Historical information

The kerosene lamp was one of the most common oil lamps used and was manufactured until the 1980s. This particular lamp has the design of the early kerosene lamps. Its gimbal bracket and counterweight heavy base allow it to swing with a vessel's movement and still stay horizontal.

Significance

The lamp is significant for its design which is an example of a 19th and early 20th-century kerosene lamp with a wall-mounted gimbal bracket and counterweight base. These features were important to vessels at sea, allowing the lamp to swing with the vessel's movement and stay vertical on rough seas.

Physical description

Kerosene lamp; round electroplated metal top and base, both shaped inward to join together. The base is a solid counterweight to work with the gimbal wall attachment bracket. There is no glass cover.