This is an extraordinarily rare and highly decorative antique Flemish / Dutch snotneus (spouted "snot nose") fat or lard oil lamp. While the vast majority of surviving 19th-century snotneus lamps are simple, unadorned sheet brass, this choice tabletop example features exceptional applied and repoussé ornamentation.

The candlestick-style standard and flared conical base are constructed from thick brass, meticulously accented with applied wavy copper wire trims, volute scrolls, and stamped star rosettes. Both the main fuel reservoir cylinder and the conical base feature matching, high-relief applied copper lion masks with detailed manes and open mouths.

The piece features a two-part design: a heavy, weighted outer stand with a floral-shaped finger loop/hanging plate on a hinged lid, and a completely removable internal brass fuel reservoir sleeve equipped with an elongated, upturned wick spout. The bottom base retains a handwritten collector's/dealer's tag dated September 26, 1998, detailing its provenance from a historical sale in Millbrook, New York.

Item Specifications

• Object Type: Snotneus (Spouted Fat, Lard, or Whale Oil Lamp)

• Origin: Western Europe (Netherlands / Flanders Region / Belgium)

• Age: 19th Century (Circa 1830–1880)

• Material: Mixed Metals (Yellow Brass and Applied Red Copper)

• Dimensions: Approximately 11.5 inches tall; 3.75 inches base diameter.

Condition

Excellent antique condition. The mixed metal surfaces showcase a highly desirable, dark, untouched original historical patina with beautiful depth and minimal signs of wear commensurate with age. The internal reservoir sleeve fits perfectly inside the main housing. Structural integrity is fantastic with no deep scratches, breaks, cracks, or modifications.

Reference

For an extensive study on the progression of early low-burning fat and spouted lamps within the low countries of Europe, this form can be cross-referenced with:

• Book Title: Flickering Flames: A History of Domestic Lighting through the Ages

• Author: Leroy Thwing

• Page Reference: See Chapter 4 ("Spouted Lamps and the Betty Form"), specifically detailing the regional development of European brass counter-weighted spouted lamps.

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

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