Posted 7 years ago
Rookiebuyer
(1 item)
I'm pleading for a bit of information on a lamp I purchased for my wife's birthday.Shes new to collecting these,and I'm a rookie at picking them out!Font appears to be hand blown,fixtures are attached with plaster.Stem is attached with square nut.No visiable makers mark.Manufacturer? Approximate age?Any information will be greatly appreciated to help educate a husband!Thank You!
You did a great job of picking out your first 1860's oil lamp. I would highly suggest that you purchase a book before you make any more purchases. I purchased a book called "OIL LAMPS The Kerosene Era in North America" and it's by Catherine Thuro. It has the information that you will need to guide your new found investment or hobby. This (must have) book includes "updated values" of the lamps in the year 2001 and many color pictures of the lamps.
I believe that you are making a great choice as I collect them and really do enjoy their beauty and historic value.
Very few lamps have markings that will identify the maker. The burners on oil lamps were replaced regularly especially if the lamp was in constant use so it will not help you in dating the lamp. In the case of this lamp, there are a few hints as to approximating the age; 1. The marble base, 2. The font is blown, 3. The shape of the font, 4. The fine line collar on the lamp, 5. The brass decorated stem, 6. The colour of the glass. TreasureTex is right in dating it 1860's and of course the three books by Catherine Thuro are a must if you want to seriously get into Oil Lamps. Catherine started a study group for collectors called "The Historical Lighting Society of Canada"....you can access their web site by googling the name. Your lamp was not given a name but a similar lamp is in her reference books. The maker was either from the Pittsburgh area or from the New England area. Bob