Humphrey Radiant Fire & Sexy 70s Sofa

Jefferson, bedroom

We found this antique gas heater on a brief trip to Kentucky. Sure, it may be unsafe and possibly kill us in our sleep — doesn’t it LOOK interesting?? Love the claw feet. I was very pleased to discover it fits perfectly in the firebox! It weighs a ton. Doesn’t it look like it could be some Disney-animated character…sidekick to the candlestick or grandfather clock?

Says The Chicago Antiques Guide:

The Humphrey Company started in the early 1900’s, as the General Gas Light Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In 1916, they patented the Radiantfire gas heater (there are many different models), which operated on natural gas, heating a set of ceramic inserts that would glow and radiate heat into the room. They became very popular and sold well. By 1920 there were over 700,000 already installed and the company was turning them out at rates up to 150,000 a year. Because of that, there are enough still around to keep prices pretty reasonable.

The ceramic element is slightly cracked. Anyone know where a replacement could be found? (Yes, Dad, we’ll be sure to check that it is safe to use first…)

We’ll install this once we come to a decision on how to heat the [very chilly] stone cottage. We’ve made it this far, so, if we wait until spring or summer I’m sure we won’t have to wait (or make a rash decision).

We also scored a very cool white pleather sofa! It’s right out of the ’70s. Cool.

We can finally sit on comfortable cushions! (The mid-century modern one was very practical for our apartment due to being so lightweight, but it was never a chill-on-the-sofa piece of furniture). [See the old sofa in the forefront of this messy photo].

<< As for our Victorian project >>

We are reassessing our timeline. The market has softened enough that at this point it doesn’t make sense to put all our resources into the house. Besides, we’ve got a new business and other plans in the works. We’ll proceed… but in a much slower pace. It’s the most practical and prudent decision.

I’m not too familiar with practical or prudent…

katie @ February 18, 2009