This Early American brass whale oil lamp features a classic multi-tiered baluster and beehive turned stem, terminating in a weighted, concentric round dome base. The lamp is crowned with its period-correct brass double-tube whale oil burner, which features the signature integrated vertical wick tubes and a fine-knurled threaded collar rim. The brass reservoir possesses a classic banded lemon/globe profile designed to minimize shadow cast on working surfaces. Evident on the interior of the hollow base is the original cast iron internal reinforcing weight and heavy threaded central rod typical of high-quality New England metalware from the second quarter of the 19th century.

Origin: United States (likely New England or Mid-Atlantic region)

Age: Circa 1830–1850 (Federal to Early Victorian Era)

Material: Cast and spun brass with an internal cast iron base weight.

Condition: Excellent antique condition. The brass retains an untouched, deeply aged golden patina with minimal surface oxidation and minor historic surface micro-abrasions consistent with age. There are no major dents, tears, or structural compromises to the reservoir or stem noted, but please examine pictures closely. The double-tube burner threads cleanly into the collar. The underside shows authentic tool-turning ridges and a stable, historical internal iron weight assembly.

Literature Reference

• Book Title: Colonial and Early American Lighting

• Author: Arthur H. Hayward

• Page Number: Page 89 (discussing the technical transition to double-wick burners and the turnings found on early brass table models).

Authenticity Assessment

This piece exhibits all classic hallmarks of authentic pre-1850 American non-electric lighting. The double-tube burner features the proper short, vertical, un-tapered tubes characteristic of whale oil usage, distinct from the elongated, widely divergent, and tapered tubes of later camphene/burning fluid burners. The interior of the base displays authentic concentric lathe-turning marks, tool ridges, and a rough-poured cast iron stabilizing insert secured by an original square-headed iron bolt rather than modern machine threads or solder repairs. The solder joints connecting the font to the baluster stem show historic lead-composition oxidation rather than modern bright silver solder.

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

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