57/389/1-2

This is a 'Lucerne' spout lamp, probably of Italian origin. It consists of four wicks, in a clover-leaf pattern on a central column, so that the light could be raised or lowered. At the top of the central column is a loop handle, from which is hanging a later addition of a chain with scissors and a snuffer. The main lamp is thought to date from the 17th-18th century. It was probably used for lacemaking or similar activities.

1 lucerna spout lamp: brass

MERL ‘Associated information’ form – 'Lamp // [pencil sketch] // Age // c. 17th - 18th Century (Robins pl. xxii) // Who made it and where? // probably of Italian origin // Who used it and where? // also probably used for lacemaking and similar work. // ... Any other information // h. 24" brass, four wicks in clover pattern, with scissors + snuffer on chain (modern)', MERL Provisional Group Card – 'Lamp // ... Period // 17th-18th Century // ... This is a Lucerne Spout Lamp, probably of Italian origin. It was also probably used for lace making and similar work. It is made of brass, has 4 wicks in a clover pattern with scissors + snuffer on a chain (modern). It stands 24" high. It is in working order. // The "lucerne" spout lamp was the best-known type of South European sprout lamp + was prevalent in Italy + also used in Spain, Portugal + Greece. The type consists of a round + lidded body which can be raised and lowered on a central stem passing through its centre. The top end of teh stem terminates in a loop handle + the bottom has a circular (or sometimes octagonal) based. They are, like this one, usually made of brass. (see Robins F. W. 'The Story of the Lamp')', Letter, A. J. Burkart to J. W. Y. Higgs, 22 August 1957 - 'Thank you for your letter of 15th August. I now return the specifications of the lamps I referred to. // Nearly all are in full working order and those that are not, need only minor repair. No. 6 and no 21 are the artistic gems of the collection, though not necessarily the most interesting. // References to Falk are to a Falk, Stadelmann catelogue I was fortunate to acquire which is virtually a catalogue raisonne of lamps for domestic and non-industrial use. References to Robins are to F. W. Robins, "Story of the Lamp" (O.U.P.) 1937...'

1600 - 1799