Oil lamps

From the collections of PVMA • Digital image © Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Assoc. • Image use information

About this item

An improvement over earlier lighting, this lamp form resembles a candlestick with the oil reservoir taking the place of the candle. The reservoir was filled with whale oil, an expensive fuel that gave a clean, bright light. The pair of lamps are unmarked by their maker. The single lamp on the right is stamped “I. Neal’s Patent May 4, 1842.”

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Details

Item typeLighting Device
CreatorGraves Brothers [Henry and Joshua Graves] [Attributed to]
Datecirca 1852
TopicHome Life, Household Items, Furniture
EraNational Expansion and Reform, 1816–1860
MaterialMetal
Dimension detailsHeight: 7.50 in Diameter: 4.87 in
Catalog #1901.11.055
View this item in our curatorial database →
Graves Brothers [Henry and Joshua Graves] [Attributed to]. Oil lamps. ca. 1852. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/1901-11-055/. Accessed on December 6, 2024.

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