This is an exceptional example of an all-glass "wafer-joined" Whale Oil Lamp from the mid-19th century. The font is pressed in the iconic Bull’s Eye and Fleur-de-Lis pattern, featuring high-relief circular "bullseyes" and crisp fleur-de-lis motifs.
The lamp is constructed in two parts, with the font fused to the hexagonal, stepped base by a visible glass wafer—a hallmark of early American glass craftsmanship. Made of heavy, colorless flint glass (lead glass), the piece possesses remarkable brilliance and the characteristic high-pitched ring when tapped. Remarkably, it retains its original double-tube tin burner with chained snuffer caps, which is the correct "burning fluid" or assembly for this era.
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Pattern: Bull's Eye and Fleur-de-Lis (also known as Bullseye & Wishbone)
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Construction: All-glass, joined by a glass wafer (No metal connectors)
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Burner: Original double-tube tin burner with both chained snuffers present
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Age: Circa 1850–1860
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Origin: United States (Attributed to Boston & Sandwich Glass Co. or Union Glass)
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Material: Heavy Flint (Lead) Glass, Tin Burner
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Condition: Outstanding antique condition. The glass is clear and vibrant with no chips, cracks, or clouding. Minor factory-original cooling lines and shear marks are present, as is expected for this period.
Reference Citation
"Oil Lamps: The Kerosene Era in North America" by Catherine M. V. Thuro.
Pattern Reference: Page 89. Thuro identifies this as the Bull's Eye and Fleur-de-lis pattern. She specifically highlights that the all-glass, wafered construction and the presence of whale oil burners signify a production date prior to the kerosene boom, typically the 1850s.
Item dimensions: 9.75" tall × 4" wide × 4" deep
Weight of item: 1 lb 8 oz
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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer
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