Brass Oil Lamps Don’t Need any Electricity March 11th, 2011
For most people memories come rushing back when they visit the antique stores. For this reason they try to find them out. It is common for people to say “I remember this” after coming across one of these antique pieces. It looks like the presence of past proves to be comforting. An oil lamp is something that conjures up such pleasant memories of the days gone by. Because these were part of everyday life, the memories associated with them are difficult to forget.
Antique brass oil lamps were an important aspect of life at the time it was used, beside it also shows the fine craftsmanship. It was essential to keep the oil in a safe container. From the start the safety was the most important thing with a brass lamp. It was also carved and designed elaborately.
Such a lamp was made up of a vessel that was used to contain the oil, a wick was placed to burn the oil and provide the light while a globe protected the flame from wind and also prevented anyone touching the flame. A control was used to regulate the wick by turning it up and down. It helped in keeping the wick at the right length so that the flame would keep burning as required. Many of the pieces were not only for functional purposes but fine artisans also created some elegant handcrafted carvings on the brass to decorate it with various scenes, details or finite patterns.
Before the arrival of electricity each room was lighted up using such an antique brass oil lamp. This allowed people to complete the work, read the books and extend the life after darkness. Without the advantage of the light from the oil lamp the life after the evening would have been very difficult to carry forward. With so much functionality and aesthetic appeal it is no wonder that this beautiful piece brings a smile on the face of visiting people in an antique store.