Featured Objects: Oil Lamps

As I sat down to write this, darkness was falling so I switched on an electric light--an act so common, most of us don't even give it much thought. For centuries, however, people could have light at night by burning something.

One of the hallway display cases at the Benton County Historical Society's Corvallis Museum contains a variety of early lamps that burned oils.  The first, a small ceramic object with a turquoise glaze, dates from the second or third century B. C.  and was featured in the post of June6, 2019. 

Ancient oil lamp acquired near Nippur Iraq

The bronze triangular object dates from 1000 to 500 B. C.  Donor Louis Raymond (subject of two May 2017 posts) found both of these oil lamps in Iraq.  Oil from nuts, seeds, or animal fat was placed in the body, a wick inserted and lit. A small circular handle on the end allowed people to carry the lamps. Some oil lamps, such as the turquoise one and the round tan pottery one, have a spout which held the oil-saturated wick in place with just enough protruding for a flame.

Whale oil became a popular source of fuel by the 16th century as it burned well with less odor than other animal fats. The tall pewter whale oil lamp has a stand and a tray underneath.  Whale oil was expensive so it was important to catch any drippings.

Kerosene replace whale oil as fuel in the second half of the 19th century.  It was cheaper, burned brighter, and lasted longer. Not only were a wide variety of kerosene lamps designed for home use but a specialty lamps were made for the work place. The lamp shaped like a watering can was used by miners who hooked the lamp in a convenient place to illuminate their work in the dark mine.

The kerosene police lantern made by the Dietz Company in the late 1800s could be hooked onto a belt and had shutters which could be closed to hide the flame.  It was functioned like an early flashlight.

By the late 1930s, about two-thirds of American households had electricity and electric lamps had replaced kerosene lamps in all but poor and rural areas. 

By Martha Fraundorf, Volunteer for Benton County Historical Society, Philomath, Oregon