How do I identify a Victorian oil lamp?

Authentic Victorian oil lamp can be expensive and some species are difficult to find. Qualities such as size, weight, glass thickness and any brand help verify the antique lamp from skillful reproduction. The best way to tell a fake of authentic antiques is to learn something about old glass and lamp products from this era.

The 19th century oil lamps were used extensively between 1810 and 1890 before the gas lighting and then in households that had no gas available. Before the arrival of kerosene in the 1950s. Fuel reservoir or font was usually glass, with absorbent wick and metal burner and collar. It is harder to find the lantern of a solid globe from tin and other metals. Counterfeit to have metal columns and other parts that are aging to look antique or are instead of solid. Parts of the dealer claim are solid brass, can be tested with a small magnet. If they are fixedBrass, the magnet won't stick.

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glass shades were manually blown and will have a small indentation where the slides broke it off the tube. Older glass also contains small random air bubbles. The real Victorian oil lamp is heavy because the glass was stronger and the signs or names of the manufacturer can be stamped into the font or shadow itself. The milk glass, often used to produce the base of the lamp, is translucent when it is held to light. Uranus or petrolatum glass is a yellow-green color, and if the fluorescent lamp is authentic.

Antique Victorian oil lamps can still be used and many companies create replacement reserves, including collars, burners, fuels and chimneys. They also produce representatives that are almost indistinguishable from the originals. The reckless or unconscious sellers can try to sell reproduction as a real thing. Is wise to check the credentials of the seller before zAcquiring anything, especially online to make sure they have experience with the type of antique and good return policy.

Knowing about the creators of antique Victorian oil lamps, especially glass manufacturers and their brands, will help collectors identify authentic pieces. There are many books on this topic and examples in antique shops and museums. Talking with sellers and others who are interested in antique lighting is a good way to find out more. Participants and sellers often want to answer questions and share their enthusiasm with new collectors.