What are antique oil lamps?
Antique oil lamps were lamps that were commonly used in the 19th century. These lamps usually had a base which was filled with kerosene or oil, a chimney and a wick. The wick was generally soaked in the oil, enabling it to burn with a flame similar to that of a candle. The amount of light dispersed was determined by the size and material of the chimney. In the United States, people used what was known as a Betty lamp. This lamp had a shallow base that was filled with oil and a wick protruding from one end.
Antique lamp materials
Antique lamps were made out of several materials such as metal, glass, clay, terracotta and porcelain. Most antique lamp chimneys or shades were made up of two types of glass “case glass” and “art glass”. A case glass shade was made up of two layers of glass, a white inner case and a green outer case. An art glass shade was made up of many different materials such as mother of pearl, satin glass, amberina, hobnail and cranberry.
Some tips to find out if the old lamp you own is an antique oil lamp
Most of us own old lamps that have been passed down from previous generations. We may not even be aware that the lamps stored away forgotten in the attic could be antique. Or some of us may want to make sure that the lamp we pay a lot of money for is actually an antique. Here’s how you will be able to identify an antique oil lamp if you come across one.
- The chimney or shade of an antique lamp is usually made out of hand blown glass – this can be determined by indentations on the back of the lamp. These indentations are caused by cutting off one end of the glass that is blown out using a pipe. These shades are usually not perfect shapes like ones that are mass produced.
- Some antique lamp shades are made out of etched silver. Etched silver shades resemble panes of glass set at an angle separated by a silver line.
- Most antique lamps are made up of materials such as satin glass, mother of pearl, hobnail, cranberry, amberina, clay or terracotta.
- Amberina lamps are usually dark red in color.
- Subject the lamp to a black light as old Alacite which is present in antique lamps glows under black light.
- A hand painted shade usually indicates a very old lamp.
Can Antique oil lamps be used?
Of course antique oil lamps can be used. In fact, they may help reduce the over use of other energy resources. All you may need to do is replace the wick, clean the shade or chimney and fill it any oil such as paraffin oil or citronella oil and your oil lamp will be ready to use. You will be surprised at how much you will enjoy these lamps once you start using them around your home. Not only will they provide sufficient light, they will also give you a warm feeling which cannot be imitated by lamps powered by electricity.
Pricing
Antique oil lamps are more expensive than regular lamps, but they are not as exorbitantly expensive as you may have thought. You can get a nice piece for around $100. If you are lucky, you may even get some impressive ones at prices as low as $50.
Although these lamps were appreciated for their beauty, they were precious because they gave light. These lamps remind us of a time where mass production of products was unheard of. Most of these lamps were hand crafted and unique in their design. For most of us, antique oil lamps will remain as beautiful reminders of a time gone by.