Hi everyone,
This is a great forum but, sadly, I do not visit often. I want to thank Andy for inviting me to participate in this topic. I always enjoy talking about fairy lamps.
First, I want to address what these "vases" are not. While quite similar, they are not parts of a fairy lamp. As previously noted, the top opening is much too small to accept a fairy lamp cup. To help you see the difference, I have put a few examples on-line for you. They are at:
http://www.fairy-lamp.com/Temp/Standards.jpg (http://www.fairy-lamp.com/Temp/Standards.jpg)
As you will see, the consistent feature is a top opening of about 2 inches that will accept a pyramid-size lamp cup. Or, it will have an opening of about 3 inches that will accept a fairy-size lamp cup.
Now, for what they are. In 1940, J.F. Madsen prepared a book (unpublished) on Victorian Christmas Lights. In the book he included a discussion on "Life Lights." According to Madden, a Life Light was given to a child at birth and lit on each birthday. I believe these "vases" are Life Lights. Keep in mind, however, this is the only source that identifies these as Life Lights. If true, I suspect they did not burn candles but, used oil with a floating wick.
I have put Madsen's unpublished book on-line for your reference. It is quite large in adobe.pdf format. You can scan through the pages or, if you prefer, search for "life" to find the discussion and examples. The book is at:
http://www.fairy-lamp.com/Fairylamp/ChristmasLightsGraham.pdf (http://www.fairy-lamp.com/Fairylamp/ChristmasLightsGraham.pdf)
As to the maker. I think Harrach is a good guess but, I believe they are a product of Hosch, another well known Bohemian glass maker. The rationale for attributing these to Hosch is based on the fact that Hosch made the similarly styled fairy lamps. And, fortunately, Hosch documented the fairy lamps in his catalog. The date of this catalog is unknown but, is believed to be c. 1905. I have also put the catalog page on-line that shows his line of fairy lamps. The catalog is at:
http://www.fairy-lamp.com/Fairylamp/CatalogAds/HoschPageUnknown.jpg (http://www.fairy-lamp.com/Fairylamp/CatalogAds/HoschPageUnknown.jpg)
Keep in mind, however, I am of the opinion that it is nearly impossible to positively attribute any Bohemian glass to a specific manufacture with precise documentation. Consequently, I love old catalogs!
Now, if you don't mind, a bit of self promotion. Following the lead of this forum, I have developed my own forum on fairy lamps. I would like to invite to visit this forum and perhaps use it to answer those nagging fairy lamp questions. The forum is at:
www.fairylampforum.com (http://www.fairylampforum.com)
I hope this long-winded explanation helps.
Jim
www.fairylampclub.com (http://www.fairylampclub.com)
Some unusual fairy lamps are in the auction posted in Events forum.
Yes, there are some "unusual" fairy lamps up for auction. A few really nice ones and a couple that appear to be "make dos".
Here in the US there is an outstanding glass and lamp auction coming up in June. It has several dozen choice fairy lamps along with many other miniature and full size oil lamps. If you like art glass or Victorian lamps, check out the auction highlights at:
http://juliaauctions.net/auctions/249/selected_highlights.asp (http://juliaauctions.net/auctions/249/selected_highlights.asp)