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 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.

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 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.

Spanish Oil Lamp

Entry Table Lions

Lion Lamp

Spanish Gothic Table

19th Century Brass Lamps

Alhambra Furniture

Ornate Table Lamp

Arab Table

70 Diameter Glass Dining Table

Antique Spanish Arab Islamic Style Brass Oil Lamp, Alhambra Lion Motif, w Tools

$877

H 35.44 in Dm 15.75 in

Antique Spanish Arab Islamic Style Brass Oil Lamp, Alhambra Lion Motif, w Tools

Located in Madrid, ES

A highly decorative (and functional) Spanish standing brass oil lamp, in Andalusian Arab or Islamic

Category

Antique 19th Century Spanish Islamic Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Sterling Silver Holly Smoke Collection Set from 19th Century - 20th Century

$15,160Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 10 in W 22 in D 20 in

Sterling Silver Holly Smoke Collection Set from 19th Century - 20th Century

By Puiforcat

Located in North Miami, FL

Century Spanish Colonial Silver oil lamp with lion motif handle. 3.5 H x 6.5Wx 2.5D (inch) Early 20th

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Recent Sales

Oil Rubbed Bronze Floor Lamp

Sold

H 68 in

Oil Rubbed Bronze Floor Lamp

Located in Buchanan, NY

Oil rubbed turned bronze floor lamp sold with linen paper shade

Category

Vintage 1940s Spanish Floor Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Late 19th Century Large Cast Bronze Oil Lamp Converted to Electric Table Lamp

Sold

H 27.5 in Dm 8.2 in

Late 19th Century Large Cast Bronze Oil Lamp Converted to Electric Table Lamp

Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE

Large heavy cast bronze oil lamp converted to electric table lamp, richly ornate raised on column

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Gothic Revival Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

People Also Browsed

Mid-Victorian Moorish wrought & cast iron pergola or decorative garden structure

$114,764

H 240 in W 552 in D 120 in

Mid-Victorian Moorish wrought & cast iron pergola or decorative garden structure

Located in London, GB

A monumental Moorish mid-Victorian wrought iron Pergola or Decorative Garden Structure, a unique masterpiece in High Victorian Ironwork design. Our research confirms it is French, da...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Fabergé Silver Service

$248,500 / set

H 10.25 in W 20.75 in D 16.38 in

Fabergé Silver Service

By Fabergé

Located in New Orleans, LA

This extraordinary 128-piece service by Fabergé is a rare treasure in more ways than one. Enclosed in its original oak chest, the exquisite service remains complete and in pristine c...

Category

Antique 19th Century Russian Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Fabergé Style Bejewelled and Enamelled Gold Egg by Asprey

$202,526

H 7.88 in Dm 3.94 in

Fabergé Style Bejewelled and Enamelled Gold Egg by Asprey

By Garrard & Co. Ltd., Asprey International Limited

Located in London, GB

This exceptional, 18 carat gold Easter egg was crafted by the famous London-based royal jewellers, Asprey & Co. The piece was then retailed by Garrard & Co, who once worked i...

Category

1990s English Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold

Tiffany & Co. San Lorenzo Silver Flatware Service, 248 Pieces

$88,500

H 6.25 in W 23.5 in D 19.25 in

Tiffany & Co. San Lorenzo Silver Flatware Service, 248 Pieces

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New Orleans, LA

This extensive 248-piece sterling silver flatware service was crafted by the legendary Tiffany & Co. in the classic San Lorenzo pattern. Inspired by and named after the famous Fl...

Category

Early 20th Century American Renaissance Revival Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Six-Piece English Silver Tea and Coffee Service

$29,703 / set

H 2.37 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in

Six-Piece English Silver Tea and Coffee Service

Located in London, GB

Six-piece English silver tea and coffee service English, circa 1850-1863 Tray: Height 6cm, width 58cm, depth 58cm Kettle on stand: Height 43cm, width 29cm, depth 23cm Weight: 7,1...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Russian Cloisonné Enamel Tea Set

$64,500

H 4.25 in W 6.5 in D 3.5 in

Russian Cloisonné Enamel Tea Set

By Pavel Ovchinnikov

Located in New Orleans, LA

This exceptional Russian cloisonné and enamel tea set is the work of Pavel Akimovich Ovchinnikov. One of Russia’s most skilled enamel artisans, Ovchinnikov is credited with marrying ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Russian Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Lighting Under $1,000

Antique and Vintage Lighting

19th Century Lighting

Metal Lighting

European Lighting

Lighting on Sale

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Spanish Oil Lamp", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Spanish Oil Lamp For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal Spanish oil lamp for your home. Each Spanish oil lamp for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using glass, animal skin and leather. If you’re shopping for a Spanish oil lamp, we have 12 options in-stock, while there are 53 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect Spanish oil lamp — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A Spanish oil lamp is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in modern, neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made Spanish oil lamp over the years, but those crafted by Jover + Valls, Dogfork Lamp Arts and Fase are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Spanish Oil Lamp?

Prices for a Spanish oil lamp start at $103 and top out at $23,950 with the average selling for $563.

Questions About Spanish 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 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.
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 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.