Antique KOMAX Brass Fluid or Oil Lamp Decorated Finger Loop & Wick Made in USA
Description: Antique brass fluid or oil lamp. The lamp has around base with straight inward rising sides ending at a shoulder slightly rising to a screw-on neck. The neck has a central tube where a wick is threaded. The lamp has wick threaded in a mechanism that would raises it and lowers it. Unfortunately, this mechanism no longer works. The lamp has an attached finger loop decorated with a berries and leaves design. The lamp top unscrews to reveal the interior reservoir where it would be filled with the appropriate fluid. The lamp has a piece of wick inserted in it. The wheel of the wick raising mechanism is marked "KOMAX". The lamp is also marked "MADE IN UNITED STATESOF AMERICA" in raised lettering on the bottom. Although the lamp is mostly made of brass, we believe the base is made of tin as evidenced by the rust on the inside of the lamp. We believe the lamp is from the mid to late 1800's. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Mid to late 1800's.
Origin: Was purchased at an estate sale in Southeast Pennsylvania.
Size: The lamp measures ~3 1/2" in diameter at the base, and is ~3" high to the top of the burner. The piece weighs about 2 ounces.
Maker: KOMAX.
Marks: The wheel of the wick raising mechanism is marked "KOMAX". The lamp is also marked "MADE IN UNITED STATESOF AMERICA" in raised lettering on the bottom.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a nice classic antique worthy of a spot in your collection.
Condition: The piece is in good used condition given its age and utilitarian function. The wick raising mechanism is stuck and does not work. The interior of the lamp shows rust since it is made of a ferrous material (tin?). The piece has scratches, dings and nicks all minor but are everywhere. It also has a couple of small holes in the base which are a result of the rust on the inside. It has a few small spots that are stained and show some discoloration. Be that as it may, it is all original and could use a good cleaning to bring out its full beauty. The piece is solid and would display nicely in any collection or can be used as a decorative accent. Please see photos for additional condition information.
