Grand-Val's Perfect Time Indicator Lamp, 1880

Summary

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

United States 

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/...

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