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.

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.

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.

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.

Dragon Oil Lamp

Rare Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Green Dragon Oil Lamp

$8,500

H 9.75 in Dm 9.75 in

Rare Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Green Dragon Oil Lamp

Located in Long Island City, NY

An antique Japanese Meiji period brass oil lamp. Features a vivid cloisonne enamel dragon motif set

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Antique Japanese Satsuma Moriage Oil Lamps & Dragon Jardiniere Mantel Set

$1,330Sale Price|52% Off

H 16.75 in W 12.5 in D 10.5 in

Antique Japanese Satsuma Moriage Oil Lamps & Dragon Jardiniere Mantel Set

Located in Dayton, OH

Rare antique parlor set of Japanese Satsuma porcelain and brass Kosmos Brenner oil lamps and

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Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

Antique Aesthetic Movement Parker Electrified GWW Gilt Dragon Oil Lamp

Sold

H 28.5 in W 8.25 in D 8.25 in

Antique Aesthetic Movement Parker Electrified GWW Gilt Dragon Oil Lamp

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique Aesthetic Movement electrified Gone-with-the-wind oil lamp by Parker features brass base

Category

Antique 19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Rare Antique Chinese Bronze & Cloisonne Oil Floor Lamp, Dragon Motif, c1890

Sold

H 74 in W 13 in D 13 in

Rare Antique Chinese Bronze & Cloisonne Oil Floor Lamp, Dragon Motif, c1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique and rare Chinese oil floor lamp offers bronze balustrade form construction with enameled

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Floor Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Chinoiserie Large Bronze Electrified Oil Urn Table Lamp, Dragons & Flowers Decor

Sold

H 21.5 in Dm 13.75 in

Chinoiserie Large Bronze Electrified Oil Urn Table Lamp, Dragons & Flowers Decor

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Antique or vintage large bronze lamp features striking Chinoiserie style urn body with a band of

Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Art Nouveau Oil Lamp Bronze and Brass Depiction a Dragon with Match Holder 1890s

Sold

H 18.1 in W 5.91 in D 4.72 in

Art Nouveau Oil Lamp Bronze and Brass Depiction a Dragon with Match Holder 1890s

Located in Verviers, BE

Art Nouveau oil lamp bronze and brass depiction a dragon 1890s Very nicely detailed Bronze

Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Antique Dragon Oil Sconces

Sold

H 18.5 in W 11 in D 15 in

Antique Dragon Oil Sconces

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of hand wrought iron oil lamps with dragon motif. All wrought and hand riveted together, the

Category

Antique 19th Century Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Wrought Iron

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Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward

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Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward

By Henry Ward

Located in Amsterdam, NL

England, third quarter of the 19th century On two scrolling foliate feet with casters, above which a rectangular two-side glazed frame, with on top a two-sided shield with initial...

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Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870

$15,700

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Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870

By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. An exceptional quality turquoise-ground champlevé e...

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Large Pair of Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Double Dragon Vases

$65,700

H 24 in Dm 10 in

Large Pair of Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Double Dragon Vases

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

A large pair of Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Double Dragon Vases, 19th century. Japanese cloisonne enamel dragon vases are highly sought after by collectors and art enth...

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Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork

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Copper, Enamel

Large Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Vase

$61,526

H 58.67 in Dm 20.08 in

Large Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Located in London, GB

Of ovoid form, with a narrow neck and outward flaring rim, on dark blue ground depicting wisteria blossoms in white and purple cascading from the shoulder with birds throughout and w...

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Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

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Massive Chinese Cloisonné Vase with Phoenix, Magnolia, Lotus and Chrysanthemums

$22,400Sale Price|20% Off

H 31 in Dm 17 in

Massive Chinese Cloisonné Vase with Phoenix, Magnolia, Lotus and Chrysanthemums

Located in New York, NY

A massive Chinese blue cloisonné vase or urn depicting a colorful imperial phoenix with gilt bronze wires among birds and butterflies in an imperial garden of magnolia blossoms, chry...

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Vintage 1920s Chinese Metalwork

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Enamel

19th Century Japanese Satsuma Vase ~ Jardiniere with Bronze Mounts

$2,780

H 12 in W 19 in D 11 in

19th Century Japanese Satsuma Vase ~ Jardiniere with Bronze Mounts

Located in Dallas, TX

19th century Japanese Satsuma Vase ~ Jardiniere with Bronze Mounts is an amazing work of art with scenes hand-painted around the entire circle of the base creating a slightly differe...

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Antique 1890s Japanese Japonisme Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

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Bronze

Japanese Meiji Period, Blue and White Vase with Phoenix Decoration

$22,600

H 37 in Dm 17 in

Japanese Meiji Period, Blue and White Vase with Phoenix Decoration

Located in New York, NY

A Palace Size Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) Blue and White Vase with Phoenix Decoration. This vase is absolutely beautiful with an incredible array of hand-painted blue decoratio...

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Antique 1890s Japanese Meiji Ceramics

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Questions About Dragon 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.
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.
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.
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.