Vintage Superior kerosene tower

[JoshandLila]

Hi again! found this at a flee market awhile back for bout $75 and have been researching since then and havent found out much about it. Its a 10 gallon Superior kerosene tower, would like to know how old it is and if I got a good deal or not? Paint is original and both glass windows are intact. Bit rusty at the bottom with 2 small holes but spigot is functional.Great to be back! Thanks for any info

[mart]

Glad you are back !!  Thats a neat find !! I would guess from around 1900 or a bit after when kerosene was still in widespread use for home lighting !!  Couldn`t say about the price !!  Haven`t heard of one selling !!

[Rauville]

What you have here is actually a "Gravity Cream Separator".
Used as the name implies to separate the cream by allowing the cream to rise and draining the skim milk off the bottom.

[cogar]

Thanks Rauville, there was something about that being a "kerosene tower" that just didn't compute. One of my questions was why a "viewing" slot? And in the "hayday" of kerosene a merchant would have to refill it 2 or 3 times per day.

[mart]

Saw a few others that also listed this as a kerosene tower !!  Would be very deep to remove the cream from the top, and it would not run out of the spigot !!

[cogar]

A kerosene container would have a locking "sealer" lid on it, ..... wouldn't it?

Petroleum distillates evaporate pretty readily.

And filling it up with kerosene from another kerosene can makes for an "overkill" if its top opening is as large as what it looks to be.

And upon further pondering it would work fine as a "feed" for a refrigerator ................ or a cooking or heating stove. 

[Rauville]

Here's some good information...

www.dairyantiques.com/Cream_Separators_1.html

[mart]

Well, Thats a new one on me !!  Did look and find one like this with two cans to go with it on liveauctioneers but the estimate was $25. to $100. for all three !!

[KC]

Milk separator that it is! 

Sorry haven't been on much lately.  2 kids home sick from camp (counselors and the camp REALLY wants them back) and helping the oldest get ready to move out  in 2 weeks and start life after college....to Louisiana no less!!!!

[mart]

Hey KC,, noticed your sporadic appearance here !! Hope kids are better soon and Louisiana is not bad !! Only about an hour and a half from here !! Stayed there a lot in the motor home and lived in Mansfield while my daughter was PG !!  Where is he/she moving to ??

[JoshandLila]

well that kinda bums me out, but thanks for the info guys I really appreciate it. The only other one I had seen listed said it was a kerosene tower and thats what the seller said too... oh well, still a neat conversation piece  Thanks again!

[KC]

Moving to Shreveport!  Cajun FOOD!!!  YUMMO!!!!!

[greenacres]

If they're moving out with a job you're lucky. You've done a good job.

[mart]

Moving to Shreveport!  Cajun FOOD!!!  YUMMO!!!!!

 Not a bad town,, Just a little big for my taste !!  Good food though !! 

[greenacres]

Yum ! I like good food!