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Antique Whale Oil

Late 18th-Early 19th Century Swing Post Mount Whale Oil Lamp
Late 18th-Early 19th Century Swing Post Mount Whale Oil Lamp

Late 18th-Early 19th Century Swing Post Mount Whale Oil Lamp

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

The whale oil lamp is hand-forged with arched, scroll decorated, with bead decorated spike, the whale oil lamp is complete and original.

Category

19th Century British Colonial Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Iron

Two Early 19th Century Oil Lamp Clocks with Glass and Pewter Detailing
Two Early 19th Century Oil Lamp Clocks with Glass and Pewter Detailing

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

Early 19th Century Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Pewter

Early 19th Century Small Brass "lucerne" Oil Lamp
Early 19th Century Small Brass "lucerne" Oil Lamp

Early 19th Century Small Brass "lucerne" Oil Lamp

Located in Delft, NL

The lighting was burned by whale oil, during the 18th and early 19th Century.

Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Antique Italian Renaissance Brass Lucerne Florentine Chatelaine Oil Lamp 1880
Antique Italian Renaissance Brass Lucerne Florentine Chatelaine Oil Lamp 1880

Antique Italian Renaissance Brass Lucerne Florentine Chatelaine Oil Lamp 1880

Located in Portland, OR

Designed to burn whale oil which is placed into a reservoir with a lift up cover that would have four wicks, one to each burner.

Category

1860s Italian Renaissance Revival Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Original Antique Print of Two Sperm Whales by Bertuch, c. 1800
Original Antique Print of Two Sperm Whales by Bertuch, c. 1800

Original Antique Print of Two Sperm Whales by Bertuch, c. 1800

Located in Langweer, NL

It was hunted particularly for spermaceti, the waxy substance contained within its enormous head, as well as for whale oil and ambergris. These early zoological representations are ...

Category

Early 19th Century German Neoclassical Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Paper

Rare Porcelain Advertising Ware Table Lamp, Baltimore, circa 1840s
Rare Porcelain Advertising Ware Table Lamp, Baltimore, circa 1840s

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

1840s American American Classical Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Regency Brass Double Argand Hurricane Lamp Candlestick Candelabra Light
Antique Regency Brass Double Argand Hurricane Lamp Candlestick Candelabra Light

Antique Regency Brass Double Argand Hurricane Lamp Candlestick Candelabra Light

Located in Dayton, OH

It features a central, elevated, urn-form reservoir that historically held fuel such as whale or vegetable oil, allowing gravity to feed the liquid downward.

Category

19th Century Regency Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

2 Antique Brass Regency Argand Cornucopia Trophy Urn Hurricane Lamps 13"
2 Antique Brass Regency Argand Cornucopia Trophy Urn Hurricane Lamps 13"

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

Early 19th Century Regency Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

19th Century Whale Oil Torch Lantern
19th Century Whale Oil Torch Lantern

19th Century Whale Oil Torch Lantern

Unavailable

H 19 in W 28 in D 5.5 in

19th Century Whale Oil Torch Lantern

Located in Hudson, NY

Made of galvanized steel, this is a rare example of early industrial lighting.

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Steel

Antique Turn of Century Ivory Sex Netsuke (Bonerific)
Antique Turn of Century Ivory Sex Netsuke (Bonerific)

Antique Turn of Century Ivory Sex Netsuke (Bonerific)

Located in Brunswick, ME

In 1859, with the discovery of oil in Titusville, Pennsylvania, B&H began producing kerosene burning lamps, which eventually replaced whale oil burning lamps.

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Large 19thC French Brass Rococo Revival Hanging Hall Lantern c.1880
Large 19thC French Brass Rococo Revival Hanging Hall Lantern c.1880

Large 19thC French Brass Rococo Revival Hanging Hall Lantern c.1880

Located in Bedford, Bedfordshire

Experiments in Europe and America, after 1750, helped to improve the lamp, and when whale oil became plentiful in the early 1800's, lamps became as common as candles.

Category

1880s French Rococo Revival Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Bradley Hubbard B&H Gold/Gilded Bookends Federal Neoclassical Building w/Columns
Bradley Hubbard B&H Gold/Gilded Bookends Federal Neoclassical Building w/Columns

Bradley Hubbard B&H Gold/Gilded Bookends Federal Neoclassical Building w/Columns

Located in Brunswick, ME

In 1859, with the discovery of oil in Titusville, Pennsylvania, B&H began producing kerosene burning lamps, which eventually replaced whale oil burning lamps.

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Iron

Fine/Detailed Gilded Antique B&H Cast Polo Players on Horseback Antique Bookends
Fine/Detailed Gilded Antique B&H Cast Polo Players on Horseback Antique Bookends

Fine/Detailed Gilded Antique B&H Cast Polo Players on Horseback Antique Bookends

Located in Brunswick, ME

In 1859, with the discovery of oil in Titusville, Pennsylvania, B&H began producing kerosene burning lamps, which eventually replaced whale oil burning lamps.

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Iron

Ancient Inuit Eskimo Stone "Qulliq" Whale Oil Stove Cooker
Ancient Inuit Eskimo Stone "Qulliq" Whale Oil Stove Cooker

Ancient Inuit Eskimo Stone "Qulliq" Whale Oil Stove Cooker

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Presented by: Tribalmania Gallery Ancient Inuit Eskimo stone "QULLIQ" whale oil stove cooker Origin: Arctic, Hudson Bay, Central Inuit People (Provenance:  Private Carmel Calif...

Category

18th Century American Tribal Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Stone

Antique Exceptional Whale Oil "Suspension" Light, All Original
Antique Exceptional Whale Oil "Suspension" Light, All Original

Antique Exceptional Whale Oil "Suspension" Light, All Original

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique Exceptional Whole Oil "Suspension" Light, All Original French Celadon "Pate Sur Pate" circa 1850-1860

Category

19th Century French Antique Whale Oil

Set of Two Whale Oil Lamps from Whaler's Ship
Set of Two Whale Oil Lamps from Whaler's Ship

Set of Two Whale Oil Lamps from Whaler's Ship

Located in Haarlem, NL

My father used to have a great friend who was a real whaler. As a kid I always was around when he would visit us. Many times he brought scrimshaws sperm whale teeth that he tried to ...

Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Iron

Pair of American Blue Glass Fluid Lamps
Pair of American Blue Glass Fluid Lamps

Pair of American Blue Glass Fluid Lamps

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H 4 in W 4.5 in L 4 in

Pair of American Blue Glass Fluid Lamps

Located in Essex, MA

Great color and likely made by a Boston glass company. The whale oil or other would fill lamp and would have had a wick on top.

Category

1870s American Folk Art Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Glass

Anglo Raj Antique 19th Century Bronze Oil Lamp
Anglo Raj Antique 19th Century Bronze Oil Lamp

Anglo Raj Antique 19th Century Bronze Oil Lamp

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Anglo Raj antique 19th century bronze Indian temple oil lamp. Whale oil lamp with 4 wick burners. Fantastic patina and great scale.

Category

19th Century Indian Moorish Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Antique Country French Wrought Iron Oil Lantern Floor Lamp
Antique Country French Wrought Iron Oil Lantern Floor Lamp

Antique Country French Wrought Iron Oil Lantern Floor Lamp

Located in Dallas, TX

Using a combination of finely wrought iron, copper fittings and a brass oil lantern, this torchere originally burned kerosene or whale oil, and had a mechanism to raise and lower it ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large 19th Century Quadruple Gimballed Whaling Oil Light
Large 19th Century Quadruple Gimballed Whaling Oil Light

Large 19th Century Quadruple Gimballed Whaling Oil Light

Located in Haarlem, NL

Impressive and unique in its size this large rare oil whaling ship lamp. It is heavy because it is made of wrought iron, the quadruple gimbal in the center kept the whale oil reserv...

Category

19th Century British Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rare Large Scale French Tole Peinte Ring Form Chandelier
Rare Large Scale French Tole Peinte Ring Form Chandelier

Rare Large Scale French Tole Peinte Ring Form Chandelier

Located in New York, NY

The original lyre shaped oil vessel issuing rods designed to facilitate transfer of whale oil to individual oil burners.

Category

1820s French Antique Whale Oil

Early 19th century Scrimshaw
Early 19th century Scrimshaw

Early 19th century Scrimshaw

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H 6 in W 46.63 in D 1.25 in

Early 19th century Scrimshaw

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

The Argonaut was the first Sag Harbor Whaling Ship to round cape horn on it's quest for whale oil. The ship was built on the docks of Sag Harbor in 1814.

Category

1810s American American Colonial Antique Whale Oil

19th Century Oil Painting Capturing a Sperm Whale
19th Century Oil Painting Capturing a Sperm Whale

19th Century Oil Painting Capturing a Sperm Whale

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

This oil on canvas is unsigned.

Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Whale Oil

Whale Tail Mirrored Reflector Oil Wall Lamp - Signed Wheeler 1882
Whale Tail Mirrored Reflector Oil Wall Lamp - Signed Wheeler 1882

Whale Tail Mirrored Reflector Oil Wall Lamp - Signed Wheeler 1882

Located in Peekskill, NY

Wheeler mirrored reflectors are highly sought after and the whale tail examples are there most complex and rare. This rare reflector fitted to a decorative bronze Victorian railroad ...

Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Bronze

Exceptionally Rare Political Campaign Parade Torch
Exceptionally Rare Political Campaign Parade Torch

Exceptionally Rare Political Campaign Parade Torch

Located in York County, PA

They were hollow and generally filled with whale oil or some other manner of fuel, lit by one or more wicks.

Category

19th Century American Antique Whale Oil

Exceptionally Rare Political Campaign Parade Torch
Exceptionally Rare Political Campaign Parade Torch

Exceptionally Rare Political Campaign Parade Torch

Located in York County, PA

They were hollow and generally filled with whale oil or some other manner of fuel, lit by one or more wicks.

Category

19th Century American Antique Whale Oil

Political Campaign Torch from the 1860 or 1864 Election of Abraham Lincoln
Political Campaign Torch from the 1860 or 1864 Election of Abraham Lincoln

Political Campaign Torch from the 1860 or 1864 Election of Abraham Lincoln

Located in York County, PA

They were hollow and generally filled with whale oil or some other manner of fuel, lit by one or more wicks.

Category

19th Century American Folk Art Antique Whale Oil

Eagle Parade Torch from the 1860 or 1864 Campaign of Abraham Lincoln
Eagle Parade Torch from the 1860 or 1864 Campaign of Abraham Lincoln

Eagle Parade Torch from the 1860 or 1864 Campaign of Abraham Lincoln

Located in York County, PA

They were hollow and generally filled with whale oil or some other manner of fuel, lit by one or more wicks.

Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Metal

Sterling Silver and Oak Coopered Jug Frazer and Haws
Sterling Silver and Oak Coopered Jug Frazer and Haws

Sterling Silver and Oak Coopered Jug Frazer and Haws

By Frazer & Haws

Located in Newark, England

The fishing industry used barrels for shipping pickled and dried fish, farmers used them for storing grains, butter and cider, merchants used them for storing hardware and dried good...

Category

19th Century English High Victorian Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Arctic Soapstone Oil Lamp
Arctic Soapstone Oil Lamp

Arctic Soapstone Oil Lamp

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H 1.5 in W 11 in D 8 in

Arctic Soapstone Oil Lamp

Located in Long Island City, NY

They are called Kudlik, or Qulliq, intended for burning whale or seal oil. In the 1800s, explorer William Parry wrote, "The fire belonging to each family consists of a single lamp or...

Category

19th Century Canadian Tribal Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Soapstone

Large and Impressive Antique Molded Copper Eagle, New York City, 1890s
Large and Impressive Antique Molded Copper Eagle, New York City, 1890s

Large and Impressive Antique Molded Copper Eagle, New York City, 1890s

Located in York County, PA

.* This is made in such a way that a canister filled with whale oil could be fit inside from underneath, with a wick at the top that could be lit and a wooden pole underneath.

Category

19th Century Antique Whale Oil

Rare French Whale Oil Trade Shop Sign
Rare French Whale Oil Trade Shop Sign

Rare French Whale Oil Trade Shop Sign

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H 30 in W 48 in D 5 in

Rare French Whale Oil Trade Shop Sign

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Rare French whale oil trade shop sign  This is a rare old sign, it is French in origin, there is no longer a trade in whale oil but only a few decades ago shops like these were fa...

Category

Late 19th Century French Industrial Antique Whale Oil

Electrified 19th Century Gimbal Whale Oil Ship Lanterns
Electrified 19th Century Gimbal Whale Oil Ship Lanterns

Electrified 19th Century Gimbal Whale Oil Ship Lanterns

Located in Dallas, TX

Three 19th century, now electrified, gyroscopic whale-oil lamps constructed of iron ribs with a triple gimbal to steady the burning flame in the heaviest seas or winds.

Category

Early 19th Century American Rustic Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique 19th Century Japanese Gold Bronze Whale Oil Lamp 'Now Electrified'
Antique 19th Century Japanese Gold Bronze Whale Oil Lamp 'Now Electrified'

Antique 19th Century Japanese Gold Bronze Whale Oil Lamp 'Now Electrified'

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique 19th century Japanese gold bronze whale oil lamp (Now Electrified). Shade shown is 18" diameter.

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Bronze

1890s Whale Oil English Clear Crystal Bell Jar Pendant Lantern
1890s Whale Oil English Clear Crystal Bell Jar Pendant Lantern

1890s Whale Oil English Clear Crystal Bell Jar Pendant Lantern

Located in New York, NY

1890s English hand blown glass bell jar lantern with clear glass, newly made brass hardware. Features three candelabra lights. Price includes restoration. This can be seen at our 400...

Category

1890s English Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Antique 19th Century American Milk Glass Oil Lamp
Antique 19th Century American Milk Glass Oil Lamp

Antique 19th Century American Milk Glass Oil Lamp

Located in New Orleans, LA

19th Century American whale oil lamp. Colorless spherical EAPG glass font, high-lead opalescent white Milk Glass scalloped square base with tapered stem, brass connector, No. 1 fine-...

Category

1870s American Late Victorian Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

19th Century Canadian Oil Painting of Niagara Falls Attributed to Robert Whale
19th Century Canadian Oil Painting of Niagara Falls Attributed to Robert Whale

19th Century Canadian Oil Painting of Niagara Falls Attributed to Robert Whale

By Robert R. Whale

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A small oil on canvas of Niagara Falls showing the original lighthouse attributed to Robert Whale, presented in a period gilded wooden frame.

Category

Mid-19th Century Canadian British Colonial Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Canvas

Large 19th Century Quadruple Gimballed Whaling Oil Light
Large 19th Century Quadruple Gimballed Whaling Oil Light

Large 19th Century Quadruple Gimballed Whaling Oil Light

Located in Haarlem, NL

Impressive and unique in its size this large rare oil whaling ship lamp. It is heavy because it is made of wrought iron, the quadruple gimbal in the center kept the whale oil reser...

Category

19th Century British Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Wrought Iron

Cottagecore 19th Century Antique Hand Blown Glass Table Lamp, circa 1840
Cottagecore 19th Century Antique Hand Blown Glass Table Lamp, circa 1840

Cottagecore 19th Century Antique Hand Blown Glass Table Lamp, circa 1840

Located in New York, NY

Cottagecore aesthetic hand blown clear glass urn shaped table lamp converted to electricity from a whale oil lamp. 19th century The lovely urn form body of this lamp would have be...

Category

19th Century Rustic Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Blown Glass

Bradley & Hubbard Bookends-Ancient Greek Temple Columns & Arch
Bradley & Hubbard Bookends-Ancient Greek Temple Columns & Arch

Bradley & Hubbard Bookends-Ancient Greek Temple Columns & Arch

By Bradley & Hubbard

Located in Downingtown, PA

By 1871, kerosene virtually replaced whale oil for heating and illumination and new ways of burning it more efficiently were needed.

Category

Early 20th Century American Craftsman Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Iron

New England Tin Whale Oil Lantern
New England Tin Whale Oil Lantern

New England Tin Whale Oil Lantern

Located in Essex, MA

A wonderfully preserved and well made tin whale oil lantern from New England, the conical ribbed top with vents, over a cylindrical base with door, embedded with magnifying glass len...

Category

1860s American Country Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Tin

Amethyst Cut to Clear Glass Whale Oil Lamp
Amethyst Cut to Clear Glass Whale Oil Lamp

Amethyst Cut to Clear Glass Whale Oil Lamp

Located in Essex, MA

A 19th Century amethyst cut to clear glass whale oil lamp on an embossed brass column mounted on a square marble plinth base.

Category

19th Century American Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Marble, Brass

Whale Oil Chandelier
Whale Oil Chandelier

Whale Oil Chandelier

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H 36 in Dm 30 in

Whale Oil Chandelier

Located in Charleston, SC

A highly unusual patinated bronze and brass five light chandelier. Stamped brass reflective shields are suspended by winged eagles between each light which are supported by dragon m...

Category

19th Century Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Bronze, Brass

Pair Antique Sandwich Glass Whale Oil Lamps c. 1820
Pair Antique Sandwich Glass Whale Oil Lamps c. 1820

Pair Antique Sandwich Glass Whale Oil Lamps c. 1820

Located in Westfield, MA

This elegant pair of early 19th-century Sandwich Glass whale oil lamps is a striking example of American craftsmanship from the 1820s.

Category

1820s American Federal Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Glass

Ealy 20th Century Bronze Three Arm Whale Oil Chandelier
Ealy 20th Century Bronze Three Arm Whale Oil Chandelier

Ealy 20th Century Bronze Three Arm Whale Oil Chandelier

Located in Canton, MA

In the style of ancient Roman lamps with a central base and three lighted arms. Faces with classical braided hair. Made in the early 20th century. Material: Bronze Style: Traditi...

Category

Early 20th Century Neoclassical Revival Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Bronze

Eagle Headed Serpent Aladin Style Oil Lamp
Eagle Headed Serpent Aladin Style Oil Lamp

Eagle Headed Serpent Aladin Style Oil Lamp

Located in San Francisco, CA

A rare neoclassic silver over brass whale oil form lamp mounted on eagle talon footed base with hand hammered shade suspended by chain from an eagle headed serpent form handle concea...

Category

Late 19th Century European Arts and Crafts Antique Whale Oil

Rare 19th Century Sperm Oil Apothecary Bottle
Rare 19th Century Sperm Oil Apothecary Bottle

Rare 19th Century Sperm Oil Apothecary Bottle

Located in Essex, MA

A rare, early 19th century colorless blown glass apothecary bottle to dispense Sperm Whale Oil, of tall cylindrical form, with shield shaped painted gold and black label, 'Sperm Oil

Category

19th Century American Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Blown Glass

Pair of 19th Century Patriotic Cobalt Glass Lamps
Pair of 19th Century Patriotic Cobalt Glass Lamps

Pair of 19th Century Patriotic Cobalt Glass Lamps

Located in Essex, MA

A pair of 19th century patriotic whale oil lamps, the cobalt blue fonts with raised American stars and striped shields over fluted and shaped milk glass bases.

Category

19th Century American Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Pair of French Porcelain Table Lamps.
Pair of French Porcelain Table Lamps.

Pair of French Porcelain Table Lamps.

Located in Seattle, WA

A screw is holding vase and base together. A former whale oil lamp - oil was stored inside the lid - before electricity took over.

Category

18th Century and Earlier French Antique Whale Oil

Very Large French Painted Wrought-Iron Hanging Lantern, circa 1890
Very Large French Painted Wrought-Iron Hanging Lantern, circa 1890

Very Large French Painted Wrought-Iron Hanging Lantern, circa 1890

Located in Bedford, Bedfordshire

Experiments in Europe and America, after 1750, helped to improve the lamp, and when whale oil became plentiful in the early 1800s, lamps became as common as candles.

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Wrought Iron

Harpooning a Whale
Harpooning a Whale

Harpooning a Whale

By Spencer Douglass Crockwell

Located in Minneapolis, MN

This oil on canvas by the well-listed American illustrator Douglass Crockwell offers a regionalist in style look at pre-industrial whaling, evoking the epic Moby Dick by Herman Melvi...

Category

1920s Modern Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Glorious Early 19th Century French Tôle Peinte Hexagonal Hall Lantern circa 1810
Glorious Early 19th Century French Tôle Peinte Hexagonal Hall Lantern circa 1810

Glorious Early 19th Century French Tôle Peinte Hexagonal Hall Lantern circa 1810

Located in Bedford, Bedfordshire

Experiments in Europe and America, after 1750, helped to improve the lamp, and when whale oil became plentiful in the early 1800s, lamps became as common as candles which is when thi...

Category

Early 1800s French Empire Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Tôle

Three-Light Pendant Argand Lamp, circa 1825
Three-Light Pendant Argand Lamp, circa 1825

Three-Light Pendant Argand Lamp, circa 1825

By Bright & Co. of Buxton

Located in New York, NY

It was designed to burn rape-seed (colza) and whale oil, issuing from an oil reserve or “font” positioned so that the oil would flow from the force of gravity to the burner.

Category

1820s English Regency Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Pair of Sheffield Plate Argand Lamps, circa 1811
Pair of Sheffield Plate Argand Lamps, circa 1811

Pair of Sheffield Plate Argand Lamps, circa 1811

By Matthew Boulton

Located in New York, NY

It was designed to burn rape-seed (colza) and whale oil issuing from an oil reserve or “font” positioned so that the oil would flow from the force of gravity to the burner.

Category

1810s English Regency Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Sheffield Plate

Pair of Regency Lacquered Brass Argand Lamps
Pair of Regency Lacquered Brass Argand Lamps

Pair of Regency Lacquered Brass Argand Lamps

By Messenger and Sons

Located in New York, NY

It was designed to burn rape-seed (colza) and whale oil issuing from an oil reserve or “font” positioned so that the oil would flow from the force of gravity to the burner.

Category

1830s English George IV Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Pair of Lacquered Brass Figural Sinumbra Argand Lamps, circa 1835

Pair of Lacquered Brass Figural Sinumbra Argand Lamps, circa 1835

By Messenger and Sons

Located in New York, NY

It was designed to burn rape-seed (colza) and whale oil, issuing from an oil reserve or “font” positioned so that the oil would flow from the force of gravity to the burner.

Category

1830s English Neoclassical Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Two William IV Bronze Argand Lamps in the Form of Ancient Rhytons, circa 1835
Two William IV Bronze Argand Lamps in the Form of Ancient Rhytons, circa 1835

Two William IV Bronze Argand Lamps in the Form of Ancient Rhytons, circa 1835

By Messenger and Sons

Located in New York, NY

It was designed to burn rape-seed (colza) and whale oil issuing from an oil reserve or “font” positioned so that the oil would flow from the force of gravity to the burner.

Category

1830s English Neoclassical Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Pair of Electrified Oil Lamps
Pair of Electrified Oil Lamps

Pair of Electrified Oil Lamps

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H 22.5 in Dm 6.5 in

Pair of Electrified Oil Lamps

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of brass oil lamps with whales as the oil containers and shells as the deflectors.

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Antique Whale Oil

PAIR English Regency Silvered Argand Lamps
PAIR English Regency Silvered Argand Lamps

PAIR English Regency Silvered Argand Lamps

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H 19.5 in W 14 in D 6 in

PAIR English Regency Silvered Argand Lamps

Located in Woodbury, CT

A PAIR of electrified Sheffield 'process' silvered Argand lamps. Whale or lamp oil was poured into the central urn canisters and burned for lighting.

Category

19th Century English Antique Whale Oil

Pair of 19th Century Milk Glass Star and Moon Electrified Whale Oil Lamps
Pair of 19th Century Milk Glass Star and Moon Electrified Whale Oil Lamps

Pair of 19th Century Milk Glass Star and Moon Electrified Whale Oil Lamps

Located in Essex, MA

A pair of 19th century American milk glass whale oil lamps, decorated with embossed stars and circles or full moons, on fluted tapering columns and shaped square bases.

Category

19th Century American Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Unusual Oversized Nautical Onion Lantern
Unusual Oversized Nautical Onion Lantern

Unusual Oversized Nautical Onion Lantern

Located in Essex, MA

This form dates from 19th century American fishing vessels which were fitted with these onion-shaped globes, which shielded a whale-oil flame from wind, rain and sea spray.

Category

1920s American Colonial Revival Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Tin

Off The Coast
Off The Coast

Off The Coast

By Elisha Taylor Baker

Located in Hudson, NY

He married a local woman in 1851, and likely joined in the lucrative whale oil and baleen trades. He first formally registered as an artist back in New York City in 1868.

Category

19th Century American Realist Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Oil

Anglo-Chinese George III Blown Glass and Metal Hanging Lantern, circa 1780-1800
Anglo-Chinese George III Blown Glass and Metal Hanging Lantern, circa 1780-1800

Anglo-Chinese George III Blown Glass and Metal Hanging Lantern, circa 1780-1800

Located in Bedford, Bedfordshire

Experiments in Europe and America, after 1750, helped to improve the lamp, and when whale oil became plentiful in the early 1800s, lamps became as common as candles which are when th...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Metal

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Early 20th Century Edwardian Antique Whale Oil

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Brass

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19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Whale Oil

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Brass

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By James Kebberling Bembridge

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

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1870s English Victorian Antique Whale Oil

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Great pair of brass candlesticks Original patina Good condition Free UK shipping

Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Pair of Antique Victorian Brass Candlesticks
Pair of Antique Victorian Brass Candlesticks

Pair of Antique Victorian Brass Candlesticks

$397 / set

H 9.06 in W 3.55 in D 3.75 in

Pair of Antique Victorian Brass Candlesticks

Located in Suffolk, GB

Pair of antique Victorian brass candlesticks having circular tops above a turned shaped column raised on a stepped shaped base. Measures: 23 x 9 x 9.5 cm. Date 1860.  

Category

1860s English Victorian Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Lovely pair of antique Victorian brass candlesticks
Lovely pair of antique Victorian brass candlesticks

Lovely pair of antique Victorian brass candlesticks

$317 / set

H 9.85 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in

Lovely pair of antique Victorian brass candlesticks

Located in Ipswich, GB

Lovely pair of antique Victorian brass candlesticks having a pair of antique Victorian brass candlesticks with a turned shaped column on a stepped base. D. 1890

Category

Early 19th Century Early Victorian Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

Pair of antique Victorian quality brass candlesticks
Pair of antique Victorian quality brass candlesticks

Pair of antique Victorian quality brass candlesticks

$276 / set

H 11.82 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in

Pair of antique Victorian quality brass candlesticks

Located in Ipswich, GB

Pair of antique Victorian quality brass candlesticks having a quality pair of brass Victorian candlesticks with a turned shaped columns on a stepped base.

Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

"Thookkuvilakku" Bronze Hanging Oil Lamp Kerala, South India, circa 1800
"Thookkuvilakku" Bronze Hanging Oil Lamp Kerala, South India, circa 1800

"Thookkuvilakku" Bronze Hanging Oil Lamp Kerala, South India, circa 1800

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

A "Thookkuvilakku" bronze hanging oil lamp Kerala, South India, circa 1800, done in a shallow dish with seven spouts, above a drip pan, suspended from a chain. Wear is consistent wit...

Category

Early 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Bronze

Pair 19th Century brass candlesticks
Pair 19th Century brass candlesticks

Pair 19th Century brass candlesticks

$280Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 10 in W 4 in D 4 in

Pair 19th Century brass candlesticks

Located in Martlesham, GB

A pair of 19th Century brass candlesticks, having turned and shaped columns raised on a square platform base. Circa 1860.

Category

1860s British Victorian Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

18th Century Italian Bronze Hanging Oil Lamp
18th Century Italian Bronze Hanging Oil Lamp

18th Century Italian Bronze Hanging Oil Lamp

$325

H 10 in W 4.25 in D 2.5 in

18th Century Italian Bronze Hanging Oil Lamp

Located in Bradenton, FL

18th Century Italian hanging bronze oil lamp with removable lid. Solid bronze. Can be hung or used as a stand-alone decorating piece. Great piece to use with any decor. Dimensions l...

Category

18th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Pair of Giltwood Silver Neoclassical Lamps, a Set
Vintage Pair of Giltwood Silver Neoclassical Lamps, a Set

Vintage Pair of Giltwood Silver Neoclassical Lamps, a Set

$623Sale Price|30% Off

H 32 in W 6 in D 6 in

Vintage Pair of Giltwood Silver Neoclassical Lamps, a Set

Located in Lomita, CA

This is a highly detailed pair of French neoclassical style silver leaf giltwood urn lamps featuring hand carved draped foliate garland motifs. These Louis XVI style lamps are mounte...

Category

20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Giltwood

Early Arts and Crafts Bronze Lamp Base by Handel
Early Arts and Crafts Bronze Lamp Base by Handel

Early Arts and Crafts Bronze Lamp Base by Handel

Located in Buffalo, NY

Early Arts and Crafts bronze lamp base by Handel, wonderful verde patina, Classic form. Retains raised Handel mark.

Category

1910s American Arts and Crafts Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Bronze

Pair of American Nickel Silver & Brass Coach Lanterns with Circular Glass C 1830
Pair of American Nickel Silver & Brass Coach Lanterns with Circular Glass C 1830

Pair of American Nickel Silver & Brass Coach Lanterns with Circular Glass C 1830

Located in Charleston, SC

Pair of American nickel silver, copper, and brass coach lanterns with the original flanking circular beveled glass mounted on iron brackets. Lanterns were originally oil and have bee...

Category

1830s American American Empire Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass, Copper, Iron, Nickel

Antique French 18th Century Hand Forged Iron Candleholder, Circa 1700-1750
Antique French 18th Century Hand Forged Iron Candleholder, Circa 1700-1750

Antique French 18th Century Hand Forged Iron Candleholder, Circa 1700-1750

$624Sale Price|44% Off

H 21.26 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in

Antique French 18th Century Hand Forged Iron Candleholder, Circa 1700-1750

Located in Buisson, FR

Very old and beautiful hand forged iron candleholder. Amazing period piece with a very pure and rustic design. Despite of its high age this candleholder is still very strong. France...

Category

18th Century French French Provincial Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Iron

Antique English Regency Silver Plated Footed Candlestick Table Lamps - a Pair
Antique English Regency Silver Plated Footed Candlestick Table Lamps - a Pair

Antique English Regency Silver Plated Footed Candlestick Table Lamps - a Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique English Regency Silver Plated Footed Converted Candlestick Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 20" H (to finial) x 12.5" H (to light socket) x 5.5" ...

Category

Early 20th Century Regency Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Silver Plate

Wonderful quality antique Edwardian brass oil lamp
Wonderful quality antique Edwardian brass oil lamp

Wonderful quality antique Edwardian brass oil lamp

$734

H 27.56 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in

Wonderful quality antique Edwardian brass oil lamp

Located in Ipswich, GB

Wonderful quality antique Edwardian brass oil lamp, having a quality antique Edwardian brass oil lamp, with a glass chimney and etched glass globe above a brass reservoir supported o...

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Whale Oil

Materials

Brass

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Antique Whale Oil For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal antique whale oil for your home. Each antique whale oil for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, brass and glass. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer antique whale oil, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Each antique whale oil bearing Industrial hallmarks is very popular.

How Much is a Antique Whale Oil?

An antique whale oil can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,000, while the lowest priced sells for $675 and the highest can go for as much as $18,500.

Questions About Antique Whale Oil

  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    There are a few key things to look for to identify an antique oil lamp. First check for a patent number anywhere on your lamp. Use a black light to inspect whether your lamp’s hardware is secured with glue, which fluoresces and would indicate a contemporary lamp. Antique lamps use plaster to attach hardware and fill gaps. An antique oil lamp may have hand-blown glass. Shop a range of professionally authenticated antique oil lamps on 1stDibs.