Student Lamp (specifically a Double Student Lamp or Harvard Student Lamp style)
Lighting / Table Lamp · Victorian / Late 19th Century Revival (Original 1870-1890, this is a 20th-century electric reproduction) · Likely manufactured by companies like Wild & Wessel (Berlin) or an American mass-market maker like Quoizel or Baldwin (mid-to-late 20th century).
Type
Lighting / Table Lamp
Style Period
Victorian / Late 19th Century Revival (Original 1870-1890, this is a 20th-century electric reproduction)
Material
Polished brass body, frosted cased glass shade, internal electrical wiring, plastic-coated cord, and weighted base.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1980 (Mid-to-late 20th century electric reproduction of an 1880s kerosene design).
Dimensions
Height: 20-22 inches; Width: 12-14 inches; Base diameter: 6 inches. Standard desk-size proportions.
Origin
Likely United States or Germany; standard residential production without specialized provenance.
Designer/Maker
Likely manufactured by companies like Wild & Wessel (Berlin) or an American mass-market maker like Quoizel or Baldwin (mid-to-late 20th century).
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 (Retail/Secondary market value). Factors affecting value include the quality of the brass and the presence of original vintage glass shades.
Description
This is a classic electric student lamp based on the 'Manhattan' or 'Harvard' kerosene designs of the late Victorian era. It features a weighted oval base supporting a vertical central rod, with a decorative loop finial. An asymmetrical double-arm assembly holds a milk-glass ribbed shade on one side and a decorative brass 'oil font' on the other, balancing the aesthetic of the original gravity-fed fuel system.
Key Features
White cased glass 'Tam-o-Shanter' style shade; brass fuel tank counterweight; adjustable-height central column; ringed top finial.
Color & Finish
High-polish brass finish with clear lacquer coating; white frosted glass shade; moderate oxidation (patina) visible on the base.
Construction Method
Machine-cast and turned brass components assembled with threaded fittings; electrified internal wiring replaces the original kerosene gravity-feed system.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Screw-together assembly using standardized factory-machined threading; standard commercial grade quality.
Wood Grain & Species
None (The item is sitting on a mahogany-veneered table, but is made of metal and glass).
Surface Treatment
Polished and lacquered brass; acid-etched or sandblasted frosted glass texture on the ribbed shade.
Upholstery Details
None (Not applicable to this item).
Hardware & Fittings
Adjustable central sliding arm with locking knob (now fixed for electric use), finial ring at the top, and a cord-mounted switch or socket-based rotary switch.
Origin & Provenance
Likely United States or Germany; standard residential production without specialized provenance.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is visible surface tarnish and light pitting on the base and stem; the glass shade appears intact without chips; the cord is modern and functional.
Interesting Facts
The student lamp was originally designed to provide shadowless light by offsetting the fuel tank from the burner. It became the preferred reading lamp of the Victorian era, particularly at universities like Harvard.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 20th-century trend of converting or replicating 19th-century utility objects into 'colonial' or 'traditional' home décor accents.
Similar Pieces
Hurricane lamps (which have tall glass chimneys) or Argand lamps (which use a specific tubular wick). Distinguishable by the side-mounted fuel tank design.
Care & Maintenance
Clean brass with a soft microfiber cloth; avoid abrasive chemicals which may strip the lacquer; wash the glass shade in warm soapy water.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 (Retail/Secondary market value). Factors affecting value include the quality of the brass and the presence of original vintage glass shades.
Sustainability Notes
Highly durable and repairable; metal and glass components are recyclable; represents longevity in lighting compared to modern plastic disposables.