A Collector's Dream - General Antiques - ONLINE ONLY
Lot 198:
Description
This is an exceptional and historically significant lot of three antique lamps representing the golden age of personal transport lighting, dating to the late Victorian and Edwardian periods (circa 1890–1920s). The group includes two square-bodied oil/kerosene bicycle-style lamps and one distinctive cylindrical carbide/acetylene miner’s or cycle lamp. The square-bodied lamps are iconic examples of Birmingham manufacturing, identified as "Demon" models or variants produced by Powell & Hanmer, Ltd., of Birmingham, England. P&H was a major British lamp maker, and their Demon line was renowned for its square, tinned-steel construction, featuring a prominent front lens and small, multi-colored glass "jewels" (red and blue/green) on the sides to ensure visibility from all angles. The cylindrical lamp is a classic carbide unit, instantly recognizable by its hinged reflector door and a top water reservoir, which, when opened, would drip onto calcium carbide in the lower chamber to generate highly luminous acetylene gas—a technological leap from oil. All three items are constructed primarily of steel and tin. The condition is rugged and "as-found, " consistent with heavy use and significant age. All lamps are complete but exhibit extensive surface rust, deep pitting, significant flaking of the original black japanned finish, and various dents and dings across their bodies. The central cylindrical carbide lamp has a severely cracked and crazed main glass lens, and the hinged mechanisms and mounting brackets are heavily oxidized and stiff but appear structurally intact. This is a fantastic collection of relics that tell a story of hard use, perfect for a collector who appreciates genuine, untouched patina.
H 5", W 4", D 3" (Approximate size for each individual lamp)
Share this lot:
