Trunnion Lamp

Mediumbrass

Dimensions9 3/8 × 4 7/8 in. (23.8 × 12.4 cm)

Donor credit lineAlbert E. Aston Lighting Collection

Object number1977.41.176

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionThe brass trunnion lamp is in the form of a candlestick with a highly domed saucer base decorated with beading. The inverted vase stem at the bottom with regular vase at the top has a button ring knop. The curving arms allow the font to swing on trunnions. The curving tapered handle is part of the arm and trunnion assembly. The semi-spherical font has two airholes. Decorations include the beading at the stem center and the ring decoration around burner hole. Similar lamps were made by Peter Derr of Pennsylvania but his were made of iron. Thwing in FLICKERING FLAMES states this lamp was rarely seen in American collections. Probably burned colza or whale oil.

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