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What is a whale oil lamp?

1 Answer
What is a whale oil lamp?
A whale oil lamp is a lamp that uses whale oil for fuel. Whale oil lamps were largely made from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Antique whale oil lamps are collectibles today and an older specimen will be a striking addition to your mantel or display cabinet. Find a collection of antique and vintage whale oil lamps on 1stDibs today.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
Shop for Whale Oil Lamp on 1stDibs
Pair Antique Brass Whale Oil Lamp Candlesticks, Circa 1830's.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair Antique Brass Whale Oil Lamp Candlesticks, Circa 1830's.
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Candle Lamps

Materials

Brass

Late 18th-Early 19th Century Swing Post Mount Whale Oil Lamp
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A late 18th-early 19th century swing post mount whale oil lamp, a fine example of a ships or wall/post mount whale oil lamp, which swings from the top as the spike is fixed to a post...
Category

Antique 19th Century British Colonial Antiquities

Materials

Iron

Rare Porcelain Advertising Ware Table Lamp, Baltimore, circa 1840s
Located in Peabody, MA
A rare porcelain bottle (circa 1840-1850) hand painted with images of stock (jugs, pitchers, tureens and whale oil lamps) sold by the C. Levering Co. of Baltimore, and mounted as a t...
Category

Antique 1840s American American Classical Table Lamps

Materials

Porcelain

Two Early 19th Century Oil Lamp Clocks with Glass and Pewter Detailing
Located in Nottingham, GB
This rare pair of North European whale oil lamp clocks exemplifies a fascinating intersection of practical lighting and rudimentary timekeeping from the early 19th century.
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Table Lamps

Materials

Pewter

2 Antique Brass Regency Argand Cornucopia Trophy Urn Hurricane Lamps 13"
Located in Dayton, OH
While originally engineered to burn whale or colza oil, these lamps have been subtly electrified for modern use, with electrical wiring carefully integrated into the burner housings.
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Regency Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

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