Oil Kerosene Lamp Value Guide

Dating from 1880 to 1920, this antique glass oil kerosene lamp is a staple of early American household lighting. Its combination of a bulbous fuel reservoir and a functional brass burner makes it a sought-after piece for both history buffs and vintage decorators.

What affects the value of Oil Kerosene Lamp?

• The physical condition of the glass, specifically the absence of chips or cracks in the reservoir and chimney.
• The operational state of the brass burner and its ability to hold and adjust a wick.
• Rarity or complexity of the embossed patterns found on the glass fuel reservoir.

How to Identify Oil Kerosene Lamp?

• Identify the brass screw-type burner which was standard for late 19th-century American lamps.
• Look for decorative embossing on the pressed or blown glass base characteristic of the 1880-1920 era.
• Ensure the clear glass chimney is properly seated on the burner and matches the bulbous reservoir's proportions.

History of Oil Kerosene Lamp

Glass oil lamps like this were common household lighting in the 19th and early 20th centuries before widespread electrification. Makers produced many variations with blown or pressed glass bases, often with decorative embossing. Brass screw-type burners became standard in the late 1800s and allowed adjustable wicks for brighter, steadier light. These lamps were used for everyday lighting and for decorative and emergency use long after electric lights arrived.