Betty and grease lamps

I was stopped at an antique store and found these....







There was also another grease lamp that I didn't take a picture of as it looked more modern....Each lamp also had a spike hanger....sold separately....
The prices were out of my range...

The first lamp appeared to be cast instead of wrought....

It is kinda funny, Betty lamps go back to Stone Age and has been a poor persons lamp for much of history, but... today can command a high price, well people do pay lots for worn out jeans.

If you have enough patience you can find them at a decent price. I got an complete original double betty lamp off that big auction site for$35 shipped about 6 weeks ago. I wouldn't use one under or near anything that could be damaged by smoke and they will occasionally flash off if the fuel gets warm enough so they can be quite a fire hazard. I have one with a square tray like the one in the 3rd. photo only it has a cage around it and a rod to stick in the ground. I carried it to events for years and never met anyone who knew what that thing sticking in the ground by my tent was. Just pour the cooking grease in it during the day and light it off at night.

I've been using grease lamps for a few years now....always outside...but they work quite well when there is no wind.

I shy away from the grease lamps simply because for me it would be bacon or beef grease, AND there are critters who will come a lookin' for the source of the smell. PLus if any of the liquefied grease spills on any of my stuff.., now the mice have even more of an incentive to chew my stuff.

LD

Bonus if critters are bigger IMHO. The dogs around me take care of the small critters.

Note when I get home all gets cleaned. Don't let stuff get packed away dirty.

Of course while out in the woods during an even or trek, one cannot stop to necessarily launder one's attire, and the grease in the lamp is still a scent source. :wink:

LD

Pay attention to wind and you can sit smoking cig's or pipe just don't make any noise lighting the next IMHO. Shot many deer when sitting smoking when I had that bad habit.

I have shot many deer while sitting with a small warming fire between my feet and legs. Deer ain't afraid of smoke----- but you better not move within their sight....

Loyalist Dave said:

Of course while out in the woods during an even or trek, one cannot stop to necessarily launder one's attire, and the grease in the lamp is still a scent source. :wink:

LD

Click to expand...

Spotlighting deer with a betty lamp? :rotf:

I have had deer and many other animals walk right up to my campfire in the dark... They are curious.

Found this on youtube....Mostly candles but she does show a grease lamp....

https://youtu.be/DRFjR0eIMzA

P.S. I like candles too....

Found a Betty lamp at a flea market in Arizona. Seller did not know what it was. He said "If you can tell me what is I will let you have it for 50 cents". When I said "Betty lamp" he looked at me for a few seconds and said "That just sounds crazy enough to be true" Purchase price: 50 cents. There are some good things in life

I’ll double your money and pay the shipping