Object Details
- Description (Brief)
- This oil-wick cap lamp was made by an unknown maker during the second half of the 19th century. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s. The font contained a mix of fat and oil for fuel, and a wick was inserted into the spout. The resulting flame was much brighter and more efficient than the candles it replaced. The tag calls this a “boss lamp,” and the hook on this lamp is larger than most, and was likely used to hold the lamp rather than hook it onto a cap.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- Measurements
- overall: 5 in x 5 1/2 in x 3 1/2 in; 12.7 cm x 13.97 cm x 8.89 cm
- Object Name
- lamp, oil, cap, boss
- mining lamp
