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Antique French Brass Nickel-Plated Pigeon Oil Lamp, 19th Century

About the Item

Crafted in late 19th century France, this nickel-plated brass oil lamp represents a significant development in the history of lighting. Known as a Pigeon lamp, it was a widely popular type of portable oil lamp named after its creator, Charles Pigeon (French, 1838–1915). While Pigeon did not invent this style of oil lamp, he is credited with its production and popularisation. The lamp became highly regarded for its safety, portability, and efficiency. Its innovative, non-explosive design features a pressurised kerosene burner with a unique mechanism that significantly reduced the risk of explosion - an important advancement for domestic lighting at the time. The lamp is topped with a ball-shaped glass shade, secured by a pierced metal shade holder. Its slender neck, incorporating the burner, leads to a round, tapering font, supported by a wide, circular connector and base. A rectangular handle mounted on the side facilitates easy transport, emphasising the lamp’s functional and portable design, widely used in 19th century homes and workshops. The regulator bears the inscription ‘Lampe Pigeon Déposé’, confirming that this antique was manufactured by Pigeon's factory. The top of the font is engraved with a pigeon emblem and the phrase ‘Lampe Pigeon [...] Sûr tout Rien que à l’Essence Minérale’ (‘The safe beacon only for mineral oil’), highlighting the intended fuel use. A historically important item, this oil lamp is not only a superb decorative piece but also an interesting addition to any collection focused on the history of lighting.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.03 in (28 cm)Diameter: 4.34 in (11 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Brass,Glass,Nickel,Plated
  • Place of Origin:
    France
  • Period:
    Late 19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    19th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Very nice antique condition with age-related signs of use.
  • Seller Location:
    Greven, DE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5419245212112

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