Up for sale is an early-to-mid 19th-century American primitive sheet iron / galvanized tin rectangular hanging whale oil lamp. Designed for utility in a 19th-century workshop, mill, or factory setting, this utilitarian "shop lamp" features a flat rectangular reservoir (font) with hand-soldered tin seams, a drop-in brass collar with a double-tube tin/pewter whale oil burner, and an elevated wrought iron wire bail handle terminating in an integrated twisted wire hanging hook.

The double-tube burner arrangement features side pick-holes designed to advance rag wicks or cotton cords using a pick or pin, a hallmark feature of authentic pre-kerosene whale oil burners. The slender rectangular profile (only 1.25" deep) allowed it to hang flush against a wall post, workbench beam, or machine frame without obstructing narrow shop aisles.

This specific piece carries notable provenance, bearing an original auction provenance label on the underside reading "The Collection of Matthew J. King - Flying Pig Auctions".

• Origin: American (likely New England / Mid-Atlantic region)

• Age: Circa 1830–1850 (Early-to-Mid 19th Century)

• Material: Galvanized sheet iron / tinplate, soldered seams, wrought iron bail/hook, brass drop-in collar, tin/pewter double burner tubes

• Dimensions: Approx. 4.0" Wide x 1.25" Deep x 10.5" High (to top of hanging hook); Reservoir box height approx. 4.25" High

• Weight: 5.4 oz

• Provenance: Ex-Collection of Matthew J. King (Flying Pig Auctions)

Condition Report

Presented in untouched, original as-found primitive condition. The galvanized sheet iron body shows natural age-appropriate oxidation, spangle patterning, surface dark spots, and minor rim encrustation consistent with historic grease/oil residue. Soldered corner seams remain structural and sound. The double-tube burner exhibits heavy rust/patina and expected oxidation to the iron/tin tubes. The twisted wire hanging bail remains firmly attached to the riveted/soldered side ear loops. The Flying Pig Auctions provenance sticker is fully attached to the underside. Original patina has been left completely uncleaned to preserve historical integrity.

Authenticity Assessment

This piece exhibits all classic hallmarks of mid-19th-century tinplate lighting construction. The font assembly uses lap-soldered seam construction on raw sheet iron rather than modern spot welds or machine crimps. The top collar is fitted with a threaded brass collar housing a dual-tube whale oil burner. Unlike kerosene burners of the post-1860 era, this burner lacks a thumb-wheel gear draft system or chimney gallery, relying instead on small lateral slot openings ("pick holes") near the rim to adjust the wicks manually. The twisted-wire wire handle displays hand-formed loops hooked into hand-soldered sheet iron side ears. The physical dimensions, materials, burner style, and Flying Pig Auctions Matthew J. King collection label firmly verify period authenticity.

Reference

• Book Title: Oil Lamps: The Age of Kerosene (Includes foundational Pre-Kerosene & Whale Oil Lighting chapters)

• Author: Catherine M. V. Thuro

• Page / Reference: See Volume I, Chapter 1 ("Pre-Kerosene Lighting Devices & Whale Oil Burners"), pp. 12–24 for detailed discussions on tin rectangular shop lamps, double-tube whale oil burner mechanisms, and wick-pick slot identification. (Alternative reference: John Caspall, "Making Fire and Light in the Home pre-1820", pp. 60–85 for tin shop & hanging lamps).

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

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