One of the most popular table lamps at the turn of the century was the Rayo Lamp. "Rayo" was registered to the Standard Oil in 1906 and this lamp was marketed for the sole purpose of selling kerosene. It should be remembered that lighting in those days was the major consumer of flammable fluids and it was also at this time that Rockefeller was getting Standard Oil going. He was buying up, consolidating or just plain running small refiners out of the refining business. The Rayo is a center draught lamp, a real consumer of kerosene but it did give off enough light that one could read by it. Some of you probably saw them in your homes when you were growing up. It was easily re-wicked, it's operation was simple and practical . The lamp was brass with a nickel plate and the shade usually a 10" No. 2 Miller American Pattern. Even today, the Rayo is easily found at Antique stores, flea markets and with individual collectors. Many of you have electrified these lamps, added a brightly hand painted shade. The electrification need not harm the lamp nor remove it's ability to be returned to kerosene operation in a matter of minutes. They are one of the easiest lamps to electrify so everyone can have an antique accent lamp in their home. I usually add a touch control in the electrification process so there is no switch to be installed.

The Rayo Pendant Lamp was especially adapted for lighting stores. It had 10" shade rings holders, with clear opal shades similar to those used on the ever popular Rayo Table lamp. It is 36" tall and measured 26" between burners had a one gallon oil capacity which insured a steady supply of fuel to both burners resulting in a steady white light.

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