Grand-Val's Perfect Time Indicator Lamp, 1880
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Time lamps are much like today's night lights; mainly used in bedrooms. Hour numerals are pressed into the glass reservoir. As the kerosene burned overnight, the diminishing fuel was supposed to indicate the time. Though cleverly marketed, they proved unreliable, as the level of consumption was inconsistent. Intended for use as a small bedside or table lamp, this example is unusually large.
Time lamps are much like today's night lights; mainly used in bedrooms. Hour numerals are pressed into the glass reservoir. As the kerosene burned overnight, the diminishing fuel was supposed to indicate the time. Though cleverly marketed, they proved unreliable, as the level of consumption was inconsistent. Intended for use as a small bedside or table lamp, this example is unusually large.
Artifact
Time lamp
Date Made
1880
Place of Creation
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
66.7.24
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Opaque white glass
Glass (Material)
Brass (Alloy)
Color
White (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 8 in
Diameter: 2.75 in
Inscriptions
Embossed in glass around bottom: GRAND-VAL'S PERFECT TIME INDICATOR/...