The History of Antique Sparking Lamps

Sparking lamps have interesting histories.

Sparking lamps are oil-fueled lamps made of glass and are treasured finds for antique collectors. Knowing the history of sparking lamps can add valuable information to your hunt for vintage décor.

Fuels

Victorians used various fuels to light lamps. Early lamps used oil made from spermaceti whales; "burning fluid vapor," which was a mixture of alcohol and turpentine; coal oil; benzine and camphine. Later, sparking lamps used kerosene, which is a distilled form of coal. Many of these fuels, such as camphine, a purified form of turpentine, were volatile and easily exploded. Use care if you want to use vintage lamps for illumination. Never leave a lighted lamp unattended. Make sure lamps are snuffed before leaving a room.

The 19th Century

Sparking lamps derived the name from the 19th century practice of placing miniature lamps with a small amount of fuel in sitting rooms. Possible boyfriends arrived to court or "spark," with the stipulation that the beau would depart when the oil was used up in the lamp.

The 20th Century

Miniature lamps were used in the late 1930's and early 1940's as night lights However, with the spread of electricity into rural areas, the use of lamps for this purpose was discontinued.

References

• Rams Horn Studio: Early Lighting
• Ypsilanti Gleanings: Antique Mini-Lamps on Display at Museum
• The Journal of Antiques & Collectibles: A Hard Earned Passion for Victorian Oil Lamps

Resources

• Old Time Lamp Shop: Sparking Lamps
• Collectors Weekly: Antique Oil Lamps
• Building Conservation: Lighting in the Victorian Home