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Description: This is a classic antique double whale oil burner lamp featuring a cylindrical font (reservoir) made of vibrant emerald-green opaque glass, approximately 10 inches tall and 3.75 inches in diameter. The glass has a subtle pressed pattern with minor age-related clouding and light surface scratches, but no chips, cracks, or repairs, preserving its authentic patina. The top is fitted with a threaded brass or tin collar that secures a double-tube burner assembly—two short, stubby iron wick tubes protruding from the cap, showing genuine rust and wear from use. These tubes are designed to extend deep into the oil for even burning and to warm the viscous whale oil. The overall design is utilitarian yet elegant, with the green hue providing a soft glow when lit, typical of early American pressed glass lighting.

Age: Circa 1830s–1860s, from the peak of whale oil lamp production before the widespread adoption of kerosene in the 1870s. The double-burner design echoes Benjamin Franklin's 1740s innovation for brighter light, but this example aligns with mid-19th-century mass production. The pressed glass and threaded collar date it post-1820s, when New England factories scaled up output.

Usage: Originally fueled by whale oil (sperm whale preferred for its clean, bright burn without odor), the double wicks provided twice the illumination of single-burner models—ideal for reading, sewing, or evening tasks in pre-electric homes. The short tubes prevented oil thickening in cooler temperatures. Today, it's a non-functional collectible due to the rarity and ethics of whale oil; collectors display it on shelves or mantels. For safe modern use, fill with lamp oil or mineral oil and trim cotton wicks, but avoid if rust is unstable. Pairs well with period decor like maritime or Victorian themes.

Origin: Likely American, produced by a New England glassworks such as the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company (active 1825–1888), renowned for colorful pressed whale oil lamps. Green was a popular, affordable tint using copper oxide impurities. Similar examples appear in museum collections (e.g., Corning Museum of Glass) and auctions, confirming East Coast manufacture during the whaling boom in Nantucket and New Bedford.

Design influences: New England glasshouse utilitarian pressed patterns (Boston & Sandwich, New England Glass Co., etc.), circa 1840–1860. The short, stubby wick tubes that extend deep into the font are the hallmark of true whale oil burners designed to keep the thick whale oil warm and flowing in cold New England winters. The emerald-green color is one of the most desirable and iconic colors from this exact era.

Condition: This is an authentic mid-19th century American pressed-glass double whale oil burner in very good antique condition for its age. The emerald-green glass font is free of chips, cracks, or repairs. There are a few very light surface scratches and minor interior clouding typical of 160+ years of gentle use, but nothing that detracts from display or glow when back-lit. The original brass/tin threaded collar is tight and fully functional. The two iron wick tubes show honest rust and patina exactly as expected on a genuine whale oil burner that saw real use – no flaking, no modern replacement parts, no cleaning or polishing has been done to preserve originality. One wick tube is slightly crushed. The burner assembly sits a bit high. No odor, no old oil residue, no damage. A very attractive, untouched example ready for display or collection.