Antique Sandwich Flint Glass Whale Oil Lamp Ring & Oval Pattern Hex Base C. 1850

Details

Description

This is a stunning example of mid-19th-century American craftsmanship. This "Ring and Oval" pattern lamp is made of heavy, high-quality … Read more This is a stunning example of mid-19th-century American craftsmanship. This "Ring and Oval" pattern lamp is made of heavy, high-quality flint glass (lead glass), which gives it a brilliant clarity and a distinct "ring" when tapped. The font features a series of deeply pressed ovals framed by raised rings, sitting atop a classic hexagonal pedestal base.

The font and base were joined during manufacturing using a glass wafer, a traditional technique used before the widespread adoption of one-piece molding. This piece comes equipped with a period-correct double-tube whale oil burner.

Material: Heavy Flint Glass (Lead Glass)

Origin: Boston & Sandwich Glass Co., Sandwich, MA

Age: Circa 1845–1860

Condition: Excellent antique condition. The glass is clear with no major cracks. Typical light "shelf wear" on the base and minor manufacturing inclusions (seed bubbles) common to 19th-century glass. The burner shows an authentic aged patina.

Scholarly Reference & Citation
Book Title: Oil Lamps: The Kerosene Era in North America > Author: Catherine M. V. Thuro

Page Number: Page 36 (referencing early fluid and whale oil transitions and base styles)


Note: While Thuro's primary focus is the kerosene era, she provides extensive documentation on the transition from flint glass whale oil lamps like this "Ring and Oval" example.

Item dimensions: 11 in tall × 5.5 in wide × 5.5 in deep

Weight of item only: 2 lb 13 oz See less