This is an authentic, original antique Victorian/Edwardian brass miniature "Skater's" lantern dating to circa 1895–1910. Popularized during the late 19th century, these lightweight, portable brass lamps were designed with a tall wire bail handle so ice skaters, night walkers, and commuters could carry them in hand or hang them from a belt or buttonhole.

This example features:

• Fount Base & Burner Assembly: Brass fuel reservoir (fount) with a removable burner featuring a functional thumb-wheel wick adjuster and original woven wick intact.

• Globe & Top Chimney Cap: Unmarked clear glass globe held securely by the top cap assembly, featuring traditional dual rings of stamped ventilation holes.

• Bail Handle: High-arched original iron/steel wire bail handle with top loop attachment for suspension or handheld carry.

Basic Information

• Origin: United States or Germany (unmarked export/domestic production)

• Age / Era: Late Victorian / Edwardian (c. 1895–1910)

• Material: Brass fount and cap, clear glass globe, iron/steel wire bail handle

• Dimensions: Approximately 6.5 inches tall (excluding bail handle)

Condition Report

• Fount / Tank: Holds solid structure with light age-appropriate patina and surface oxidation.

• Top Cap: Features a minor dent along the top dome edge (as noted in photos), consistent with period handling; ventilation perforations are intact.

• Glass Globe: Excellent vintage condition with no visible cracks or severe chips; clean clear glass.

• Mechanics: Burner threads properly into the fount base; wick riser wheel operates smoothly.

Reference

• Book Title: Miniature Lamps

• Author: Frank R. Smith & Ruth E. Smith (Vol. I & II)

• Reference Detail: Miniature Lamps (Vol. I, 1968 / Vol. II, 1992, p. 40, Fig. 10), documenting turn-of-the-century miniature brass "Skater's" lanterns and utility oil lamps.

Authenticity Assessment

This piece demonstrates key historical markers of authentic turn-of-the-century miniature lanterns:

1. Material Construction: Fabricated using thin-gauge stamped brass fount parts with crimped seams and hand-formed wire handles, rather than heavy modern cast brass or zinc alloys common in reproductions.

2. Burner Architecture: Features a genuine period micro-burner with tiny brass thumb wheel and standard friction/threaded interface, showing appropriate oxidation inside the fuel throat.

3. Patinating & Wear: Authentic natural age oxidation, minor top cap denting, and light verdigris around brass seams that cannot be artificially duplicated without chemical inconsistency.

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

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