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.

How do I tell if an oil lamp is antique?

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.

How does a Roman oil lamp work?

Roman oil lamps are simply containers filled with oil, in which a wick made up of cloth or rope rests on one end. The other end of the wick comes in contact with the air. When the wick is lit, the oil in it burns and gives out light.

How do you use a brass oil lamp?

How you use a brass oil lamp may vary based on the design of the piece. However, generally, you fill the lamp with vegetable, sesame or similar plant-based oil. Use tweezers to raise and lower the wick and trim away burned ends with scissors. Then, use a match to light the lamp. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oil lamps.

How do I use a hanging oil lamp?

To use a hanging oil lamp, remove the oil font from the base and fill it three-quarters of the way with clear lamp oil. Return the font and close the base. Twist the knob to raise the wick until it is a little less than 0.25 inches above the burner. Light with a match or lighter. After extinguishing and allowing time for cooling, trim the burned end off of the wick. You'll find a collection of hanging oil lamps on 1stDibs.

Are oil lamps still used?

Yes, oil lamps are still used today. However, most people utilize oil lamps while camping or during power outages in the U.S. It is uncommon for Americans to light their homes only with oil lamps. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique oil lamps.

Who invented the Victorian oil lamp?

The Victorian oil lamp was designed in 1792 by inventor Ami Argan. What made this lamp unique to the ones that preceded it is the unique shape, featuring a long glass shaft that aids the illumination of the lamp. Browse a collection of vintage Victorian oil lamps on 1stDibs.

When did they start using oil lamps?

People began using early versions of oil lamps for spiritual purposes during ancient times. References to oil-burning lamps are found in both the Torah and the Bible. Oil lamps became popular for everyday use lighting homes and businesses in the late 19th century with the advent of the kerosene lamp. Shop a selection of antique oil lamps on 1stDibs.

Cherub Oil Lamp

19th Century Dresden Porcelain

Dresden Cherubs

German Porcelain Lamp

German 19th Century Oil

Antique German Sitzendorf Dresden Porcelain Cherubs Converted Oil Lamp

$1,175

Antique German Sitzendorf Dresden Porcelain Cherubs Converted Oil Lamp

By Sitzendorf

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique German Sitzendorf Dresden converted oil lamp mantel trophy urn featuring a design of climbing roses and reclining cherubs.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Table Lamps

Materials

Porcelain

Large Italian Bronze Oil Lamp Electrified Cut Glass Cherub Base

$4,600

Large Italian Bronze Oil Lamp Electrified Cut Glass Cherub Base

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A striking 19th-century Italian oil lamp, later electrified, featuring an elaborate cast bronze base richly adorned with cherubic figures and scrolling foliate ornamentation.

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Duplex Louis XV Meissen School Porcelain Oil Lamp Base With Cherubs c1890

$520Sale Price|20% Off

Duplex Louis XV Meissen School Porcelain Oil Lamp Base With Cherubs c1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

Duplex Louis XV Reticulated & Hand Painted Porcelain Oil Lamp Base With Cherubs & Applied Flowers In The Manner Of Meissen c1890 Measures - 21 3/4" x 7" x 7"

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Candle Lamps

Materials

Porcelain

Late 19th Century Neoclssical Pair of Brass Table Lamps

$2,500 / set

Late 19th Century Neoclssical Pair of Brass Table Lamps

Located in Dublin 8, IE

Previously oil lamps, these have been electrified.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Irish Georgian Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Late 19th Century Neoclassical pair of brass table lamps

$1,705 / set

Late 19th Century Neoclassical pair of brass table lamps

Located in Dublin 8, IE

Previously oil lamps, these have been electrified.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Marble & Bronze Figural Mantel Clock Signed By Japy Freres

$6,800

19th Century French Marble & Bronze Figural Mantel Clock Signed By Japy Freres

By Japy Frères

Located in Tarry Town, NY

The cherub adds a touch of celestial charm, while the Aladdin-style oil lamp finials evoke a sense of exotic allure.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Recent Sales

An Exceptional French Mid-19th Century Triptych Bronze Empire Mantel Clock

Unavailable

H 17.13 in W 26.19 in D 6.5 in

An Exceptional French Mid-19th Century Triptych Bronze Empire Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

The triptych also consists of two ornately sculptured antimony cherub oil lamps. This is truly a remarkable piece that needs to be admired for its craftsmanship and historical impor...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Bronze

Rare circa 1860 Bronzed Cherub Putti Angel Oil Lamp Converted into Table Lamp

Sold

H 15.95 in W 6.89 in D 6.89 in

Rare circa 1860 Bronzed Cherub Putti Angel Oil Lamp Converted into Table Lamp

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely fully serviced circa 1860 bronzed oil lamp converted into a table lamp, the pressed metal cylinders depicting Cherub Angels A very ...

Category

Antique 1860s English Regency Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Antique Figural Cherub & Horn Brass & Metal Gone With The Wind Oil Lamp c1890

Sold

H 28.5 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in

Antique Figural Cherub & Horn Brass & Metal Gone With The Wind Oil Lamp c1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Figural Cherub & French Horn Brass & Metal Gone With The Wind Oil Lamp With Etched Frosted Glass Shade C1890 Measures - 28 1/2" x 7 3/8" x 7 3/8"

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Candle Lamps

Materials

Metal

Dresden Porcelain Oil Lamp with Cherubs, c.1890

Sold

H 17.33 in Dm 8.27 in

Dresden Porcelain Oil Lamp with Cherubs, c.1890

Located in Worcester, GB

Dresden Porcelain Oil Lamp with Cherubs, c.1890 A decorative late 19th century porcelain oil lamp dating to around 1890.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Gone with the Wind Gilt and Hand-Painted Cherub and Rose Oil Lamp

Sold

H 27 in Dm 10 in

Antique Gone with the Wind Gilt and Hand-Painted Cherub and Rose Oil Lamp

Located in Big Flats, NY

Classical Victorian Gone-with-the-wind oil lamp has hand-painted Classical scene including cherubs and rose garland, circa 1890.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Victorian More Lighting

Materials

Glass

Midcentury Neoclassical Hollywood Regency Cherubs Putti Oil Lamps

Sold

H 23.63 in Dm 5.91 in

Midcentury Neoclassical Hollywood Regency Cherubs Putti Oil Lamps

Located in Antwerp, BE

A pair of impressive / monumental Victorian copper sculptural oil table lamps showing putti figures / wingless cherubs with grape leaves and swirling vines.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Table Lamps

Materials

Copper

Victorian Cherub Face Milk Glass Double Globe & Bronze Converted Parlor Oil Lamp

Sold

H 27 in W 10.75 in D 10.75 in

Victorian Cherub Face Milk Glass Double Globe & Bronze Converted Parlor Oil Lamp

Located in Plainview, NY

A Victorian style Cherub Face Milk Glass Double Globe Converted Parlor Oil Lamp.

Category

20th Century Victorian Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Antique Gone with the Wind Oil Lamp, Blown Out Milk Glass Cherub Shade

Sold

H 23.5 in Dm 8 in

Antique Gone with the Wind Oil Lamp, Blown Out Milk Glass Cherub Shade

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique Gone with the wind electrified oil lamp features scroll and foliate decorated font surmounting spiral shaft and seated on pierced foliate cast metal base and having blown ...

Category

Antique 19th Century American High Victorian Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Antique Classical Figural Cherub Electrified Table Lamp C1890

Sold

H 32 in W 10 in D 10 in

Antique Classical Figural Cherub Electrified Table Lamp C1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

Originally an oil lamp, it has been professionally converted to electric.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Table Lamps

Materials

Glass

Antique Classical Figural Cherub Onyx Converted to Electric Table Lamp C1890

Sold

H 30.75 in W 10 in D 10 in

Antique Classical Figural Cherub Onyx Converted to Electric Table Lamp C1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

Originally an oil lamp, it has been converted to electric. The lamp is crafted with an onyx column and intricate metalwork, showcasing a cherub motif.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Table Lamps

Materials

Onyx

Pair of Antique Cherub Oil Lamps Converted to Electric

Sold

H 32 in W 20 in D 20 in

Pair of Antique Cherub Oil Lamps Converted to Electric

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Each lamp feature two cherubs and three lights with globes.

Category

Early 20th Century European Victorian Table Lamps

Materials

Spelter

Pair of French Style Bronze Ormolu and Marble Putti Electrified Oil Lamps

Sold

H 22.5 in Dm 9 in

Pair of French Style Bronze Ormolu and Marble Putti Electrified Oil Lamps

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Antique pair of French style bronze ormolu and marble mounted putti electrified oil lamps. These fantastic double putti or cherub converted oil lamps feature a cut glass diamond patt...

Category

20th Century European Table Lamps

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

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Cherub Oil Lamp For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal cherub oil lamp for your home. Frequently made of metal, glass and bronze, every cherub oil lamp was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without a cherub oil lamp — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. A cherub oil lamp is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Victorian, Empire and Louis XVI styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one cherub oil lamp that is appealing in its simplicity, but Bradley & Hubbard, Charpentier et Cie and Japy Frères produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Cherub Oil Lamp?

The average selling price for a cherub oil lamp at 1stDibs is $2,429, while they’re typically $760 on the low end and $16,000 for the highest priced.

Questions About Cherub Oil Lamp

What is a whale oil lamp?
1 Answer
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.
How do I tell if an oil lamp is antique?
1 Answer
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.
How does a Roman oil lamp work?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
Roman oil lamps are simply containers filled with oil, in which a wick made up of cloth or rope rests on one end. The other end of the wick comes in contact with the air. When the wick is lit, the oil in it burns and gives out light.
How do you use a brass oil lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
How you use a brass oil lamp may vary based on the design of the piece. However, generally, you fill the lamp with vegetable, sesame or similar plant-based oil. Use tweezers to raise and lower the wick and trim away burned ends with scissors. Then, use a match to light the lamp. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oil lamps.
How do I use a hanging oil lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To use a hanging oil lamp, remove the oil font from the base and fill it three-quarters of the way with clear lamp oil. Return the font and close the base. Twist the knob to raise the wick until it is a little less than 0.25 inches above the burner. Light with a match or lighter. After extinguishing and allowing time for cooling, trim the burned end off of the wick. You'll find a collection of hanging oil lamps on 1stDibs.
Are oil lamps still used?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, oil lamps are still used today. However, most people utilize oil lamps while camping or during power outages in the U.S. It is uncommon for Americans to light their homes only with oil lamps. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique oil lamps.
Who invented the Victorian oil lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The Victorian oil lamp was designed in 1792 by inventor Ami Argan. What made this lamp unique to the ones that preceded it is the unique shape, featuring a long glass shaft that aids the illumination of the lamp. Browse a collection of vintage Victorian oil lamps on 1stDibs.
When did they start using oil lamps?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
People began using early versions of oil lamps for spiritual purposes during ancient times. References to oil-burning lamps are found in both the Torah and the Bible. Oil lamps became popular for everyday use lighting homes and businesses in the late 19th century with the advent of the kerosene lamp. Shop a selection of antique oil lamps on 1stDibs.