Detailed Description

Item Description An authentic antique 18th-century (possibly late 17th-century) Continental European cast brass seven-wick oil and grease pan lamp, featuring classic dual-display functionality. The top oil reservoir is styled in the classic seven-pointed star form with extended wick spouts radiating from a baluster-turned central column. The column sets into a wide circular drip saucer with a weighted foot, allowing the vessel to function seamlessly freestanding on a sideboard, desk, or table, or suspended as a pendant via its original hand-coiled brass suspension chain and twisted hook.

Historically cataloged as a Judenstern (Shabbat lamp) across German, Dutch, and Central European Jewish households, as well as a multi-wick grease/fat lamp in early domestic European lighting, this piece retains its original, untouched historical patina, mellow brass oxidation, and soft surface wear.

Origin

Continental Europe (Germany / Netherlands / Central Europe)

Age

18th Century, Possibly 17th Century (c. 1680 – 1800)

Material Cast Brass, Lead/Iron weighted core

Dimensions & Weight

• Height (Lamp Only): Approx. 7 in (17.8 cm)

• Wick Spout Span (Top): Approx. 5.5 in (14.0 cm)

• Drip Pan Diameter: Approx. 6.0 in (15.2 cm)

• Base Foot Diameter: Approx. 5.25 in (13.3 cm)

• Total Weight: 2 lbs 4.9 oz (1,046 g)

Condition Very Good Antique Condition. Displays genuine, age-appropriate surface wear, light handling marks, minor casting pit irregularities along the spouts, and dark patina in protected recesses. The underside retains its original lead/iron ballast core and lathe turning marks. Metal remains structurally sound with no splits or modern repairs.

Provenance

• Ex-Collection of Rhoda Ziegler, Wellesley, MA (prominent collector of early American/European lighting and antique metalware).

• Acquired from: Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates Auction House, Summer Americana Auction, cataloged as "Possibly 17th or 18th C - Collection of Rhoda Ziegler".

Literature & Reference

• Book Title: Early Lighting: A Pictorial Guide

• Author / Publisher: The Rushlight Club

• Page & Figure: Page 39, Figure 4-14

  (Illustrating related Continental multi-wick brass fat/grease pan and Shabbat lamps).

Authenticity Assessment

This lamp exhibits textbook manufacturing markers of authentic 17th to 18th-century European brass founding. The star-shaped wick reservoir was sand-cast, showing minor casting pits and rough texture on the underside of the spouts. The central column was turned on a continuous lathe, evidenced by subtle concentric striations along the baluster nodes and foot ring. The heavy saucer base is weighted at the core with dark, oxidized metal ballast—a period technique used to lower the center of gravity for stable tabletop use. The chain links are hand-coiled with authentic hand-hammered joinery rather than modern uniform machine-stamped wire. There are no modern machine threads, Phillips screws, or modern bright brass plating present.

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

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