The Specialty Lamps
A delightful array of interesting and curious specialty lamps. Definitive milestones in the advancements of lighting technology are demonstrated visually via the pieces below. European and American made. From antiquity through the early 20th century. Featuring lamps of novelty and miscellany- including occupation-specific detail, microscope, and surgical lamps.
Primitive
Cappadocian Terracotta Oil Lamp
A rare, surviving example amongst humanity's earliest lighting technology. This singular-pinch with concave basin design has seen examples dating back to 1500 B.C.E. However, it is the Greek's who are accredited with mass-production for export to the Mediterranean, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Levant around 500 B.C.E.
16th-17th century
Late Byzantine Bronze Rotating Double-Spout Lucerna
Rotating Bronze Double-Spout Lucerna (Venetian Lamp). Acquired in Belgium. Circa 1700 (possibly earlier). Unpolished, patina as originally acquired. Semi-circular rack on bottom of fount. Font is lifted up and rotated, when released the teeth engage a steel tooth at the base of the yolk. Two double-lipped spout (this was prominent in many bronze lucerna's from 600-1600). Used with whale oil, an expensive necessity of the day- This tiltable, angled lucerna ensures the oils' maximum use.
18th Century
Pewter Lamp Clock
This device was used to measure a length of time; The oil is filled into the bulb and the lamp is lit. As the lamp burns, the oil temperature inside the lamp will arise until evaporation is measurable. You are then able to roughly & relatively gauge the amount of time that has elapsed.
Mid-18th Century
Solid Brass Triple-Wick Dutch Lucerna (Whale Oil Lamp)
Early Dutch 3-Spout Lucerna for use with whale oil. All-brass snuffer, tweezers, & extinguisher attached by hand-made chains. A rounded 5" base supports a tube with ovular handle atop. Reservoir is adjustable in height & can be removed by unscrewing the handle & sliding reservoir up the tube. Fantastic collectors patina. Made in The Netherlands around Amsterdam.
late 18th-early 19th century
Double Bullseye Pewter Whale Oil Lamp
Also called “lacemaker lamps” as their focused beam of light was useful for detailed, intricate work. Double glass lenses concentrate the light while reducing flickering. Using 2 wicks in close proximity allows for a brighter flame & cleaner burn—a phenomenon attributed to Benjamin Franklin. The shades above the lenses help direct the light downward, making it easier to focus on the task at hand.
Featured in the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
Featured in the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society.
Late 18th-Early 19th Century
Bockett Microscope Oil Lamp by Collin's London
An apparatus for illuminating a microscope slide. The magnifying lens is set in a brass ring on an adjustable arm, round brass base enclosing a glass kerosene lamp. Top of the base is engraved in capital letters, “Collins, London/ Bockett Microscope Lamp.” The Bockett model was available from Collins from at least 1867. Collins later produced these lamps with a metal shade.
Featured in UNC Charlotte.
19th Century
Antique Microscope Lamp
This device would have been used alone or to enhance the effectiveness of a microscope. Candle provides focused light on a direct object to be magnified through the rotating glass lens and/or sphere. Since microscopes of the day were reliant on reflective mirrors to focus external light sources, a piece such as this would act as a bench condenser lens allowing one to focus light through their microscopes reflective mirror for additional effect.
late 19th century
Surgeons Lamp by John Scott
Original antique surgeons lamp by John Scott (not John Scott Company). Antique piece, made in England. Double-burner, two adjustable independent knobs. Illuminator is adjustable for height needed. Original glass, no cracks. Functional, original piece. Lovely patina.
early 20th century
Old Hollywood Hi-Lite Spotlight by W. Beattie, Los Angeles
Functional piece of Hollywood Americana-Hi-Lite Spotlight by W. Beattie was created for cinema & theatrical productions in Los Angeles, circa 1910-1920. Very early model. Scarce black enameling with red pinstripe accents. Height & angle can be adjusted, side-plate opens for access to light bulb. Original wheels, exterior, paint, and lens- Professionally-restored wiring. Great condition.