Argand Lamp, 1790-1850

THF810030 / Argand Lamp, 1790-1850
01

Artifact Overview

Traditional make-dos are useful and precious objects that broke during their working lives. Their owners felt compelled to restore or repurpose these objects in a variety of ways. This lamp started out as an expensive cut glass sugar bowl, but the base now serves as a reservoir for lamp fuel.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Argand lamp

Date Made

1790-1850

Creator Notes

Probably made in England or Ireland

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

29.837.6

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cut glass
Glass (Material)
Brass (Alloy)
Tin (Metal)

Color

Colorless

Dimensions

Height: 11 in
Diameter: 4.5 in

Inscriptions

Painted on bottom of font in red: NO. 672
02

Related Content

  • Aerial View of Henry Ford Museum under Construction, Late October or Early November 1929
    Set

    Celebrating 90 -- Collecting through the Decades: Beginnings and 1920s

    • 12 Artifacts
    The Henry Ford marks its 90th anniversary in 2019. In celebration, The Henry Ford's curators have taken a decade-by-decade look at how our collections have grown -- through significant additions and evolving philosophies. This set looks at our beginnings -- the objects and archives that represent our earliest collection vision.
  • Circuit Bent "Speak & Spell," 2018
    Set

    Break. Repair. Repeat.

    • 20 Artifacts
    The Henry Ford's collections contain objects that have been broken, repaired, or created through improvisation. Some objects have been altered many times, while others have led multiple lives, or served multiple purposes. These objects solve very specific practical needs or share an artistic vision. Ultimately, the objects in this group are evidence of unscripted innovation and the messiness of creative problem-solving.
  • Aerial View of Henry Ford Museum under Construction
    article

    Celebrating Ninety Years of Inspiration: Collecting Through the Decades

      This year, The Henry Ford celebrates its 90th anniversary. We’ll be reflecting on additions to our collection. Take a look at our earliest acquisitions.