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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Topic started by: Paul S. on October 06, 2012, 06:40:58 PM

Title: possible C19 lacemakers lamp
Post by: Paul S. on October 06, 2012, 06:40:58 PM
sourced from a retail antiques outlet with a label saying simply 'lacemakers lamp' - although looks nothing like similarly described C18 examples (apparently it now seems not all of those were just water reservoirs).     Can't find a book picture to match this, but had a nagging thought I'd seen something similar in the past.        Stands c. 5.5"/140mm tall, including the cupped lid) which is ground internally to make a tight fit with top of neck  -  could be missing a metal fitment which might have supported a wick, possibly  -  and base is without a ground/polished pontil.         Obviously, with lid attached nothing will burn, so maybe that's how the flame is extinguished???          Really no idea how old, or even if it is a lamp (but bulge does look as though it might act as a reservoir), so open to suggestions, and thanks for looking :)
Title: Re: possible C19 lacemakers lamp
Post by: oldglassman on October 06, 2012, 08:32:59 PM
 HI ,
           Your item is a spirit burner most probably early 20th century , lace makers lamps or (as they should be correctly referred to)  Open Flame Oil Lamps in glass were commonly used as a simple lighting in the 17th and 18th century,they can be short or tall with and without handles , they can have a central hole for 1 wick usually held in place with a metal fitting , most of which have vanished over the years or the can be multi spouted ,up to 6 spouts have been recorded ,yes these were probably used by lace makers but none were ever filled with water , this function was fulfilled by very large reflecting globes very like large goldfish bowls on feet which were filled with water and an oil lamp was placed behind and the water filled bowl magnified the light .there is a very good book on the subject called The Open Flame-Lamp by Kieth Kelsall ISBN 0-9515120-1-3.

Cheers
         Peter.
Title: Re: possible C19 lacemakers lamp
Post by: Paul S. on October 06, 2012, 09:58:39 PM
would seem I've fluffed it a bit then  :(       thanks for the informative reply, and as you explain, it's only recently that I've been reading various comments suggesting that those examples once considered to hold water are now believed to be for use with an oil of some sort instead.         Do people think this spirit burner might have been for domestic use perhaps, or something from a lab source?    Thanks also for the book link, and pix of some very desirable lamps :)