Bidspirit auction | Vapo Cresolene Medicinal Vaporizer Lamp

Vapo Cresolene Medicinal Vaporizer Lamp - 6.25 inches tall. This medicinal vaporizer, designed for the evaporation of coal-tar derived liquids, dates to the late 19th or early 20th century. The device is constructed with a decorative cast metal frame featuring elaborate scrollwork and a three-footed base. The frame supports a lower kerosene burner and an upper articulated arm that holds an evaporation tray. The lower assembly consists of a clear pressed-glass reservoir and a brass burner with a toothed wick-adjustment knob. A small, bulbous milk glass chimney sits atop the burner. The dark metal saucer-shaped tray at the top features a series of circular ventilation holes around the perimeter and a central recessed well for liquid. The glass reservoir is embossed with the characters V A P O on one side and C R E S O L E N E on the opposing side. The side of the metal evaporation tray is stamped with the word PATENTED followed by a line of dates; the characters A U G . 4 . 8 5 followed by A U G . 8 . 8 8 are partially legible despite surface oxidation.