Oilwick Lamps/Hardsocg Star Marking

Oilwick Lamps

Hardsocg Star Marking.JPG - HARDSOCG STAR BRASS - Brass and tin slant sided lamp, 2 1/4 in. high to lid, 1 3/4 in. base dia., tin bottom, spout tip, drip ring, hook and lid; brass font, collar and spout, marked STAR M. HARDSOCG PITTSBURG, PA. in shield on spout, unfired condition (The Hardsocg Manufacturing Co. was an icon of mining equipment manufacturers and thanks to an excellent article in Eureka # 1, pp 13-16 by Dave Johnson, the history of the company is an interesting story. At one time, Hardsocg was the largest single manufacturer of mining tools and supplies in the world. As noted by Johnson, it's almost impossible to collect mining artifacts and not have something in your collection by Hardsocg. After years of blacksmithing and working in the coal mines of Iowa, in 1878 Martin Hardsocg started his company in Avery, IA to manufacture mining tools. In 1885, he moved the company to Ottumwa, IA and in 1891, the Hardsocg Manufacturing Co. was incorporated with him as president. Within a few years the company had dramatically expanded and owned and operated other companies specializing in mining equipment. As part of this expansion, a manufacturing branch was opened in Pittsburgh, PA in 1894 with Martin Hardsocg as president of the branch. The marking on this lamp reflects this Hardsocg operation. In 1947, the Hardsocg Manufacturing Co. and all its holdings were sold to Cardox Co. of Chicago which continued to operate until 1969 when the company ceased operations.)

Hardsocg Star Marking | HARDSOCG STAR BRASS - Brass and tin slant sided lamp, 2 1/4 in. high to lid, 1 3/4 in. base dia., tin bottom, spout tip, drip ring, hook and lid; brass font, collar and spout, marked STAR M. HARDSOCG PITTSBURG, PA. in shield on spout, unfired condition (The Hardsocg Manufacturing Co. was an icon of mining equipment manufacturers and thanks to an excellent article in Eureka # 1, pp 13-16 by Dave Johnson, the history of the company is an interesting story. At one time, Hardsocg was the largest single manufacturer of mining tools and supplies in the world. As noted by Johnson, it's almost impossible to collect mining artifacts and not have something in your collection by Hardsocg. After years of blacksmithing and working in the coal mines of Iowa, in 1878 Martin Hardsocg started his company in Avery, IA to manufacture mining tools. In 1885, he moved the company to Ottumwa, IA and in 1891, the Hardsocg Manufacturing Co. was incorporated with him as president. Within a few years the company had dramatically expanded and owned and operated other companies specializing in mining equipment. As part of this expansion, a manufacturing branch was opened in Pittsburgh, PA in 1894 with Martin Hardsocg as president of the branch. The marking on this lamp reflects this Hardsocg operation. In 1947, the Hardsocg Manufacturing Co. and all its holdings were sold to Cardox Co. of Chicago which continued to operate until 1969 when the company ceased operations.)

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