18. Lighting & Lamps
Prices in U.S. Dollars are in GREEN
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18.15 AMERICAN MASTHEAD LAMP. Genuine 19th century ship's running lamp made by the "Universal Metal Spinning and Stamping Co., New York" as impressed on the door. This handsome all brass lantern is solid brass. It has a clear ribbed Fresnel glass lens with an arc of 225o or 7 points of the compass. Telling of its age the perfect lens has a purplish tinge indicative of Manganese used in 19th century glass production. It is set in its sturdy brass body which has acquired a lovely statuary bronze age patina. The top of the lamp has a bulbous chimney with circular vents. Attached to it is an unusually large pivoting bail handle. The top bears the brass tag reading "BOW LIGHT." For attachment to the ship there are two brackets, one on either side, flush to the back. The hinged door with pin closure opens to reveal the insides. Remarkably, this lamp still retains its original oil font with wedge-type burner and silvered reflector which securely slide in a track on the aspirated bottom. All components all in perfect condition! The lamp itself is 10 ½ inches tall by 6 inches wide. It stands 14 ¾ inches tall inclusive of the handle and 9 ¼ inches wide on the brackets. It is very rare to find these early lamps in their original state, not modified or electrified. A better example of this type of lamp is not to be found. |
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inside |
font and burner |
bow light |
maker |
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18.45 RARE SHIP's ONION LAMP. Lovely, Civil War era ship's globe lantern or "onion lamp" from the days of sail. This American lamp is all copper with its original blown glass globe. Entirely hand-made, it exhibits neat riveted and soldered joints, punched cruciform vents and a castellated top. The top and bottom of the lamp are connected by 5 stout copper supports which double as guards encircled by an equally heavy equatorial ring. The top of the lamp hinges open and there was a provision for a hasp. The blade is present but the flap is not. This lamp is complete with its brass font and burner which press in from the bottom and are held with a bayonet twist. The very unusual burner is highly aspirated and the wick advance knob is impressed "HOLMES BOOTH & HAYDEN WATERBURY CONN." This truly wonderful old lamp measures 15 inches tall (17 1/2 inches overall with the handle) and is 11 inches in diameter The thick glass globe is wavy with bubbles and inclusions, typical of glass manufactured prior to the Civil War. One heat crack in the glass does exist which, happily, does not even show from most perspectives. Lovely form, condition, and age patina with no corrosion. A very rare example of a nicely preserved early marine lantern, being the biggest and best lamp of its type we have ever offered. Circa 1860. 795 Hiram W. Hayden was a prolific inventor who had nearly 30 lamp and lighting patents. His other patented inventions include a breech-loading rifle, a breech-loading cannon, a magazine rifle, patents & designs for buttons, medals, and a machine for making solid metal tubing, Copper, an elemental metal prized for its heat conductivity, malleability and resistance to corrosion, was the premium material used by manufacturers of the earliest marine lighting. |
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18.13 LARGE AMERICAN GIMBAL LAMPS. Matched pair of 19th century ship’s cabin lamps by the noted lamp makers Plume & Atwood as embossed on their wick advance knobs “P & A MFG CO. WATERBURY CONN. MADE IN U.S.A.” These substantial ship’s salon lamps have brass fonts, burners, gimbals and smoke bells. The lamp body is gilded metal. Each lamp is mounted to a solid teak backboard made from the old original ship’s decking. The backs are equipped with our own signature flush mounted hanging brackets. The lamps are still perfectly functional with their original star-type pop-up burners which hinge back to allow for easy access to service the wicks. They are complete with their original crystal glass chimneys. The lamps themselves measure 9 ½ inches tall and 4 ½ inches in diameter. With gimbal they protrude 8 ¾ inches from the bulkhead. The smoke bells extend out 9 inches. The teak mounts measure 20 /4 inches tall by 7 inches wide. Outstanding original condition in all respects. This is an impressive, functional set of ship’s lamps 130 years old or more! 895/pr |
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smoke bell |
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18.11 GIMBAL LAMP PAIR. Matched pair of early 1900’s American ship’s cabin lanterns by the prestigious maker “PERKO” as stamped in 3 places on each. These handsome all brass salon lamps are mounted on old single plank solid teak backboards. The rich wood was actually taken from old ships dating to the early 1900’s, salvaged in the 1970’s. The lamps themselves date to the early part of the 1900’s. They consist of a bulbous font with a weighted base. The burners are the high quality “pop-up” type holding their crystal glass chimney allowing them to hinge back to expose the wick for servicing. A small thumbscrew secures the chimneys in place. The lamps are mounted in their heavy brass gimbal brackets stamped “PERKO” and fit into their circular brackets, similarly marked. The brackets also have thumbscrews which secure the gimbals, or if tightened fully, prevent them from gimbaling. The upper portion of each plaque is fitted with its original smoke bell. The back of the teak plaque retains its original brass mounting support. This outstanding presentation measures 14 inches tall by 8 inches wide. The lamp with chimney is 12 inches tall and extends 7 ¼ inches from the bulkhead. A fabulous matched pair of identified seagoing salon lamps guaranteed to be over 80 years old in immaculate condition! 949 Frederick Persky, a Russian immigrant, schooled in Germany as a machinist, came to the United States in 1890. He soon found work at the Bliss Company in Brooklyn, New York. In the very early 1900's he and a partner began their own business, F. Persky & Company, Lantern Manufacturer, out of his house. |
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18.45 RARE SHIP’s ONION LAMP. Lovely, very early ship’s globe lantern or “onion lamp” from the days of sail. This lamp is almost certainly of American manufacture. It is of all copper construction with its original blown glass globe. Entirely hand-made, it exhibits neat riveted and soldered joints, punched cruciform vents and a castellated top. The top and bottom of the lamp are connected by 5 stout copper supports which double as guards encircled by an equally heavy equatorial ring. The top of the lamp hinges open and there was a provision for a hasp. The blade is present but the flap is not. This truly wonderful old lamp measures 15 inches tall (17 1/2 inches overall with the handle) and is 11 inches in diameter The thick glass globe is wavy with bubbles and inclusions, typical of glass manufactured prior to the Civil War. One heat crack in the glass does exist which, happily, does not even show from most perspectives. The font with burner, most likely whale oil, is no longer present. Lovely form, condition, and age patina with no corrosion. The biggest and best lamp of its type we have yet come across. A very rare example of a nicely preserved early marine lantern. Circa 1850. 595 Copper, an elemental metal prized for its heat conductivity, malleability and resistance to corrosion, was the premium material used by manufacturers of the earliest marine lighting. |
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18.46 PORT & STARBOARD COMBINATION. Very unusual late 19th century port and starboard running lamps in one. This all brass lantern is hand-made of solid brass. IT contains lovely red and green glass Freznel lenses in virtually perfect condition. The top of the lamp has a bulbous chimney encircled by small vents and mounted with a folding bail handle. The back of the lamp has a hinged door with pin closure. Attached to the door is the maker’s label embossed “Robert Findley Mfg. Co Inc. – Mfrs of – Lighting Fixtures & Marine Lamps – Works 100 Lexington Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y.” The interior is complete with its original font and burner in a sliding track. The wedge-type burner is marked “VORTEX.” Attached to the top of the font is a circular silvered reflector for maximum light output. What is so very special about this lamp is its unusual light curtain “wings” both port and starboard and dead ahead. The back of the lamp has two tabs for mounting, one on each side. 10 inches tall exclusive of the handle. It measures 11 inches wide and 8 ½ inches front to back. Outstanding original condition in all respects. The surfaces have acquired a very pleasing old greenish yellow verdigris form years of exposure in a marine environment. 779 |
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open |
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18.02 EARLY AMERICAN BOW LIGHT. Especially nice late 19th century small craft “BOW LIGHT” as indicated on the applied brass plaque on the front. This genuine ship’s masthead running lamp has a molded glass Freznel lens describing an arc of 225o. Owing to its early manufacture the heavy lens has a distinctive, very desirable purplish tinge due to its manganese content. This handsome lantern is entirely hand-made of solid brass. It has a hinged door on the back, closing on a sliding pin latch. The door is impressed with the maker’s mark “Universal Metal Spinning & Stamping Co. New York.” Releasing the pin reveals the interior with font, burner and attached light reflector. This assembly slides in and is in place within a track on the floor of the lamp. It is most unusual to find a lamp of this age and quality with the original components still in tact and functional! The bottom of the lamp has numerous apertures for aspiration. The top of the lamp has a bulbous chimney reminiscent of an architectural dome. It has several vents encircling the perimeter. Affixed to it is a large pivoting bail handle for carrying. For service use it is equipped with brass tabs port and starboard for hard mounting to the mast. This veteran of the sea measures 10 ½ inches tall exclusive of the handle and 14 ½ inches high overall. The lamp body is 5 ¾ inches wide and 9 ¼ inches wide with the mounts. Absolutely pristine condition inside and out, with an exceptionally rich age patina from years of service at sea. The best to be found! 575 |
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bow light |
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18.57 FANCY SHIP’s CABIN LAMP. Impressive early 1900’s ship’s cabin lamp stamped “Made In Holland” on the hood. This extra large light is solid brass with 3 beveled glass panels. Each panel is hand-cut with decorative star bursts. The interior of the lamp has a corrugated reflector on the back. The font contains flame-like bulb wired for standard 110V use. It has a hinged door with sliding pin closure. The top of the lamp has a folding bail handle with teakwood grip. The rear of the lamp is reinforced with a copper hanging bracket with riveted support. It comes with it original bulkhead mounted clip which fits in the “shoe” allowing the lamp to be removed from its mount for servicing. 17 inches tall exclusive of the handle and 9 ¼ inches wide. It weighs 10 pounds. Speaking to its age and authenticity it retains its original old wiring with cloth covering. Excellent original condition throughout with absolutely no damage. The surfaces have acquired desirable wear and patina consistent with age. WAS 869 NOW! 569 |
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glass |
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18.01 AMERICAN ANCHOR LAMP. Very nice early 1900’s ship’s running light of American manufacture. This stout all brass lantern has a molded 360 degree glass Freznel lens designed to amplify its light output and focus it on the horizon. The lower portion of the lamp houses its font and burner which snap into the bottom with a spring-loaded press fit. The burner is of the “wedge” type with wick advance knob. The font has a liquid-tight opening through it presumably for electrification. The bottom is encircled by several aspiration vents and 2 folding bail clips for attachment to halyards. It is connected to the top by means of 4 heavy brass supports which also serve to protect the lens. The upper portion of the lamp is of classic American form with elongated chimney and circular chimney caps with a bail hanger. The sides of the chimney are ringed with “Christmas tree” cut-outs to vent the burner below. This handsome lantern is in perfect original condition throughout and exhibits a very nice even bronze age patina. 11 ½ inches tall, exclusive of the bail hanger and 5 ½ inches in diameter. 225 |
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17.27/18.98 OCEAN LINER BUNK LAMPS. Exceptional matched pair of 1st Class Cabin bunk lamps retrieved from an English passenger liner during the Golden Age of liner travel. These classic Art Deco lamps are pleasingly cast in “tear drop” form in solid bronze! The extremely heavy bodies house the thick ribbed Fresnel glass lenses which focused the light for the reader. The tops and bottoms of the lamp bodies are vented to prevent overheating. Each is professionally wired for standard 110v American service. The old fashioned style toggle switches are brand new, UL approved, ready for hook-up. These lamps will accommodate a 60W or smaller incandescent or similar size LED bulb. 7 ¾ inches high by 5 3/8 inches wide and 4 ¼ inches deep, weighing an amazing 6 1/2 pounds each! Pristine original condition with an old high luster polish. Ready to use. Circa 1930. 569/pr |
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18.36 GLOBE LANTERN. Early 1900’s ship’s hurricane warning lamp with a large ruby red globe. This fine American-made lamp is constructed of galvanized steel with brass fittings. The heavy wire cage serves to hold the top and bottom of the lamp together while protecting the precious globe. The top is equipped with a large brass suspension loop for hanging and the sides have brass eyelets for securing is a seaway. It is complete with its original all brass spring-loaded “pop-up” font and burner. The wick advance knob is marked “P & A MFG CO. Waterbury Conn, Made In U.S.A.” This handsome veteran of the sea is in its original red paint which has acquired a nice old weathered look. The lovely glass globe is in perfect condition. 595 |
back |
bottom |
burner |
with burner |
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18.61 FIGURAL TABLE LAMPS. Matched pair of 19th century American portable table lamps. These all brass oil lamps have a circular base supporting a bulbous brass column on which is mounted the oil font with burner and chimney holder. The circular wick advance knobs are signed “STERN BRO’S N.Y.” and “THE P.&A. MFG Co VICTOR” respectively. What makes these lamps really outstanding are their figural brass dolphin handles. They stand 9 inches tall and 5 ½ inches in diameter at the base, 6 inches wide overall. Excellent original condition showing expected signs of use and a nice statuary bronze age patina. Circa 1875. 895/pr |
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18.94 FIGURAL GIMBAL LAMP. Very rare, ship’s cabin lamp with the desirable aspect of being decorative as well as functional. This handsome lantern is of English manufacture and is all brass construction. It features a removable oil sump (reservoir) within a weighted brass body slung in gimbals. The body of the lamp is nicely tapered, ending in a heavy solid sphere at the bottom. The top is fitted with a classic pop-up “star” burner with wick advance knob impressed ”SHERWOODS LTD. B’HAM.” This type of burner tilts back on a hinge to expose the wick for servicing. It threads into the font with a positive fit and holds the crystal chimney by means of a small, knurled set screw. The font (sump) fits nicely within the lamp body which seats snugly in the gimbal ring supported by the unique brass bracket in the form of a stylized dolphin. The fine detail in the casting of the dolphin bracket and its shell back indicate early manufacture and not some later knock off. The stout cast brass back has 4 holes for mounting to the bulkhead. At the bottom of the lamp body is a heavy solid brass sphere which, by its heft, assures the proper balancing of the gimbal in a seaway. This lamp itself measures 7 ¾ inches high by 5 inches wide at the widest, and protrudes 8 ½ inches from the bulkhead. The entire assembly measures 12 inches high inclusive of the hand-blown crystal chimney. Extra nice original condition with absolutely no material flaws. The original lacquer shows wear in several locations and the surfaces have acquired a good patina evidencing years of actual use at sea. A real rarity in marine lamps. Only the second such example we have offered in our 38 years! 585 |
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18.93 RARE FIGURAL SHIP’s CABIN LAMP. Genuine second half 19th century ship’s cabin lamp having the very desirable aspect of a detailed cast brass dolphin bracket. Few ship’s lamps exhibit such a decorative feature, indicating this lamp must have come from an important cabin. The heavily-weighted lamp body has a lovely flower form solid brass counter weight at the bottom and its original font and burner. The burner is complete with its functional wick advance knob embossed with a pointed star. The highly detailed dolphin bracket is very finely cast, abutting in an equally fine scallop shell mount. Of great significance is the fact that the mount is accompanied by its removable mounting bracket and original mahogany back. The dolphin bracket slips into slots on the backing with a positive fit, which, at the same time, is easily removed. This exceptional offering is complete with its flawless hand-blown crystal glass chimney. The all brass lamp body measures 6 ¼ inches tall from the burner to the base. The dolphin bracket extends 7 ½ inches from the bulkhead. The wooden mounting back is 3 by 6 inches. The entire assembly stands 13 ½ inches tall with chimney. Excellent original condition with a lovely statuary bronze age patina. The melding of artistry and function is rarely found in all but the most desirable maritime applications. This charming example is one of those scarce exceptions. Circa 1880. 895
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18.92 EARLY E.O.T. SIDELIGHTS. Very, very scarce matched pair of 19th century oil lamps used to illuminate an early steamship’s bridge engine order telegraph. These all brass lamps are hand-made and contain their early fonts and burners. One is a whale oil type from the 1860’s and the other with wick advance knob is marked “Miller, U.S.A.” The lamps are otherwise identical with a curved shape to fit on the telegraph and even curved glass! The tops have charming hemispherical chimneys and the sides have a hinged door with press fit locking latch. The bodies of the lamps themselves measure 8 5/8 inches. The curved mounting plates are 7 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches wide. Outstanding original condition with a fantastic original age patina exemplary of their 150 years. 389 /pair |
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open |
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18.91 AMERICAN BINNACLE SIDE LIGHT. Extra, extra nice19th century American binnacle side lamp of superior quality. This all brass lamp was hand-made in an unusual rectangular form, since most binnacle lamps were round or semi-circular. Even more unusual is its rectangular chimney with arched top and perforated sides. Access to the interior is gained by a very clever door hinged at the top and locking on the bottom with a complex spring-loaded latch. The original font and burner are retained within a sliding track on the bottom. The font easily slides in and out by means of the small pivoting ring on its side. The wedge-type burner is embossed “SIMPLEX” and the wick advance knob is marked “E. MILLER & CO. Made In U.S.A.” Speaking to the quality of its construction the lamp has air boxes on either side of the font which open to small aspiration holes on the exterior. The front of the lamp retains its original old wavy glass in perfect condition. The front sides of the lamp have “wings” which would have slid into tracks mounted to the side of a binnacle. Alternatively, the lamp could have been mounted to the side of an early wooden boat binnacle, attached by screws, three on each side of the wings. 6 ¾ inches tall by 4 ¾ inches wide and 2 ½ inches thick. Outstanding original condition with a lovely statuary bronze age patina. For the connoisseur of marine lighting, this example represents the best of the best of its genre. We have never seen better. 289 |
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18.86 LIGHT CURTAIN LANTERN. Unbelievable! This is an extremely rare late 1800’s or at the latest, pre-1910 British ship’s lamp with the unusual feature of being able to be darkened without dousing the light source – in this case a single candle! This massive ship’s light is constructed of thick sheet copper with heavy cast brass fittings. The quality and heft of this lamp really defy description, the likes of which few familiar with marine lighting have encountered before! The upper body of the lamp bears the embossed oval brass maker’s tag reading “BINKO RIDSDALE CO., LONDON.” Other makers of similar but smaller lamps were Bulpitt & Sons and Eli Griffiths & Sons, both of Birmingham, England. The maker was located in the heart of the London ships’ manufactory on 54 & 120 Minories. The thick, massive magnifying lens is set into a tinned copper frame. Below, a brass lever connected to an internal shield allows the light source to be completely covered. There is a locking lever at the top to maintin the curtain in place. On the reverse is the hemispherical hinged door with sliding pin closure. It has a stout built-in parabolic mirror which doubles as a stiffener. Inside are the remnants of a brass candle holder with bayonet twist-off cap. It would have been spring-loaded to push a nearly 2 inch diameter candle up to the top as it was consumed. The top of the lamp is equipped with a large aspirated chimney held by stout brass brackets and a pivoting brass hanger with securing pin on a chain. This huge relic of the late 19th century stands 29 inches tall by 10 ½ inches in diameter and weighs a hefty 25 pounds. As rare as they come! |
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18.83 GREAT LAKES RUNNING LIGHT. Finest quality small craft running lamp with “TRIPLEX” port and starboard lighthouse-like lenses patented in 1910. The lamp itself was made by “Geo. B. Carpenter, Chicago,” as indicated on the oval brass maker’s tag. It was patented April 1st 1913 as embossed on the rear bracket. This sturdy little lamp has a brass chimney cap and stout iron ring for hanging when not supported by the bracket. The all brass font and burner screw into the base with a bayonet twist. Well aspirated for maximum light output including an internal reflector. A removable “light curtain” is installed in a sliding track between the two lenses. The red and green lenses are both in perfect condition. 10 ½ inches tall overall and 5 1/8 inches in diameter. 7 ¾ inches front to back. Sound but well-used condition. Totally complete and original. 269 |
CAUTION
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starboard |
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burner |
triplex |
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18.77 HUGE SHIP’s MASTHEAD LAMP. Very impressive all copper and brass German ship’s masthead lamp from the turn-of-the-last-century. This extra large ocean-going navigational light retains its beautiful molded Freznel glass lens marked with 3 “G”s within a triangle. The top front of the lamp bears the embossed brass tag reading “TOPLICHT.” The lamp body is made of heavy riveted copper. There are 4 cast brass brackets, 2 on each side, which supported the lamp on rods affixed to the top of the ship’s superstructure or mast. A large copper bail handle is attached to the top for carrying. That top is also equipped with a hinged, castellated chimney cap to disperse heat and to provide an opening from which to inspect the burner within. To those ends the lamp is complete with a large copper oil sump (font) mounted on a slide-in tray. The sump has a threaded brass oil filler cap and a support for its parabolic reflector. The complex burner is of the finest typed with dual wicks, dual wick advance knobs and built-in snuffer. It is complete with its beautiful and original crystal chimney marked “ANCHOR BRAND FIRE PROOF” with anchor emblem. Access is gained through the back by means of the hinged copper door with sliding pin closure. This massive old ship’s lantern stands 21 ¼ inches tall exclusive of the bail handle, 12 ¾ inches wide at the widest by 10 ½ inches deep and weighs an impressive 16 pounds! Outstanding condition with no dents, dings or losses and a lovely old age patina. The Freznel lens is perfect. 895 |