Bell System Tea Kettle?

[magicbrain]

https://tinyurl.com/y9g6lyr7


Anyone know what was this "tea kettle"used for?
P.Wall manufactured kerosene lamps & cans, but this appears to be designed to be heated for some purpose with the outer shell insulated with an air gap from the inner part.

[Jim Stettler]

https://tinyurl.com/y9g6lyr7


Anyone know what was this "tea kettle"used for?
P.Wall manufactured kerosene lamps & cans, but this appears to be designed to be heated for some purpose with the outer shell insulated with an air gap from the inner part.

MAybe lead.
Just a guess.
Jim S.

[Sargeguy]

Maybe it is a kerosene jug for refilling lamps?

[19and41]

With the insulation factor, I was thinking lead as well, but then looking at that spindly handle made me change my mind.

[Sargeguy]

Melting wax?

[Sargeguy]

Here is another one, non Bell System:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/112862025060?

It has more photos and is more complete.  The seller doesn't know what it is either

[19and41]

How about tar for potting or waterproofing?

[HarrySmith]

Maybe for a cup of tea?

[Sargeguy]

I thought about tar or glue but I think that would leave some residue, they both look fairly clean.

[Dan/Panther]

Notice the holes around the spout. It almost seems as though there is a tube inside the spout. I would want to pour any hot material out that spout.
Here is a similar item, called an Oil Wick Cap Lamp.

D/P

http://www.miningartifacts.org/MVC-015L.JPG

[Sargeguy]

Those are much smaller, worn on hats (pre-OSHA I'm sure) but I think you are correct that these might be some form of open flame lamp, like Aladdin's lamp without the genie.

[Sargeguy]

https://www.backfromthedeadantiques.com/products/antique-railroad-oil-can-lamp-kerosene-torch-p-wall-pittsburgh-pennsylvania

Here is an early P. Wall kerosene "railroad lamp

[wds]

There is definitely an oil or tar lining in my can.  I think it is an Oil Lamp similar to the one above - Railroad Oil Can Lamp.

[AL_as_needed]

I have read in old trade books about similar tea-pots for lead joining cast iron pipes. The air gap was to prevent the lead from boiling and splattering out the top (like a double boiler) and the liquid lead would be poured right into the joint until the void was filled (with the aid of an asbestos rope for horizontal joints), and tamped down tight when cool. There were also styles with a larger open top for use with a pouring ladle for smaller joints.