Historical information

The Kerosene lamp was one of the most common oil lamps used and was manufactured until the 1980s. The Anchor Lamp design was used for marine purposes in the days of sailing ships when a ship at anchor or sailing in the dark was required to display a white light on the top of its main mast. The Anchor Lamp's top loop was for a rope to hoist it up the mast, and ropes through the two bottom loops to anchor it in place and prevent it from swaying. The light could be seen by ships up to 20 miles away due to the magnification of the Fresnel glass lens.

This lamp in our collection has a design is similar to the early marine designs but its finish and materials resemble lamps made in the 20th century to represent the older ones. The etched "20" on its cover could represent the 20-mile distance the light could shine, and the "↑" Broad Arrows could represent a maritime navy ship.

Significance

The lamp is an example of 19th and early 20th-century Anchor Lamps fueled by kerosene and used onboard ships when at anchor or sailing at night.

Physical description

Kerosene lamp; This Anchor Lamp design has a brass frame, a handle with a loop at the top, a rail around the base two opposing loops, and a kerosene burner and tank with ventilation holes around it. A clear glass Fresnel 360-degree lens covers the burner. It is an All Round design. The brand Anchor is inscribed on a plate fixed to its brass cover. An etched inscription on the cover includes the Broad Arrow symbol identifying government property.

Inscriptions & markings

Engraved plaque: "Anchor" brand.
Etched into the metal: "↑20↑"