New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2006.

Kerosene Lamp

Manufacturer Boston & Sandwich Glass Co. (American, 1826-1888)

CultureAmerican

Dateca. 1860-1880s

MediumGlass | Marble | Ormolu

Dimensions23 7/8 in. (60.6 cm)
Diameter of inner brass collar: 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm)
Diameter of outer brass collar: 2 1/4 in. (5.8 cm)

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.4869

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 116-3, Case 25

DescriptionKerosene lamp of overlay glass. Clear green cut through to clear font and clear blue. Green cut through to a clear baluster stem on a three-step marble and ormolu base.

Label TextBoston & Sandwich Glass Co. Sandwich, Massachusetts Kerosene Lamps, ca. 1860–85 Blown, cased, and cut glass with marble and ormolu (applied gold) Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.4867–.4869 Lampshade, ca. 1860 Mold-blown, frosted, and cut glass with Plume & Atwood Manufacturing Co. Waterbury, Connecticut Duplex Burner, ca. 1870s–80s Brass Museum purchase 2019.3 The geometric shapes cut into the glass of these lamps resemble the windows of Gothic cathedrals and details from Moorish architecture. Such designs made them very appealing to nineteenth-century Gilded Age American consumers, who sought objects with elaborate details and historical inspiration. Only the wealthy could afford these large kerosene lamps, in part because they required constant upkeep. At home, servants would trim the wicks, refill the oil font, polish the gold finishings, and clean the smoky glass shades.