Whale Oil Lamps History – An Enchanting Lighting Source From The Victorian Era Lives On Into The Present

Whale Oil Lamps History An Enchanting Lighting Source From The Victorian Era Lives On Into The Present

Whale oil lamps history is as varied and intriguing as the flickering, enchanting light they cast. These lamps are a soothing way to light your evenings and special moments. In the 1700's whale oil was the main and important source of getting bright light Whale oil is obtained from the thick layer of vascularised fat which is found under the skin of all marine mammals and whales. The scientific name of whale oil is known as a liquid wax. It drips smoothly, is clear and differs in color from a bright honey yellow to a dark brown depending on the thickness of the whale skin from which it has been extracted.

The usage of whale oil began as a liquid, with lamps, and then progressed to candle wax. These lamps were found in two categories; one for the lower classes and, the other, for slightly better off folks. Whale oil lamps were invented in America, whale oil was recommended for its soothing odor and bright light.

During the Victorian generation, in England, whale oil lamps of glass were the cheapest utility item to light the homes of many minority group people. These lamps came in a range of shapes, sizes and colours with a flat pedestal base mostly in the colors of blue and aqua. They had a metal top with a wick on roof top but no handle and in the interior a small metal handle would team up with the wick generally flat braided string. Usually these were in the market under the brand names the little sunbeam, sun bright and star lamp. These lamps would have protected the flame from draughts. These were simple, but a select few had special embossing on them.

There were larger handled oil lamps in the market for lighting the home and bedrooms, only used by slightly wealthier classs. They had definite made, thick lids and a glass handle. Here the wick would be placed up through the lamp as it lights. These were found, very rarely, in purple and green.

Research conducted by Benjamin Franklin in 1740's proved that if two wicks were burnt in whale oil with equal spacing then three times as much light could be obtained. This happens because there is more oxygen and better combustion and hence better light.

These days it is difficult to find these lamps, but the whale oil lamps history lives on. From time to time these special lamps can be located in UK antiques shops. Lamps passed from generation to generation has made this possible.

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