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.

Nautical Oil Lamps

Brass Candle Holder Nautical

Maritime Lamp

Lifeboat Binnacle

Lantern Electrified

Brass And Copper Anchor Lantern

Glass Ship Lamp

Nautical Anchor

Gimbal Lamp

Antique Copper Brass Nautical Maritime Gimbal Compass Binnacle Ship Oil Lamp 14

$1,175

H 10 in W 10 in D 13.5 in

Antique Copper Brass Nautical Maritime Gimbal Compass Binnacle Ship Oil Lamp 14

By Maitland Smith

Located in Dayton, OH

double oil lamps. Copper and brass body with double oil lamps for illumination. Dimensions: 13.5" x 10

Category

Early 20th Century British Colonial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Vintage Scandinavian Table Oil Lamp in Brass & Diamond Glass, 1970s

$328

H 10.24 in Dm 3.94 in

Vintage Scandinavian Table Oil Lamp in Brass & Diamond Glass, 1970s

Located in Esbjerg, DK

In the style of Hans Agne Jakobsson comes this stylish oil lamp fashioned from solid patinated

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

1950's Old Florida Nautical Glass Lantern Lamp w/ Original Sintzenich Lampshade

$2,750

H 23.5 in Dm 7 in

1950's Old Florida Nautical Glass Lantern Lamp w/ Original Sintzenich Lampshade

Located in New York, NY

Old brass nautical ship oil lantern lamp with blue-green glass lens. There are two switches on lamp

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Vintage Nautical Wall Hung Oil Lamp in Brass by G. V. Harnish Denmark

$289

H 12.6 in W 5.91 in D 3.94 in

Vintage Nautical Wall Hung Oil Lamp in Brass by G. V. Harnish Denmark

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Nautical - maritime wall hung oil lamp sconce fashioned from brass. It features a tilting mechanism

Category

Vintage 1980s Danish Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

Large Pair Antique Nautical WW I Perko Navy Bulkhead Oil Lamps

Unavailable

H 17 in D 8 in

Large Pair Antique Nautical WW I Perko Navy Bulkhead Oil Lamps

By Perkins Marine Lamp

Located in Palm City, FL

Presented is a lamp that you are very unlikely to come across says Anthony Hobson, in book II of

Category

Early 20th Century American Lanterns

Materials

Brass, Tin

Anchor Ship Lamps, 1950s

Unavailable

H 24 in Dm 10 in

Anchor Ship Lamps, 1950s

By Anchor

Located in Austin, TX

Restored, Anchor Ship Lamps, 1950s Vintage Ships Lantern Copper Anchor Oil Lamp Nautical Fresnel

Category

Vintage 1950s American Lanterns

Materials

Copper

Pair of 19th Century Ship / Nautical Oil Lamps with Red Globes Electrified

Sold

H 19.69 in Dm 11.82 in

Pair of 19th Century Ship / Nautical Oil Lamps with Red Globes Electrified

Located in Madrid, ES

Unmatched pair of late 19th century nautical oil lamps with pristine red globes. Similar in size

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Small Ship Lamp Anchor Light Nautical Oil Lamp Red Copper 23cm

Sold

H 9.06 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in

Small Ship Lamp Anchor Light Nautical Oil Lamp Red Copper 23cm

Located in Poperinge, BE

Small vintage ship lamp, anchor light, nautical oil lamp lantern made of red copper and brass

Category

Vintage 1980s European Lanterns

Materials

Brass, Copper

Danish Nautical Oil Lamp or Candle Holder in Brass by Freddie Andersen, 1970s

Sold

H 18.9 in Dm 7.88 in

Danish Nautical Oil Lamp or Candle Holder in Brass by Freddie Andersen, 1970s

Located in Esbjerg, DK

This is a large maritime hybrid table light that can function both as an oil lamp or a candle

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern More Lighting

Materials

Brass

Antique Sherwood & Wedge British Nautical Maritime Brass Onion Ship Oil Lanterns

Sold

H 12 in W 9.25 in D 9.25 in

Antique Sherwood & Wedge British Nautical Maritime Brass Onion Ship Oil Lanterns

Located in Dayton, OH

Pair of two antique Sherwood & Wedge "onion" navigational lamps featuring a cylindrical brass base

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Colonial Candle Lamps

Materials

Brass

Nautical Gimbal Oil Lamp, Pair

Sold

H 18 in W 4.5 in D 7 in

Nautical Gimbal Oil Lamp, Pair

Located in New York, NY

Nautical Gimbal oil lamp, pair: A nautical, candlestick style wall lamp made to rock on a ship

Category

Antique 19th Century More Lighting

Materials

Brass

Large Metal Nautical Globe Oil Lamp

Sold

H 25 in Dm 24 in

Large Metal Nautical Globe Oil Lamp

Located in Troy, MI

This over sized black metal globe oil lamp came from a ship, but makes a striking accessory for

Category

Antique 19th Century European Architectural Elements

Materials

Metal

Antique Copper Brass Nautical Maritime Gimbal Compass Binnacle Oil Lamp 11"

Sold

H 11.25 in W 9.75 in D 11.5 in

Antique Copper Brass Nautical Maritime Gimbal Compass Binnacle Oil Lamp 11"

Located in Dayton, OH

with single oil lamp on one side for illumination. Gimbal Sestrel compass marked No. B4/12629L/49

Category

Early 20th Century Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Nautical Gyro Brass Oil Lamp "Copenhagen" by Ilse D. Ammonsen for Daproma, 1950

Sold

H 9.85 in Dm 3.15 in

Nautical Gyro Brass Oil Lamp "Copenhagen" by Ilse D. Ammonsen for Daproma, 1950

By Ilse D. Ammonsen

Located in Lisboa, PT

"Copenhagen" Gyro petroleum lamp made of brass. This decorative item is rare and fascinate through

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

Scandinavian Modern Oil Lamp by Ilse D. Ammonsen, Daproma, Denmark 1970´s

Sold

H 10.63 in Dm 3.15 in

Scandinavian Modern Oil Lamp by Ilse D. Ammonsen, Daproma, Denmark 1970´s

Located in Grythyttan, SE

Scandinavian Modern Nautical Gyro Brass Oil Lamp by Ilse D. Ammonsen for Daproma, Copenhagen

Category

Vintage 1970s Platters and Serveware

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

Gimbaled Oil Lamp

Sold

H 8.25 in Dm 3.25 in

Gimbaled Oil Lamp

Located in Cathedral City, CA

HANDMADE SOLID BRASS OIL LAMP BY ILSE D. AMMONSEN FOR DAPROMA DESIGN-DENMARK.PERFECT FOR A SHIP OR

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

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Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward

$229,620Sale Price|33% Off

H 51.19 in W 55.12 in D 201.58 in

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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Antique Pharmacy Cabinet, Walnut Bookcases and Glass Doors with Sign, '800 Italy

$61,232Sale Price|20% Off

H 104.34 in W 153.55 in D 19.69 in

Antique Pharmacy Cabinet, Walnut Bookcases and Glass Doors with Sign, '800 Italy

Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)

Complete antique pharmacy cabinet, with 3 open bookcases on the sides, 1 bookcase with drawers and 2 original doors with glass and enameled mirror sign. Built in the mid-19th century...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Apothecary Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Walnut

W. Hartmann Antique Oak & Copper Ships Binnacle Nautical Maritime Compass

$2,590Sale Price|36% Off

H 56.5 in W 23 in D 34 in

W. Hartmann Antique Oak & Copper Ships Binnacle Nautical Maritime Compass

By A. Lietz Co.

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 19th Century Ships Binnacle by W. Hartmann. Binnacles are an important navigation tool. They are often in the helm of the ship and allow sailor to maintain the correct course. T...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass, Copper

United State Navy Ships Binnacle Compass

$11,800

H 61 in W 35 in D 21 in

United State Navy Ships Binnacle Compass

Located in Norwell, MA

Immense three-hundred-pound ships binnacle compass with highly polished and lacquered finish. With maker’s plate from Lionel Corp. With the rarely found top light that is complete wi...

Category

Vintage 1940s North American Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Brass Nautical Maritime Plunger Operated Yacht Boat Fog Horn 27"

$315Sale Price|30% Off

H 26.5 in W 4.25 in D 7.5 in

Antique Brass Nautical Maritime Plunger Operated Yacht Boat Fog Horn 27"

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 19th - early 20th century brass plunger operated fog horn. Cylindrical body with horn attached to one side, pierced lid, and round, black finial on the plunger. Pair of brackets...

Category

Early 20th Century Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Brass Yacht Binnacle Compass

$995

H 15 in W 14 in D 13 in

Brass Yacht Binnacle Compass

Located in Norwell, MA

Solid brass boat compass binnacle that has been meticulously polished and lacquered. Gimballed compass inside. Mounted to a varnished wood base with carved rope border. Interior has ...

Category

Vintage 1930s North American Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

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Nautical Oil Lamps For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of nautical oil lamps available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, wood and steel, all nautical oil lamps available were constructed with great care. Find 8 antique and vintage nautical oil lamps at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 8 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. Nautical oil lamps have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Nautical oil lamps made by modern designers — as well as those associated with mid-century modern — are very popular at 1stDibs. Many nautical oil lamps are appealing in their simplicity, but Ilse D. Ammonsen, Henning Koppel and Hans-Agne Jakobsson produced popular nautical oil lamps that are worth a look.

How Much are Nautical Oil Lamps?

Nautical oil lamps can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $1,966, while the lowest priced sells for $217 and the highest can go for as much as $2,200.

Questions About Nautical Oil Lamps

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.