SCARCE" Antique Miniature Oil Tray Lamp, S2-314

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"Scarce" Antique Brass Night Lamp on a Cast Iron Tray Brass & Cast Metal Tray Lamp, S2-314 About 8 1/2" inches tall overall About 6 1/2" wide from left to right in above photo and about 4" wide from front to back As Seen in "Miniature Lamps II", Figure 314 Background & History: Although this lamp is shown and described in Ruth Smith's book "Miniature Lamps II" in Figure 314, not much is known about its background or history. We do know that it's considered by collectors to be "Scarce" (see Marjorie Hulsebus' "Price Guide for Miniature Lamps"). And the data we've collected over the past 4 2/3 years supports that rating. During that time, we tracked the offering of over 28,000 listed miniature lamps on eBay. Of those 28,000 only 4 were complete examples like this lamp. And all of the previous examples of this lamp that we've seen have been tarnished, dirty and dull looking. We cleaned and polished the metal on this lamp and it really is quite attractive--in fact attractive enough so that we can see that it would have easily appealed to our Victorian forebears. We don't know if the tray was purely decorative or if it was functional--a place, perhaps, to keep a fresh match for lighting the lamp or for laying down a used one after lighting it. Description: The tray is made of a gunmetal gray cast iron which is elaborately embossed with scrolls, flourishes and what appear to be floral designs. The tray stands on four peg-like legs which are a part of the casting. The font is made of brass and has a pedestal base. A threaded rod protrudes from the bottom on the font, goes through the separate brass pedestal base and is secured to the tray by a nut which threads onto the rod underneath the tray. A nutmeg burner screws into the font. A brass shade sits on top of the clear glass chimney. The shade has a cobbled design impressed into its surface. This design is echoed on the bottom of the tray. Condition of this lamp: This lamp is in excellent condition with no discernible defects, dents or damage. The burner screws tightly into the neck of the font. The freely turning thumb wheel is embossed "MADE IN U S A". The lamp comes with a clear glass chimney which has a couple of ripples in the glass but no chips or cracks. The brass shade also appears to be in fine condition with perhaps a couple of very minor "dings" or surface irregularities. Based both on the rating in the Hulsebus Price Guide and on our own experience tracking miniature lamps on eBay, we believe that this is a reasonably hard to find little lamp. Cleaned and polished as it is, we also believe that this is what it looked like when it was originally sold in the latter part of the 19th or early part of the 20th century. Our objective is to have happy, satisfied customers. We will work with you to satisfactorily resolve any problems. Feel free to ask any questions prior to bidding. We try to answer all questions promptly. Just click on eBay's "Ask seller a question" link above to send us an email through eBay. Please bid only if you intend to honor your bid with payment. All items are sold "As Is". We do our best to describe all items accurately. However, mistakes and oversights can occur. Returns will be accepted within 7 days if item is found to be not as described. In general refunds will be given as money back and will include the original bid amount and initial shipping costs (but not the return shipping cost). Refunds will be given once the item is received and verified to be in the same condition as when it was sold. Shipping Information eBay's shipping calculator should show the correct shipping charges. However, we combine multiple... read more

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