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Miniature Oil Lamps

Antique Pair Arts & Crafts Miniature Oil Lamps with Stamped Brass Shades C1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
A pair Arts and Crafts miniature oil lamps offer brass construction with stamped shades having
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Candle Lamps

Materials

Brass

Just Andersen Miniature Oil Lamp in Pewter & Brass, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A very small oil lamp made by Just Andersen in Denmark during the 1930s. Its corpus is made from
Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Torchères

Materials

Brass, Pewter

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Antique Meissen Dresden Figural Porcelain Owl Miniature Oil Lamp 19th C
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique German Meissen Dresden figural porcelain owl miniature oil lamp, maker mark on base as
Category

Antique 19th Century Table Lamps

Materials

Porcelain

Four Cyprian Antiquities 700BC and Framed Export Licences 1937 Grand Tour
Located in Lowestoft, GB
tear drop glass bottle, a clay oil lamp, miniature black and red clay jug and a small glass vessel
Category

Antique Early 19th Century European Aesthetic Movement Historical Memora...

Materials

Clay, Gesso, Glass, Softwood

Miniature Oil Lamps Collection, 6
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Collection of 19th century original painted glass and milk glass miniature oil lamps. Sold as a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Country More Lighting

Materials

Ceramic, Glass

Italian Bronze Grand Tour Oil Lamp with Greek Theater Mask
Located in Stamford, CT
Grand tour oil lamp modeled after an ancient Roman original, decorated with a wonderful Greek
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Models and Miniatures

Materials

Bronze

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Questions About Miniature Oil Lamps
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A whale oil lamp is a lamp that uses whale oil for fuel. Whale oil lamps were largely made from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Antique whale oil lamps are collectibles today and an older specimen will be a striking addition to your mantel or display cabinet. Find a collection of antique and vintage whale oil lamps on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, oil lamps are still used today. However, most people utilize oil lamps while camping or during power outages in the U.S. It is uncommon for Americans to light their homes only with oil lamps. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique oil lamps.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To use a hanging oil lamp, remove the oil font from the base and fill it three-quarters of the way with clear lamp oil. Return the font and close the base. Twist the knob to raise the wick until it is a little less than 0.25 inches above the burner. Light with a match or lighter. After extinguishing and allowing time for cooling, trim the burned end off of the wick. You'll find a collection of hanging oil lamps on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    People began using early versions of oil lamps for spiritual purposes during ancient times. References to oil-burning lamps are found in both the Torah and the Bible. Oil lamps became popular for everyday use lighting homes and businesses in the late 19th century with the advent of the kerosene lamp. Shop a selection of antique oil lamps on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Victorian oil lamp was designed in 1792 by inventor Ami Argan. What made this lamp unique to the ones that preceded it is the unique shape, featuring a long glass shaft that aids the illumination of the lamp. Browse a collection of vintage Victorian oil lamps on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    There are a few key things to look for to identify an antique oil lamp. First check for a patent number anywhere on your lamp. Use a black light to inspect whether your lamp’s hardware is secured with glue, which fluoresces and would indicate a contemporary lamp. Antique lamps use plaster to attach hardware and fill gaps. An antique oil lamp may have hand-blown glass. Shop a range of professionally authenticated antique oil lamps on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
    Roman oil lamps are simply containers filled with oil, in which a wick made up of cloth or rope rests on one end. The other end of the wick comes in contact with the air. When the wick is lit, the oil in it burns and gives out light.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    How you use a brass oil lamp may vary based on the design of the piece. However, generally, you fill the lamp with vegetable, sesame or similar plant-based oil. Use tweezers to raise and lower the wick and trim away burned ends with scissors. Then, use a match to light the lamp. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oil lamps.