For sale is a pair of genuine mid-19th-century (ca. 1840–1860) American tin whale oil chamber lamps, commonly known as a “Betty lamps” or “finger lamps.” These simple, hand-crafted lighting devices were the everyday bedside and work light of rural and coastal homes before kerosene became widespread.

Item Specifics:

• Construction: Entirely hand-made from sheet tin with hand-soldered seams and a single horizontal wick tube. The shallow circular drip-pan base (4-4.25 inches in diameter) doubles as the oil reservoir, while the rolled rim catches spills. A sturdy wire loop handle allows safe carrying or hanging.

• Burner: Single tin spout with small air-vent hole and tapered end designed for a cotton wick (one still has an old wick fragment in place).

• Condition & Finish: Completely untouched and unrestored. The surface shows the expected heavy oxidation, scattered surface rust, soot stains, and flaking typical of 160+ years of age and use — exactly the rich, crusty patina that collectors of early American primitives seek. No repairs, no polishing.

• Age: Mid-19th century, pre-Civil War era — the classic period when tin replaced more expensive pewter and brass for affordable whale-oil lighting.

• Origin: Almost certainly New England or Pennsylvania tinshop production; the style is identical to examples found in period homes from Maine to Virginia.

This is the real thing — no reproductions, no “aged” fakes, just honest 19th-century American folk lighting with all the character that comes from surviving in barns, attics, and country homes for generations.

Lamp #1:

Item dimensions: 4.25" tall × 4.25" diameter

Weight of item: 1.8 oz  

Lamp #2:

Item dimensions: 4" tall × 4" diameter 

Weight of item: 1.8 oz