The Kosmos kerosene lamp has been made in France for over a hundred years using machinery made in Brooklyn in the 1880s and powered by a water wheel. The Kosmos uses a flat wick, 2 1/2" wide, formed into a circle (and not only much less expensive than an Aladdin wick, but also last much longer) and uses a metal flame spreader to ensure complete combustion and good light - not a fragile mantle like an Aladdin. The bases are very pretty while also being sturdy. The chimney's are tough and slide into a socket, not fragile and twist lock as are the Aladdin's. And the chimney for a Kosmos costs about $5.00, whereas the thin, fragile Aladdin chimney costs about $20.00 each.

There are many models of Kosmos kerosene lamps. I have several Kosmos Concierge lamps. They have a solid brass base with a handle, and the handle has slots in the back so it becomes wall - mounted easily. The disadvantage of the Concierge lamp is the very limited fuel capacity of the fount. A better style for everyday use is the Amie.

Remember that brass will tarnish, so apply a good grade of automotive polish to the lamp when you get it, and about once a year, and it will stay looking perfect forever. There are several models of burners available: the #14 uses less fuel but produces less light, and the #15 is the best for light output, but is a little cranky - it takes a few minutes to adjust the flame, so be patient (I use the #15, if you want a recommendation).  

The #15 burner is a "little cranky" using kerosene as a fuel, as the wick gap is very narrow and kerosene chars the top edge of the wick.  Using the much cleaner burning, less expensive "Paint Thinner, Low Odor Mineral Spirits" as a fuel, there is no tar or char formation on the top of the wick, the wick always moves freely, and the light output is considerably brighter.  The #14 style burner is much easier to use than the #15 burner.

I cannot think of any better lamp for both light output (lumens) per fuel consumption and outstanding reliability than the Kosmos, and that judgment is based on decades of study and use of kerosene lamps.

Wicks for Kosmos lamps are available from my Wick Shop - www.MilesStair.com

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