Posted 7 years ago
IMASapp
(57 items)
There have been several threads lately related to "life lights, vases, fairy lamps, etc" produced by various companies. Some of these styles are specially designed for a candle lamp, often referred to as fairy lamps. I thought I would show a few examples to illustrate the range of glass types and designs.
The key to whether or not it can be used as a fairy lamp stand depends on the size and shape of the opening. A pyramid-size will need a 2" round opening and a fairy-size will need a 3" round opening. The shade and lamp cup will typically match the stand in glass type and color. (approximate diameters)
The examples are from my personal or family collection, others from unknown private collections. Several are illustrated in Hosch catalog pages. None are documented Clarke commissioned designs.
Not surprisingly I think that these are just lovely. Also I was interested to read that an opening of either 2" or 3" was needed for one to be used as a fairy lamp stand. All but one of my pieces, in similar shapes, have top openings of only 1" or so.
I have read that some were used with oil and a wick as the means of lighting. Is this something that you have come across?
Yes, oil with a floating wick were sometimes used in Christmas Lights, Virgil Lights and Life Lights. Fairy Lamps would use a squatty tallow candle. However, in one of Clarke's patents, he made reference to burning both candles and oil. In the case of oil a small oil burning lamp would rest in the lamp cup. Some examples have been found but they are rarely seen and certainly not typical.
Thank you IMASapp. So can I take it that a diameter of only 1" would be too small to accommodate a 'small oil burning lamp'.
Yes, too small for a candle lamp.
Thank you, IMASapp. You have clarified several things for me and I have altered some of my posts accordingly.
Great glass and information!
scott