Reading lamp
England
1820-1840
Measurements
18-3/8 in x 10-3/8 in x 6-1/4 in (dia)
Materials
Brass and painted tinned iron
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp
Accession Number
1958.3231
Condition Notes
The lamp has been electrified.
Provenance
Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp
Comments
This reading lamp adapts the form of a more expensive oil-burning lamp, substituting a simple candle socket for the burner, glass chimney, and oil reservoir. The candleholder attaches to an S shape bracket, in turn attached to a slider that holds its position on the square upright rod by pressure. The rod attaches to a pan-like base that is enclosed and weighted with sand. Above the candleholder, a shade, painted white on the inside to improve reflection, also adjusts by sliding its holder separately on the rod. A two-ring holder at the very top provides a convenient means of moving the lamp.
The lamp is painted a dark green with yellow accent stripes: a wide band flanked by single lines and a single line around the base.
