These items have been sold, and the description, image and price ($US) are for reference purposes only.

Kerosene lamps from the 19th century represent a significant development in lighting technology and played a crucial role in illuminating homes, businesses, and streets during that era. Kerosene is also known as liquid paraffin.

Prior to the introduction of kerosene lamps, lighting options were limited to candles, oil lamps, or gas lamps. Candles were the most common source of light, but they were expensive, produced limited illumination, and posed a significant fire hazard. Oil lamps, fueled by various vegetable oils, were an improvement over candles, but they were still prone to smoke, odor, and the risk of fire. The arrival of kerosene lamps in the mid-19th century marked a turning point in lighting technology.

Kerosene, a flammable hydrocarbon liquid derived from petroleum, became a popular fuel for lamps due to its clean-burning properties and relatively low cost. Kerosene lamps were more efficient and produced a brighter, steadier light more... compared to previous oil lamps. The introduction of kerosene lamps also coincided with advancements in lamp design, with manufacturers producing a wide range of styles and sizes to suit different needs and preferences.

The design of 19th-century kerosene lamps varied, but they typically consisted of a reservoir for holding the kerosene, a burner, and a chimney to direct the light and protect the flame. The reservoir could be made of glass, metal, or ceramic, and it often featured ornate decorations or patterns to enhance the lamp's aesthetic appeal. The burner incorporated a wick that drew kerosene from the reservoir and allowed it to burn, while the chimney helped to stabilize the flame and reduce the risk of accidents.

The introduction of kerosene lamps had a transformative effect on society. They brought illumination to areas that were previously in darkness, making it easier and safer to perform tasks, study, and socialize after sunset. The availability of affordable and reliable lighting had a profound impact on productivity, allowing people to extend their working hours and engage in various activities during the evenings.

Kerosene lamps were widely used in both urban and rural areas throughout the 19th century. They were particularly beneficial in areas without access to gas lighting or electricity, and they remained popular even after the introduction of electric lighting in the late 19th century. Kerosene lamps were commonly found in homes, businesses, and public spaces, including streets and outdoor areas.

However, the use of kerosene lamps was not without its drawbacks. The lamps required regular maintenance, including cleaning the wicks, replenishing the fuel, and ensuring proper ventilation to prevent the accumulation of fumes. Accidents, such as lamp explosions or fires, were also a risk if the lamps were mishandled or not properly maintained.

less...

A pair of Victorian cast bronze and glass banquet lamps, 19th…
Victorian bronze and glass banquet lamps with etched shades

A pair of Victorian cast bronze and glass banquet lamps, 19th century, with etched ombre and fluted shades, ruby glass fonts above standards cast as classical maidens, and original mechanism, 28.35 in. high including chimney

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
An Electrified Bayeux porcelain lamp base, probably Bayeux,…
19th Century Electrified Bayeux Porcelain Lamp Base, Cherub Decoration

An Electrified Bayeux porcelain lamp base, probably Bayeux, 19th century the fine electrified oil lamp with a French plug, urn form with a domed foot and cover, hand decorated with a cherub in celestial landscape in oval reserve, a floral bouquet to the re

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
An Electrified ceramic kerosene lamp, late 19th century the…
Electrified Ceramic Kerosene Lamp with Japanese Stork Scene

An Electrified ceramic kerosene lamp, late 19th century the faience base with a Japanesque transfer scene of storks and trees in bloom, with cast bronze mounts, glass chimney and a frosted glass etched shade in the form of a tulip, wired for electricity. H

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
An antique French banquet oil lamp with bronze mounted base on…
French 19th Century Antique Banquet Oil Lamp with Bronze Base

An antique French banquet oil lamp with bronze mounted base on facetted milk glass with hobnail crystal font, double burner, chimney and crimson glass shade, 19th century, 40.94 in. high overall

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A French marble and glass kerosene lamp, late 19th century with…
French Marble and Glass Kerosene Lamp

A French marble and glass kerosene lamp, late 19th century with a square stepped gilt bronze base decorated with rais-de-c?ur border, supporting a slightly tapering marble stem in cream and brown tones with cast bronze Corinthian capital, leading to a clea

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
An Impressive pair of English glass banquet lamps with ormolu…
English Glass Banquet Lamps with Ormolu Corinthian Columns

An Impressive pair of English glass banquet lamps with ormolu mounted Corinthian columns and original gadroon moulded fonts, and Hink's patent burners, circa 1890, 33.46 in. high 8.27 in. diameter

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A pair of French spelter and bronze kerosene lamps, late 19th…
French Neoclassical Kerosene Lamps with Bronze Mounts

A pair of French spelter and bronze kerosene lamps, late 19th century, the neoclassical style cast spelter waisted urn form bases with bronze decorative mounts, twin-handles and collar, all raised on scrolled legs, with electrical conversion, burner mechan

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Three Victorian neo-classical figural bronze oil lamps, three…
Victorian Bronze Nymph Oil Lamps - Set of Three

Three Victorian neo-classical figural bronze oil lamps, three Victorian neo-classical figural bronze oil lamps, each base in the form of a nymph, the largest 15.75 in. high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
An antique banquet lamp, gilt bronze cherub column on green…
Gilt Cherub Banquet Lamp with Vaseline Glass Shade

An antique banquet lamp, gilt bronze cherub column on green onyx base with white button double burner and yellow vaseline glass shade, 19th century, 30.71 in. high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A pair of Regency bronze argand table lamps, the reservoir…
Regency Bronze Argand Table Lamps with Prismatic Drops

A pair of Regency bronze argand table lamps, the reservoir capped by lotus and birds, hung with prismatic drops, raised on triform base, frosted glass shade, fitted for electricity. Height 17.32 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A pair of cornucopia argand lamps, in the manner of Thomas…
Bronze Boar Cornucopia Argand Lamps

A pair of cornucopia argand lamps, in the manner of Thomas Messenger & Sons, depicting a boar, bronze cornucopia formed lamp with boar head below an urn-shaped reservoir, vertical burners, in the manner of Thomas messenger. With associated glass shades. He

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A good pair of French heavily embossed gilt bronze Carcel lamps.…
French Gilt Bronze Carcel Lamps, Circa 1850

A good pair of French heavily embossed gilt bronze Carcel lamps. Circa 1850. The body depicting mask heads and scroll work with key wind base. No key. Height 31.50 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A pair of William IV ormolu two light argand lamps, each with…
William IV Ormolu Argand Lamps with Dragon Base

A pair of William IV ormolu two light argand lamps, each with an ovoid urn-shaped reservoir above the foliate branches supporting frosted shades, on a scroll, rocaille and flower cast tripartite pedestal base surmounted by three dragons. (2), height 20.08…

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Charles X bronze hanging oil lamp, c. 1830, electrified,…
Charles X Bronze Oil Lamp (1830) - Electrified

Charles X bronze hanging oil lamp, c. 1830, electrified, missing glass shades, height 21.26 in. Provenance: The Estate of Martyn Cook, Sydney

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A pair of bronze and green glass banquet lamps, 19th century,…
Bronze and Green Glass Banquet Lamps, 19th Century

A pair of bronze and green glass banquet lamps, 19th century, in the exotic taste with cast relief borders, the base with a waisted stem, and a compressed lower register raised on a spreading base with extended leaf, and whorl feet, a chartreuse font with

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Eight kerosene lamps with bronze & pewter finish, two sizes…
Bronze and Pewter Kerosene Lamps - Two Sizes Available

Eight kerosene lamps with bronze & pewter finish, two sizes (recommended retail $30 each), height 20 - 11.02 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A pair of classical revival darkly patinated bronze oil lamps,…
Bronze Grecian Boar Head Oil Lamps

A pair of classical revival darkly patinated bronze oil lamps, in the form of Grecian boar's head 'Rhytons'. Electrified. English circa 1880. 12.20 in. x 12.99 in. x 5.91 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A Second Empire oil lamp, the base in gilt and patinated bronze…
Gilt Bronze Putti Oil Lamp with Etched Glass Shade

A Second Empire oil lamp, the base in gilt and patinated bronze in the form of a putti on a neoclassical column with floral garlands, with an acid etched pink glass shade and clear glass flu and oil well. French circa 1870. 28.74 in. x 5.91 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A pair of French 19th century oil lamps, Madeleine Castaing,…
French 19th Century Floral Oil Lamps with Ormolu Mounts

A pair of French 19th century oil lamps, Madeleine Castaing, Galerie Etienne Thuriet Now electrified, of baluster form with pink ground and reserve of floral spray, with ormolu mounts, 31.89 in. high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A pair of French Electrified tole oil lamps by Brevete, circa…
French Electrified Tole Oil Lamps with Ormolu Stands, 1890

A pair of French Electrified tole oil lamps by Brevete, circa 1890, each on ormolu stand, with shade and silk cord 29.53 in. high 29 1/2in high). (2)

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Small Victorian kerosene lamp, ruby cut bowl with frosted…
Victorian Ruby Kerosene Lamp with Frosted Shade and Onyx Column

Small Victorian kerosene lamp, ruby cut bowl with frosted decorated shade on an ormolu and onyx column, 18.11 in. high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Exceptional quality Victorian banquet kerosene lamp, green…
Victorian Green Frosted Kerosene Lamp with Vaseline Shade

Exceptional quality Victorian banquet kerosene lamp, green frosted decorated bowl with a green vaseline glass shade on an exquisite quality ormolu and green marble base, height 28.35 in. to top of shade

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Exceptional quality Victorian banquet kerosene lamp, ruby cut…
Victorian Ruby Cut Kerosene Lamp with Frosted Shade

Exceptional quality Victorian banquet kerosene lamp, ruby cut bowl and frosted cameo cut shade on ormolu and marble column base., height 27.17 in. to top of shade

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A rare Nailsea glass Art Nouveau kerosene lamp with matching…
Art Nouveau Nailsea Glass Kerosene Lamp with Matching Shade

A rare Nailsea glass Art Nouveau kerosene lamp with matching shade, on an ormolu and Art Nouveau base, height 22.05 in. to top of shade

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A pair of bronze Italian oil lamps, putti supporting an urn,…
Bronze Italian Putti Oil Lamps, Electrified

A pair of bronze Italian oil lamps, putti supporting an urn, electrified. Height 25.20 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A fine French argand or Quinquet type bronze oil lamp, 19th…
French Renaissance Revival Bronze Oil Lamp

A fine French argand or Quinquet type bronze oil lamp, 19th century, with maker's mark of Love & Harvey, Paris, finely modelled in the Renaissance revival manner as an antique style oil, lamp with a central stem and spreading base, original burner mechanis

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Antique French figural bronze oil lamp, 72 cm high
French Bronze Figural Oil Lamp - 72cm Height

Antique French figural bronze oil lamp, 28.35 in. high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Seven various Indo-Persian oil lamps. 19th century & earlier.…
Indo-Persian Oil Lamps Collection

Seven various Indo-Persian oil lamps. 19th century & earlier. Cast bronze (4), earthenware (4). Ex Bolster collection of Asian & Ethnographic artefacts, height 4.72 in. (tallest)

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Pair of William IV patinated bronze oil lamps, 19th century,…
William IV Bronze Boar Head Oil Lamps (Pair)

Pair of William IV patinated bronze oil lamps, 19th century, each in the form of a boar-headed rhyton, reservoir with leaf-cast decoration centred with a berried finial within a gadrooned border, now electrified (2), height 13.78 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Antique French gilt bronze oil standard lamp with circular…
French Gilt Bronze Oil Standard Lamp with Marble Base

Antique French gilt bronze oil standard lamp with circular marble drink later electrified, 72.83 in. high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Pair of antique French oil lamps with pottery bodies and bronze…
Antique French Pottery Oil Lamps with Bronze Mounts (Pair)

Pair of antique French oil lamps with pottery bodies and bronze mounts, converted, each 14.57 in. high (2)

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A fine Satsuma and gilt bronze banquet lamp, Meiji period, late…
Satsuma and Gilt Bronze Banquet Lamp, Meiji Period

A fine Satsuma and gilt bronze banquet lamp, Meiji period, late 19th century, the slender ovoid lamp base with four alternating reserves of figural narratives and auspicious blossoms between brocaded borders, upon cast bronze mounts, with brass lamp fittin

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Rare bronze whale oil lamp C1800
Antique Bronze Whale Oil Lamp (1800)

Rare bronze whale oil lamp C1800

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Pair of French blue glass & ormolu oil lamps, illustrated with…
French Blue Glass and Ormolu Napoleon Oil Lamps

Pair of French blue glass & ormolu oil lamps, illustrated with Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte, 22.44 in. high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Antique French oil lamp, green marble and bronze mounts, ruby…
French Green Marble Oil Lamp with Ruby Reservoir

Antique French oil lamp, green marble and bronze mounts, ruby to clear reservoir, approx 29.92 in. high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A bold Art Nouveau copper and bronze ball lamp, circa 1900, the…
Art Nouveau Ball Lamp with Nymph and Mascaron

A bold Art Nouveau copper and bronze ball lamp, circa 1900, the ovoid lamp strikingly embossed with a large mascaron and trailing flora and whiplashes issuing from a flying nymph, raised upon four bronze paw feet, the collar supporting oil lamp apparatus.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A celadon glazed Hinks banquet oil lamp. Pate sur Pate…
Celadon Oil Lamp with Pate sur Pate Decoration

A celadon glazed Hinks banquet oil lamp. Pate sur Pate decoration of classical lady with lamp on bronze base. Signed under porcelain FP, Sevres artist Fernand Paillet 1879-1888. 26.77 in. high.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Pair of antique 19th century French oil lamps, each fitted with…
Antique French Oil Lamps with Bronze Mounts (Pair)

Pair of antique 19th century French oil lamps, each fitted with bronze mounts, approx 26.18 in. high (2)

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Antique 19th century French oil lamp, gilt bronze mounts, royal…
French Blue Porcelain Oil Lamp with Gilt Bronze Mounts

Antique 19th century French oil lamp, gilt bronze mounts, royal blue porcelain body, approx 27.95 in. high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Pair of antique French porcelain bodied oil lamps, painted with…
French Porcelain Oil Lamps with Bronze Bases (Pair)

Pair of antique French porcelain bodied oil lamps, painted with ribbon tied cartouches of sprays of flowers, standing on bronze bases (2)

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Antique French Louis Phillipe oil lamp, of baluster form,…
French Louis Phillipe Oil Lamp with Bronze Mounts

Antique French Louis Phillipe oil lamp, of baluster form, bronze mounts, gilt banding with central classical medallion. Ex Leo Schofield collection. Approx 22.05 in. high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Exceptional pair of gilt bronze and marble lamps, in the…
Egyptian Revival Gilt Bronze and Marble Lamps

Exceptional pair of gilt bronze and marble lamps, in the Egyptian revival manner, (2) wired for electricity, approx 22.05 in. high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Pair of Charles x ormolu-mounted malachite oil lamps, second…
Malachite Oil Lamps with Ormolu Mounts

Pair of Charles x ormolu-mounted malachite oil lamps, second quarter 19th century, each with an urn-shaped body raised on a circular malachite base with an ormolu border ending in bun feet, the whole decorated with guilloche, trailing grape leaves, stylize

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A pair of French bronze and ormolu banquet lamps, 19th century…
French Bronze Banquet Lamps, 19th Century

A pair of French bronze and ormolu banquet lamps, 19th century each raised on a tripod base, with an acanthus leaf trimmed columnar standard, 36.22 in. total height

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A pair of gilt bronze, brass and copper moderator lamps,…
Gilt Bronze Moderator Lamps by Maison Hanniet Brussels

A pair of gilt bronze, brass and copper moderator lamps, possibly by Maison Hanniet Brussels, circa 1845, embossed JS to the base, 22.44 in. high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A French marble and glass kerosene lamp, circa 1900, with a…
Rococo-inspired French Marble and Glass Kerosene Lamp

A French marble and glass kerosene lamp, circa 1900, with a marble shaft in modulating shades of russet tan and cream upon a rococo and belle epoque inspired ormolu base and with a similarly decorated capital surmounted by a clear glass fluted font and chi

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A small Edwardian table lamp, the single burner above blue…
Edwardian Table Lamp with Bronze Base and Hand-painted Glass

A small Edwardian table lamp, the single burner above blue blush frosted glass font, hand painted with flowers, resting on triangular form bronze base with mask mouldings from the collection of P. D. White part III

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
An Art Deco table lamp, the single burner above blue tinted…
Art Deco Bronze Table Lamp with Blue Milk Glass Font

An Art Deco table lamp, the single burner above blue tinted milk glass font with scroll mouldings, set upon a flower and grass moulded triangular form bronze base from the collection of P. D. White part III 19.29 in. high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
A pair of Victorian porcelain and ormolu oil lamps, mid 19th…
Victorian Porcelain & Ormolu Oil Lamps

A pair of Victorian porcelain and ormolu oil lamps, mid 19th century, with an onion-shaped black porcelain body finely decorated with gilt, red and white floral emblems, the stem supporting the sliced chartreuse glass font, brass mechanism and flue, the wh

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Antique Hinks & Sons oil lamp, the body and reservoir painted…
Hinks & Sons Owl Relief Oil Lamp

Antique Hinks & Sons oil lamp, the body and reservoir painted in relief with owls on branches, standing on a cast bronze tri form base, 14.57 in. high, no burner

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Loading more...