Whats a blue lamp chimney for?

[StogieJim]

What's a blue lamp chimney for?

Hi,

If anyone says the same thing as a grecianurn... to the moon, baby!!

I found a cobalt blue lamp chimney underwater near an old ferry dock in the St. Lawrence river . The glass had been ground smooth at both ends so, it wasn't new. The island is at least a half mile from the nearest shore. It belonged to the type of lamp shown in the photo and wasn't a table lamp. Sadly it was broken by a father of mine who shall remain nameless (read unresolved issue here).

My question is... Does anyone know a purpose for a blue lamp? I mean in a working context not decoration. The only thing I've come across so far is associated with railroads (blue lamps to mark maintenance underway).

Thanks for looking,

Jim

 

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[Gypsy Heart]

Re: What's a blue lamp chimney for?

I am not sure if the outside color of a lamp like the one in the photo has any special significance....but kerosene was always kept in a blue container....I have seen lamps of that style in white,red,black,dark green and grey....I know if the glass was a different color that would probally be railroad ....

 

[littleneckhalfshell]

Re: What's a blue lamp chimney for?

Blue flag- Railroad related
Blue-colored flag, sign, or light which indicates that the rolling stock it is placed on or near may not be moved because employees are working around or under it. http://www.trains.com/trn/glossary/default.aspx?list=4&fl=b

 

[Mackaydon]

Re: What's a blue lamp chimney for?

Adding to Littleneck:
CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF

TRANSPORTATION



PART 218_RAILROAD OPERATING PRACTICES--Table of Contents



Subpart B_Blue Signal Protection of Workers



Sec. 218.23 Blue signal display.



(a) Blue signals displayed in accordance with Sec. 218.25, 218.27,

or 218.29 signify that workers are on, under, or between rolling

equipment. When so displayed--

(1) The equipment may not be coupled to;

(2) The equipment may not be moved, except as provided for in Sec.

218.29;

(3) Other rolling equipment may not be placed on the same track so

as to reduce or block the view of a blue signal, except as provided for

in Sec. 218.29 (a), (b) and (c); and

(4) Rolling equipment may not pass a displayed blue signal.

(b) Blue signals must be displayed in accordance with Sec. 218.25,

218.27, or 218.29 by each craft or group of workers prior to their going

on, under, or between rolling equipment and may only be removed by the

same craft or group that displayed them.

Source:http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=36423&sid=6b000198a4753d357aa1776825890b67

 

[sanford.]

Re: What's a blue lamp chimney for?

I believe that refers to the light color. The globes were colored. The lantern color itself would not be discernible at night or when lit.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: What's a blue lamp chimney for?

Here is a good site on oil lamps. http://www.lanternnet.com/

 

[StogieJim]

Re: What's a blue lamp chimney for?

Thanks all!! I can't believe nobody made a wise crack

I can't understand what a RR lamp was doing on/near a ferry boat/dock in the St. L river so far from the nearest tracks.

Just for clarification: just the chimney was found and it was a beautiful cobalt blue. Also, the image above is just an example of the lamp type. The fact that that lamp is blue doesn't matter.

Thanks again.

 

[ivan salis]

Re: What's a blue lamp chimney for?

in the old days there were ships that carried rail cars --sea train it was called ---might not be tracks there now but might have been years ago -- and when they quit using doing it they shut it down and most likely yanked the tracks up and got rid of the piers . or else a rail road person or some one boosted a lamp took it home and used it to fish at night by the docks --opps in the drink it went one night