​

This burner marks the mid-century shift from whale oil-fueled lamps to kerosene-fueled lamps, which were primarily exported out of England.

Kerosene lamps were lit via a wick fed between the fuel and glass chimney. The one above is considered to be a “duplex” for having two wick holders. Mechanisms on the exposed thumbwheel suggest that both wicks could be adjusted and trimmed without removing the chimney.

Sources:

Phillips, Barty. Vintage Lighting: A Collector’s Guide. 2012.

Thuro, Catherine MV. Oil Lamps: The Kerosene Era in North America. Wallace-Homestead Book Company, 1992.

More Lamps in Archaeology

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

