This exquisite antique double whale oil burner lamp is a fine example of mid-19th-century American glasswork, crafted from high-quality clear blown and pressed glass that captures and diffuses light beautifully through its faceted surfaces and subtle etchings. The upper font is a bulbous, urn-shaped reservoir with a smooth, rounded dome top and delicate threading where it meets the brass collar, allowing for easy filling with whale oil. The double-burner mechanism, likely pewter or brass with two adjustable wick tubes, enables brighter illumination than single-burner models, making it ideal for period reading or table use. Below the font, the lamp tapers into a hexagonal pedestal base with geometric molding, providing stability and an elegant profile—measuring11 inches in height and 5.5 inches across the base. The glass exhibits a pristine transparency with no cracks or haze, though there is a small, stable chip (about 1/4-inch) on one edge of the base, adding authentic character without compromising structural integrity. The brass components show patina from age, with no active corrosion, and the overall form evokes the simplicity and functionality of early industrial-era home lighting. This piece would make a stunning addition to a collection of American primitives, Victorian decor, or maritime history enthusiasts.

Age: Mid-19th century, circa 1840-1860. Whale oil lamps like this peaked in production during this period before the shift to kerosene in the 1860s, with glass styles matching output from major factories of the era.

Usage: Originally designed for indoor illumination using whale oil (spermaceti or other rendered whale fat) as fuel, poured into the glass font and wicked through the double brass burners for a steady, odor-minimal flame. The dual burners allowed for enhanced brightness, suitable for parlors, studies, or bedside use in pre-electric homes. Today, it's a collectible display piece; it can be safely adapted for modern oils like lamp or paraffin, but avoid original whale oil due to rarity and regulations.

Origin: Likely produced by the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company in Sandwich, Massachusetts, USA—a premier American glassworks founded in 1825 and renowned for whale oil lamps until its closure in 1888. This factory dominated early pressed glass production, exporting to Europe and supplying the domestic market during the height of the American whaling industry (centered in New England ports like Nantucket and New Bedford). The clear glass, pedestal base, and double-burner fit their signature "sweetheart" or "urn" patterns from the 1840s-50s.