(Lava Chat)

Mid-60s Century - green/yellow

Got this off eBay, but it took the lady about 3 weeks to ship it. It was really cloudy when I first got it, but it's cleared up some after two runs. The base is not the typical gold, it's more of a muted copper or something. The base also has two pieces that come apart and there's a cone inside the base. Any additional info anyone might have on this lamp would be appreciated. Model 104 on box - blue/yellow (how did it end up green?). Also, very little wax in this globe.

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Albums: 60s Lamps

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Comment by Jonas Clark-Elliott on May 8, 2011 at 4:56am: 1966-67. Just barely after first-year and, yes, the bases are a soft satin copper - satin, but not brushed like the brass on later lamps. Early models had a smaller amount of lava, and the two-part base is normal in these. Oh yeah, and... the 104 is hyper-rare, only three known to exist!! Technically the liquid is called "blue-green" in catalogs. Now, 1965 (first year) models are so far unknown - they have a softly polished copper base, and photos in catalogs show caps varying with highly-polished or satin copper or polished black finishes (the caps are all black plastic underneath). The base has no seam at the pinch, and there is a rotary switch on the side. Last, 1965 models have wax that's actually a thick oil, it won't solidify when cold and it's easily shaken and clouded. 60s models have another peculiarity - they can run for a few days at a time without overheating. They were intended to do this. I don't necessarily recommend this be done today, but it can be done. When the lamp finally overheats, it only needs a few hours' rest and you turn it back on.

Is the inner part of your base conical, or cylindrical? Also, is there a date sticker? Tilt the bottle and look up inside the cap in the air space.

Comment by Erin on May 7, 2011 at 7:35am: The flow is pretty wonky in this lamp. When were lava lamps available commercially? I'm just happy this one is clearing up! :D Thanks for the compliment Jim!

Comment by LampHead on May 7, 2011 at 2:21am: Its a very early Century 2 part base, my best guess is 1965-1967. You can fit standard light bulbs in them also (a-19). To get the top cone out you remove the bottom tray and there is a screw that holds it from the bottom. Most of the early globes have a lower wax level, its normal. I think the original blue liquid faded to green, either way its a sweet lamp !