Lot 381
An 1882 Lucas & Son 'King of the Road' Hub Lamp. An oil-powered third model transitional lamp that, given its features, must date to the early part of 1882. The near-side ruby glass window does not slide up to allow for lighting, and there are the remains of the outer shoulders which held the leather buffers of the previous second model, which were removed by the summer of 1882. The lamp is complete, although the oil reservoir has been renewed in recent times and a slightly later wick winder has been fitted, perhaps when the lamp was re-enamelled in recent years. Nevertheless, all made to pattern. The hub tighteners and centralising antennae appear correct. All the glasses are undamaged, but the rear of the lamp has 'seen some use'. This is the largest size lamp made by the company at the time, and is designed to fit a 56-inch+ size wheel. Interestingly the base has been inscribed 'Wilkinson', the original owner? ECL 23. 9-inches (23cm) high.
