Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
$450.00 USD

Offered is a rare antique double whale oil lamp from the early 19th century, circa 1800–1835, featuring an original cork burner—a hallmark of pre-1830s American lighting. This piece is a stunning example of early craftsmanship, perfect for collectors of American primitives or historical lighting artifacts.

This lamp features a round blown glass font, hand-shaped with visible hand-blown glass imperfections like bubbles and striations, holding the oil for the dual-flame burner. The square pressed glass base provides stability, with a stepped design adding subtle elegance. The double burner, has two short wick tubes with an original cork lining, designed to melt and burn thick whale oil efficiently—a design credited to early innovations like Thomas Jefferson’s side-by-side flame concept. Standing 6.25 inches tall, it’s ideal for table or desk display. Historically, these lamps were used in American households during the whaling peak (1820s–1840s) before kerosene took over. Today, it’s a collectible piece, safe for display or use with modern lamp oil (e.g., mineral oil)—not suitable for children or pets due to fragility and fire risk.

Item Details:

  • Maker: Unknown (possibly Sandwich Glass Works or similar early American glassmaker; no definitive mark, but consistent with period production—check photos for details).

  • Age: Circa 1800–1835, based on the cork burner design and whale oil use, predating kerosene adaptations.

  • Original/Reproduction: Original, with handmade characteristics (e.g., glass bubbles, striations); no modern glue or fittings detected.

  • Color: Clear glass, with slight natural patina from age.

  • Material: Blown glass font (round, approximately 3 inches diameter), pressed glass square base (3.5 inches wide), and early pewter or brass double burner with original cork lining.

  • Style: Early American utilitarian, with a simple yet elegant design typical of pre-1840s whale oil lamps; no ornate Victorian embellishments.

Condition Description: Very good antique condition. The glass font and base show minor wear consistent with age, including small internal bubbles and faint scratches, but no cracks or chips. The original cork burner is intact with some natural drying and darkening, fully functional with modern lamp oil (whale oil not included or recommended). No repairs or restoration noted; please review all photos for detailed condition assessment.

Item dimensions: 6.25 in tall × 3.5 in wide × 3.5 in deep  

Weight of item only: 14.4 oz  

Styled With
Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835
  • Antique Early 19th Century Double Whale Oil Lamp with Cork Burner - Round Blown Glass Font, Square Pressed Base, Circa 1800–1835

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