This is an exceptional, investment-grade example of a late 18th to early 19th-century Double Cruise or Phoebe lamp (double Crusie). This piece is a masterclass in early blacksmith utility, consisting of two nested, hand-wrought iron pans. The double-pan design was a functional evolution, allowing the larger bottom reservoir to catch and conserve oil dripping from the upper wick.

The vertical support features a hand-punched adjustment slot, allowing the user to remove the upper pan for cleaning—a hallmark of authentic early construction. It is crowned with a beautifully hand-twisted swivel hanging hook. The iron displays a dense, "dry" oxidized patina with a naturally pitted texture that serves as a visual certificate of its 200+ years of history. This lamp would have been a primary light source in a Colonial-era household, burning lard or whale oil.

• Material: Heavy-Gauge Wrought Iron

• Method: Hand-Forged / Blacksmith Made

• Dimensions: ~8" Tall (to top of hook); ~3" Wide (back of base)

• Weight: 12.2 oz

• Age: Circa 1760–1820

• Origin: Early American / Continental European

• Condition: Excellent antique condition. The iron is structurally sound with no modern welds or repairs. The swivel hook and adjustment slot are fully functional. The surface remains untouched and uncleaned, preserving the highly desirable dark oxidation and forge-born pitting.

Authenticity & Condition Statement

Condition & Forgery Check: This specimen is distinguished by its heavy-gauge wrought iron and the authentic blacksmith-born 'pitting' that only centuries of oxidation can produce. Unlike later 19th-century mass-produced cast versions or 20th-century reproductions, this lamp features a hand-punched adjustment slot and a traditional twisted-rod swivel. It is solid, heavy for its size, and exhibits no chemical cleaning or "oiling" used to mask defects.

Reference Source

"The double crusie, or Phoebe lamp... represents the transition from open-wick grease lamps to the more refined Betty lamps of the late 18th century. The two-pan construction allowed for the recovery of unburned oil, making it a prized household utility."

• Book Title: Flickering Flames: A History of Domestic Lighting through the Ages

• Author: Leroy Thwing

• Reference: Plate 22 / Pages 48–51

Item dimensions: 8 1/8" tall × 5.75" wide × 3" deep  

Weight of item: 12.2 oz  

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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. 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.

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