4 1/2" Tall x 4" Extension x 3" Wide x

A great example of an early American betty lamp, this piece of lighting dates from the early to mid half of the 19th century, circa 1820-40.


Similar examples can be noted in numerous volumes of reference books, see “Early Lighting” by the Rushlight Club and others.


This style of lamp would have typically burned grease, lard and oil as a means of fuel.
It's important to note that the interior of the piece has a wick channel, a half circle tube that would have supported the wick while feeding the end of it to the aforementioned fuel. Said support is an important determination of the age of this lamp as the blacksmith who created this had to rivet the channel on the underside. As you can see in the pictures this rivet is present and exhibits the signs of construction typical of the era.

Looking over the photographs you'll find this betty is complete with all the attributes one would like to find. The hanging hook is present as also is the chained 'wick pick' a thin piece of linked iron ending with a pick used for loosening the burning wick as it would often char with the burning of the fuel.




***As shown in the images some expected pitting to the piece from age, else a very good+ example of early American lighting that most certainly have had originated from the east coast.


This, and other pieces of fine American antiques and primitives can be found on our ebay store listings.


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Antique Lamps and Lighting
Antique Oil Lamps