Antique Brass Gimbaled Fluid Lamp Swivel Tank for Hanging Hinged Wick Cover
Description: This is a nice antique brass gimbaled fluid or oil lamp. No matter how rough the seas, or how carelessly you carry it, the gimbal (double ring) on this lamp keeps it upright. It can be easily mounted on a wall, perched on any horizontal surface, or carried from place to place. The lamp has a tray with a central shaft holding a fluid tank or container on a swivel mechanism. The piece has a handle to be carried from and thus serves as a chamber lamp. In addition, the piece has a hole opposite the handle from which it can be hung which would result on the oil container swiveling and as such the lamp can be used as a sconce. The fluid tank has a screw on cover where a wick would be and a domed lid with a finial to snuff the wick off and cover it. A very interesting and unusual old brass lighting implement to add to your collection. The piece is soiled, has a small repair to one of the swivel arms (see second photo), and shows signs of oxidation. It would benefit from a good cleaning to bring out its full beauty, but we leave that to the discretion of the new owner. A very interesting fluid lamp, which would make a nice addition to your collection. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description. Date: Unknown but most likely mid to late 1800s (mid to late 19th century) or possibly earlier.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: The piece measures ~5 1/2" in total height, to the top of the of the finial on the domed lid. The bade is ~4" in dimeter with the handle extending ~1 1/4" beyond the tray. The extension with the hanging hole is ~1/2 beyond the edge of the tray. The entire piece weighs slightly over 12 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a nice antique fluid lamp, which is rather uncommon. It would make a great addition to your collection.
Condition: The candlestick is in generally good condition after being around for over 150 years. It is soiled with staining throughput. It only has a small piece of the wick left and has been repaired on one of the arms on which the tank swivels (see the second photo). It has some pitting especially in the tray. Other than that, the piece has scratches, dings, small bends along the edge of the tray, and some signs of oxidation. The piece could use a good cleaning to bring out its full beauty, but we leave that to the discretion of the new owner. Be that as it may, it is still a very nice antique worthy of a spot in your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
