Posted 7 years ago
Lampman5
(1 item)
Picked up the very large Columbus oil lamp base minus the font.
Stands 16" tall and weighs 12lbs as is. Appears to be in perfect condition.
Does anyone know the manufacturer and have a picture of one with the original font??
Thanks
I checked my fairly intensive references on Banquet Lamps and was unable to find this figurative stem representing Columbus. What makes you think that it was an Oil Lamp base? The marble/slate base is not one that I have seen on oil lamps or on Cigar Lighters. It's a nice casting...is it bronze? Most Oil lamp figure stems were made of Spelter. Can't help you more. RER
Hello
100% sure it was an oil lamp. My picture taking is not the best but behind the head is the solid threaded stem where the font would have attached to the base.
I have seen a similar lamp with the figure of Guttemberg standing with his printing press. It is spelter but an excelent casting and very heavy.
It think it was made by Miller but only a guess.
I have all the Edward Miller, Bradley and Hubbard, Pitkins & Brooks, George Bassett and others catalogs but this figure is not in there. The base is not anything that I have seen in N. American lamps but it could be European. Most glass oil lamp fonts were held in the font holders with plaster unless the fonts were made of metal (brass, tin etc.). The font holders were sometimes screwed into the stem. Good Luck on your quest.... Bob
Hi Lampman5! I will upload some similar lamps from a few of my catalogs to show you some probable/possible accoutrements for your base/ stem. Go have a look, Bob
Hi
Thanks for the pictures. I have most of the books as I was a member of the Historical Lighting Society in Canada for many years. I am not sure of the maker (Miller or B&H ???) but I am 90% sure that the lamp is American made. I have several of the American figural lamps where the font threads onto the post just like this one.
The search continues but when I find it, I will sent out pictures.
Thanks