Outstanding Early New England Whale Oil Lamp,ca.1835-40

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Outstanding early blown and pressed whale oil lamp from New England dating to the 2nd quarter of the 19th century.Produced in three parts and wafer-annealed together.Thick spherical blown font with fine copper wheel etched designs of grape clusters and spiraling vine.Hollow blown inverted tear shaped central balluster with large flaring disc wafers top and bottom.Unusual hollow base produced in pressing machine of accentuated draping steps on a block base.Great weight to this piece of early flint,though the silhouette is magnificently graceful and delicate looking.New England Glass Company or Boston and Sandwich from the early period,with wonderful brittle resonance to the metall,great clarity,straw markings, and fluid waves visible along the draping sides of the base.Just a hair under 10 inches high and 3 1/8 across the base.Fixed with originall brass collar.A very handsome early lighting device.In very good condition,expected table wear along with light chipping along and under the base,and several small chips to the corners of the draped steps.Very presentable and very regal in stature.A most beautiful and quite early oil lamp designed with a small font to harbour precious and dear Sperm whale oil for illuminating New England homes.Well deserving a fine place in the curio next to the scrimshaw for the role these lamps played in read more

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