Brass and Cut Glass Vintage Oil Lamp Font
Decorative Oil Lamp Component · Not Gold (Brass alloy with golden metallic appearance)
Purity: Not Applicable (Brass and Glass)
Type
Decorative Oil Lamp Component
Purity
Not Applicable (Brass and Glass)
Gold Type
Not Gold (Brass alloy with golden metallic appearance)
Weight
Estimated between 400 to 600 grams total weight including glass and metal components
Description
An antique miniature or font-style oil lamp featuring a brilliant cut-glass reservoir with a diamond and starburst pattern, mounted on a weighted brass base and topped with a standard brass burner assembly. The piece combines functional domestic lighting history with decorative Victorian craftsmanship.
Key Features
Faceted geometric cut glass font, threaded brass burner with functional thumbwheel, flared brass pedestal base
Color & Finish
Golden-brass metallic finish with a warm patina; clear pressed glass with a high-gloss reflective surface
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible precious metal hallmarks; potential maker stamps on the brass thumbwheel or collar
Dimensions Estimate
Height approximately 6 to 8 inches, bowl diameter approximately 4 to 5 inches
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features intricately cut and patterned glass body acting as the fuel reservoir
Clasp & Closure
Threaded brass burner collar and thumbwheel mechanism for adjusting the wick
Chain & Links
Not Applicable
Craftsmanship Details
Pressed and hand-finished glass pattern combined with stamped, spun, and threaded brass metalwork characteristic of industrial-era manufacturing
Authentication Indicators
Typical aging patterns of late 19th-century brass alloys including natural oxidation and tarnish rather than flaking gold plating
Origin & Maker
Likely American or European manufacturer of domestic lighting hardware (such as Plume & Atwood or P. & A. Mfg. Co.)
Era & Period
Victorian to early 20th Century (circa 1880-1920)
Age Estimate
Circa late 19th to early 20th century
Cultural Significance
Represents the domestic transition period of home illumination before electricity, serving as both a daily utility and an aesthetic parlor decoration
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition with minor surface tarnish and patina on the brass elements; glass appears intact without major chips or cracks
Value Estimate
Moderate antique market value ranging from $30 to $100 depending on maker marks, complete burner hardware, and overall condition
Care & Maintenance
Clean brass components gently with a specialized non-abrasive metal cleaner to preserve patina; wash glass reservoir carefully by hand with warm soapy water
Similar Items
Victorian miniature Gone-with-the-Wind lamps, banquet oil lamps, and bracket oil lamps with glass fonts
Interesting Facts
Before widespread electrical grid adoption, glass and brass oil lamps were essential household items, often designed with decorative optical patterns to refract and maximize the light from a kerosene or oil flame