Besides being great collectibles, antique hurricane lamps can also add character and warmth to your home decor!

They began as oil burning lamps and candle lamps (but modern versions often house light bulbs instead).

For a while, hurricane lamps served as a mainstay for people’s lighting needs.

When electricity became more prevalent, many of these lamps were tossed out or put in storage until people realized they were valuable if a storm knocked out power.

The design of the lamp protected the bearer from flame or dripping wax (not to mention tables and counter tops), and the chimney of course helped keep the lamp lit.

Hurricane Lamps were made in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Collectors seem to favor one that’s called a “Gone with the Wind Lamp.”

This particular style has a chimney and typically hand painted glass top to increase its decorative nature, and create a little visual drama.

They are a highly collectible item, but it’s quite possible that you’ll need to replace a part or two due to age, use, or damage over time.

As you’re shopping for your treasure the perfect find would have an intact:

• Oil container (metal or glass)
• Burner (which holds the oil bowl in place and the glass chimney, as well as an adjustable knob for the wick)
• Glass globe

If any of these parts are missing or broken you can get replacements in various paces. Many folks venture to flea markets, garage sales, estate sales and the internet seeking the right matches for their parts.

Having a historically accurate, intact hurricane lamp certainly improves the value. The base and chimney are typically the easiest parts to locate, while smaller additions (like adjustable knobs) take more digging just because they get lost in piles of miscellaneous items.

And if you plan to use your Hurricane Lamp, don’t forget to get the right type of wick. If you’re uncertain, the personnel at camping and backpacking stores are often a great resource.