatically answered, Its a food warmer for a dog wagon. My Uncle (94 years old) answered, Its a street vendor food warmer sugar, for hot dogs and sauerkraut.) They have been wrong before but I love their quick answers. They are so sweet. I thought a dog wagon was something you pulled a dog in. Ha ha.
Interesting ulilwitch, I am trying to use those terms in a search but none of the photo’s that show are that old.
I am going to look. I will keep this up until I find something. 1:56 pm I am not saying that's what it is but I adore talking to them. There is a lot to learn from sitting and listening to older people talk about their past. I love doing this. I did just type in antique food warmers used by street vendors into google and a few did come up that were very similar. Here is one that popped up. Not exact but I think this is what they were talking about.
I think you are on the right track, thanks for your time. Another friend of ours thought it might a steam sterilizer but can’t find anything close to that on a search.
