18. Lighting & Lamps

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

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

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

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

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

Contemporary lighting fixtures are very expensive, as anyone who has recently visited a high end hardware or lamp store can attest.  Here we have a genuine antique set of finest quality ship’s lamps about 80 years old, offered for far less than equivalent modern repros of inferior quality, which these days are typically made in China!  A lightweight “tinny” porch lamp was recently advertised in “Home and Garden” magazine for $295.  The lamps offered here are the real deal!

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  

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

Stern Brothers was founded in 1867 by Issac, Louis and Benjamin Stern, sons of German immigrants. In 1867 they began selling dry goods in Buffalo, New York. The following year they moved to New York City and opened a store at 367 Sixth Avenue. In 1877 the business moved to 110 West 23rd Street. Outgrowing that facility, the Sterns erected a new building on the same site in 1878. The elegant store was noted for its fashionable clothes and other high end goods. Ladies from all over the country came to Stern Brothers for their Paris fashions. The enterprise was distinguished by its elegant door men in top hats and impeccable service.

“P & A,” Plume & Atwood, was organized in January 1869 as HBA (Holmes, Booth and Atwood) with the name changing to the Plume and Atwood Manufacturing Company in 1871. The company was incorporated in 1880. Plume & Atwood produced a full line of kerosene lamps and associated oil burning equipment. Between 1871 and 1912 the company had 62 lighting patents thanks primarily to the company’s namesake, Lewis J. Atwood, who was a prolific inventor. While Plume & Atwood manufactured and marketed their own line of lamps, they also produced and supplied fittings to other lamp manufactures, in this case Stern Brothers of New York.

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

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 Back to Top

From our own collection, found in Northern Scotland  in the 1990’s.

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

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

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! SOLD

Given extensive research on-line and in books pertaining to early lighting, it is still uncertain why the British chose to manufacture such behemoths producing a mere single candle power!  But the innovative light curtain did allow the user the convenience of “turning off” the light without blowing out source.   The timeframe of such light curtain lamps appears to have been in the 20 year period between 1890 and 1915 leading up to the Great War.  Subsequent to that time, scarce war resources were no longer available to produce such extravagant devices, additionally spurred by the advance of electric lighting.  As such, this relic comes from a narrow window in time, of which very few examples survive – especially one in nearly pristine original condition!  This is a true museum piece. 

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