IMPROVEMENTS IN LAMPS, LANTERNS, AND GAS FITTINGS
Year: 1865

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Johnston, of the City of Glasgow, in the
County of Lanark, N.B., Lamp Manufacturer, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN LAMPS, LANTERNS, AND GAS FITTINGS."
Sealed the 25th May 1866, and dated the 2nd December, 186
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Johnston at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 2nd
December 1865.
J, WILLIAM JOHNSTON, of the City of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark,
N.B., Lamp Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN LAMPS, LANTERNS, AND GAS FITTINGS," to be as
follows:-
My Invention has for its object improved ornamental effect, economy in
manufacture, and facility for removing of parts for repairing or cleaning.
One modification of my Invention relates to lamps or lanterns of a well
known cylindrical form; the glass cylinder is placed between two metal bands
or rings, which are furnished with small thin pieces of metal projected
inwards; between these projections the cylinder is held at top and bottom..
In the following description I will designate these bands or rings as the
"upper
upper" and "lower" frames. The bottom glass pane fits inside of the

page_text: lower frame under the inner projections, and has a central aperture. A dome
shaped or other convex piece of glass (with an aperture at its upper side) and
of a similar diameter at its base to that of the cylinder is placed upon the
upper side of projections inside of the upper frame." A central rod passing
down the lantern is furnished at its lower end with a ring or projecting part
or parts, which fit under the side of the central aperture in the bottom glass
pane.
This central rod has similar projecting parts or ring fitting on upper
side of opening at top of glass dome by means of screw, screws, or other
suitable appliances. The entire parts constituting the lamp or lantern are
firmly and securely held together while the lantern is suspended, it will then
be carried upon the bottom pane, which must be sufficiently strong, while
the "upper" and "lower" frames" may be quite thin, their purpose being
chiefly ornamental, and to keep the cylinder in place.. The lower frame"
may be altogether dispensed with by using a bottom pane of larger diameter
than the base of the cylinder, which may be kept in place by a groove,
projecting part, or studs, on or fitted into the said bottom pane. In a similar
manner the upper frame" may be dispensed with, by using a top glass dome
or part with projection of greater diameter than upper part of cylinder. The
upper" and "lower frames" described as of metal may be made of wood,
papier mache, or other suitable material, while instead of separate metal
pieces projecting inwards, there may be a continuous projection, ring, or
ledge to serve a similar purpose. The bottom pane may be either curved or
flat, and while preferentially made of one piece may be of two or more pieces.
The top dome or canopy of glass or metal may also be of two or more pieces,
or may be dispensed with entirely, and in its place radial arms either curved
or straight fitted, so that at the centre, by fittings already described, the parts
forming the lamp or lantern may be firmly and securely held together. While
I have described the lantern as with a central rod, there may be used two
or more rods attached to top and bottom fittings, and one or more burners.
I prefer one central rod with a gas burner on each side, so as to prevent
lateral shadow, as described in my Specification of Patent No. 764, March
23rd, A.D. 1863. Instead of the glass cylinder being made of one entire
piece of glass fitted as described, it may be of two or more pieces, or may be
of other than cylindrical shape or configuration, such as square, pentagonal,
or polygonal, flat or curved sides, which sides may be either parallel or
tapered."
$5
Another modification of my Invention relates to globe lights with aperture
at lower end for convenience of lighting: the centre rod has at its lower end
radial projections, which rest upon the inner surface of the glass at its lower

page_text: aperture; under this aperture is placed a ring or piece of metal of greater
diameter than the said aperture, which may be attached to the central rod or
radial projections thereon by a screw or screws or other suitable appliances,
whereby the globe is held in position. The lower ring or piece of metal which
thus bears or carries the globe can be easily detached or unfastened for
removal of the globe without displacing the other fittings. Radial projections
may be placed upon the suspending rod fitting the upper aperture of globe,
so as to ensure steadiness and prevent it from leaning to one side, or the centre
rod may be parted, and two or more rods be passed through the top aperture
and attached to the lower metal fittings.
These arrangements may also be applied to other than globe lights, being
equally applicable to lanterns of other shapes or with panes of glass having a
central aperture.
In a modification of my Invention relating to sliding lamps, I dispense with
pulley wheels, and instead thereof I apply to lamp rods pieces of metal, wood,
glass, ceramic ware, or other rigid or firm materials, over the curved surfaces
of which I pass the balance weight, cord, or chain, guided by grooves, ledges,
pins, or other suitable appliances. Instead of balance weights of solid metal or
of brass filled with a cheaper material, I apply balance weights made of glass,
stone, or ceramic ware, by preference of ene piece, fixed with stucco or other
cement to the metal piece whereby they are suspended; or these materials
may be in more than one piece, or arranged in sections or layers in a variety
of ways. Hollow pieces of glass and ceramic ware have been used to hold or
cover metals used as balance weights for lamps; but according to my Inven-
tion the above-mentioned substances form the actual counterpoise of the lamp
or nearly the whole, the metal when used being merely for fixing, orna-'
menting, or adjusting. Balance weights of cast iron have long been used
where lowness of price is an object; such solid castings are coarse in surface..
I propose to cast thin iron casings, which are more smooth in surface, and fill
them with cheaper castings or other cheap material. Glass balance-weights.
may be made smooth, cut, or moulded of clear or coloured glass, and may be.
hollow, or partly so, and the hollow filled with coloured liquid, preferentially
such as will not freeze in ordinary frosts.
Another modification of my Invention relates to improvements, in the main
ornamental body of chandeliers. Where glass dishes have been extensively
used, plain or ornamented externally in various ways, I propose to use flint or
transparent white or coloured glass dishes cut or engraved internally; the
incised parts or devices may be filled in with colouring matter, or they may
be silvered or gilt, and the main surface inside ground, obscured, or coated

page_text: with paint or varnish, black. or coloured; such internal decoration produces
pleasing ornamental effects seen from the outer side. I further propose to
ornament such dishes externally by fixing studs or rosettes thereon by means
of screws and nuts or other suitable appliances, the glass dishes being pur-
posely drilled for fastening such ornaments. Lamp dishes such as described
may be made of hardened india-rubber, technically known as "vulcanite."
The vulcanite may be used in various ways in the construction and orna-
mentation of lamps by being moulded or pressed into various forms, by
being gilt or ornamented with studs or rosettes of metal or other material, by
being perforated and lined with lacquered metal, glass, or other appliances.
Vulcanite, being very light and capable of receiving a shining polished surface,
is particularly applicable to lamps where weighty materials are objectionable.
A further modification of my Invention relates to glass shades for gas
burners. I dispense with the ordinary moons and glass holders: I make the
shades wide at the upper part where the flame is, and taper them to a narrow
shank or stem with a hole through just sufficient to allow it to be slipped over
a slender gas tube with a burner slipped upon or screwed upon its summit.
I admit air to supply the burner by means of slits, cuts, perforations, or
openings in the glass shade or stem thereof; these shades may be held fair in
position externally in various ways, such as by a light tapering framework, or
by being cemented into a socket, which fits by screw to the end of gas bracket
or branch of lamp.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Johnston in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
31st May 1866.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
JOHNSTON, of the City of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, N.B., Lamp
Manufacturer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Second day of December, in the year of
Lord, One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, in the twenty-ninth year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto me, the said William Johnston, Her special licence that I, the said
William Johnston, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as I, the said William Johnston, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at

page_text: all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully
might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN LAMPS. LANTERNS. AND GAS FITTINGS," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said William Johnston, my executors or
administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of
their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed.
and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW. YE, that I, the said William Johnston, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
My Invention has for its object improved ornamental effect, economy in
manufacture, and facility for removal of parts for repairing and cleaning.
One modification of my Invention relates to lamps or lanterns of a well-
known cylindrical form. The glass cylinder is placed between two metal
bands or rings, which are furnished with small thin pieces of metal projected
inwards, between these projections the cylinder is held top and bottom.
In the following description I will designate these bands or rings as the
upper
and "lower frames. The bottom glass pane fits inside of the
lower frame under the inner projections, and has a central aperture. A dome-
shaped or other convex piece of glass (with an aperture at its upper side),.
and of a similar diameter at its base to that of the cylinder, is placed upon
the upper side of projection inside of the upper frame. A central rod passing
down the lantern is furnished at its lower end with a ring or projecting part
or parts, which fit under side of central aperture in bottom glass pane. This
central rod has similar projecting parts or ring fitting on upper side of opening
at top of glass dome. By means of screw, screws, or other suitable
appliances the entire parts constituting the lamp or lantern are firmly and
securely held together while the lantern is suspended, it will thus be carried
upon the bottom pane, which must be sufficiently strong, while the upper and
lower frames may be quite thin, their purpose being chiefly ornamental and
to keep the cylinder in place. The lower frame may be altogether dispensed
with by using a bottom pane of larger diameter than the base of cylinder,
which may be kept in place by a groove projecting part on or studs fitted
into the said bottom pane. In a similar manner the upper frame may be

page_text: dispensed with by using a top glass dome or part with projection of greater
diameter than upper part of cylinder. The upper and lower frames described
as of metal may be made with wood, papier mache, or other suitable material,
while instead of separate metal pieces projecting inwards, there may be a
continuous projection. ring, or ledge to serve a similar purpose. The bottom
pane may be either curved or flat, and while preferentially made of one piece,
may be of two or more pieces. The top dome or canopy of glass or metal
may also be of two or more pieces, or may be dispensed with entirely, and in
its place radial arms either curved or straight fitted, so that at the centre by
fittings already described the parts forming the lamp or lantern may be firmly
and securely held together. While I have described the lanterns with a central
rod, there may be used two or more rods attached to top and bottom fittings, and
one or more burners. I prefer one central rod with a gas burner on each
side so as to prevent lateral shadow, as described in my Specification of
Patent No. 764, March 23rd, 1863. Instead of the glass cylinder being
made of one entire piece of glass fitted as described, it may be of two or more
pieces, or may be of other than cylindrical configuration, such as square,
pentagonal, or polygonal with flat or curved sides, which sides may be either
parallel or tapered.
Another modification of my Invention relates to globe lights with aperture
at lower end for convenience of lighting. The centre rod has at its lower
end radial projections, which rest upon the inner surface of the glass at its
lower aperture; under this aperture is placed a ring or piece of metal of
greater diameter than the said aperture, which may be attached to central
rod or radial projections thereon by a screw or screws or other suitable
appliances, whereby the globe is held in position. The lower ring or piece of
metal which thus bears or carries the globe can be easily detached or unfas-
tened for removal of the globe without displacing the other fittings. Radial
projections may be placed upon the suspending rod fitting the upper aperture
of globe so as to ensure steadiness, and prevent it from leaning to one side,
or the centre rod may be parted, and two or more rods be passed through the
top aperture, and attached to the lower metal fittings. These arrangements
may also be applied to other than globe lights, being equally applicable to
lanterns of other shapes, or with panes of glass having a central aperture.
In a modification of my Invention relating to sliding lamps I dispensed
with pulley wheels, and instead thereof I apply to lamp rods pieces of metal,
wood, glass, ceramic ware, or other rigid or firm material, over the curved
surface of which I pass the balance weight, cord, or chain, guided by grooves,
ledges, pins, or other suitable appliances. Instead of balance weights of solid

page_text: metal or of brass filled with a cheaper material, I apply balance weights made
of glass, stone, or ceramic ware, by preference of one piece, fixed with stucco
or other cement to the metal piece whereby they are suspended, or these
materials may be in more than one piece, or arranged in sections or layers in
a variety of ways. Hollow pieces of glass or ceramic ware have been used to
hold or cover metal used as balance weights for lamps, but according to my
Invention the above-mentioned substance form the actual counterpoise of the
lamp, or nearly the whole, the metal when used being merely for fixing,
ornamenting, or adjusting. Balance weights of cast iron have long been used
where lowness of price is an object, such solid castings are coarse on the
surface. I propose to cast thin iron casings which are more smooth on sur-
face, and fill them with cheaper castings or other cheap material. Glass
balance weights may be made smooth, cut, or moulded of clear or coloured
glass, and may be hollow or partly so, and the hollow filled with coloured
liquid, preferentially such as will not freeze in ordinary frosts.
Another modification of my Invention relates to improvements in the main
ornamental body of chandeliers where glass dishes have been extensively used,
plain or ornamented externally in various ways. I propose to use flint or
transparent white or coloured glass dishes cut or engraved internally; the
incised parts or devices may be filled in with colouring matter, or they may
be silvered or gilt, and the main surface inside ground, obscured, or coated
with paint or varnish, black or coloured; such internal decoration produces
pleasing ornamental effects seen from the outer side.
I further propose to
ornament such dishes externally by fixing studs or rosettes thereon by means
of screws and nuts, or other suitable appliances; the glass dishes being pur-
posely drilled for fastening such ornaments. Lamp dishes, such as described,
may be made of hardened india-rubber, technically known as vulcanite.
vulcanite may be used in various ways in the construction and ornamentation
of lamps by being moulded or pressed into various forms, by being gilt or
ornamented with studs or rosettes of metal or other material, by being per-
forated and lined with lacquered metal, glass, or other appliances. Vulcanite,
being very light and capable of receiving a shining polished surface, is
particularly applicable to lamps where weighty materials are objectionable.
The
A further modification of my Invention relates to glass shades for gas
burners. I dispense with the ordinary moons and glass holders. I make the
shades wide at the upper part where the flame is, and taper them to a narrow
shank or stem, with a hole through just sufficient to allow it to be slipped
over a slender gas tube with a burner slipped upon or screwed upon its
summit. I admit air to supply the burner by means of slits, cuts, perfora-

page_text: tions or openings in the glass shade or the stem thereof. These shades may
be held fair in position externally in various ways, such as by a light tapering
framework, or by being cemented into a socket which fits by a screw to the
end of the gas bracket or branch of lamp.
Having now described my said Invention, and the manner of performing the
same, that it may be properly understood I have hereunto appended a Sheet
of explanatory Drawings to be herein-after referred to, and representing
examples of the application of my improvements.
One modification of my Invention relates to lamps or lanterns of a well-
known cylindrical form, of which Fig. 1 is a section. A being the glass
cylinder fitted between the projections E attached to the bands or rings C and
D; J is the bottom glass pane, with central aperture, to which is fitted a
flanged metal piece K, with arms O fitted to body P; N, N, being the burner
tubes; L, the gas cock; M, the central gas rod fitted to frame F and radial
arms G by screw nuts H; B is a glass dome. The weight of the lantern is
carried by the flanged piece K and bottom pane J, and the whole kept in
position by the nuts or screws H. The gas tap L is placed for convenience at
the lower aperture, but may be placed in any other position. Instead of
screws H other suitable appliances to effect the same object may according to
this my Invention be used. The lower land or frame D may be altogether
dispensed with by using a bottom pane of larger diameter than the base of the
cylinder, as shewn in Fig. 2, which may be kept in place by a groove pro-
jecting part or studs A on or fitted into the said bottom pane. In a similar
manner the upper frame, ring, or band C, Fig. 1, may be dispensed with by
using a glass dome, with flange or projection of greater diameter than the
upper part of the cylinder. This upper dome, so called, may be of a variety
of curved or other shapes, or may be of one or more pieces, or may be dis-
pensed with, and in its place radial arms either straight or curved, so that at
the centre by fittings all ready described the parts forming the lantern or lamp
may be firmly and securely held together. The upper and lower frames C
and D, Fig. 1, described as of metal, may be made of wood, papier mache, or
other suitable material; while instead of metal pieces projecting inwards there
may be a continuous projection, ring, or ledge to serve a similar purpose. The
bottom pane may be either flat or curved, as in Figs. 3, 4, and 5, and while
preferentially made of one piece, may be of two or more pieces. While I have
described the lanterns as with a central gas rod, there may be used two or
more rods attached to top and bottom fittings, and one or several gas burners
may be used.
I prefer one central rod, with gas burners on each side or
round it, so as to prevent lateral shadow, as described in my Specification

page_text: No. 764, March 23rd, 1863. Instead of the glass cylinder being made of one
entire piece of glass fitted as already described, it may be of two or more
pieces to be held in position according to my Invention as already described
for cylinders of one piece of glass. I cover the vertical edges of such pieces
of glass with thin strips of metal or other suitable material, as loose bars,
which do not require to be fixed or soldered to top and bottom frames of
lantern.
Figs. 11 and 12 are part sections of cylinder lanterns according to this
modification. A being the glass panes, B and G the loose bars. In Fig. 11
the bar B has a projection inwards. fitted with a screw nut C, which holds the
glass panes in position. In Fig. 12 the bar G has a hole, the piece D is
passed through from the inside, and a screwed nut E fitted thereon to hold
the bars and glass panes in position. These modes of fitting may be varied
considerably; for example, as in Fig. 14, bar B with thin projections H, which,
when inserted between vertical edges of glass panes, the projections H may be
bent over to hold the loose bar and glass panes in position, as in Fig. 15.
Figs. 16 and 17 shew similar arrangement suitable for hexagon or other flat-
sided lanters with loose panes and bars; Fig. 13 shews a mode of fitting for
flat-sided lanterns on the same principle as in Fig. 12. Lanterns according to
this modification of my Invention may be tapered as well as parallel-sided,
and of a variety of curved or other outlines. Fig. 6 is an elevation of a
cylinder with dome-shaped upper part of one piece of glass.
Another modification of my Invention relates to globe lights with aperture
at lower end for convenience of lighting, of which Fig. 7 is a vertical section.
A is the glass globe with neck fitting into top piece F (or glass may have no
neck, but be quite plain and fitted to flanged piece F, Fig. 18, or piece F
with studs X, Fig. 19). Top piece F, Fig. 7, is adjusted to central rod M by
radial arms G and screw nuts H, or other suitable appliance for keeping the
top fittings steady in position. R is a ceramic smoke shade, fitted to rod by
screws S. The lower end of central rod M is attached to body P with
burners N and gas tap L. The arms O, of which there may be two or more,
pass down the inside of the lower aperture of the globe. The ends of arms O
are tapped with a screw thread, and by being inserted through the holes in
the lower metal piece K, and knobs, nuts, or flanges Q screwed on, the globe
is held up in position. The advantage is obvious. When the globe requires
to be removed for cleaning or otherwise the parts Q are unscrewed, part K
removed, and the globe relieved, all the other fittings remaining undisturbed.
Part K may be of any suitable shape, and may be fixed otherwise than by

page_text: screw nuts Q. The novelty consists in its being detachable with great facility
for the purpose stated.
Fig. 8 shews another mode of fitting the arms O, which radiate from
body P and are attached to ring U, which is inside of the glass globe A, part
of which only is shewn. Another ring W is fitted outside and under the glass
globe. Small bolts or pins X are passed through holes in the rings U and W,
and fitted with screws Q: the glass is thus held between the two rings U and
W. This arrangement is especially applicable to basin or urn-shaped glass
dishes. The ring U may be dispensed with, and holes for pins X made in
the end of radial arms O. Instead of a globe, as tepresented in Figs. 7 and 8,
the glass dish or lantern may be of any shape or outline, provided with lower
fastenings as described. The same detachable fastening as described for
globe or other glass dish or lamp glass are applicable to lower panes of round
or flat-sided lanterns, as shewn in Figs. 1 to 6, or with separate panes or
vertical sides, Figs. 11 to 13. Fig. 9 represents section of lower frame of
M, the central rod; P, the body;
cylinder lantern with this arrangement.
X, the radial arms, attached to frame or lower band D: A, the removable
glass bottom pane, kept in position by detachable picce K of this or any other
suitable shape, which detachable piece K is fitted by screws or screwed
pieces to radial arms X. Fig. 10 is a plan of which Fig. 9 is a section. By
this arrangement the bottom and piece K can be very readily removed for
cleaning when required, and for access to inside of lantern while in ordinary
use. The central aperture in the bottom pane is convenient for lighting.
Fig. 9a represents another arrangement suitable for such lanterns as No. 9,
the same reference letters answers foregoing description, the only difference
being that fixed pins or projections from radial arms X project downwards
through the aperture in the bottom pane and piece K, to which projections
are fitted knobs or screw nuts, which keep the piece K and the bottom pane
in position. Bottom panes fitted by this arrangement may be either flat and
with lower metal frame D, or may be of curved shape, as in Figs. 3, 4, and 5,
or the whole glass parts or part of lantern may be removed, an example of
which is shewn in Fig. 20 (a well-known shape) in elevation. By undoing
the fastenings Q, the loose metal piece K is relieved, and the glass A removed
for cleaning, leaving frame C and all other fittings in position undisturbed.
Fig. 21 is elevation of globe in two glass parts separated by metal band C.
A, X, the upper glass; A, the lower glass, removable by unfastening the
screws and the loose piece K, which keeps up the glass. Section Fig. 22
shews three rods passing down instead of one central rod; this Figure may

page_text: have only one gas burner. The glass globe A is held up by the same removable
pieces K and screws Q as in Figs. 20 and 21.
A further modification of my Invention relates to sliding lamps or
chandeliers, either water slide, cork slide, or stuffing box slide. I dispense
with revolving pulley wheels, and instead thereof I apply to fixed lamp rod C,
Fig. 23, pieces of metal, wood, glass, ceramic ware, or other rigid or firm
material, over the curved surfaces A of which I pass the balance weight, cord,
or chain, kept from working off at either side by rings, open groove pins, or
other suitable appliances. B, the water cup or stuffing box; C, the sliding
rod; W, the balance weights. Instead of balance weights of solid metal, or
of brass filled with a cheaper material, I apply balance weights, Fig. 24, A,
made of glass, stone, or ceramic ware, by preference of one piece, fixed at
B with stucco or other cement to the metal piece C, whereby they are sus-
pended; or these materials may be of more than one piece, or arranged in
sections or layers in a variety of ways, of which section (Fig. 25) is an
example, A, B, and C being the separate pieces with a hole in the centre,
through which a wire or rod D is passed, screwed at each end and held
together by the top and bottom pieces F and E. Glass balance weights may
be made smooth, moulded, or cut of clear flint or coloured glass, and may be
hollow, or partly so, and the hollow filled with coloured liquid, preferentially
such as will not freeze in ordinary frosts. Hollow pieces or dishes of glass
or ceramic ware have been used to hold, contain, or cover metal or other
weighty material used as a counterpoise for sliding lamps; but according to
my Invention the above-mentioned substances form the actual counterpoise
or nearly the whole counterpoise to the sliding lamp, the metal being merely
for fixing, ornamenting, or adjusting. Fig. 26 is an elevation of the glass
balance weight A with brass or other metal ornaments B, B, the knob E
being fitted with shank screwed or fitted into the glass A. By using a cup-
shaped ornament at the top, shot or other weighty material may be added
to adjust the weight. I have in my Drawings shewn only one shape, but
such balance weights may be varied to any shape or outline, and supported
or fixed by other methods where low price is an object. Balance weights of
cast iron have been used, such solid castings are coarse or rough on the
surface. By my Invention thin ornamental shells or cases of cast iron are
used which have a fine skin or surface (see Fig. 27), A being the top thin
shell; A, A, being the bottom thin shell; B, the weight filling the same, which
has a centre hole, through which is passed a wire C, fitted at each end with a
top screwed piece D and a knob E. which holds all together; a small pro-
jection G all round the bottom shell will cover or conceal the joint. This

page_text: mode of binding the top and bottom parts of balance weights together with
enclosed weighty material is applicable to other than cast-iron casings or
shells for balance weights.
A further modification of my Invention relates to improvements in the.
main ornamental body of chandeliers, an example of which Fig. 28 is a section.
I use glass or earthenware dishes A and B, fixed and applied in the manner
shewn, and which has been extensively used ornamented in a variety of ways.
The novelty of my improvement consists in the method of decoration or
ornamentation. Dish B may be clear or coloured glass cut or engraved inside
C with any device, the incised device filled with colouring matter, or gilt
or plated, and in addition the whole may be painted or covered with a pigment
or covering the effects seen externally are very pleasing and suitable for
chandeliers; or the dish B, of glass or ceramic ware, may be pierced with
holes and fitted with metal, glass, or other rosettes or ornaments K by means
of a shank fitted with screwed nut inside; other modes of fixing consistent
with my Invention may be adopted. Fig. 29 is another shape to which such
decoration is applicable, but I do not confine myself to any shape of lamp
dish or chandelier fitting, Lamp dishes such as described may be made of
hardened india-rubber, technically known as vulcanite; such vulcanite may
be used in various ways in the ornamental construction and in ornamentation
or rods, balance weights, and other parts of chandeliers, being capable of
being moulded or pressed into various forms, and gilt or ornamented with
studs or rosettes of metal or other material. Fig. 30 shews one mode of
application. A is a highly polished brass dish fitted inside of vulcanite piece
B, which by being perforated or fret-cut the metal part A seen through per-
forations has a fine effect. The metal part C may be placed over B and
bound to the lamp body by the knob D. Vulcanite being very light and
capable of receiving a shining polished surface is particularly applicable to
lamps where weighty materials are objectionable. I confine my claim to the
use of vulcanite as applied to chandeliers for ornamental purposes, such as
described in Fig. 30, B; for dishes, like Fig. 29, A or B; Fig. 28, for shells
for balance weights, as A or A, A, Fig. 27, or used as rosettes or as orna-
mental appliances to rods, arms, or other parts of chandeliers. The contrast
between richly gold lachered fittings and black vulcanite is very effective.
A further modification of my Invention relates to glass shades for gas
burners (Figs. 31 to 34), which I make wide at the upper part where the
flame is, and taper them to a narrow shank or hollow stem of sufficient
aperture to allow it to be shipped over a slender gas tube with a gas burner
A screwed upon or slipped upon the tube at its summit. I admit air to supply

page_text: the gas flame by means of slits, cuts, perforations, or openings B in the glass
shade or in the stem thereof. These shades may be held in a fair or true
position externally in various ways, such as a light tapering framework, Fig.
31, C, or Fig. 34, C, as shewn in elevation, or by being cemented by stucco
or other means into a socket S, Figs. 32 and 33, which fits by a screw to the
end of the gas branch or stand tube.
Having thus particularly described my said Invention, and the manner in
which the same is to be performed, I have to state that I do not restrict
myself to the precise details herein described or delineated, as these may be
altered to suit peculiar circumstances; but what I do claim and desire
secured to me by the before in part recited Letters Patent is, the use, con-
struction, application, and arrangement of lamps, lanterns, and lighting
apparatus generally, substantially as here within described and set forth, and
more fully illustrated in the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Johnston, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of May, One thousand eight
hundred and sixty-six.
RICHARD PARK,
Witness.
WILLIAM JOHNSTON. (L.s.)