An Exquisite Tribute to Early American Lighting Artistry

Up for your consideration is this gorgeous, hand-blown studio glass sparking lamp in a vibrant mid-blue hue, complete with its original drop-in single-tube cork burner and cotton wick. Crafted in July of 1987, this piece is an artistic studio-glass tribute to the historic 1830s whale oil finger lamps of early America.

The lamp features an elegant bulbous font, a flared pedestal base, and a beautifully hand-applied scroll loop finger handle terminating in a neat glass curl. The base retains a rough, hand-snapped pontil scar, and the underside is hand-inscribed by the artisan: "F. Steubens WVC 7/87".

Reference:

For an authoritative reference on early hand-blown glass finger lamps utilizing drop-in cork-and-tin burners, see Catherine M. V. Thuro's seminal work, Oil Lamps: The Kerosene Era in North America, page 26, which highlights the structural evolution of these early domestic lighting pieces.

• Origin: United States (Studio Art Glass)

• Maker: Signed "F. Steubens" at "WVC" studio

• Age: Dated July 1987 ("7/87")

• Material: Hand-Blown Bubbly Blue Art Glass, Natural Cork, Brass/Tin Wick Tube, Cotton Wick

• Dimensions: Approximately 4.75 inches tall to the top of the burner tube; base diameter is approximately 3 inches.

Condition Report

• Glass Body: Excellent vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or fleabites. The glass exhibits beautiful, artisanal seed bubbles and light striations characteristic of high-quality hand-blown furnace work.

• Burner & Hardware: The natural cork collar remains intact with light vintage wear. The metal wick tube exhibits a gorgeous, dark aged patina from historical wick-burn tests. The cotton wick is present and clean.

Shipping calculated by USPS/UPS/FedEx based on your ZIP code.

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. All items have signs of wear commensurate with age and usage. The lack of statement regarding condition does not imply that the item is in perfect condition or free from any and all defects. If you have any questions regarding the condition of the items, please ask and we will be more than happy to answer and/or provide additional photos as requested.

Customer Service Commitment

We truly value our customers and prioritize building lasting relationships through exceptional service. If you'd like additional photos or have questions about an item, we're more than happy to provide them promptly upon request. In the event of any concerns after purchase, please reach out to us as soon as possible--certainly before submitting feedback--so we can work together to resolve the matter swiftly and fairly. Our utmost focus is on customer satisfaction, and we'll do everything in our power to ensure every transaction is smooth, transparent, and positive for you.