Georgian Glass Oil Lamp c1780

Description

Heading : Georgian oil lamp 
Period : George III – c1780
Origin : England 
Colour : Clear . pale green tinge
Bowl : Oil reservoir 
Stem : Applied swan handle with thumb piece and angular and ball knops 
Foot : Folded conical drip tray 
Pontil : Snapped 
Glass Type : Soda 
Size : 14 cm height. 7 cm diameter bowl. 9.7 cm diameter foot 
Condition : Excellent. no chips or cracks 
Restoration : None 
Weight: 208 grams 

Reference: The Open Flame Lamp- Keith Kelsall pl86

Commonly known as ‘lacemaker’s’ lamps. these small glass oil lamps were for general use as an alternative to candlelight. Tallow or whale oil would be drawn up the wick suspended by a pierced pewter “burner”. The heat from the burning wick was transferred into the oil by the lower part of the burner.

This example has the familiar proportions of a traditional chamber stick but has the addition of an oil reservoir