Up for sale is a single, cohesive antique duplex central draft kerosene oil lamp from the late 19th century. It's a horizontal "double-arm" or "twin" table/desk lamp designed for brighter, even illumination using two flat wicks fed from a shared central oil reservoir. The design is classic Victorian-era, often used in homes, offices, libraries, or workshops for reading, sewing, or detailed work. The mismatched burners (one "Eagle" and one "Plume & Atwood") suggest it may have been repaired or customized over time, which is common in surviving examples and adds character without detracting from value. It's not specifically a "shop or factory" lantern (those are typically more rugged, handheld, or wall-mounted signals), but the robust construction and dual output make it suitable for industrial or commercial settings like early machine shops or counting houses. The overall style aligns with American production from the kerosene boom era.

Item Description:

• Overall Structure: Horizontal tin-plated reservoir (approx. 13 inches long) with a central filler cap and two attached brass galleries supporting glass chimneys. Brass wire bail handle on top for portability. The base is flat for tabletop stability, with subtle patina and minor dents from age/use.

• Burners and Wicks: Dual flat-wick, central-draft burners for brighter flame (up to 20-30 candlepower combined).

• Left burner: "Eagle" model by Plume & Atwood Mfg. Co. (brass, with eagle motif on wick knob; classic 1880s-1900s design for efficient air flow).

• Right burner: Plume & Atwood "Fulton" model?

• Wicks are cotton, adjustable via knurled brass knobs (functional but may need trimming/replacement for use). Burners show honest wear (oxidation, no major corrosion).

• Markings:

• Brass medallion/cap: "PAT. FEB. 26, 1872 N.Y." (New York patent reference for draft improvement).

• Burners: "EAGLE" and "Waterbury Conn" embossed on knobs.

• Materials: Tin-plated steel reservoir, brass fittings/burners, clear glass chimneys.

Age: Circa 1880-1900 (Victorian/Edwardian transition). The 1872 patent predates assembly but was commonly stamped on components into the 1890s. Mismatched burners indicate possible 20th-century repair, but core design is period-original. Not reproduction—authentic wear and markings confirm.

Usage

• Historical: Pre-electricity household or workspace lighting; the duplex setup provided double the light of single-wick lamps without excessive soot (if trimmed properly). Ideal for prolonged tasks like bookkeeping in factories/offices or evening reading in homes without central lighting.

• Modern: Primarily decorative/collectible; can be converted to electric (drill for wiring) or used with lamp oil for ambiance. Not for outdoor/heavy use—indoor display only.

Origin: American, likely assembled in New York or Connecticut (Waterbury area, hub for brass lamp parts). Plume & Atwood (Eagle burners) was based in Waterbury, CT; Fulton burners from Meriden, CT (silverplating/lamp hub). The "N.Y." patent ties to New York filing/early production.

Item dimensions: 16.5 in tall (with chimneys in place) × 13.25 in wide × 3.5 in deep  

Weight of item only: 1 lb  1 oz