Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
$1.00 USD

This hand-forged iron spike fat lamp is a remarkable survival of early domestic lighting, likely originating from the 17th or 18th century. Crafted from a single piece of wrought iron, it features a shallow, circular pan designed to hold tallow or lard, seamlessly transitioning into a long, tapered square-forged spike. This "spike" or "splint" design was a vital tool in primitive households, allowing the lamp to be driven directly into wooden beams, log walls, or the mortar of a stone hearth to provide essential light for evening labor.

The item exhibits a deep, dark patina and significant surface pitting that can only be achieved through centuries of natural oxidation. Its rugged, utilitarian form showcases the skill of an early blacksmith, with visible hammer marks and an irregular, "make-do" aesthetic that appeals to serious collectors of early iron and colonial-era artifacts. 

Item Specifics:

  • Origin: Likely European (Continental) or Early Colonial.

  • Age: Circa 1650–1750. The primitive nature of the pan and the heavy, authentic oxidation suggest a mid-17th to early 18th-century origin.

  • Material: Hand-Wrought Iron.

  • Construction: This is a "single-unit" forge. A blacksmith would have hammered the spike and the pan from a single iron bar. The pan is deep enough to hold tallow or solid animal fats, which would melt as the wick burned.

  • Condition: Excellent museum-grade primitive condition. The iron exhibits a deep, dark "blackened" patina with significant surface pitting, which is a desirable trait for collectors as it confirms centuries of oxidation. There are no modern welds or structural compromises.

Reference Citation

Source: Antique Iron: Survey of American and English Forms by Herbert, Peter, and Nancy Schiffer.

Citation: Refer to the section on "Early Lighting and Hearth Equipment." This lamp matches the profile of "Spiked Grease Lamps" used in unrefined domestic settings throughout the 17th and 18th centuries (see pages 180-195 for similar forged examples).

Item dimensions: 11.75" tall × 4.75" wide × 5.25" deep  

Weight of item only: 9.5 oz 

SKU: 145

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

We take great care in researching, identifying, and describing each antique item to the best of our ability, drawing on available resources and hands-on examination. However, as dedicated enthusiasts rather than professional appraisers or certified experts, we cannot offer guarantees on authenticity, age, origin, or precise valuation. We strongly recommend that buyers perform their own due diligence, including consulting reference materials or experts, and thoroughly examine the accompanying photographs. These images are an essential component of our listing and depict the item's actual condition, including any visible flaws, wear, or imperfections consistent with its antique nature. It is the buyer's responsibility to inspect each lot and form their own assessment on condition, description and authenticity before purchasing.

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Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
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  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"
  • Antique 17th or 18th Century Forged Iron Spike Fat Lamp – Primitive Early Hearth Lighting 12"

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