Lamp
Northeastern United States
1835-1860
Measurements
8-1/2 in x 4 in (dia)
Materials
Pewter (Britannia), colorless glass
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp
Accession Number
1959.3578
Condition Notes
The lamp has been electrified.
Provenance
Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp
Comments
The oil lamp, a specific form called a double bull’s eye lamp because of the two glass lenses, is made of several parts soldered together. Some parts, like the base, are spun (turned on a lathe and pressed against a form to create their shape) and others are cast (such as the disk-shaped oil reservoir, which was cast in two parts and soldered together). Rectangular brackets soldered to each side of the reservoir hold a rectangular tab soldered to the rim of the circular frame that in turn holds a domed of convex disk of glass intended to diffuse and distribute light from the central flame. Hoods are soldered to the tops of the lens frames. The original burner has been replaced by an electrical socket. A disk of metal is soldered inside the base.
