Description
This is an antique oil heater I found while cleaning out a garage. It is made by perfection and was made in the USA with a US patent #125. I was wondering how much it is worth?
Category
General Antiques and Collectibles
Medium
Iron
Distinguishing marks
Trademark #125. Made in the USA
Perfection Smokeless Oil Heater
Perfection Smokeless Oil Heater
Condition
Fair
eBay Auction Link
For Sale?
Yes
Re: Perfection Smokeless Oil Heater
Anyone out there have any information on this oil heater? Thanks!
Re: Perfection Smokeless Oil Heater
Can anyone please tell me anything about this oil heater? Thank you.
Re: Perfection Smokeless Oil Heater
These were mass produced in huge numbers and values for them today are very modest. We get quite a few listed here every year, but sad to say there is not much market for them as collectibles or antiques. The five I've seen go at auction sold for less than $40.00
Re: Perfection Smokeless Oil Heater
Value is $25-50, here is what I have for history.
In 1888, Henry Parsons Crowell was approached by Frank Drury to build, and market, a 'lamp stove'. The two men discussed the practicability of such an item. A patent was applied for; the Cleveland Foundry Company began building and then selling the stove. The 'Perfection Stove Company' was born.
In 1888 the Cleveland Foundry Company was formed. They manufactured a line of oil lamp stoves, along with many lamp companies such as Bradley & Hubbard and Miller. In 1894, the plant started producing portable heaters. These heaters used the "store lamp" wick that had been standardized by Rochester in 1884. In 1901 Francis Drury approached John D. Rockefeller of Cleveland owner of Standard Oil Company. At the time Standard Oil was delivering kerosene to homes and businesses for use in kerosene lamps. Rockefeller knew that with use of the Drury Stove the demand for this kerosene would increase substantially and it did. Rockerfeller selected the company to design, develop and manufacture for it a complete line of stoves which were to be sold under the name "Perfection" to dealers by a group of 300 Standard Oil salesmen. This arrangement was continued by other oil companies.
The Perfection product lineup was extremely important to the growth of American civilization. By 1918, over 5,000,000 heaters were in use. By 1922, over 3,000,000 Perfection kitchen stoves and ranges were in use in American homes! A sizeable percentage of households used a Perfection product on a daily basis.
Re: Perfection Smokeless Oil Heater
Thanks for the information.
Re: Perfection Smokeless Oil Heater
Hi, I just restored one that I purchased at a yard sale for $10. I seen a model like yours on ebay go for $20 or so. I believe it was a model 730. Not sure what the worth is but I am interested in purchasing for a restoration. what price are you looking for?
Re: Perfection Smokeless Oil Heater
I am asking $50 for it. I have no idea where you live, so if it has to be shipped, you would need to pay that fee as well.