Camphene Lamp, circa 1840

01

Artifact Overview

"Burning fluid" chandeliers used highly volatile fuels like Camphene, a fuel similar to turpentine. Though dangerous, these fuels were popular because they were inexpensive and burned brightly. Along the bottom is an apron containing holes, from which glass pendants hung. The three hooks allowed the lamp to hang from the ceiling in a dining room or parlor.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Camphene lamp

Date Made

circa 1840

Creator Notes

Patented design by A.V.H. Webb of New York, New York

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

83.178.64

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Edward Durell

Material

Iron (Metal)
Tin (Metal)
Flannel

Inscriptions

Plate: A.V.H. WEBB'S PATENT TUNNEL BURNER