Description
Nice Heavy forged iron betty lamp. Very minor loss to tip of door, no other issues, no holes. 3 3/8" x 4.25" , 10.5" tall with hanger extended.
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
