Kerosene Lamp and Chimney

MediumBrass fittings, pressed glass font and etched chimney, composite stem is painted redware, brass and marble base. Electrified at a later date.

DimensionsLamp: 13 3/4 × 6 in. (34.9 × 15.2 cm) Chimney: 8 × 4 in. (20.3 × 10.2 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Glass

Credit LineGift of Julius Black. In the Farm House Museum Collection, Farm House Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object number76.22.6ab

Status

On view

Collections

Decorative Arts

CultureAmerican

Label TextComposite oil lamps were popular between the 1880s and the early 1900s. They came in a wide variety of “mix and match” stems, fonts and bases. As a result, a huge number of combinations were made, three examples can be seen in this exhibition. Some base options included slate, marble or soapstone but commonly they are cast iron and come in a variety of moldings. Most fonts are clear glass, though colored glass was also produced. There are many different designs available with the greatest diversity of materials and designs exhibited in the stems which can be made from redware (pottery) like this example, reverse painted glass, hand painted milk glass and metals ranging from cast spelter to tin. Look at the chimney in this example and notice the detailed engraving of an eagle crest.

Locations