How can I tell if an oil lamp is o.k. to be used?

[Mrs. Jo]

My hubby picked up a oil lamp at an antique place a while ago and we were just speculating if we could use it or not? Is there anything we need to be aware of? Or should we just try it out?

[oberhaslikid]

Put a little oil in it enough to let the wick get saturated and turn wick up. Take a look and see if it needs trimmed.If it looks black and all corroded then trim straight across. Once wick has soaked up the oil .Light and turn down the flame and replace the globe.Let it burn awhile and see how it does should be OK.Might need a new wick.