18. Lighting & Lamps

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  

18.45  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.

18.58  HURRICANE GLOBE  LAMP.  Authentic early 1900’s American hurricane distress lantern with a ruby red lens.  The classic American design features a galvanized steel body reinforced by six sturdy wire supports which serve to protect the globe and hold the two parts of the lamp together.    The top and bottom of the lamp are liberally aspirated to produce a bright flame.  To these ends the lamp contains its original solid brass font and burner with spring-loaded tabs for insertion in the bottom.  The wedge-type oil burner is marked “E. Miller, U.S.A.” on the wick advance knob.  The top of the chimney is fitted with two brass heat dispersing caps and a heavy folding brass loop for suspension.  The bottom of the lamp is additionally fitted with two folding brass loops for suspension by halyards in a seaway.  14 inches tall exclusive of the ring, 9 ½ inches in diameter overall and the base measures 5 ¾ inches in diameter.  Excellent original condition throughout.  The lovely red globe is perfect.   595  Back to Top

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.

18.64  HURRICANE GLOBE LANTERN.  Impressive, large all brass ship’s lamp known as an onion lamp or alternatively “watermelon lamp.”  This fine mid-century example is Dutch made with riveted construction.  The perfect hand-blown onion glass globe is 10 inches in diameter and stands 7 inches tall.  It is protected by 5 sturdy brass supports attaching the top and bottom of the lamp.  The brass chimney is aspirated and contains a castellated press-fit top.  Speaking to its quality the chimney is lined with a conical insert of solid copper – copper being an elemental metal which readily transfers heat and resists corrosion.  The top retains its heavy wire bail handle for hanging.  The bottom is also aspirated and holds its large brass oil font which inserts into the base with a bayonet twist aided by a folding bail handle which fits up neatly when not in use.  The high quality burner with knurled wick advance knob holds a circular (not flat) wick which provides more than double wick exposure for maximum light output, augmented by the original fire proof crystal chimney.  This handsome lantern stands 15 inches tall exclusive of the handle and 18 inches tall overall.  It is 11 ½ inches wide and the base measures 5 ¾ inches in diameter.  Absolutely perfect in every respect.  Complete with a brand new wick.  495  Back to Top

18.71  SCARCE COMBINATION RUNNING LAMP.  Very early 1900’s all brass American combination port and starboard running light.  This small craft lantern bears the oval maker’s tag on the front reading, “TRADE – TRIPLEX – MARK, Lense Patd. Dec.20 1910, Other Pats P..”  In testimony to this the lamp is fitted with the distinctive red and green Triplex Freznel lenses with bulbous centers.  The back of the lantern has a riveted brass mounting “shoe” which is further embossed “PATENTED APRIL 1st 1913.”  Atop the fluted chimney is a folding bail handle.  The bottom of the lamp retains its original burner and font which screws in with a bayonet twist.  The wick advance knob on the wedge-type burner is marked “The National Marine Lamp Co.”  5 inches in diameter and 9 inches tall exclusive of the handle.  10 ¼ inches tall overall. Complete with rarely found removable brass “light curtain.” Outstanding original condition in all respects.  The brass has acquired a lovely statuary bronze age patina throughout.  The valuable lenses are flawless.  495  

18.97  EARLY AMERICAN ANCHOR LAMP.   Extra rare, solid brass ship’s anchor lamp of the classic early “bird cage” type made by America’s preeminent shipware maker as embossed on the bottom of the font “M’F’D’R’D BY PPERKINS MARINE LAMP CORPRN BROOKLYN – NEW YORK.”  This handsome lantern is entirely handmade with meticulous attention to detail, such as internal covers over the lower vents in the lamp to prevent wind from blowing out the flame.  The gauge of the brass is extremely thick and obviously hand-formed.  The virtually perfect thick glass lens is of the Freznel “lighthouse” type used to focus the lamp’s output on the horizon.  To the ends the original font and burner fit into the underside of the lamp with a bayonet twist.  The wedge-type burner with wick advance knob is embossed “VORTEX.”  Telling of its early manufacture this predates burners made by Perkins which were later marked “PERKO.”  This antique navigational lamp stands 14 inches tall and 6 inches in diameter at the base.  It is in excellent overall condition noting some very minor bumps in the base and a rich deep age patina.  A lovely old maritime lantern over 100 years old!  419

Frederick Persky, a Russian immigrant, schooled in Germany as a machinist, came to the United States in 1890 and soon found work at the nautical instrument making firm of John 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.

In 1907, Frederick's son Louis joined him in the business, and together they enlarged the product line and their manufacturing facilities.  By 1912, under then name of Perkins Marine Lamp Corporation, they were manufacturing a variety of nautical lanterns and had begun producing an expanded line of marine products.  Five generations later, PERKO is still a privately owned, family operated corporation, operating out of Miami, Florida in 1960.

18.96   NAVIGATOR’s  SIGNAL LAMP.   Scarce, late 19th century American hand-held signal lamp impressed “NAVIGATORS” on the front of the hinged door.  This high quality lantern is entirely hand-made of solid brass.  It features an early hand-blown, bulbous bull’s eye lens with telltale bubbles in the glass.  The lens is seated in a hinged door secured with a spring-loaded clasp on its left.  It opens to reveal the original oil font and burner within.  The wick advance knob is marked “PATENT 1892.”  It is enclosed within a curved nickeled brass light curtain activated by a small knurled knob on the front of the lantern.  Sliding the knob in the slot allowed the user to open and close the light source for sending Morse Code!  The back of the lamp is provided with two folding wire bail handles as well as two clips for hard mounting to the ship.  Speaking to the quality of its construction, the entire bottom of the lamp is made of copper – an expensive elemental metal not subject to corrosion.  It is aspirated with numerous small vent holes, while the top has a double castellated chimney.  8 ¼ inches tall by 3 ½ inches wide and 6 inches front to back, exclusive of the handles.  Outstanding original condition in a lustrous brass polish.  Totally functional.  Guaranteed to be the best of its type available  --  A rare offering worth much more!  395

While a number of similar hand lamps were produced in the late 1800’s into the 20th century, most were  identified as being a “BOAT SIGNAL LAMP” with molded glass Freznel lenses.  This earliest version with old-style bulls eye lens and burner marked “1892” is one of the first ever made.  A real rarity that has survived in beautiful condition.

18.95  GIMBALED SALON LAMPS.   Very handsome matched pair of highest quality gimbaled yacht salon lamps.  This early American set is solid brass and dates from the first half of the 1900’s.  The lamps are complete with their original “star” type pop-up burners which allow the chimney holders of the burners to swing back for accessing the wick.  Each holder has a small knurled screw which secures the fluted crystal glass chimney in place.   Incredibly, both of the chimneys are original!  The wick advance knob is embossed with the maker’s mark, “E. Miller, Conn. U.S.A.”  These lamps are slung in their free wheeling brass gimbal brackets with set screws which  allow them to be locked in place if necessary.  Both brackets are mounted onto solid teak backboards.  Of much added appeal, these planks were taken from actual old ship decking over 100 years old!  Speaking to their age, the wood has acquired a deep, rich age patina from years of exposure at sea.  But being teak, they are in perfect original condition, evidencing the very reason why teakwood was so prized in early marine construction.  To complete the functionality of these lamps, each is equipped with its adjustable brass smoke bell at the top, and our decorative embossed brass “WS” logo at the bottom.  The backs of the teak mounts bear our signature non-slip, flush wall hanging brackets. 20 1/4 inches high by 5 ¾ inches wide.  The lamp with chimney is 11 ¾ inches tall and protrudes form the bulkhead 7 1/8 inches.  Ready to hang!  As they go, these lamps are as good as they get!  979 Back to Top 

At the time of this posting, a pair of later lamps made by the same manufacturer is listed on eBay with a Buy It Now Price of $999.  The pair is unmounted.  It is without its glass chimneys, and the burners are minus their parts for holding the chimney.

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.

18.91 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

18.88 SHIP’s CABIN LAMPS. Stunning, matched pair of English cabin lamps from the 1920’s or earlier, made by the lamp making firm of “VIKING, Registered Trademark” as boldly embossed on the oval brass maker’s label on the front of the chimneys. These pristine, original oil-fired lamps were made entirely of the finest quality thick-walled sheet brass. Attesting to their quality, the front panel is thick beveled glass and is made removable by loosening one screw for cleaning. The right side of each lamp is equipped with a sliding door which lifts up to access the original fonts within. The complex fonts are double-walled for maximum aspiration of the burner and have “breather holes” on two sides. There is a handle on the font for its easy insertion and removal to accommodate servicing and filling. To these ends, each has an oil filler hole in the font with screw-on cap and a wick advance knob on the burner. The bottoms of the lamp bodies also have breather holes. These are covered by the sliding door which is equipped with a hasp for secure locking when required. The back wall of each lamp is covered with a unique silvered dual panel with reflects the light emitted from the flame to the left and right. The top of each lamp has a hemispherical hinged chimney cover and the back is equipped with very substantial cast brass male hanging bracket. In addition, the sides of the lamps have square tubular fittings which were designed to fit over support prongs on either side of the lamp body. The lower backs of each also have a concealed triangular air inlet abutting the bulkhead. Incredible, virtually pristine condition in lustrous bright brass surfaces with no flaws! These are the nicest lamps of their type we have ever encountered in our 39 years. They would make an awesome statement in an entrance way. That noted, we would highly discourage modifying them by drilling or other permanent changes for electrification, since they are very rare survivors from such devaluating practices begun in the 1920’s onward. 19 ½ inches high by 9 3/8 wide and 7 ½ deep. Each weighs an amazing 12 pounds! Bargain priced. A few years ago a pair of lamps of this age and condition would easily have fetched $3,000. 1895

A substantial number of reproduction “Viking Cabin Lamps” were made in Taiwan from 1970 through the early 1990’s. There is no comparison to them and the real thing. The differences in quality are easily recognizable.

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!   2895

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

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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