This antique lighting device is a specialized trammel-mounted double fat or lard lamp (also known as an adjustable hearth crusie or Betty-style lamp with trammel). This design features a fixed upper bowl-shaped reservoir with five integrated wick slots for multi-flame illumination, paired with a secondary, sliding pan-style fat lamp attached to the trammel arm for supplemental light or extended burning. The trammel—a notched, iron or bronze arm with five adjustment points—allows the lower pan to slide up/down for height control. Ornate, scalloped bronze base. The material is cast and sheet bronze (confirmed by the deep green verdigris patina from copper oxidation, distinct from brass's brighter tone), with hand-forged elements showing authentic age-related wear like surface pitting, and soot encrustation. Weight is just over 2 lbs, making it sturdy yet portable.
Usage: Intended for burning tallow, lard, or whale oil; five cotton or rush wicks in the upper bowl provided bright, even light for tasks like sewing or reading, while the adjustable lower pan allowed quick refills or secondary flames without interrupting the main burn. The trammel enabled positioning to minimize smoke and maximize warmth, common in low-light colonial homes. The drip-catching design of the lower pan reduced mess from molten fat.
Origin: Likely Continental European influence (Dutch or French, per similar punch-decorated examples), adapted for American colonial use—possibly Pennsylvania Dutch craftsmanship given the scalloped motifs. No maker's marks, but the bronze casting aligns with high-status household items from immigrant workshops.
Item dimensions: 12.75 in tall × 5.5 in wide × 5.5 in deep
Weight of item only: 2 lb 2 oz
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