Details
Description
This exceptional mid-19th-century fluid lamp features a heavy flint glass font in the classic "Flute" or "Panel" pattern. The font …
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This exceptional mid-19th-century fluid lamp features a heavy flint glass font in the classic "Flute" or "Panel" pattern. The font is securely joined to a monumental, fluted bronze base by a typical period plaster-set collar. The glass exhibits the brilliant clarity and resonant "ring" characteristic of high-quality lead glass from the Boston area.
The lamp is topped with its period-correct double-tube fluid burner. Unlike whale oil tubes, these are significantly tapered and elongated, a safety feature for burning "camphene" (a volatile turpentine/alcohol mix).
Age: Circa 1845–1860
Material: High-Lead Flint Glass Font; Weighted Cast Bronze Base; Brass Burner & Collar.
Burner Type: Original mid-19th-century volatile fluid (camphene) burner with elongated, tapered double-wick tubes.
Historical Significance & Rarity: This is a superior specimen of Early American Pressed Glass (EAPG) lighting. While many lamps from this era utilized marble plinths, this example features a monumental weighted bronze base, a luxury "parlor" upgrade that is significantly rarer and more stable.
Crucially, the lamp retains its original volatile fluid burner. These specialized burners—distinguished by their long, tapered tubes—were engineered to safely burn explosive camphene (a turpentine/alcohol blend). Most were discarded during the transition to kerosene in the 1860s; finding an original font/base combination with the correct period fluid burner is a major find for the serious lighting historian.
Reference: For manufacturing context regarding the American Glass Co. and Patrick Slane’s methods of securing fonts to metal bases, see:
Book Title: The Glass Industry in South Boston
Author: Joan E. Kaiser
Page Number: 93–95
Item dimensions: 10.75" tall × 4" diameter
Weight of item only: 2 lb 11.3 oz
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- Dimensions
- 4ʺW × 4ʺD × 10.75ʺH
- Styles
- Early American
- Period
- Mid 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Brass
- Bronze
- Glass
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Brass
- Condition Notes
- Excellent antique condition. The flint glass font is brilliant with no chips or clouding. The bronze base retains its deep, … moreExcellent antique condition. The flint glass font is brilliant with no chips or clouding. The bronze base retains its deep, original uncleaned patina. The burner is original to the piece with straight tubes and a tight-fitting collar. less
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Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.
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