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- Patent Model of Lamp Extinguisher, 1878 - From 1790 to 1880, the U.S. Patent Office required applicants to submit a miniature model along with diagrams and written descriptions detailing the operation of their invention. Patent models could be no larger than 12" by 12" by 12". Though they were usually not operational, these models helped explain an inventor's idea and protect it from competitors.
- April 02, 1878
- Collections - Artifact
Patent Model of Lamp Extinguisher, 1878
From 1790 to 1880, the U.S. Patent Office required applicants to submit a miniature model along with diagrams and written descriptions detailing the operation of their invention. Patent models could be no larger than 12" by 12" by 12". Though they were usually not operational, these models helped explain an inventor's idea and protect it from competitors.
- Whale Oil Lamp, 1813-1830 -
- 1813-1830
- Collections - Artifact
Whale Oil Lamp, 1813-1830
- Macbeth Monax Single Fitter Ball Globe, 1920-1935 -
- 1920-1935
- Collections - Artifact
Macbeth Monax Single Fitter Ball Globe, 1920-1935
- Tail Lamp, circa 1907 - Taillights were not a standard fixture on early automobiles. Only when cars and roads improved -- and drivers braved the darkness -- did this safety feature become a necessity. Early taillights resembled carriage lamps found on horse-drawn vehicles. This kerosene-fueled tail lamp -- cars usually had only one -- used a red lens to warn approaching vehicles. A clear lens illuminated the license plate or back step.
- circa 1907
- Collections - Artifact
Tail Lamp, circa 1907
Taillights were not a standard fixture on early automobiles. Only when cars and roads improved -- and drivers braved the darkness -- did this safety feature become a necessity. Early taillights resembled carriage lamps found on horse-drawn vehicles. This kerosene-fueled tail lamp -- cars usually had only one -- used a red lens to warn approaching vehicles. A clear lens illuminated the license plate or back step.
- Betty Lamp, 1841 - Betty lamps were one of the earliest forms of American lighting, burning grease and fat. They could be hung or placed on a table. The flame projected from the spout on the front of the lamp. Lamps usually came with a wick pick should the wick need adjustment. This is a late example; by the 1840s, the preferred fuel was whale oil.
- 1841
- Collections - Artifact
Betty Lamp, 1841
Betty lamps were one of the earliest forms of American lighting, burning grease and fat. They could be hung or placed on a table. The flame projected from the spout on the front of the lamp. Lamps usually came with a wick pick should the wick need adjustment. This is a late example; by the 1840s, the preferred fuel was whale oil.
- Candlestick, 1930-1948 -
- 1930-1948
- Collections - Artifact
Candlestick, 1930-1948
- Fairy Lamp, circa 1900 - Fairy lamps became popular in the late 19th century for use in a hallway or bedroom. Sold in three pieces, a burner, saucer, and dome-shaped cap, the buyer could choose to use either a candle or kerosene as fuel. The cap contained the flame, allowing it to burn throughout the night.
- circa 1900
- Collections - Artifact
Fairy Lamp, circa 1900
Fairy lamps became popular in the late 19th century for use in a hallway or bedroom. Sold in three pieces, a burner, saucer, and dome-shaped cap, the buyer could choose to use either a candle or kerosene as fuel. The cap contained the flame, allowing it to burn throughout the night.
- "Emanual Menorah" Hanukkah Lamp, circa 2020 - Each night of Hanukkah, many Jewish families light a symbolic candelabrum called a menorah. This deep-rooted custom commemorates a miracle that followed a military victory in the year 165 B.C.E. Menorahs often incorporate traditional motifs, but more modern ones may also depict contemporary subjects, symbols, or designs.
- circa 2020
- Collections - Artifact
"Emanual Menorah" Hanukkah Lamp, circa 2020
Each night of Hanukkah, many Jewish families light a symbolic candelabrum called a menorah. This deep-rooted custom commemorates a miracle that followed a military victory in the year 165 B.C.E. Menorahs often incorporate traditional motifs, but more modern ones may also depict contemporary subjects, symbols, or designs.
- Outdoor Gasoline Lamp, circa 1900 -
- circa 1900
- Collections - Artifact
Outdoor Gasoline Lamp, circa 1900
- Patent Model of Marine Signal Lantern, 1863 - This marine lantern was designed to burn oil. An opaque metal shade could be moved to expose and block its glow. Moveable red and green glass shades are its most innovative feature, which served two purposes. They allowed the lantern to act as a communications device, to send messages between ships--and as an anchor light, to avoid collisions between vessels.
- July 21, 1863
- Collections - Artifact
Patent Model of Marine Signal Lantern, 1863
This marine lantern was designed to burn oil. An opaque metal shade could be moved to expose and block its glow. Moveable red and green glass shades are its most innovative feature, which served two purposes. They allowed the lantern to act as a communications device, to send messages between ships--and as an anchor light, to avoid collisions between vessels.