Vintage White Hurricane Lamp With Glass Chimney

Lamp lights both top and bottom with light bulbs, not candles.

The name "Hurricane" is a reference to the glass shade's ability to protect candle flames from sudden drafts.

The term hurricane lamp is somewhat misleading. "Hurricane" is the name for a tall cylindrical or barrel-shaped glass dome placed around a candlestick to protect the flame from drafts. A hurricane shade is a similar protective device attached to a wall candle bracket or candleholder. Hank Prebys, curator of domestic life at Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Mich., speculates the term "hurricane lamp" evolved after the shade's initial development as light sources evolved from candles to kerosene and the term "lamp" became more widespread.

In "Lighting in America, From Colonial Rushlights to Victorian Chandeliers", Lawrence S. Cooke notes hurricane shades were first called "India shades" and were used in the 18th and early 19th Centuries, probably more in the South than in New England. In "Glass in Early America", Arlene Palmer notes the first reference to India shades or candle shades in the United States was in 1775 in an advertisement for India shades by The Philadelphia Glassworks.

According to Prebys, the early candle shades were often quite tall, sometimes 2 feet in height to cover both the candle and candleholder. They were made predominantly of colorless blown glass but colored glass, such as amethyst and teal, was used also. Later shades produced in the 19th Century, were more decorative, made of cut or acid-etched glass. Prebys notes also that hurricane shades were used in the homes of the wealthy as candles were expensive and not a typical light source for most households. The use of candles waned in the mid-19th Century with the development of kerosene. The design of the hurricane shade, however, went on to be used in the development of chimneys for oil and kerosene lamps.

In general, all items may or may not have been damaged by water, smoke, mold, insects, mishandling, animal chewing, cracks, nicks, dings, dents, rips, marks, stains, divots, waviness, creases, scratches, rust, etc.

***Please look at the attached photos for size and condition. Photos are part of the description representing the condition report and can be used for authentication prior to the sale date. We urge bidder's to view all attached photos in detail. All items are sold "AS IS". Thank you for your interest and good luck bidding.

Notes: Please inspect all photos carefully before bidding. Thank you for your interest and good luck bidding.

Consistent with age and use.

20"

18%

Mike Marsullo | (860) 997-3332 | fil14fy@gmail.com

Pickup Details

Private Residence

Torrington, CT 06790

When to Pickup

Saturday, 12/3, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

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