Description
c1800 Hand Forged colonial betty lamp. Great lamp from the 18th to first half of 19th century, functional with no damage. 10.5" tall with hook extended, 4.75" x 4 1/8" wide. Nice no brainer patina. This early betty lamp burned grease for lighting in the 19th century. It is called a 'betty lamp' which comes from the word 'besser' in German (meaning better). Far superior to the rushlight or splint lamp, it evolved from the crusie lamp with the addition of a cover and a wick support which ensured that any oil/grease drippings from the wick flowed back into the reservoir. The betty lamp was probably the most widely used means of lighting among people of middle or lower income until refined whale oil became common. It burned any fat or oil that was available virtually without smell or smoke, using a twisted cotton wick. B70
