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Lamp, Oil

Object number2020.52.1

Manufacturer Atterbury and Company

Date1865-1875

OriginPittsburgh, PA

MediumGlass; Metal

Credit LineGift of Nancy Middleton

DescriptionAmber-colored glass oil lamp in shape of a log cabin. Lamp has a rectangular base with straight, patterned sides; long sides of rectangle meet at the top to form the ridge for a triangle-shaped roof. Circular opening in middle of roof with a metal collar; patent information is stamped in rim of collar. Curved handle on one side of lamp. Sides of lamp have horizontal ridges; long sides have a smooth, rectangular space in the middle to represent a door and two smooth, square spaces to the left and right to represent windows. Roof has raised, vertical lines across top. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 3.5 x 4.563 x 2.688 in. (8.9 x 11.6 x 6.8 cm)
MarksStamped patent information on collar: "PAT [illegible] A [illegible] / MCH 211340".
Historical NotesThis oil burning finger lamp was made by Atterbury & Company. The log cabin pattern was produced in amber, blue, and white opaline. On June 30, 1868, U. S. Patent Number 79,298 was issued to James and Thomas Atterbury of Pittsburgh, PA. The patent was for a process by which glassware with handles could be manufactured with the handles an integral part of the molding process. Prior to the Atterburys' invention, handles on glassware were applied to the article by skilled craftsmen after the article was blown or molded.

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