Details
Description
This offering features a rare and beautiful pair of mid-19th-century glass lamp fonts, likely American (Boston & Sandwich Glass Co.) …
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This offering features a rare and beautiful pair of mid-19th-century glass lamp fonts, likely American (Boston & Sandwich Glass Co.) in origin. The fonts feature a sophisticated double overlay technique: a layer of vibrant rose-pink glass over an opaque white base, which has been "cut-to-white" in a classic Punty (or Polka Dot) pattern.
The fonts are mounted on fluted brass pedestal stems resting on square white marble plinths. The underside of the marble shows the characteristic hand-cut grooves and aged patina consistent with 19th-century construction.
Specifications
Material: Cased/Overlay Lead Glass, Brass, Marble.
Color: Rose Pink/Cranberry to White.
Height: Approx. 11 inches.
Base Width: 4.5 inches.
Age: Circa 1850–1870 (Glass fonts); Bases are period or slightly later 19th century.
Hardware: Eagle burners
Literature Reference
Book Title: Oil Lamps II: Glass Kerosene Lamps Author: Catherine M. V. Thuro
Page Reference: Page 42 (and surrounding plates on Cased/Overlay Glass)
Context: Thuro identifies these specific "cut-to-white" overlay patterns as hallmarks of the "Golden Age" of kerosene lighting (1850–1875). The "Punty" (Polka Dot) cut pattern on double-overlay glass, particularly in rose-pink/cranberry, is documented as high-end production often attributed to the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company or contemporary Bohemian glassworks.
Provenance: This pair originates from the private collection of Glen Schlotfeldt and the late Tom Neale of Bridgewater, VA. Their collection was noted for its focus on historically significant 19th-century lighting and fine American glass. This pair is a textbook example of the 'Cased and Overlay' style featured in Catherine Thuro’s Oil Lamps II, p. 42, representing the height of mid-Victorian glass artistry.
Item dimensions of each lamp: 11.75" tall × 6.25" diameter
Weight of each lamp: 2 lb 10 oz (total weight 5 lb 4 oz)
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- Dimensions
- 6.25ʺW × 6.25ʺD × 11.75ʺL
- Styles
- Victorian
- Period
- Mid 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Brass
- Glass
- Marble
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Raspberry Pink
- Condition Notes
- Glass: The overlay glass is in excellent antique condition with no chips or cracks to the pink/white layers. Metal: One … moreGlass: The overlay glass is in excellent antique condition with no chips or cracks to the pink/white layers. Metal: One brass stem has a significant vertical separation crack (see photos). The brass shows a natural aged patina. Marble: The marble bases have minor 'flea bites' and age-related wear to the corners, typical of 150+ year old stone. less
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