There is no known history attached to this item. Lamps such as this one were common household items in the 19th century and the first three decades of the 20th century until electrical lighting became common in most households. This item has no known local provenance but it is useful for display as an item that was common in households in the past. This item has a cast iron base in a pyramidal shape with the four sides having identical scrolls and star shapes. A piece of brass attaches the base to a violet-coloured bowl. The bowl contains a white wick. The brass wick holder has an external knob for regulating the light intensity. There is more brass between the bowl and the mantle which is made of plain glass. On the base of the lamp: ‘Rd. No. 207869’ history of warrnambool, social history, ruby glass kerosene lamp

Edward Miller started his business in Meriden, Connecticut, in the 1840's making and selling camphene and burning fluid burners. By the 1860's, Edward Miller had become an aggressive competitior in the lamp business. Edward Miller died in 1909 at the age of 82. The Miller Company continued to produce it's wares to his high standards and is still in existence today.Bicycle Lamp. Miller & Co. Miniature Kerosene Bicycle Lamp. Black Painted, metal. Approx. 60mm x 50mm x 120mm. Clear glass in front lens with a small faceted ruby glass lens on either side. Flexible hinged mounting mechanism at the rear of the lamp