This is a rare and beautifully preserved antique brass finger oil lamp, designed for portable use with a decorative finger ring handle for easy carrying. The lamp features a bell-shaped brass body with tiered ridges for an elegant Victorian aesthetic, a hinged flip-top burner cap for wick access, and a side-mounted wick adjustment knob. The finger ring is ornately engraved with floral and geometric motifs, adding to its decorative appeal. The burner unscrews from the base for filling with oil or kerosene, and the entire piece exhibits a warm, polished brass finish with reflective highlights. Dimensions are approximately 3.25 inches in diameter at the base and 3.5 inches tall, making it compact and ideal for display or collection. The wick knob is stamped "P&A MFG CO WATERBURY CONN MADE IN USA," identifying it as a product of the renowned Plume & Atwood Manufacturing Company. The base bears patent markings: "BLACKMAN'S PAT MAY 8 1855" with "REISSUE MAR 19 1867" (likely referencing U.S. Patent No. 12,837 by inventor A. Blackman for an improved oil lamp design, reissued in 1867). Additional faint markings on the base may include "N.Y." or similar, possibly indicating a New York association with the patent holder. 

The burner is a classic P&A flat wick type with a hinged cap and thumb wheel adjuster, which is period-correct for this lamp style. P&A burners were commonly paired with such finger lamps during the company's production era, so this appears to be an original matching component rather than a replacement.

This piece is believed to be an original antique from the late 19th century, not a reproduction. P&A Mfg Co operated from 1869 to around the 1950s and the patent dates align with historical records. Reproductions of similar lamps (often made overseas in recent decades) typically lack the precise U.S. markings, have inferior brass quality, or modern manufacturing tells like seamless construction. The mint condition could result from careful cleaning/polishing, long-term storage without use, or simply exceptional preservation over 100+ years—it's not uncommon for unused stock from that era to survive in near-perfect state.

Origin: Manufactured by Plume & Atwood Manufacturing Company (P&A Mfg Co) in Waterbury, Connecticut, USA. The patent is associated with inventor A. Blackman, possibly from New York based on potential base markings.

Age: Late 19th to early 20th century (post-1869 establishment of P&A, likely 1890s-1920s based on "Made in USA" label and company history).

Material: Solid brass with a polished finish.

Condition: Absolute mint condition overall, with a bright, shiny exterior showing no dents, cracks, or significant scratches. Minor wear and patina on the bottom base (faint oxidation and scuffs), consistent with age and light handling. No missing parts; burner operates smoothly.

Item dimensions: 3.5 tall × 3.5 wide × 3.25 deep  

Weight of item: 2.4 oz