Description:
Wrought iron fat lamp (also known as a crusie or betty lamp) with pick or trammel, which could be used both to freshen the wick or jab into the lintel to hold the lamp, and a rough chain for hanging. The basic shape of the fat lamp changed little from pre-Roman civilizations until the 19th century; generally they are hanging grease-burning lamps with one or two pans (the second, lower pan could catch drippings), and little or no wick support. The lamp was filled with animal fat or oil and a fabric wick lit to illuminate a small area within the house; unfortunately, fat lamps are better known for their smoke than light since they could be extremely sooty and smelly depending on the fat source - beef fat or tallow was preferred. Although made by America blacksmiths, many were imported by American merchants from Birmingham, England.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+1164 |
