Oozing Goo - The Lava Lamp Syndicate

I have received a 70's brass and copper coach lantern lava lamp. In pieces. It's provenance is clear, it was originally my cousin's and has been in the family since purchased new.  How do I put it back together? The side brackets have threading at the bottom and the base has holes, but there is nothing to anchor the brackets. Logic says that I would have to take the bottom of the base off, but it does not look like it has ever been removed. Is there something special about putting this back yogether.

Is there a place on this site that I can post this question for the general population to see?

Any help is appreciated! Thank you.

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There were several different versions of these, perhaps you could post some pictures.

The bottom end of the side rods are threaded, which means it can only be a Gen. 1 or Gen. 2 Lantern. Gen. 1s were, by best guess, actually made by Crestworth in the UK and shipped here, then fitted with US electricals and globes. The variants of a Gen. 2 were, it is believed, a US attempt to copy the UK model. Gen. 3 was the only different one; its side rods and handle are replaced by a single bent rod, which clips into the base.

The Gen. 1 and 2 bases have a pair of round, domed brass grommets in the holes in the base - I don't know offhand how these are attached, or if they come out, because the ones in mine are very secure. The two rods screw into these. If those aren't there, I'd suggest poking around at a hardware store, carrying the base (to check whether what you find fits in the hole) and the rod (to make sure it screws in well) along with you.

In the ones I've examined, mine included, these grommets hold the bail assembly so securely that you can carry the lamp by the handle, though I don't recommend doing that! In the Gen. 3s, the handle/rod is, like the base, aluminum. And, being simply clipped in (and being aluminum!) if you try to carry it by the handle, it will probably fall apart!

Assuming yours has the grommets or you locate them, assembly is then pretty simple. Screw the rods into the grommets until the threads are all the way in. Put in the globe and put the cover on top; you might want to stuff a ball of tissue paper inside so the cover won't wobble. The handle goes on top, and two knurled screws go through both handle and rod's flat paddle ends and into the post on the cover. In US models, the rod's end touches the cover post (inside), and the handle's end touches the screw (outside). The handle can be folded down.

A few photos of your base might help! Just add 'em to the thread here, there's an "Upload files" link at the bottom left of the posting box.

These are pics of my lamp. Are the things above the threading the grommets that were referenced? Could they have been removed from the base by someone who did not know how to disassemble the lamp? The bottom of the base does not look like it has ever been opened. It does look like the holes in the base for the frame are distorted. Any comments or suggestions? Thank you!!

Ouch! I THINK someone yanked them out instead of unscrewing them. Can you post a clear close-up of one of the holes. Does the grommet have any sign underneath of how it might have fitted into and stayed in the base?

Thank you! I will try to get some close ups posted tonight!

I am thinking that I should get a metal worker to straighten out the holes and insert the grommets? Any suggestions for who would do this type of work? Jeweler/goldsmith? Someone with a light touch that works with autos and metal?

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