you were right it’s an ultra, mini-alcohol lamp! in fact, it belonged to my Dear Father who owned a jewellery factory and was a Diamond Polisher in London,UK.
It has a low heat, he used it to heat the shellac to hold a diamond crystal ready for bruiting, or starting to prepare to form the first stages of diamond polishing a “girdle”.
My Dad didn’t want a high-heat, as the shellac could have got burned. As the shellac was only to be finger-warm, he could still finger-form the shellac around the diamond. If the shellac was HOT, he’d be totally unable to hold & work the syropy-mixture!
interesting guess, but sorry, it’s not the right one! The actual height is only 1.81 inches, just a little device that is still good to use after 84 years!
Hi RWade1
This little alcohol lamp has a smaller flame, as compared to the larger lamp. Certain operations require little flames, hence lower temperatures.
Why the need for a wider flame? aka higher temperature. “Wax-work” needs more of a delicate and more precise heating, not burning!
I’m finding now that I now have four heating sources. My electric-pen with a manually desired heat.
@gerrylewy18 oh my goodness. I use exactly the same four. NOW if I just had your experience and TALENT I be in great shape! Problem is I started way too late and at 76 there isn’t time to catch up. I really do appreciate your essays.
Regards RLW
that little lamp is even more “secure” for one thing is there is a screw-top cover! The cover prevents undo evaporation of ‘methyl hydrate’ basically it has a tighter lid. Glad you like this 83 year old lamp!