Solar lamp

Patented 1843

Maker

Cornelius & Company (1839-1851)

Materials

Brass, marble, colorless glass

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.1039

Inscription

“CORNELIUS & CO. / PHILAD. / PATENT / APRIL 18TH / 1843” is stamped into an oval plaque applied to the font.

Condition Notes

The glass lamp or shade is a replacement.  The lamp base has been electrified.

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner

Comments

This solar lamp, so-called for the bright, oil-burning flame, has a reeded columnar standard or shaft atop a square marble base.  The standard supports a reservoir with the wick above.  A framework attached to the top of the reservoir supports the baluster-shaped glass globe or shade.  It is cut with stylized flowers and leaves and has a frosted background and a thumbprint band at the top.  A blue glass thread is applied to the scalloped rim.

Paintings and related images of the mid-19th century often depict this kind of lamp in use on a circular table with people seated around it.