Historical information

Purchased by Christian Ziebell on one of his two visits back to Germany.

Significance

This object is of primary significance. Christian Ziebell brought it back from Germany on his return visit to Germany in 1856. It always hung where it is now and it is retractable to different heights. It hung on the lowest chain length over the table and was only raised when the family had festive events such as dances when Dorothea would accompany them on the piano. Great care had to be exercised when the lamp was raised because if it went up too high, and therefore became too close to the wooden ceiling, it could cause a fire. Francis Adams – son of Sylvia Adams (Ziebell) restored the lamp in the 1990’s.

Physical description

Original Miller hanging lamp, made of brass and opaque white glass. Lamp has chain-operated raising and lowering mechanism. Decorative brass trimming around widest edge of glass lampshade. Contains tubular wick.

Inscriptions & markings

B & H Valpirfor written on lowering mechanism on top of the lamp. Rayo 24.98, PAT'D. NOV. 20.94, FEB 28.95, written on top of oil compartment.